The World Cup has gotten off to a strong start. There have already been goals, victories, a draw, defeats, and even a player who scored a brace. As of Friday evening, only four matches have been played. There are still 100 to go.

Coaches, both in advance and during each match, plan, devise tactics, and ultimately decide who will take the field. The man who never plays is often the first expected to promise the best and the first to leave when things go wrong. The one who decides who can step onto the pitch must remain outside the large green rectangle. On paper or on a chalkboard, the coach sets the course and pays a heavy price for his team’s mistakes.