In Defense of Joao Cancelo’s Controversial Decision: Analyzing the Girona Goal Opportunity

The recent match saw Joao Cancelo facing criticism for opting for a shot from a tight angle instead of passing to Robert Lewandowski or Jules Kounde. However, upon closer inspection, Cancelo’s decision may not have been as misguided as it seems. Here’s why.

While passing to Lewandowski seemed like the conventional choice, there was uncertainty about whether the striker would find the net. In recent games, Lewandowski has demonstrated a tendency to require extra touches before attempting a shot, potentially leading to a blocked effort by Girona defenders.

The option to find Kounde was enticing, but it would have required a perfectly-timed pass from Cancelo, allowing the Frenchman to score with his first touch.

Cancelo’s decision, though unconventional, had its merits. The powerful close-range strike held the potential for a goal, coupled with the possibility of a fortunate deflection given the proximity of three Girona players to the goal, or Raphinha capitalizing on the situation for a tap-in.

Ultimately, Cancelo’s initiative resulted in a corner, showcasing that his decision had strategic elements worth considering.