Botafogo Football Formation
Starting Lineup
23-João Paulo (34-Lucão)33-Kaiky Fernandes
25-Jair Cunha (35-Filipe Bordon)
24-Mateus Lusuardi
32-Lucas Rosa (36-Pedro Lima)
31-Gabriel Moscado
28-Breno Bidon
26-Lucas Pires (37-Rikelme)
27-Ângelo Gabriel (38-Kaio César)
29-Deived Washington
30-Wesley Gassova
Heavy pressing and rapid verticality define the Botafogo lineup in this 3-4-3 formation. The team aims to win the ball high up the pitch and transition quickly to exploit spaces behind the opposition defense. This formation builds a platform for direct attacking football that relies on intensity and physical presence in all thirds of the pitch.
João Paulo stands between the posts to anchor the defensive unit. A back three consisting of Jair Cunha, Mateus Lusuardi, and Kaiky Fernandes provides a solid foundation. Jair Cunha holds the central position to block direct runs, while Mateus Lusuardi and Kaiky Fernandes cover the channels. The defensive line works as a cohesive block to intercept passes and step up when the team presses high.
The midfield operates with two central players and two wide midfielders. Gabriel Moscado and Breno Bidon occupy the center to control the tempo and shield the back three. Gabriel Moscado works to break the lines with his passing, while Breno Bidon tracks back to help the defense. On the flanks, Lucas Rosa and Lucas Pires act as wing backs who provide much needed width. These players are tasked to overlap the attackers and push into advanced areas to create overloads.
Attacking the final third involves three dedicated forwards. Deived Washington leads the line as a lone striker to hold up the ball and link play. Wesley Gassova and Ângelo Gabriel occupy the wide areas as inverted wingers. Wesley Gassova looks to cut inside to shoot, while Ângelo Gabriel uses his pace to beat full backs. This trio works together to press the opposition backline and create scoring opportunities through quick combinations.
This Botafogo system offers clear tactical advantages through its ability to control the wide areas. The combination of Lucas Rosa and Wesley Gassova on one side allows the team to create wide overloads. Another strength is the compactness of the midfield duo when the team sits deep to defend. The ability to shift quickly from a defensive block to a high press makes the team very difficult to play against in transition.
The 3-4-3 formation provides a robust balance between defensive solidity and attacking width. It is best suited for matches against teams that play a high line and leave space behind their defenders.