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What is Counter-attack in Football?

Attacking at speed immediately after winning the ball, before the opponent's defence can reorganise — typically a few fast, direct passes into the space the opposing team left behind while attacking. Teams that defend deep often build their whole game around lethal counters.

Example: From their own corner, the ball was cleared and a three-pass counter-attack ended in a goal 12 seconds later.

Related terms

OffsidexG (expected goals)VARFalse nineLow blockHigh press / pressingGegenpressing (counter-press)Tiki-taka
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