Botafogo (SP) Football Formation

Starting Lineup

1- Victor Souza
2- Ericson
5- Raphael
3- Fábio Sanches
4- B. Schappo
6- P. Brey
8- G. Bochecha
5- S. Abdulai
9- Alexandre Jesus
11- V. Andrade
21- J. Toró

Botafogo (SP) relies on a high press and verticality to unsettle opponents using a 3-4-3 formation. This lineup seeks to win the ball high up the pitch and move forward with speed to catch the opposition before they can settle. The team aims to use width and intense running to stretch the defence and create chances in transition.

Victor Souza stands between the posts to manage the back line. The defensive unit operates with a back three featuring Raphael, Fábio Sanches, and B. Schappo. Raphael acts as the right centre-back to cover wide areas, while B. Schappo sits on the left to support the flank. Fábio Sanches occupies the central role to win the header and clear the lines when under pressure. This trio works to keep a compact shape and ensures the team can defend zonally against direct attacks.

The midfield works as a central unit designed to control the tempo and link play. S. Abdulai and G. Bochecha operate in the center, with G. Bochecha acting as a driver to carry the ball forward and S. Abdulai working to shield the defence. On the flanks, Ericson and P. Brey act as wide midfielders who provide the necessary width. They are tasked to push high to support the attack and track back to help the defenders. This group works to compress the midfield and win the second ball to keep the pressure on.

In the final third, Botafogo (SP) uses three attackers to pin the last defender. Alexandre Jesus leads the line as a lone striker who stays central to find the feet of the striker and hold up the ball. To his sides, V. Andrade and J. Toró play as wide attackers. V. Andrade tends to cut inside from the left to create goalscoring opportunities, while J. Toró looks to get to the byline and deliver crosses. These players press from the front to force a long ball and disrupt the opposition build up.

This formation offers several tactical advantages for the squad. The wide midfielders Ericson and P. Brey create wide overloads when they push up to join the wingers. The team also benefits from the ability to press high in coordinated waves, using the front three to trigger a press. This allows the side to win it back high up the pitch and exploit gaps in the opposition defensive line.

The 3-4-3 formation provides a strong balance between central control and wide attacking threat. It is best suited for games where the team can exploit a high defensive line through quick transitions.