Criciúma Football Formation

Starting Lineup

1- Alisson
2- Marcinho
6- César M.*
22- M. Hermes
8- Gui Lobo
10- J. Robert
3- Rodrigo
4- L. Castán
19- Sandry*
11- Waguininho*
9- Nicolas

High pressing and verticality define Criciúma as they operate in a 3-4-3. This formation builds a team capable of winning the ball in high areas and striking quickly through direct passing. They aim to move the ball forward with speed and directness rather than relying on slow buildup.

Alisson protects the goal as the lone goalkeeper. The back three of L. Castán, Rodrigo, and César M.* forms a solid unit to handle central threats. L. Castán and César M.* cover the wider spaces to prevent crosses, while Rodrigo stays central to block runs and intercept passes. The defenders must step up to compress the pitch or drop back to sit deep when facing long balls.

A midfield quartet manages the center of the pitch. Sandry* and Gui Lobo act as a double pivot to shield the defense. Sandry* is tasked to intercept and drive forward, whereas Gui Lobo must connect the lines by finding the attackers. Marcinho and M. Hermes play wide to provide width and cover the flanks. They are expected to push up to support the attack and must track back to help the defense when possession is lost.

The attacking front line consists of three players. Nicolas plays as the lone striker to hold up the ball and bring others into play. J. Robert and Waguininho* act as wide attackers who look to cut inside and threaten the goal. They press the opposition backline to force turnovers and mistakes. The movement between Nicolas and the wide players creates constant threats in the box and opens lanes for midfielders to run into.

This 3-4-3 lineup offers clear tactical advantages. The wide midfielders Marcinho and M. Hermes create wide overloads when they push forward to support the attackers. This forces the opponent to defend more areas of the pitch and leaves them stretched. Additionally, the team can press high in coordinated waves, using the three attackers and the wide midfielders to squeeze the opponent in their own half and win the ball back through quick tackling.

Criciúma relies on this aggressive and vertical identity to overwhelm opponents. This formation works best against teams that struggle with high pressure or leave large gaps behind their midfield.