How much worth formation and tactics for 1 or few matches

[pcmacdaniel]

OP is correct about strength of team being a big factor in determining "wins", "losses" and "draws." What needs to be defined is, just how powerful a team must be for that strength to be overpowering? It also can apply to individual players, especially if they are say, a FK specialist w/ 200%+ shooting or a Corner specialist with 200%+ crossing. The ability to punish a team from set-pieces can go along way to get a positive result out of a match, even if the opponent is playing the so-called counter-formation.

Thing is, even with the correct counter being used, the players still need to win there individual match ups. Good coaching puts them in a positive where its easier to succeed, but if your opponent has Messi or Ronaldo, you're still in big trouble.