Players use strategy of lying down behind wall during free kicks

Players have increasingly adopted the tactic of lying down behind the wall during free kicks at the ongoing World Cup. This strategy counters free-kick takers aiming to shoot under a jumping wall, creating a defensive layer. The concept gained traction during the 2018 UEFA Champions League when Inter's Marcelo Brozović effectively utilized it against Barcelona's Luis Suárez, demonstrating its effectiveness. This technique has since spread throughout the sport as teams adapt to combat free-kick challenges.

• 3:38 PMYahoo Sports — Why do players lie down behind the wall? World Cup strategy explained