Kick it out and chase. A new trend at the FIFA World Cup catches the eye of fans and analysts

The objective of this strategy is to move the ball into a specific area of the pitch where the subsequent throw-in is disadvantageous for the opponent. Instead of gradual build-up play or risky distribution from the goalkeeper, teams opt for a quick transfer of the ball into the attacking third, which simultaneously alters the nature of the ensuing game situation.

According to analysts, this is a response to high-intensity pressing, where the initial phase of ball possession carries the most risk. Teams aim to avoid losing possession in dangerous areas and instead shift the play into a situation that, while less controlled, is tactically clearer and more predictable.

Furthermore, it's increasingly suggested that this isn't merely a player's reaction to pressing, but also a deliberate training element that some teams have prepared as part of their power play and pressing scenarios. In practice, it's not a coincidence, but a managed decision designed to create a specific type of game situation in the attacking third.

The context of the tournament rules is also interesting, as they limit the time for restarts, including throw-ins, to 5 seconds. This leads to quicker decision-making and a more frequent use of direct solutions, where the ball practically immediately goes out of play in the attacking third after being won.

Interestingly, this element doesn't appear as part of official game plans but rather as a spontaneous decision by players on the field. While it seems like a simple solution at first glance, its effect can be significant.

Some teams, according to analysts, also use this principle as a form of "controlled chaos," deliberately moving the game into a zone where a high number of second balls and inaccuracies occur. Instead of striving for clean combination play, they prefer a situation where they can immediately press and win the ball back near the opponent's penalty area.

If this trend continues in subsequent matches, it could represent another shift in the modern understanding of build-up play, where losing possession becomes part of an attacking strategy, rather than a mistake in game organization.