Maccabi Haifa Adopts 4-3-3 Formation, Shows Early Success in Toto Cup Match

Maccabi Haifa implemented a new 4-3-3 formation in their Toto Cup match against Tiberias on August 4, 2026, leading to a significant improvement in their first-half performance. The change was made at the request of club president Yaankale Shahar, aiming to enhance the team's attacking dynamics. Haifa took a 3-1 lead by halftime, a stark contrast to their previous two Toto Cup games where they trailed 0-3 at the break.

The midfield trio of Bruninho, Eitan Azulai, and Yarin Levi played a key role, with Bruninho returning to his natural advanced midfield position. All three goals in the first half originated from the midfield, while the attacking line featured Guy Melamed, Kenji Hura, and Cedric Don. Despite conceding a goal shortly after their third, Haifa maintained a two-goal advantage at halftime.

Comparative statistics highlight the impact of the formation change: against Hapoel Haifa, Haifa had 2 goals, 8 shots on target, and 59% possession but were down 0-3 at halftime; versus Kiryat Shmona, they had no goals, 4 shots on target, and 45% possession, also trailing 0-3 at halftime. In contrast, against Tiberias, Haifa scored 3 goals, had 2 shots on target (including an own goal by the opponent), and dominated possession at 72%, leading 3-1 at halftime.

Tiberias had previously beaten Sakhnin 2-1 and lost 3-1 to Hapoel Haifa in the Toto Cup. The new tactical approach by Maccabi Haifa appears to be yielding positive results early in the competition.