Guadeloupe's defenders worked well one-on-one against opponents, but as a unit they were porous and not well organized. Its best defense was its attack. Unfortunately, when it adopted a more defensive posture, rather than pressing the attack, it created problems. They also did not have enough depth. Michael TACALFRED (No. 3) did not play against Mexico, creating a hole on the right side. And when Alain VERTOT (No. 6) received a second yellow against Mexico, it meant made him unavailable for the quarterfinal match against Costa Rica. Guadeloupe was never able to replace these two important players, and suffered according. Their two defensive midfielders worked well on defending with Thomas GAMIETTE (No. 18) providing balance.

Attacking organization and tactics:

Guadeloupe's attack was more than capable of producing great sequences. Two-way midfielder and captain Stephane AUVRAY (No. 8) directed the offense from the middle and was well supported by David FLEURIVAL (No. 12), and defender Michael TACALFRED (No. 3) dangerously overlapping on the right flank. On the left flank Mickael ANTOINE-CURIER (No. 11) was very dangerous taking players one-on-one, combining to free himself and deliver a good cross, and to roam the field as a second forward. He positioned himself on the right flank to trade places with Loic LOVAL (No. 7), who was a bit more subdued but also dangerous in the transition going forward. The forwards, Mickael ANTOINE-CURIER (No. 11) and Larry CLAVIER (No. 20), a great option of the bench, were both big, fast and dangerous, with Ludovic GOTIN (No. 9) being the less effective of the three. Perhaps pairing Courier and Clavier would have been a better combination, but they never had the chance of playing together in this tournament.

Key Points: Guadeloupe

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