Get there a second early

Don't reach to the opponent after they receive the ball and force them to lose it. Get there before they receive it and steal it just when they're about to get it. 

If you reach after they've received the ball it will be hard for you to win it back and keep possession of it. You'll most probably have to tackle them and poke the ball away or something. 

If you get there just in time or before they receive the ball. You can easily keep possession of it and move your team forward and start the counter attack.