Subpage under development, new version coming soon!
Subject: [NT] World Cup Qualifying
Heehee.
I tip lots of people. Tho I've stopped tipping my barber. Doesn't matter how hard he tries I still look like a horse's ....
I tip lots of people. Tho I've stopped tipping my barber. Doesn't matter how hard he tries I still look like a horse's ....
Underway (finally) against Panama.
I had in mind to play a 352 even before the poll. IMO dominating midfield is the way to run up the score. But an over-riding philosophy is to play your best 11 - and considering form, that is still a 352.
The tactic Panama used last week mirrored what the Panama manager uses week in - week out with his club. Not sure how to read this - my best guess is that we’ll see it again this week, especially since it got them a win last week. Tho a more defensive approach would (IMO) be much more in their self interest.
The 352 is pretty standard. No true wingers. If Panama plays the same tactic Atkinson and Sansom should both be able to gain the corner flag even from a normal mid position. There should also be room for Root in the middle of the park.
I see NT matches as a way to educate. I feel it’s necessary to state that the defense used in this match SHOULD NOT BE REPLICATED! :) The loose 3 at the back is the bane of many inexperienced managers. I feel we can use it in this match because I perceive a significant skill gap. It’s not a tactic to use if your opponent is anywhere close to your team’s skill level.
The throw-ins are all line throws. Even if they are covered, I expect the wide mids to get the best of the defenders. Root takes freebies - Morcombe (the only in-form striker) takes penalties. Dawkins covers the back in case of red card.
Irvine is playing a new role for New Zealand. He’s not the player I thought (hoped?) he was. I’m optimistic he will perform well in today’s match.
Line-Up
Taylor
Kilkenny, Harris, Watts
Dawkins, Irvine
Sansom, Root, Atkinson
Morcombe, B Gilbert
Bench
Alves
Williams
Tomlinson (70 - Irvine)
Matthews (80 - Atkinson)
Bodger (60 - Gilbert)
I had in mind to play a 352 even before the poll. IMO dominating midfield is the way to run up the score. But an over-riding philosophy is to play your best 11 - and considering form, that is still a 352.
The tactic Panama used last week mirrored what the Panama manager uses week in - week out with his club. Not sure how to read this - my best guess is that we’ll see it again this week, especially since it got them a win last week. Tho a more defensive approach would (IMO) be much more in their self interest.
The 352 is pretty standard. No true wingers. If Panama plays the same tactic Atkinson and Sansom should both be able to gain the corner flag even from a normal mid position. There should also be room for Root in the middle of the park.
I see NT matches as a way to educate. I feel it’s necessary to state that the defense used in this match SHOULD NOT BE REPLICATED! :) The loose 3 at the back is the bane of many inexperienced managers. I feel we can use it in this match because I perceive a significant skill gap. It’s not a tactic to use if your opponent is anywhere close to your team’s skill level.
The throw-ins are all line throws. Even if they are covered, I expect the wide mids to get the best of the defenders. Root takes freebies - Morcombe (the only in-form striker) takes penalties. Dawkins covers the back in case of red card.
Irvine is playing a new role for New Zealand. He’s not the player I thought (hoped?) he was. I’m optimistic he will perform well in today’s match.
Line-Up
Taylor
Kilkenny, Harris, Watts
Dawkins, Irvine
Sansom, Root, Atkinson
Morcombe, B Gilbert
Bench
Alves
Williams
Tomlinson (70 - Irvine)
Matthews (80 - Atkinson)
Bodger (60 - Gilbert)
oh no! Root Red carded already. After such a good start. Gutted
Gack. I don't know why you guys vote for me. :D
That red card sucked huge. Root must have been mouthing before the match. ;) Tactically, a central offensive mid cuts up 2 defensive mids - saw that in the first 5 minutes. He would have had a sensational match. That hurt a lot.
The finishing was very good. All 3 strikers deposited a significant % of their shots. Good job up front despite some off-form.
Sansom gets the majority of my post-match vitriol. I was really disappointed with his play. His passing was not sharp. He lost a number of 1 on 1 battles. On several occasions he just needed a tiny shoulder turn, but he charged straight ahead. Laps for you. Plenty.
Tomlinson, on the other hand, played really well in short minutes (IMO). He was always a lucky charm for me in my previous term, but he fell right off the depth charts in the past couple of seasons. Atkinson was really good. Matthews didn't have enough minutes to add much.
Defense was decent. Harris kicked the ball out too much - no surprise.
Taylor was very sharp. Could have used that last week. :)
All in all, a disappointing result. Wouldn't want to break the trend. :P
That red card sucked huge. Root must have been mouthing before the match. ;) Tactically, a central offensive mid cuts up 2 defensive mids - saw that in the first 5 minutes. He would have had a sensational match. That hurt a lot.
The finishing was very good. All 3 strikers deposited a significant % of their shots. Good job up front despite some off-form.
Sansom gets the majority of my post-match vitriol. I was really disappointed with his play. His passing was not sharp. He lost a number of 1 on 1 battles. On several occasions he just needed a tiny shoulder turn, but he charged straight ahead. Laps for you. Plenty.
Tomlinson, on the other hand, played really well in short minutes (IMO). He was always a lucky charm for me in my previous term, but he fell right off the depth charts in the past couple of seasons. Atkinson was really good. Matthews didn't have enough minutes to add much.
Defense was decent. Harris kicked the ball out too much - no surprise.
Taylor was very sharp. Could have used that last week. :)
All in all, a disappointing result. Wouldn't want to break the trend. :P
I thought it was a good result considering we only had 10 men for most of the game. At least Roots only out for a week and there were no injurys.
why does Harris kick the ball sideways?
I hate it when my defenders do that. Even when they have plenty of time to line one up down the middle they sometimes turn side on and boot it out.
why does Harris kick the ball sideways?
I hate it when my defenders do that. Even when they have plenty of time to line one up down the middle they sometimes turn side on and boot it out.
Seriously, i think one of the questions for next week's comp should be 'what time will the red card come?' or 'What position will the first red go to?'
Was impressed that we managed to reach double digits with a 10 man side, Gilbert was great, to be expected.
Was impressed that we managed to reach double digits with a 10 man side, Gilbert was great, to be expected.
I was really looking forward to seeing what Root would do in that match. He is built a lot like Canada's Felix Iginla (same tackling and shooting, a little behind in the other skills) whom I used in a similar role a lot the past couple of seasons. Iginla doesn't get many cards - I was quite surprised Root was sent off, especially considering the competition. :/
why does Harris kick the ball sideways?
I think most agree that it's a play-making (and to a lesser extent passing) issue. I know it's a problem for Harris. I put him in the middle, because I think that helps a little. But his first passing option seems to be the parking lot.
With my own club team play-making is a real priority when I look at defenders. With 1 exception, I have more PM on my defenders then my midfielders. :P
why does Harris kick the ball sideways?
I think most agree that it's a play-making (and to a lesser extent passing) issue. I know it's a problem for Harris. I put him in the middle, because I think that helps a little. But his first passing option seems to be the parking lot.
With my own club team play-making is a real priority when I look at defenders. With 1 exception, I have more PM on my defenders then my midfielders. :P
'what time will the red card come?' or 'What position will the first red go to?'
Lol. I like to joke about my luck, but any ideas how many red cards New Zealand had all of last season?
1 :)
If memory serves, New Zealand had 9 red cards my last season here. On pace to surpass that mark. :D
Lol. I like to joke about my luck, but any ideas how many red cards New Zealand had all of last season?
1 :)
If memory serves, New Zealand had 9 red cards my last season here. On pace to surpass that mark. :D
I think its interesting that i've only had 1 red card in my last 35 competitive matches, and stuff all yellows in the past season and current. I think they're going to you.
My club has been alright. I've always felt my club team has had average luck - not especially good, not especially bad. *looks for something to knock on* My karma seems to change with an NT.
Who knows, maybe it'll be smooth sailing from here on out. ;)
Who knows, maybe it'll be smooth sailing from here on out. ;)
Moldova
Moldova is a team we have some familiarity with - they were in New Zealand’s qualifying group the last time I was manager. Since that time they have added ~20 users and now sit at 72. Their domestic league is now into it’s 7th season. In that time PartyTime has distinguished itself with 3 national championships and another 3 cup titles.
Moldova has lost some ranking points since the last official meeting, but seem fairly ranked at #55. As the #4 seed in the group they occupy their own little niche - clearly better then Egypt and Panama, but significantly behind the top 3.
When I did the pre-amble in the previous qualifying, I identified defender Crin Carapcevschi as perhaps their best overall player. He’s now a grizzled veteran at 26, with 66 caps under his belt. They have a quality young keeper in Gelu Litovchenko, who has already claimed 41 caps despite being only 20. Midfielders
Dinu Savitchi and Romulus Buburuz co-lead the squad with 14 assists, though Savitchi has done it in 6 fewer matches (51, 57). Tica Cimpoiesu is the team’s cap and scoring leader with 49 goals in 69 matches.
All in all, Moldova does have some decent players. But there are some significant holes, and there is absolutely no depth.
Moldova is a team we have some familiarity with - they were in New Zealand’s qualifying group the last time I was manager. Since that time they have added ~20 users and now sit at 72. Their domestic league is now into it’s 7th season. In that time PartyTime has distinguished itself with 3 national championships and another 3 cup titles.
Moldova has lost some ranking points since the last official meeting, but seem fairly ranked at #55. As the #4 seed in the group they occupy their own little niche - clearly better then Egypt and Panama, but significantly behind the top 3.
When I did the pre-amble in the previous qualifying, I identified defender Crin Carapcevschi as perhaps their best overall player. He’s now a grizzled veteran at 26, with 66 caps under his belt. They have a quality young keeper in Gelu Litovchenko, who has already claimed 41 caps despite being only 20. Midfielders
Dinu Savitchi and Romulus Buburuz co-lead the squad with 14 assists, though Savitchi has done it in 6 fewer matches (51, 57). Tica Cimpoiesu is the team’s cap and scoring leader with 49 goals in 69 matches.
All in all, Moldova does have some decent players. But there are some significant holes, and there is absolutely no depth.
This match ...
As mentioned above, Moldova has very limited depth. However, their roster is in very good shape - no significant suspensions or injuries (one SI that may well be healed). Form is respectable. They will be able to put their best foot forward this weekend.
Their manager does show good tactical variety, ranging from the very offensive to the very defensive. One would expect a more defensive approach from them. They were able to hold Portugal to a respectable 5-1 scoreline.
New Zealand's roster is in it's best shape yet. Kelly, a world class player and one of New Zealand's finest, is available after an extended injury. Form in midfield continues to be strong (though Sansom has slipped some). On the downside, Bodger's knock is significant. It would hurt more if he were in better form, but it still hurts. Striker form continues to be lackluster at best - "excellent" the best form amongst the big 4.
The immediate goals are to exceed Portugal's +4, and keep everyone on the pitch and healthy. :)
As mentioned above, Moldova has very limited depth. However, their roster is in very good shape - no significant suspensions or injuries (one SI that may well be healed). Form is respectable. They will be able to put their best foot forward this weekend.
Their manager does show good tactical variety, ranging from the very offensive to the very defensive. One would expect a more defensive approach from them. They were able to hold Portugal to a respectable 5-1 scoreline.
New Zealand's roster is in it's best shape yet. Kelly, a world class player and one of New Zealand's finest, is available after an extended injury. Form in midfield continues to be strong (though Sansom has slipped some). On the downside, Bodger's knock is significant. It would hurt more if he were in better form, but it still hurts. Striker form continues to be lackluster at best - "excellent" the best form amongst the big 4.
The immediate goals are to exceed Portugal's +4, and keep everyone on the pitch and healthy. :)
Underway against Moldova.
433 from New Zealand this week. I found the poll done a little while ago (about running up the score) informative. Like the majority, I voted for 352. But I think it depends on what the opponent does. I expect Moldova to use something similar to what was employed against Portugal - which was a 541 with a wide midfield. With all those defenders, I think the extra striker is worthwhile. 3 midfielders should be able to control midfield - especially with the 2 fullbacks really getting upfield and hopefully providing support.
Aggressive defensive line. Moldova doesn’t have strikers that I consider technical threats. Mostly line throws. Hird takes both freekicks and penalties. Kelly covers the back-line in case someone is sent off.
Line-Up
Taylor
Watts, Kilkenny, Harris, Dawkins
Atkinson, Kelly, Root
B Gilbert, Hird, Morcombe
Bench
Alves
Williams
Sansom
Petherick (60 - Dawkins)
D. Chadwick (70 - Morcombe)
433 from New Zealand this week. I found the poll done a little while ago (about running up the score) informative. Like the majority, I voted for 352. But I think it depends on what the opponent does. I expect Moldova to use something similar to what was employed against Portugal - which was a 541 with a wide midfield. With all those defenders, I think the extra striker is worthwhile. 3 midfielders should be able to control midfield - especially with the 2 fullbacks really getting upfield and hopefully providing support.
Aggressive defensive line. Moldova doesn’t have strikers that I consider technical threats. Mostly line throws. Hird takes both freekicks and penalties. Kelly covers the back-line in case someone is sent off.
Line-Up
Taylor
Watts, Kilkenny, Harris, Dawkins
Atkinson, Kelly, Root
B Gilbert, Hird, Morcombe
Bench
Alves
Williams
Sansom
Petherick (60 - Dawkins)
D. Chadwick (70 - Morcombe)
Another match, another disappointment. 4-0 in the first half, 1-1 in the second. :S
19 shots was disappointing. The only players who wanted to shoot were Gilbert (our poorest ball striker in the poorest form) and Root. Hird was especially frustrating, as he routinely passed up clear shooting opportunities only to give the ball away.
The midfield was not nearly as sharp as I would have hoped. Kelly looked good in his return, but I was shocked Buburuz could tackle him so easily. Neither Root nor Atkinson provided the quality of service I was hoping for - Atkinson more so. He, like Hird, passed up numerous clear passing opportunities in order to try his luck dribbling into the defense.
Watts played very well on both sides of the ball, but Dawkins was a liability. I was relieved when Petherick finally replaced him. Neither central defender played great. Panic kick-outs when they were under no pressure, and both had a chance in the 90th minute, but neither did enough to scuttle the opportunity.
Taylor conceded on the only real shot he faced. Not sure what his problem is. I seem to remember him playing well the past two seasons. :)
All in all, another let down. After the first half it looked like New Zealand would easily exceed what Portugal accomplished against them. But in the end we're no further ahead. Frustrating.
19 shots was disappointing. The only players who wanted to shoot were Gilbert (our poorest ball striker in the poorest form) and Root. Hird was especially frustrating, as he routinely passed up clear shooting opportunities only to give the ball away.
The midfield was not nearly as sharp as I would have hoped. Kelly looked good in his return, but I was shocked Buburuz could tackle him so easily. Neither Root nor Atkinson provided the quality of service I was hoping for - Atkinson more so. He, like Hird, passed up numerous clear passing opportunities in order to try his luck dribbling into the defense.
Watts played very well on both sides of the ball, but Dawkins was a liability. I was relieved when Petherick finally replaced him. Neither central defender played great. Panic kick-outs when they were under no pressure, and both had a chance in the 90th minute, but neither did enough to scuttle the opportunity.
Taylor conceded on the only real shot he faced. Not sure what his problem is. I seem to remember him playing well the past two seasons. :)
All in all, another let down. After the first half it looked like New Zealand would easily exceed what Portugal accomplished against them. But in the end we're no further ahead. Frustrating.