While many pitches in Switzerland are covered in snow or frost and the Super League is nearing the end of its winter break, the ball is rolling at the highest level elsewhere. Two major continental tournaments are taking place these weeks: the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast and the Asian Cup in Qatar.
The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations – played in 2024
The Africa Cup of Nations officially bears the name "2023", but is being held from January 13 to February 11, 2024. The reason for this is the climate: the originally planned summer coincides with the rainy season in Ivory Coast. 24 teams are competing for the title, and the defending champion is Senegal. Many players from top European leagues are therefore missing from their clubs for several weeks, which always sparks discussion in England, France, or Germany.
The Africa Cup of Nations is known for its atmosphere. Drums, chants, and full stadiums are just as much a part of it as surprising results. Small football nations regularly manage to make favorites stumble.
The Asian Cup in Qatar
Almost at the same time, from January 12 to February 10, the Asian Cup is taking place in Qatar. Some matches are being played in the same stadiums as the 2022 World Cup. Host nation Qatar is also the defending champion. Japan, South Korea, Iran, Australia, and Saudi Arabia are among the favorites.
What we can learn from this in Switzerland
Tournaments like these show how differently football can be played. African teams often rely on pace, athleticism, and one-on-one situations. Asian teams like Japan, on the other hand, impress with high passing accuracy and fast combination play. Both styles have one thing in common: the players are technically strong and can process the ball directly even under pressure.
The direct shot, in particular, is often the key in such tournaments. When a defense is compact, long-range shots, rebounds, or volleys from crosses often decide the game. Anyone who can get the ball on target without taking a touch has a clear advantage.
Curious facts on the side
- The Africa Cup of Nations has been played since 1957, making it older than the European Championship, which only started in 1960.
- The Asian Cup was first held in 1956.
- Because both tournaments take place at the same time, some European clubs are missing several players at once.
A training impulse from tournament football
If you watch the matches closely, you will see many finishes from outside the box and after rebounds. From this, a simple exercise can be derived that you can also do on your own:
- Stand about 14 to 16 meters in front of the goal.
- Let the ball bounce back from a wall or a rebounder.
- Take it directly at the goal without a touch, alternating between your right and left foot.
Make sure to keep your upper body over the ball and lock your ankle. This keeps the shot flat and precise. After ten attempts, take a short break and change your position so that you finish from different angles. You will encounter exactly these situations again and again in a game later on.
Winter time is technique time
Even if the weather doesn't always play along here: you can train technique almost anywhere. A gym, an artificial turf pitch, or a free space in the garden is often enough. With the VOLLEYCHAMP®, you don't need a passer and can specifically improve your volley even in short sessions.
Have fun cheering along, whether you are watching the Africa Cup of Nations or the Asian Cup!
