[nek]

I'm watching the Iceland v. Netherlands game and I'm noticing that alot of the scoring strategy seems to be simply crossing the ball into the middle and hoping for a header. Is is normal for the majority of scoring attempts to be set up this way? To me, it kind of seems like a "throw shit against a wall and see what sticks" kind of a tactic. I follow soccer some but I'll be first to claim ignorance on the tactical/strategic issues.

[tattiemasher]

It's a common tactic. If you only play through the middle you're narrowing down the playing area and the opposing team doesn't have to defend much or run about a lot. If you use the wings as well you stretch the other team's defense. It's a particularly useful tactic for fast players, through balls in the middle against a team defending deep means the keeper has a far higher chance to run out and get the ball before your attacker, whereas the wing area the keeper can't pick it up.

Some teams do try to play the ball on the ground rather than crossing it, and depending on the players available to the team, crossing for a guy at 5'5" when all the defenders are 6'3" just won't work. But teams like Iceland and Holland both have tall, strong players and will be comfortable putting crosses into the box. If nothing else constantly putting in crosses can result in the defender or goalkeeper making a mistake and conceding a corner kick or even a goal. And the amount of times you see a penalty given because the cross hits someone's arm on the way into the box...

[britchard]

Yes it is very common. If you have a tall striker, it can be very effective as often they have a good chance of heading the ball.

[blacknwhitespade]

That is a popular tactic that every team employs to some degree, however, you have national teams like Spain who rely more on short passes in triangle formations to get in closer to the net for a closer shot on target, or a team like Netherlands who are known for their long distance bends/hooks direct shots on target.

[Wahawahwah]

wrong thread whoops