| Formation | 1994 4-4-2 (ZonePress) System |
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In the late 1980s in Italy,
AC Milan coach Arrigo Sacchi, developed a new strategy modeled on the 1974 Dutch national
team. The idea was to apply continuous pressure on the opposing players even from the
front line, get possession of the ball, and shift immediately into a swift attack. The ten
field players formed a compact play zone, keeping the distance between the defense line
and the forwards extremely short. Players were required to stick to the discipline of
cornering any opposing player with the ball into a narrow zone and gaining possession of
the ball in that enclosure. The strategy was called "zone press" and demanded
enormous physical ability. In the 1994 World Cup, the Brazilian side practiced the strategy stringently. While most countries, fighting the scorching heat, concentrated on defense near the goal and avoided exhausting midfield play, the Brazilians checked opposing players starting in the very front line and maximized the benefits of the "zone press" strategy. Brazil's victory was the result of each player fulfilling his assigned duty within the framework of the team's strategy, as well as the magnificent performances by defensive midfield players Dunga and Mauro Silva. |