Jogada10 analyzes Fluzão’s rival in the World Cup semi-final this Monday (18/12). What strengths and weaknesses?
Al Ahly beat Al Ittihad 3-1 this Friday (15/12), in the quarter-finals of the Club World Cup, underway in Saudi Arabia. Maaloul, El Shahat and Ashour scored (Benzema scored in injury time). The triumph at the King Abdullah Stadium, in Jeddah, took the team to the semi-final against Fluminense, this Monday (18/12). But what does Fluminense need to know to win the match and advance to the final against Manchester City or Urawa Reds. Jogada10 highlights eight factors of Al Ahly, African champion and club of the century in its continent, that the Tricolor should keep an eye on.
Al Ahly game plan
Against Ittihad the 4-1 3-2 was very clear. The full-backs advanced a lot, midfielder Attia was very focused on marking, always ahead of the defenders.
High markup
Ahly presses the ball with three or four players in front. The greatest intensity occurs in the first few minutes. But the greatest pressure to steal comes from one or two more centralized players, when the ball goes to the wing it’s more of a zonal marking.
Ball with the rival
in the second half, in the first ten minutes, Ahly made a defensive proposal that will probably be used against Fluminense. A lock with five defenders on the front line, close to the goal and four on the second line, with only one attacker in front. The curious thing is that the fifth defensive element of this first line is the striker number 14, El Shahat. He becomes left back and Maaloul, the full back, becomes third defender. And, increasing the score, he played on the counterattack, leaving the ball to his rival, who had more possession and shots.
Attack from the right
Most attacks come from the right. The number 10, the South African Percy Tau, the most skilled and dangerous of the team and equipped with excellent technical qualities, is almost a right winger. And he gets a lot of support from right back Hany, who is extremely attacking. But on the left El Shahat is very fast.
Period
Percy Tau. The South African, who plays in the number 10 shirt, was the best player last season and has already justified his reputation in this debut. You can’t be too careful.
Watch out for t-shirt 22
Percy Tau is the right man. But midfielder Ashour, shirt number 22, is one of the main supporters of the attack. There is a high volume of passing errors, but it makes sense. After all, he seeks bold throws. It’s also about attacking. He is the guy in midfield who appears most often in the quartet of scorers. He helps in defense, but Fluminense can do well if they try to play on him, as he is a bit clumsy in defense.
The Kahraba effect
He is the busiest striker on the team. He is the Egyptian version of the San Paolo striker Luciano: he complains about everything, puts pressure on the referee, is a bit clumsy in helping the defense and committing fouls. Even though he (along with the pair of defenders) is the least skilled on the team, he makes up for it with his desire. He does a good job as a pivot and, although he rarely appears at the center of the attack to finish, he is an effective reference and waiter. Of Ahly’s three goals, he was decisive in all of them. After all, it was he who provoked the Ittihad defender to take the penalty by touching the ball and passing the goals to El Shahat and Ashour.
Have fun, Fluminense
A possible mine map: to the left of the defense. Maaloul. The scorer of Al Ahly’s first goal in the 3-1 against Al Ittihad is one of the leaders of the team, the captain. He is the beast of the Tunisian team. Most of the time when he attacks, he prefers to throw rather than catch the ball, unlike right back Hany. But Maaloul doesn’t just win praise. Because he is slow in marking. It will be much easier for Fluminense to win at his speed than on the other side.
Fans against
Fluminense can prepare. The majority will be Ahly fans. On Friday they practically shared the stadium with the home team. Also, Saudi Arabia fans. He will support the team representing Muslims. And more: they don’t stop singing. Plus there’s the use of the infamous laser on rivals’ faces.
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Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
