Gilberto Silva insists set pieces will “not be the main weapon” at the World Cup this summer. The former Arsenal midfielder will be on FIFA’s technical study group for the tournament and believes national coaches will not have enough time to work on corners and free kicks to make them as effective as they have been in club football.
Arsenal's Set Piece Dominance
World Cup winner Silva has seen his old club dominate the Premier League title race this season using set pieces to great effect, even if it has been a turn-off for some fans. Arsenal have scored more goals from corners than any other Premier League side, with defenders Gabriel and William Saliba proving particularly dangerous in the opposition box.
Ex-Brazil star Silva said: “Arsenal have got good centre-backs with Gabriel and Willian Saliba but I’m not sure if the World Cup is going to be the same as you do not have so much time to prepare teams for the tournament. Of course it can be a weapon and you can use it but I’m not sure it will be the main one. I think the games may be tight and they may use transitions and other methods to break through. But I don’t think the set-piece is going to be the main aspect at this World Cup.”
FIFA's Clampdown on Grappling
FIFA are expected to clamp down on grappling and wrestling at corners, which have been a significant feature at previous World Cups. Referees are likely to pay extra attention to holding and blocking during set pieces, which could reduce the effectiveness of such tactics.
The technical study group, led by Arsene Wenger, FIFA’s chief of global football development, will provide insights on tactical trends. This information will be available via an app for fans for the first time, as well as for players and coaches.
Members of the Technical Study Group
The panel includes Silva, Otto Addo (Ghana), Tobin Heath (USA), Jürgen Klinsmann (Germany), Jayne Ludlow (Wales), Michael O’Neill (Northern Ireland), Jon Dahl Tomasson (Denmark), Paulo Wanchope (Costa Rica), Aron Winter (Netherlands), and Pablo Zabaleta (Argentina). The group will be led by FIFA senior football expert Pascal Zuberbühler and lead of football performance insights Tom Gardner, supported by a team of analysts based in Miami, Dallas, and Manchester (UK).
Cooling Breaks as Coaching Opportunities
Silva also suggested that the cooling breaks in either half during the World Cup will be vital for managers and coaches. He added: “I’m sure in this moment it will be a special opportunity for coaches because previously they could only speak to players at half time and now they have two more chances to speak to the players so it could be important.”
