Botafogo (SP) Football Formation

Starting Lineup

1- Victor Souza
7- J. Cafú*
4- B. Schapp
3- Edson*
6- Jean Victor
9- A. Jesus
2- Ericson
5- Sabit
18- F. Soutto
10- L. Maciel
7- D. Baggio

Botafogo (SP) focuses on a high press and direct verticality when utilizing a 3-4-3. This formation is built to play with aggressive intensity, looking to win the ball high up the pitch to catch opponents out of position. The lineup seeks to stretch the defence through wide players while maintaining a strong presence in the middle to control the tempo of the game.

Victor Souza operates between the posts to anchor the defensive unit. The back line consists of a back three with Edson acting as the central defender to manage the zone. Ericson plays as the right centre-back to cover the wide areas, while B. Schapp acts as the left centre-back. This defensive trio works together to defend zonally and manage the space behind them, often staying narrow to prevent through balls.

The midfield works as a central engine to connect the back line to the forwards. Sabit and F. Soutto form a central pair to compete for the second ball and control the middle third. Sabit acts to shield the defence, while F. Soutto looks to carry the ball forward into the half-spaces. On the flanks, J. Cafú and Jean Victor act as wide midfielders who must track back to help the defenders and provide width during the build up.

The attacking trio uses a wide presence to create chances for the central striker. A. Jesus acts as the lone striker to hold up the ball and lead the press from the front. L. Maciel plays as the left winger to cut inside and create threats, while D. Baggio occupies the right wing to stretch the opposition. These players aim to create runs in behind and deliver crosses into the box to find the striker.

Botafogo (SP) gains a major advantage from the ability to press high in coordinated waves, putting immediate pressure on the opponent. The wide midfielders, J. Cafú and Jean Victor, allow for wide overloads when they push up to support the wingers. This setup also provides compactness when defending in a mid-block, making it difficult for the opposition to play through the lines.

This 3-4-3 formation relies on intense pressing and rapid transitions to dominate the game. It is best suited for matches against teams that struggle to play out from the back under heavy pressure.