Sandbox by Promotheus and SegevSport

On-Air Play Breakdowns

Football plays broken down by ESPN pundits on the Sandbox AR system, during the World Cup. 24 example clips — each cut to a single move, tagged attacking / defensive / transition / set-piece, with what the AR showed and the analyst's point.

Broadcast footage from ESPN's FIFA World Cup coverage.
Attacking

Spain's First Goal: Quick Transition and Oyarzabal's Movement

“Venía de un saque de arquero directamente, le cae a Pedri y a partir de ahí Pedri va a jugar al apoyo del tercer hombre.”
WhoSpain, Pedri, Mikel Oyarzabal, Álex Baena, Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Rodri, Saudi Arabia
AR shows3D football pitch with player markers, animated player movements, passing lines, and a goal being scored.
The pointThe first goal originated from a quick transition after a goalkeeper's kick. Pedri received the ball, played a quick one-two with Oyarzabal, who then laid it off for Baena. Oyarzabal immediately made a diagonal run into the space between the central defender and fullback. Yamal, Olmo, Pedri, and Rodri also moved into goal-scoring positions, creating multiple options. Oyarzabal chose the most complex pass, threading it through the Saudi defense to Yamal for the finish.
Why it mattersFans would be interested in seeing the detailed breakdown of a goal, especially how quick passing, intelligent movement, and a decisive final pass led to scoring against a compact defense.
Ahora o Nunca · 101s
Attacking

Morocco's Goal: Exploiting Brazil's Right Flank

“Brasil pierde la pelota en la jugada del gol de Marruecos en la zona derecha. Mientras tanto, estos dos, Marquinhos y Gabriel Magalhães, en vez de dar un paso adelante y dejarlo en fuera de lugar, se van con él y además abiertos, habilitándolo. Error de posicionamiento y error de reacción también, pero muy buen movimiento de Saibari.”
AR showsThe AR system showed Brazil's defensive formation, then highlighted the combination between Roger Ibañez and Lucas Paquetá on Brazil's right flank where the ball was lost. It illustrated Mazraoui winning the ball, Saibari's intelligent run to distract Casemiro and open space for Brahim Díaz, the pass to Brahim Díaz, Douglas Santos's delayed reaction, Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhães stepping back instead of forward to keep Saibari onside, and Alisson Becker's poor positioning and late reaction to Saibari's chip shot.
The pointMorocco's goal originated from Brazil losing possession on their vulnerable right flank. Saibari's intelligent off-the-ball movement drew Casemiro away, creating a clear path for Brahim Díaz. Brazilian central defenders Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhães failed to step up, keeping Saibari onside, and Alisson Becker's poor positioning and delayed reaction ultimately led to the goal.
Why it mattersFootball fans would care about this breakdown to see the intricate details of how a goal is scored, highlighting both the defensive errors of one team and the intelligent offensive plays of the other, especially when it's an upset.
Ahora o Nunca · 110s
Individual skill

Vinícius Júnior's Performance Statistics

“La estadística de los dribblings, no se fue de nadie. Fue el único momento básicamente en el que tuvo espacio para hacer algo y justamente por eso marcó el gol.”
AR showsThe AR system displayed a 3D model of Vinícius Júnior on the pitch with an overlay of his statistics: Chances created (2), Pass accuracy (84%), Touches (53), Passes completed (26), and Successful / Total dribbles (0/0).
The pointVinícius Júnior scored a goal with his only shot, maintained good pass accuracy (84%), had 53 touches, and completed 26 passes. However, a notable statistic was his zero successful dribbles, indicating he struggled to beat defenders, except for the moment he scored where he found space.
Why it mattersThis segment would appeal to fans interested in a deeper analysis of a star player's performance beyond just the score sheet, understanding his effectiveness in various aspects of the game and how tactical limitations might affect his usual strengths.
Ahora o Nunca · 31s
Individual skill

Lamine Yamal's Impact: Stats and Shot Zones

“En 45 minutos, fíjate, estos son los toques, 52, 29 pases completados, tres recuperaciones, que eso es muy importante para Lamine Yamal y le salieron dos driblings de dos.”
WhoLamine Yamal (Spain)
AR showsPlayer statistics overlay (touches, passes completed, recovery, successful dribbles, touches in opposition box), 3D player model, and animated shots on goal from specific areas of the pitch.
The pointLamine Yamal had a very impactful 45 minutes, demonstrating high involvement with 52 touches, 29 completed passes, 3 recoveries, and 2 successful dribbles out of 2 attempts. He consistently sought to cut inside from the wing and shoot from a specific zone, similar to his play at Barcelona.
Why it mattersFans would be keen to see concrete data and visual representation of a young star player's performance, understanding his key contributions and preferred attacking patterns.
Ahora o Nunca · 32s
Defensive

Uzbekistan's Deep Defense vs. Congo's High Line

“qué hizo muy bien el Congo en el primer partido que frustró muchísimo a Portugal? Hizo que el partido se jugara aquí, en el segundo tercio de la cancha.”
WhoUzbekistan, Congo, Portugal, Pedro Neto, Nuno Mendes, Cristiano Ronaldo
AR showsFull pitch with player positions, showing defensive lines. First, a high defensive line in the second third of the pitch (representing Congo), then a deep defensive line close to their own area (representing Uzbekistan).
The pointCongo's strategy of playing a high defensive line in the first match frustrated Portugal by keeping the game in the middle third and disconnecting Cristiano Ronaldo. Uzbekistan, with less experienced players, tended to drop deep into their own area, which paradoxically made it easier for Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo to receive crosses.
Why it mattersContrasting defensive strategies and how Uzbekistan's deep block, despite being seemingly safer, played into Portugal's hands, especially for Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ahora o Nunca · 50s
Individual skill

Cristiano Ronaldo: Lethal in the Box

“Cristiano dentro del área, recupera esa sensación letal de que te puede hacer daño con una o dos pelotas que estén bien colocadas.”
WhoCristiano Ronaldo, Portugal, Uzbekistan
AR showsFull pitch with player positions, showing Cristiano Ronaldo's position inside the penalty box.
The pointCristiano Ronaldo is not effective outside the box, but inside the area, he regains his lethal ability to score with well-placed balls. Uzbekistan's deep defense allowed him to be in his zone of influence.
Why it mattersHighlighting Cristiano Ronaldo's enduring threat and how specific defensive setups either neutralize or enhance his goal-scoring ability.
Ahora o Nunca · 19s
Attacking

Portugal's First Goal: Pedro Neto's Space Exploitation

“lo hace a partir de los desmarques al espacio de Pedro Neto.”
WhoPortugal, Uzbekistan, Vitinha, João Félix, Nuno Mendes, Cristiano Ronaldo, Pedro Neto, João Neves, João Cancelo
AR showsFull pitch with player positions, passing lines, offside lines, and player names (Vitinha, João Félix, Nuno Mendes, Cristiano Ronaldo, Pedro Neto, João Neves, João Cancelo) highlighted. Shows Cristiano Ronaldo initially in an offside position, then becoming legal.
The pointThe first goal started with Vitinha in defense, passing to Pedro Neto who made a run into space on the right. João Félix and Nuno Mendes created space on the left. Cristiano Ronaldo initially stayed offside, then became legal as Pedro Neto received the ball. João Neves made a run to further push the defense back, allowing João Cancelo to receive. Five Portuguese players were ready for a cross.
Why it mattersDetailed breakdown of how Portugal created their first goal, emphasizing off-ball movement, space creation, and the timing of runs to beat the offside trap.
Ahora o Nunca · 83s
Attacking

Ronaldo's Clinical Finish from Cancelo's Drive

“João Cancelo en vez de tirar este centro que perfectamente lo podía haber tirado, decide romper todavía más la defensa con una conducción para llegar a línea de fondo.”
WhoPortugal, Uzbekistan, João Cancelo, Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Abdullayev
AR showsLast third of the pitch with player positions, passing lines, and movement paths (João Cancelo's dribble, Cristiano Ronaldo's run). Highlights João Cancelo, Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, and Abdullayev.
The pointJoão Cancelo chose to drive to the byline instead of crossing early, further breaking Uzbekistan's defense. Cristiano Ronaldo, as a good box poacher, moved from behind Bruno Fernandes to attack the first post, gaining position and scoring from Cancelo's cross.
Why it mattersHow João Cancelo's decision-making to drive deeper and Cristiano Ronaldo's predatory movement in the box led to a clinical goal.
Ahora o Nunca · 56s
Attacking

Mexico's Coordinated Pressure Leads to First Goal

“Todo es gracias a la coordinada presión de México y sobre todo a la inteligencia posicional de Lira.”
AR shows3D players on a pitch, player IDs (Williams, M. Mbokazi, B. Gutiérrez, Y. Sithole, É. Lira, R. Jiménez, J. Quiñones, N. Sibisi), animated passing lines, player runs, highlighted player positioning, and a goal celebration.
The pointMexico's high pressing strategy, combined with É. Lira's intelligent positional play, forced a mistake from South Africa's goalkeeper and led to Julián Quiñones scoring the first goal. South Africa's player Sithole was poorly oriented, making a risky pass.
Why it mattersFootball fans would be interested in understanding how high pressure can disrupt an opponent's build-up play and create immediate scoring chances, especially when combined with smart individual player decisions.
Ahora o Nunca · 89s
Attacking

Mexico's Tactical Movement Leads to South Africa's Red Card

“Raúl Jiménez, dejando su marca y abriendo el espacio para Brian Gutiérrez.”
AR shows3D players on a pitch, player IDs (R. Jiménez, B. Gutiérrez, I. Okon, R. Alvarado, Y. Sithole), animated player runs, highlighted empty space created by movement, and a foul animation.
The pointRaúl Jiménez's intelligent movement dragged his marker, creating a large space for Bryan Gutiérrez. Gutiérrez then skillfully controlled the ball and used his body to draw a foul from Y. Sithole, resulting in a red card for South Africa.
Why it mattersFans would care about how strategic offensive movement can manipulate defensive lines, leading to crucial advantages like a red card and playing with a numerical superiority.
Ahora o Nunca · 86s
Attacking

Brazil's Effective Counter-Attack Leading to Cunha's Goal

“The best example of that was the second goal by Matheus Cunha last night. In which you actually get press on the ball.”
WhoBrazil, Haiti, Matheus Cunha, Lucas Paquetá, Raphinha, Vinícius Júnior, R. Adé, H. Delcroix, J. Duverne
AR shows3D player models, ball movement, passing lines, player names (Lucas Paquetá, Raphinha, Matheus Cunha, Vinícius Júnior, R. Adé, H. Delcroix, J. Duverne), goal animation. The analyst uses his hand to demonstrate player movement and passes.
The pointBrazil's effectiveness in winning the ball high up the pitch through pressing and quickly transitioning into a dangerous attacking play, leading to Matheus Cunha's second goal. This demonstrates 'Joga Feito' (effective play) over 'Joga Bonito' (beautiful play).
Why it mattersUnderstanding how Brazil's tactical approach under Ancelotti prioritizes effectiveness and counter-attacking, even if it deviates from their traditional 'beautiful game' style.
ESPN FC · 71s
Tactical overview

Questioning Casemiro's Role in Brazil's Press

“Why doesn't Casemiro step into these spaces to join, make a three in midfield, have higher pressure on the ball, win it back as it did effectively?”
WhoBrazil, Casemiro, Haiti
AR shows3D player models, highlighting Casemiro's position, showing how he could have joined the midfield press (indicated by a red circle around the midfield players).
The pointThe second analyst questions why Casemiro was positioned deeper, arguing that he should have stepped up to join the high press to make it more effective, especially against stronger opposition than Haiti.
Why it mattersDebating the tactical decisions of a top team like Brazil, specifically the role of a key defensive midfielder like Casemiro, and whether their current strategy is adaptable and strong enough for high-level international competition.
ESPN FC · 35s
Tactical overview

Messi's Evolving Central Role

“He actually takes far more of a central position and really loves this area of the field, where he is behind the midfield line and in front of the backline.”
WhoLionel Messi, Argentina
AR showsPlayer markers on a football pitch, showing Messi's initial wide position and then his current central position behind midfield and in front of the backline. The analyst physically moves the Messi marker.
The pointMessi has shifted from a wide starting position to a more central role, operating between the midfield and defensive lines, making him harder to mark and more dangerous.
Why it mattersUnderstanding how Messi's tactical role has evolved and why it makes him so dangerous.
ESPN FC · 50s
Defensive

The Impossible Defensive Dilemma Against Messi

“You're in hell now, and in fairness, you have to make a decision, what is the least likely option for him to score.”
WhoLionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul, T. Almada, Lautaro Martínez, R. Bensebaini, A. Mandi, Argentina, Algeria
AR showsPlayer markers, a penetrating pass from De Paul to Messi (indicated by a line), red lines indicating potential passing lanes to other advancing attackers (Almada, Martínez), and the final shot by Messi into the goal. Player names (T. Almada, Lautaro Martínez, R. Bensebaini, A. Mandi, L. Messi) appear above markers.
The pointDe Paul's excellent pass puts Messi in a central position, creating a dilemma for defenders who must choose between pressing Messi or covering the runs of other attackers, ultimately leading to Messi scoring.
Why it mattersSeeing the tactical challenges of defending against a player like Messi when he receives the ball in a dangerous central area with supporting runs.
ESPN FC · 58s
Attacking

USA's Aggressive Attacking Setup

“They look like a team that wanted to attack, and their attacking posture was really aggressive.”
WhoUSA, F. Balogun, C. Pulisic, S. Dest, W. McKennie, M. Tillman
AR showsPlayer icons on a football pitch, with names appearing next to them. Players are shown in advanced attacking positions, illustrating the USA's offensive formation.
The pointThe USA team adopts a very aggressive attacking formation, pushing many players forward, including full-backs and midfielders, to create offensive opportunities.
Why it mattersFans would be interested in understanding the offensive strategy and how key players are positioned to maximize scoring chances.
ESPN FC · 36s
Defensive

Defensive Gaps Created by Over-Commitment

“This is when I start getting concerned.”
WhoUSA, T. Adams, A. Robinson, A. Freeman, C. Richards, T. Ream
AR showsPlayer icons on a football pitch, with names appearing. Players are shown in advanced attacking positions, leaving only two central defenders (Richards and Ream) to cover the backline.
The pointThe aggressive attacking strategy leads to a significant commitment of players forward, leaving the defensive line exposed and creating vulnerabilities, especially in wide areas.
Why it mattersFans would want to know the potential weaknesses of their team's strategy and how it could be exploited by opponents.
ESPN FC · 24s
Attacking

Wingers Cutting Inside

“This allows a lot of play for these wingers to be coming inside and causing problems for this Morocco defense.”
WhoBrazil (Matheus Cunha, Vinícius Júnior, Raphinha)
AR showsPlayer IDs for Matheus Cunha, Vinícius Júnior, and Raphinha. Pundit moves Cunha to illustrate linking play and then indicates wingers moving inside.
The pointMatheus Cunha's ability to drop back and link play allows wingers like Vinícius Júnior and Raphinha to cut inside, creating offensive threats and problems for the opposition defense.
Why it mattersHow Brazil's star wingers will be utilized in a potentially more defensive setup is a key interest point for fans, especially regarding their attacking output.
ESPN FC · 14s
Attacking

Mbappé's Attacking Runs In Behind

“He doesn't make enough runs in behind at the start of games because he's devastating.”
AR showsThe AR system showed France's defensive line with Upamecano on the ball. The analyst pointed to Mbappé's starting position and then drew lines illustrating runs in behind the opposing (Senegal) defense, specifically exploiting gaps between center-backs or down the flanks.
The pointMbappé should make more runs in behind the defense, especially when a center-back like Upamecano has possession, to utilize his devastating pace and exploit defensive gaps.
Why it mattersFootball fans would care about how Mbappé's speed and movement can be better leveraged to break down compact defenses and create goal-scoring opportunities for France.
ESPN FC · 23s
Defensive

France's High Pressing Strategy

“It all starts with the front players and Dembélé and Mbappé and Doué and Alise all have to do that.”
AR showsThe AR system illustrated Mbappé and Dembélé pressing the opposing center-backs when Senegal had possession in their own half. The analyst then showed other midfielders (Tchouaméni, Rabiot, Doué, Alise) also pressing higher up the field, with the defensive line pushing forward.
The pointWhen Senegal has possession deep, Mbappé and Dembélé must press the center-backs. There is no expectation for Mbappé to drop into his own half defensively; instead, the entire front line and midfield should press high to win the ball back, allowing the defensive line to play further up.
Why it mattersFans would be interested in France's collective defensive strategy, particularly how their attacking players contribute to winning possession high up the pitch, and the coordinated movement of the entire team in a high-press system.
ESPN FC · 53s
Defensive

USA's Defensive Shape: The 5-3-2 Block

“Alex Freeman interioriza su posición, se convierte prácticamente en el tercer central... y Serginho Dest tiene que correr hacia atrás... para meterse en una línea de cinco.”
WhoUSA, A. Robinson, T. Adams, M. Tillman, W. McKennie, C. Richards, A. Freeman, T. Ream, S. Dest, C. Pulisic, F. Balogun
AR showsThe AR system showed USA players retreating into a defensive formation. It illustrated Alex Freeman dropping back to form a back five, with Serginho Dest also tucking in. McKennie, Tillman, and Adams formed a midfield three. Pulisic and Balogun stayed higher up. It highlighted the defensive structure (5-3-2) and potential weak spots, particularly around Tim Ream.
The pointIn defense, the USA transitions from their attacking formation to a 5-3-2 block. Alex Freeman drops back to become a third center-back, joining C. Richards and T. Ream, while Serginho Dest also falls into the defensive line. Weston McKennie, M. Tillman, and Tyler Adams form a midfield three. Christian Pulisic and F. Balogun remain forward to initiate transitions. The main concern is potential disconnections in the defensive line, especially with Tim Ream, which could leave gaps between Richards, Freeman, and Ream, making them vulnerable to quick transitions.
Why it mattersFans would want to understand how the USA defends, particularly against counter-attacks, and if their defensive structure is solid or prone to errors, especially given the aggressive attacking setup.
ESPN 2026 · 100s
Defensive

Morocco's Initial Defensive Strategy

“Morocco defensively do a good job... you got 2v1 defensively against Vinny, that's exactly what you want in that situation.”
WhoMorocco, Brazil, Vinicius Jr., Hakimi, Douglas Santos, Paqueta, I. Diop, N. El Aynaoui
AR shows3D player models on a pitch, showing player movements, passing lines, and defensive positioning. Player names (Vinicius Jr., I. Diop, N. El Aynaoui) appear.
The pointMorocco initially succeeded in containing Vinicius Jr. by having two defenders (Diop and El Aynaoui) cover him when he moved inside, preventing a one-on-one. They also covered for Hakimi's advanced position.
Why it mattersUnderstanding the tactical approach to neutralize a key attacking player and how defensive structures are maintained.
ESPN FC · 83s
Attacking

Vinicius Jr.'s Equalizing Goal

“You cannot have a one-on-one against Vinny in a penalty box.”
WhoBrazil, Morocco, Vinicius Jr., I. Diop, N. El Aynaoui, Bruno Guimarães
AR shows3D player models on a pitch, showing player movements, passing lines, and the final shot. Player names (Vinicius Jr., I. Diop, N. El Aynaoui) appear.
The pointBrazil, through quick passing and movement, managed to isolate Vinicius Jr. in a one-on-one situation in the penalty box, which Morocco failed to prevent, leading to the equalizer.
Why it mattersWitnessing how a star player creates and finishes a scoring opportunity, and how defensive lapses can be exploited.
ESPN FC · 85s
Attacking

Wingers' Wide Positioning and Interior Runs

“Los extremos siempre están bien pegados, pero bien pegados a la cal para dejar estos espacios aquí por dentro, estos carriles interiores.”
AR showsWingers (Marc Cucurella, Álex Baena, Ferran Torres) initially positioned wide on the AR pitch. Yellow lines then illustrate diagonal runs into interior channels by midfielders (Pedri, Fabián Ruiz) and wingers, emphasizing space creation.
The pointSpain's wingers maintain wide positions to create interior channels, allowing midfielders and other attacking players to make diagonal runs into these spaces. This strategy prioritizes movement and avoids fullbacks occupying the final third by default.
Why it mattersHow Spain creates attacking opportunities by manipulating space and player movement, focusing on the interplay between wide players and central midfielders.
Ahora o Nunca · 44s
Tactical overview

Netherlands: Switching to a Back Three

“So you could play with a back three. That would allow you to get Reijnders higher up the field, Frenkie de Jong could come in there, Gravenberch could still almost stay where he was, and Summerville could come in there to get closer to Malen. From that position, I think they've got a better shape to their team and they can get the ball forward and there's better support to the center forward.”
WhoNetherlands, D. Dumfries, J. van Hecke, V. van Dijk, M. van de Ven, T. Reijnders, F. de Jong, R. Gravenberch, C. Summerville, Malen
AR showsPlayers on the AR pitch are moved to demonstrate a switch to a back three (M. van de Ven, V. van Dijk, J. van Hecke), with D. Dumfries as a right wing-back. Midfielders (T. Reijnders, F. de Jong, R. Gravenberch) are adjusted, and C. Summerville is moved closer to the striker (Malen).
The pointTo improve attacking support and penetration, the Netherlands should switch to a back three, allowing wing-backs to push higher and bringing midfielders and wide players closer to the central striker.
Why it mattersFans would be keen to see how a tactical formation change could unlock a team's attacking potential and provide better support for key players.
ESPN FC · 27s