Euro 2020: Tactical Breakdown of Wales vs Switzerland – Group A Analysis
Wales and Switzerland squared off in a crucial Group A encounter at Euro 2020, following Italy’s emphatic opening win over Turkey. With both sides eager to keep pace and position themselves for a knockout berth, the match turned into a tactical chess battle that ended in a 1-1 draw. Below is an in-depth analysis of both teams’ formations, in-game adjustments, and key moments that shaped the outcome.
Wales Setup: 4-1-4-1 Structure
Wales lined up in a 4-1-4-1 formation, designed to strike a balance between defensive solidity and counter-attacking threat. Their starting lineup included Danny Ward (GK), Connor Roberts (RB), Joe Rodon (CB), Chris Mepham (CB), Ben Davies (LB), Joe Allen (DM), Gareth Bale (RW), Joe Morrell (CM), Aaron Ramsey (CM), Daniel James (LW), and Kieffer Moore (CF).
Wales Without the Ball: Compact and Cautious
For much of the match, Wales were pinned back, surrendering over 64% of possession to Switzerland. The midfield line, featuring Ramsey and Morrell, closely shadowed the Swiss duo of Freuler and Xhaka, who often dropped deep during build-up. The Welsh wingers, particularly Daniel James and Gareth Bale, tracked back diligently to help nullify the impact of Switzerland’s advanced wingbacks.
Defensively, Wales’ fullbacks tucked in to create a narrow shape alongside the center-backs, with Joe Allen acting as a screen and often marking either Embolo or Shaqiri, depending on who dropped into deeper areas.
Wales adopted a passive approach in most situations, preferring to maintain their structure and clear danger when absolutely necessary. Despite absorbing pressure, they limited Switzerland to a single goal from a corner and showed discipline in open play, at times stepping up collectively to catch the opposition strikers offside. Moore played a lone role pressing Switzerland’s back line but the team rarely committed numbers forward to press, preferring compact lines to limit space between the lines.
Wales with the Ball: Direct Left-Side Counterattacks
Possession was at a premium for Wales, but they managed to create scoring threats by countering rapidly down the left flank. The pace of Daniel James was pivotal, as 42% of Welsh attacks originated from that side. Whenever space emerged behind Swiss right wingback Kevin Mbabu—after high positioning or following set-pieces—Wales looked to exploit it with direct balls and the speed of James.
Their clearest opportunities came from these transitions, notably an early cross from James that found Moore, foreshadowing the eventual goal. When Wales attempted to play out from the back or build through midfield, they struggled to penetrate Switzerland’s compact defensive structure, frequently losing possession after a limited number of passes.
Despite these limitations, Wales equalized with a clever short-corner routine. Joe Morrell found space at the edge of the area, delivering a cross that allowed Moore to rise above the defense and head home, showcasing how set-piece precision offset their open-play difficulties.
Switzerland’s Approach: 3-1-4-2 Formation
Switzerland began with a progressive 3-1-4-2 system. Their lineup featured Yann Sommer (GK), a back three of Nico Elvedi, Fabian Schar, and Manuel Akanji; wingbacks Kevin Mbabu (right) and Ricardo Rodriguez (left); central midfielders Remo Freuler and Granit Xhaka; Xherdan Shaqiri as an advanced playmaker; and a strike partnership of Haris Seferovic and Breel Embolo.
Switzerland Off the Ball: Structured Yet Exposed on Counters
Having dominated possession, Switzerland’s defensive organization was primarily tested in defensive transitions and rare Welsh counters. Their press, deployed in a 3-4-3 formation, was generally low intensity, relying on triangular or diamond-shaped clusters (wingback, attacking midfielder, central midfielder, and at times a striker) to close off passing lanes as Wales attempted to play from deep.
This shape prevented Wales from constructing attacks through the center, with the back three—particularly Elvedi—stepping up when necessary to contest loose balls. Nevertheless, Switzerland looked vulnerable whenever Wales broke quickly, with Mbabu often left exposed against the pace of Daniel James, and Kieffer Moore posing an aerial threat. Sommer’s key save from Moore in the first half prevented Wales from taking a surprise lead.
Switzerland in Possession: Patient Build-up and Set-piece Specialists
Switzerland controlled the tempo for long periods, building from the back in a 3-4-3 that often morphed into a 3-4-1-2 as Shaqiri and Embolo took turns dropping into midfield. Their typical method saw Akanji, Rodriguez, and Xhaka combining on the left to draw pressure before swiftly switching play to Mbabu on the right, using him as a crossing outlet.
Wales’ reluctance to press high gave Switzerland time to organize their build-up; as a result, the Swiss attackers—especially Embolo—could find space between defensive lines. Switzerland’s persistence at set-pieces paid off early in the second half, with Embolo rising above the defense to head home a Shaqiri corner.
Embolo, a constant source of danger with his strength, direct running, and four completed dribbles, created multiple openings. As Wales’ central midfielders were occupied marking Freuler and Xhaka during build-up, Embolo and Shaqiri were afforded space to operate. In the second half, Switzerland increased their attempts to break Welsh lines through dribbles, notably via Embolo’s surging runs.
Key Moments and Tactical Takeaways
– Wales displayed defensive discipline, conceding only from a set-piece and remaining rigid in their deep block.
– Switzerland’s methodical possession cycling was offset by a lack of intensity in the final third and vulnerability to quick counters.
– Switzerland’s best threat came from crosses and set-pieces, while Wales’ primary weapon was James’ runs and Moore’s aerial prowess.
– Both teams struggled to maintain consistent attacking flow, leading to a game where set-pieces and transitional moments decided the outcome.
Final Thoughts: Where the Result Leaves Both Teams
The 1-1 stalemate left both Wales and Switzerland with points on the board but little margin for error as the Group A competition continued. With Italy sitting atop the standings and Turkey trailing, both teams would need improved performances to advance, especially against the group favorites. This match showcased the importance of tactical discipline, transitional play, and set-piece execution on the international stage.
