Three places to look when a cross comes in

A goal is only the final outcome of a cross. Its origin, timing, receiving runs and defensive positions provide the context.

ZTVmm exercise: watch the passer first. On a replay, follow the runners in front of goal. On another, look behind the far-side defender’s shoulder.

A near-post run may coincide with space opening elsewhere, but do not claim a deliberate decoy without evidence. Separate observed movement from your interpretation in your notes.

FIFA’s cross terminology helps distinguish location and timing. The three-pass viewing method here is ZTVmm’s own suggested exercise.