The Continental style of play is most notably characterized by the roaming of players and their ability to play any position in a collective unit. There is a lot of team composure, good passing, and even better communication from Continental teams.[1] Teams play the Total Football style where players change positions and roles throughout the course of a match.[2] On defense, the main effort of Continental teams is to regain possession of the ball through intense pressure.[3]
In order to play this style of soccer, teams need players who are all comfortable in possession of the ball. Most notably, the fullbacks need to be able to regularly support attacking moves, and the center back needs to be able to be as much of a midfielder as he is a defender.[4] The most important position is the attacking midfielder/forward who needs to be creative and incredibly talented. This style of play was made famous by the 1974 Holland team headed by Johan Cruyff, who wandered wherever he wanted on the field and was able to expertly maneuver around and give his teammates great passes into open space.[5]
In the video below you can see how the 1974 Netherlands team moves fluidly and almost as a group.
References
[1] Wendichansky, Nicolas. “6 Very Different Styles of Football From Across the World.”90min.Com, 28 Feb. 2016, www.90min.com/posts/2990047-6-very-different-styles-of-football-from-across-the-world
[2] admin. “Soccer Playing Styles.” Expert Football, Copyright: Expert Football, 8 May 2017, expertfootball.com/wp/?p=495.
[3] Wendichansky
[4] sport, Guardian. “What Formation Did Holland’s Total Football Side Actually Play?” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 13 Sept. 2017, www.theguardian.com/football/2017/sep/13/what-formation-did-hollands-total-football-side-actually-play.
[5] Ibid
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Author: Luke Berndt
How to cite this article: “Continental Playing Style,” Written by Luke Berndt (2018) Soccer Politics Pages, Soccer Politics Blog, Duke University, http://sites.duke.edu/wcwp/tournament-guides/mens-world-cup-2018-guide/playing-styles-of-world-cup-favorites/regional-playing-styles/continental-playing-style/ (accessed on (date))
