The bizarre tactics taking over the 2026 World Cup as teams copy PSG success
The early stages of the World Cup have seen a trend of teams deliberately kicking the ball out of play for a throw-in in the opponents' half rather than keeping possession
To the untrained eye it looks absolutely bizarre. It punctures the pre-match excitement and tension. After the walk-outs, the anthems, the handshakes and the countdown on the big screens comes the ultimate anti-climax. The fans inside the stadium have paid a pretty penny to be entertained, yet the first 'pass' of the game goes straight out of play. Rather than pass backwards from the centre circle to keep possession, or launch the ball downfield towards a striker, teams are increasingly deciding the best course of action from kick-off is to kick it straight out of play for a throw-in.
Mirror Football
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