4-3-3

The 4-3-3 was a development of the 4-2-4, and was played by the Brazilian national team in the 1962 World Cup. The extra player in midfield allowed a stronger defense, and the midfield could be staggered for different effects. The three midfielders normally play closely together to protect the defense, and move laterally across the field as a coordinated unit. The three forwards split across the field to spread the attack, and are expected to "tackle back". When used from the start of a game, this formation is widely regarded as encouraging defensive play, and should not be confused with the practice of modifying a 4-4-2 by bringing on an extra forward to replace a midfield player when behind in the latter stages of a game.

Teams that used this formation

* Brazil national team, winners 1962 FIFA World Cup
* Feyenoord in winning the 1970 European Cup
* Juventus F.C., Serie A Winners 1994/95 and UEFA Champions League Winners 1995/96
* Rosenborg B.K. of Norway, during all of their 13-in-a-row league wins, and 10 seasons in the UEFA Champions League
* All the teams coached by Zdeněk Zeman
* Chelsea FC, Premiership Winners 2004/05 2005/06
* Olympique Lyonnais, Ligue 1 Winners 2001/02 2002/03 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07
* Brøndby I.F., SAS Liga Winners 2004/05 and runners up 2002/03, 2003/04 and 2005/06