Collective Defense Yields Positive Results

SOUTH TANGERANG, KOMPAS – There are times when a team wins not because of aggressive attacks, but due to organized defense. This is what the football school (SSB) Villa 2000 experienced in the ninth week of the Kompas U-14 League Powered By BRI. Attacking is not the only way to achieve positive results. The art of defending also deserves appreciation in football.

After achieving less than satisfactory results in the early weeks of the Kompas League, Villa 2000 began to find their momentum for a comeback. Villa 2000 finally succeeded in securing two consecutive victories for the first time this season. In the ninth week, Villa 2000 narrowly won 1-0 against One Way Soccer School at Kera Sakti Stadium, South Tangerang, Banten, on Saturday (8/2/2025).

Facing One Way, which on paper is superior, Villa 2000 did not insist on maintaining an attacking philosophy. Villa 2000's coach, Perkantara Armadi, made quite radical changes to his team's defense line. Previously, Villa 2000 often used a four-back formation, but this time they changed their approach to a three-back formation.

The change was made based on the evaluation of the team's performance during the first seven weeks. During that period, Villa 2000 suffered four defeats and three draws. Perkantara also discussed with the players to address the problems that still plague Villa 2000, making it difficult for them to perform consistently.

Based on that discussion, one of the conclusions reached is that the players feel more comfortable playing with a three-back scheme. This three-back formation is being tried to face One Way, which is very strong in ball possession and aggressive in attacking.

"If we look at the negative results from the previous match, one of our shortcomings is in the aspect of defensive discipline. When defending, communication between players must be improved," said Perkantara.

The three-back formation turned out to be quite effective in containing One Way. Villa 2000 is not yet very adept at attacking, so this time Perkantara tried a defensive approach. These instructions were smoothly translated by the Villa 2000 players. Throughout the match, they were very militant in defense.

The task of repelling the opponent's attack is not solely the responsibility of the defenders. Villa 2000 players defend collectively, leaving only the forward, M Fauzan Alhadar, in the front line. The rest of the midfielders and defenders are very disciplined in maintaining zone defense combined with individual marking. Additionally, they also narrow the space between lines, making it difficult for One Way players to freely receive ball supplies.

After forcing a goalless draw in the first half, Villa 2000 finally found momentum in the second half. Through a lightning attack scheme, they managed to take the lead thanks to Fauzan's individual action.

The Villa 2000 players showed their defensive prowess again to maintain their lead. Their militancy in defense was not eroded by their declining stamina. Unfortunately, Villa 2000's tenacity in defense crossed the line when Awalin Febriandinho committed a hard foul that resulted in a yellow card.

Perkantara adjusts the playing approach based on the squad composition and the opponent being faced. He realized that One Way is too difficult to conquer if they play openly. Therefore, discipline in defending is his way to fight back.

"Because if we are not disciplined with our respective positions, and not careful with the opponent's ball situation, it is dangerous. That's why I always emphasize discipline when playing," he said.

In another match, SSB Cipta Cendikia FA also achieved positive results thanks to collective defense. Like Villa 2000, Cipta Cendikia also recorded a clean sheet, even winning 3-0 over Bina Taruna.

Cipta Cendikia's victory was supported by the team's strength in repelling Bina Taruna's attacks. Cipta Cendikia players always tried not to be outnumbered when under attack. The way to do this was by tending to rest defense with six players. That way, Cipta Cendikia players always excelled in duels for the ball because they were outnumbered.

"The coach instructed us to cover each other and communicate. That was the key to our performance today," said Cipta Cendikia defender Haziq Irhab Rafif.