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Subject: [NT] Friendlies
Canada this week. A strong opponent, and one I know well. :) New Zealand is on a poor run of form lately, though thankfully the election is over. That alone may help right the ship.
Independent of form, New Zealand would have an advantage up front and in goal. Canada has a clear advantage in midfield and on defense. Considering form, the strikers are more even.
Canada has 3 strikers out injured (Biron, Manohar and Wang) but has good depth at the position. Amado, W Lavrynenko and Broussard are all available and in strong form. Otherwise Canada's roster is in good shape.
New Zealand's defense is really hurting this week with Watts out and Kilkenny suspended. They are the two rocks that usually secure the back-line. Will certainly be a chance for someone to step up with those two missing.
Normally I'd be trying to get all potential WC players with 2 yellow cards into this match hoping to induce a 3rd to clean their slate. But the current card situation is really good. D Chadwick and Herbert are the only ones with 2 yellows, and neither is expected to feature in the WC.
So the line-up will once again be mostly "prime" players - 22-26 who are still getting training.
Independent of form, New Zealand would have an advantage up front and in goal. Canada has a clear advantage in midfield and on defense. Considering form, the strikers are more even.
Canada has 3 strikers out injured (Biron, Manohar and Wang) but has good depth at the position. Amado, W Lavrynenko and Broussard are all available and in strong form. Otherwise Canada's roster is in good shape.
New Zealand's defense is really hurting this week with Watts out and Kilkenny suspended. They are the two rocks that usually secure the back-line. Will certainly be a chance for someone to step up with those two missing.
Normally I'd be trying to get all potential WC players with 2 yellow cards into this match hoping to induce a 3rd to clean their slate. But the current card situation is really good. D Chadwick and Herbert are the only ones with 2 yellows, and neither is expected to feature in the WC.
So the line-up will once again be mostly "prime" players - 22-26 who are still getting training.
Underway against Canada.
After completing the tactic this week I looked at it and thought to myself - this looks like a Bball tactic. :) Perhaps more then coincidental with his recent return.
I’m expecting Canada to use the tactic employed against Peru two weeks ago. It was an attacking 352 that threw a lot of guys forward. Was pretty explosive against Peru, but is weak in the back.
Which leads NZ to respond with a counter attack strategy. Essentially conceding midfield, and looking to do most ball recovery with the defense. Hopefully followed by a quick, accurate outlet to one of three attacking players.
It is a long formation. The NZ defense sits quite deep. Several reasons. Suits the skills of the replacement defenders. May catch Canada by surprise (haven’t played much deep line this past season). And hopefully forces the Canadian strikers into long shots. Long shots aren’t Amado or Broussard’s game. If they make’m ... we’ll lose. :P
As mentioned, not looking for a lot of ball recovery from midfield, but hoping they will have enough presence to entice Canada to pass the ball to their strikers early (making for easier tackles at the back).
The winger makes another appearance. Heck, Irvine makes another appearance. :D Originally thought I’d give him a short trot at the end, but he is more likely to get an opposing defender in trouble, so his short trot is at the start. Root shifts to the wing after that, and will hopefully find enough space to let his style show through.
The big question mark is left wing back. Neither (Petherick-Campfens) has a great deal of tackling skill. I’m hoping they are up against Iginla (who is usually on the right). If they end up with Caron, it could get really ugly. :P
Even if the original guess is right, it will be a tough match. Would certainly help if Taylor played well. Also looking for the strikers to cause more trouble ... they really haven’t forced a lot of mistakes from opposing defenses in recent weeks.
Only enough orders to cover the back 3 in case of red card. Root takes freekicks, Morcombe spot kicks.
Line-Up
........................Taylor....................
.......Williams, M Gilbert, Pritchett
Kelly............................................Petherick
.......................Edwards.................
.........Root.....................................
Irvine.......Morcombe..B Gilbert...
Bench
Alves
Findlay
Murray (20 - Irvine, shift with Root)
Campfens (half-time - Petherick)
Pollock (80 - Morcombe)
After completing the tactic this week I looked at it and thought to myself - this looks like a Bball tactic. :) Perhaps more then coincidental with his recent return.
I’m expecting Canada to use the tactic employed against Peru two weeks ago. It was an attacking 352 that threw a lot of guys forward. Was pretty explosive against Peru, but is weak in the back.
Which leads NZ to respond with a counter attack strategy. Essentially conceding midfield, and looking to do most ball recovery with the defense. Hopefully followed by a quick, accurate outlet to one of three attacking players.
It is a long formation. The NZ defense sits quite deep. Several reasons. Suits the skills of the replacement defenders. May catch Canada by surprise (haven’t played much deep line this past season). And hopefully forces the Canadian strikers into long shots. Long shots aren’t Amado or Broussard’s game. If they make’m ... we’ll lose. :P
As mentioned, not looking for a lot of ball recovery from midfield, but hoping they will have enough presence to entice Canada to pass the ball to their strikers early (making for easier tackles at the back).
The winger makes another appearance. Heck, Irvine makes another appearance. :D Originally thought I’d give him a short trot at the end, but he is more likely to get an opposing defender in trouble, so his short trot is at the start. Root shifts to the wing after that, and will hopefully find enough space to let his style show through.
The big question mark is left wing back. Neither (Petherick-Campfens) has a great deal of tackling skill. I’m hoping they are up against Iginla (who is usually on the right). If they end up with Caron, it could get really ugly. :P
Even if the original guess is right, it will be a tough match. Would certainly help if Taylor played well. Also looking for the strikers to cause more trouble ... they really haven’t forced a lot of mistakes from opposing defenses in recent weeks.
Only enough orders to cover the back 3 in case of red card. Root takes freekicks, Morcombe spot kicks.
Line-Up
........................Taylor....................
.......Williams, M Gilbert, Pritchett
Kelly............................................Petherick
.......................Edwards.................
.........Root.....................................
Irvine.......Morcombe..B Gilbert...
Bench
Alves
Findlay
Murray (20 - Irvine, shift with Root)
Campfens (half-time - Petherick)
Pollock (80 - Morcombe)
Good game mate. Could have won that with a bit more luck...
very fast paced game, don't know if it's just me but there were a lot of lightning quick long balls from both sides. Didn't help that your midfielders didn't recognize Canada's defender wasn't there and was sent off and so didn't set up massive through balls to Morcombe. I'm sure that's a problem in that players sent from the field still get treated as if they're there with decision making.
Other than that, pretty intense game, lots of chances, your strikers made a meal of a large number of golden chances though and that's probably what cost you the game in the end. Probably should have ended in a NZ win after that red card to Canada.
Other than that, pretty intense game, lots of chances, your strikers made a meal of a large number of golden chances though and that's probably what cost you the game in the end. Probably should have ended in a NZ win after that red card to Canada.
I guess it's no wonder New Zealand has been struggling lately ... considering how poor the attack looked against almost no defense. :)
Got the tactic from Canada I expected. Even got the red card I hoped for (tho it was Root and not Irvine that drew it). Conceded a lot of shots, but the majority were from distance, and were dealt with fairly easily. Canada did manage to slip a few passes through the defense towards the end, and they capitalized on their high quality stuff at a very high rate.
New Zealand did not. :) The majority of their 12 shots were excellent scoring chances that were poorly taken. Then there were numerous occasions where Root drew the central defender (Bradshaw) leaving two unmarked strikers, but failed to pass the ball before the Bradshaw ran him down and tackled him from behind. Or when a striker had clear space in front from 10 yards or less, but didn't shot before Bradshaw again made a sparkling tackle from behind. Very frustrating.
Not a great match for Taylor. He should make those distance saves, and didn't come up near as big as Madden on the other stuff. Not a great match for Kelly either - Iginla isn't a great technical player, and Kelly missed some fairly easy looking tackles that let him go free. Not a great match for Root. To get only 1 assist after being almost completely unmarked for 2/3 of the match (often with a 2:1 ratio of strikers to defenders in the box) is poor. Obviously not a great match for the three strikers, none of whom look all that interested in scoring goals.
Edwards was terrific. Murray played fairly well (a little slow making up his mind a few times). Campfens looked sharp in his debut, and the back 3 (aside from a gaff by Gilbert) played relatively error free.
Got the tactic from Canada I expected. Even got the red card I hoped for (tho it was Root and not Irvine that drew it). Conceded a lot of shots, but the majority were from distance, and were dealt with fairly easily. Canada did manage to slip a few passes through the defense towards the end, and they capitalized on their high quality stuff at a very high rate.
New Zealand did not. :) The majority of their 12 shots were excellent scoring chances that were poorly taken. Then there were numerous occasions where Root drew the central defender (Bradshaw) leaving two unmarked strikers, but failed to pass the ball before the Bradshaw ran him down and tackled him from behind. Or when a striker had clear space in front from 10 yards or less, but didn't shot before Bradshaw again made a sparkling tackle from behind. Very frustrating.
Not a great match for Taylor. He should make those distance saves, and didn't come up near as big as Madden on the other stuff. Not a great match for Kelly either - Iginla isn't a great technical player, and Kelly missed some fairly easy looking tackles that let him go free. Not a great match for Root. To get only 1 assist after being almost completely unmarked for 2/3 of the match (often with a 2:1 ratio of strikers to defenders in the box) is poor. Obviously not a great match for the three strikers, none of whom look all that interested in scoring goals.
Edwards was terrific. Murray played fairly well (a little slow making up his mind a few times). Campfens looked sharp in his debut, and the back 3 (aside from a gaff by Gilbert) played relatively error free.
I'm sure that's a problem in that players sent from the field still get treated as if they're there with decision making.
I've never considered that. You really think so? If so, that's a huge bug.
More leading balls for Morcombe would have been nice, but the only player behind the ball with strong PM was Murray, and for him Root was even more open and drew most of his service. Kelly had a MID order ... he tried one through pass and could easily have attempted more.
It's a very discouraging loss (after a very discouraging loss). I'm having a difficult time getting goals out of the squad. In this match we had (IMO) the team's two best strikers and best offensive midfielder working against just 2 defenders for most of the match. And still almost no offense.
I've never considered that. You really think so? If so, that's a huge bug.
More leading balls for Morcombe would have been nice, but the only player behind the ball with strong PM was Murray, and for him Root was even more open and drew most of his service. Kelly had a MID order ... he tried one through pass and could easily have attempted more.
It's a very discouraging loss (after a very discouraging loss). I'm having a difficult time getting goals out of the squad. In this match we had (IMO) the team's two best strikers and best offensive midfielder working against just 2 defenders for most of the match. And still almost no offense.
I've never considered that. You really think so? If so, that's a huge bug.
I'm not positive on it, just appears to be that way from the handful of matches I've seen with red cards not being refilled. The only time in that match Morcombe got the ball before another player was when he came forward towards the middle of the pitch (where the Canadian defender would have been still back in the defensive row). There's been a few games in the past (can't recall) where theres been a vacant slot down the middle of defense and they'll still ignore that option and go down the wing. Could be skill related though or even that the wing has more space so we'll pass there, even though the pass through the now vacant defense results in a shot on goal.
*bold is probably the more realistic scenario rather then my observation.
I'm having a difficult time getting goals out of the squad. In this match we had (IMO) the team's two best strikers and best offensive midfielder working against just 2 defenders for most of the match. And still almost no offense.
We had that problem probably 3-4 seasons ago, really couldn't find ways to goal and even when we did we'd butcher them like Storey's shot on goal against you a few weeks back :s. I think you created several chances today though, you just butchered a lot of them (which is something we had a habit of doing in the past). The problem isn't that you're not getting enough chances, but you're not converting enough which is a real pain (especially if you've got strikers with high striking which I'm pretty confident you do (if I've learnt anything about NZ over the seasons).
I'm not positive on it, just appears to be that way from the handful of matches I've seen with red cards not being refilled. The only time in that match Morcombe got the ball before another player was when he came forward towards the middle of the pitch (where the Canadian defender would have been still back in the defensive row). There's been a few games in the past (can't recall) where theres been a vacant slot down the middle of defense and they'll still ignore that option and go down the wing. Could be skill related though or even that the wing has more space so we'll pass there, even though the pass through the now vacant defense results in a shot on goal.
*bold is probably the more realistic scenario rather then my observation.
I'm having a difficult time getting goals out of the squad. In this match we had (IMO) the team's two best strikers and best offensive midfielder working against just 2 defenders for most of the match. And still almost no offense.
We had that problem probably 3-4 seasons ago, really couldn't find ways to goal and even when we did we'd butcher them like Storey's shot on goal against you a few weeks back :s. I think you created several chances today though, you just butchered a lot of them (which is something we had a habit of doing in the past). The problem isn't that you're not getting enough chances, but you're not converting enough which is a real pain (especially if you've got strikers with high striking which I'm pretty confident you do (if I've learnt anything about NZ over the seasons).
I hear what you are saying about Morcombe's service. In this match, despite Morcombe being open, Root was reallly open. Even if we had more PM on the pitch I think Root still gets the lion's share of the service.
Thanks for the support. :) I don't know how much of this is still form - both Morcombe and Gilbert are mid-range at present (thought Pollock might bring different results with his great form, but he was reticent to shoot).
Some of the problems have clearly been me - against Australia not enough chances were generated, against Slovenia there were lots of chances - but not of great quality. In this match there were lots of chances of great quality - on numerous times the defense wasn't even a factor and it was almost like watching a drill on the practice pitch. Yet a similar outcome.
It starts to mess with your mind. :D As a manager you begin trying wacky new things to try and spark the offense. Then you're in even more trouble.
It's a bad time to go through a run like this. 3 losses in succession since the Norway game, and New Zealand as a clear under-dog in it's next 4 matches. That means a rankings free-fall in a season where rankings really matter. :S
Thanks for the support. :) I don't know how much of this is still form - both Morcombe and Gilbert are mid-range at present (thought Pollock might bring different results with his great form, but he was reticent to shoot).
Some of the problems have clearly been me - against Australia not enough chances were generated, against Slovenia there were lots of chances - but not of great quality. In this match there were lots of chances of great quality - on numerous times the defense wasn't even a factor and it was almost like watching a drill on the practice pitch. Yet a similar outcome.
It starts to mess with your mind. :D As a manager you begin trying wacky new things to try and spark the offense. Then you're in even more trouble.
It's a bad time to go through a run like this. 3 losses in succession since the Norway game, and New Zealand as a clear under-dog in it's next 4 matches. That means a rankings free-fall in a season where rankings really matter. :S
It starts to mess with your mind. :D As a manager you begin trying wacky new things to try and spark the offense. Then you're in even more trouble.
I remember going through a similar position, in the end was trying different striker combinations (some with high tech, some with high striking) and modifying how far and when they started running, looking at different angles to attack from. Some worked, some didn't. I also got frustrated with conceding goals from annoying through balls so tried working on defensive plans and most worked until the latest change and since then I've had to re-adjust to try and get that to work effectively.
I guess the thing is to stick with what you know has worked for you in the past but to I guess try to analyze where things could have gone better, so if you're giving yourself say 10+ shots maybe that's a good start but conceding over 10-15 shots (even if from range) might suggest something need's tweaking in defense or midfield. Either control the midfield more, push defense up a fraction (or back if 1 on 1's are happening too easily), closer together that sort of thing. In saying that though I think there wasn't a lot wrong today. Thought Canada's tactic was a bit strange in some areas and not covering for cards on another day would have seen NZ slam home 5-6 in a hurry. You just got the end of the stick again with shooting accuracy.
Think we got harshly dealt with today as well, only had 2 less shots and we went down by 3-1 against the dutch, their 1st goal was extremely hard to take and I think there's a few items around my computer that were lucky not to end up 2-3 metres away from their current location ;). Passing goals which the keeper fumbles without any pressure really irritate me as they're just so soft to give away, especially when you're up against quality opposition.
I remember going through a similar position, in the end was trying different striker combinations (some with high tech, some with high striking) and modifying how far and when they started running, looking at different angles to attack from. Some worked, some didn't. I also got frustrated with conceding goals from annoying through balls so tried working on defensive plans and most worked until the latest change and since then I've had to re-adjust to try and get that to work effectively.
I guess the thing is to stick with what you know has worked for you in the past but to I guess try to analyze where things could have gone better, so if you're giving yourself say 10+ shots maybe that's a good start but conceding over 10-15 shots (even if from range) might suggest something need's tweaking in defense or midfield. Either control the midfield more, push defense up a fraction (or back if 1 on 1's are happening too easily), closer together that sort of thing. In saying that though I think there wasn't a lot wrong today. Thought Canada's tactic was a bit strange in some areas and not covering for cards on another day would have seen NZ slam home 5-6 in a hurry. You just got the end of the stick again with shooting accuracy.
Think we got harshly dealt with today as well, only had 2 less shots and we went down by 3-1 against the dutch, their 1st goal was extremely hard to take and I think there's a few items around my computer that were lucky not to end up 2-3 metres away from their current location ;). Passing goals which the keeper fumbles without any pressure really irritate me as they're just so soft to give away, especially when you're up against quality opposition.
Nice post. As experienced managers we should have the maturity to recognize quirky results and stay the course. That's what we'll try to do. :)
Planning a junior match this weekend against Scotland. Tried to do U21, but can't find enough respectable bodies to field a full U21 line-up (been combing rosters and transfer histories, but still a little short). If you have anyone you think might be suitable that may have been over-looked, drop me a note. As it stands, we'll be using a few 22 year olds to fill out the line-up.
Planning a junior match this weekend against Scotland. Tried to do U21, but can't find enough respectable bodies to field a full U21 line-up (been combing rosters and transfer histories, but still a little short). If you have anyone you think might be suitable that may have been over-looked, drop me a note. As it stands, we'll be using a few 22 year olds to fill out the line-up.
Still looking for a few able bodied U21s. Jono Langer was the most recent call-up, and is in the line-up at present. The bar is not very high if you have some suggestions for players. :)
Dan Williams and Josh Filer are the only ones ive got that might make the team
They're locks. :) Scotland's manager is allowing us a to fill a few holes with 22 year olds, so Lanev will play too. Starting to look like Cashmere vs. Scotland. :D
Thanks to Wivak for some scouting on his guys. Think all the slots are now occupied, though I'm always interested in seeing the skills of young players.
Thanks to Wivak for some scouting on his guys. Think all the slots are now occupied, though I'm always interested in seeing the skills of young players.
Program - Youth match vs. Scotland
Mick Crockett - GK, 21 yrs
11 Wise Men youth, playing in the Czech Republic
Don’t really know much about him, but he seems the best option in net. :) No previous caps.
Thomas Mckay - GK - 21 yrs
One
Recent call-up with no previous caps. Has ratings similar to Crockett though with less player value.
Andrew Cole - Def - 22 yrs
New Manchester Unite youth, playing in USA
Rounded defender, a little off form at the moment. 1 previous cap.
Josh Filer - Mid - 20 yrs
Cashmere
Nice all-rounder. Stamina is a concern - not able to go the full 90 yet. Has NT promise beyond U21. No previous caps.
Duncan Findlay- Def - 21 yrs
N_Z
The best young defender in the system. As players like Harris and Dawkins fade away, Findlay will be looked to ascend. Stamina is a concern - has been something that has limited his caps with the senior squad. 3 previous caps.
Stuart Hobbs - Mid - 22 yrs
Hyperintelligent Shades of Blue
Yet another smooth middie from HSOB, Hobbs is cut from the same clothe as fellow HSOB middie Tomlinson. He’ll likely be the main source of creativity against Scotland. 1 previous cap.
Tyler Lanev - Att-Mid - 22 yrs
Cashmere
With 96 goals in just 39 matches with his club, Lanev has been prolific in different roles. Gifted offensive player, look for him to direct the midfield and sneak in for the odd shot on net. No previous caps.
Jono Langer - Mid - 21 yrs
West Auckland Warriors
Gritty midfield player who is unfortunately waaaaay out of form at the present time. No previous caps.
Brendon Pince - Mid-Def - 20 yrs
One
Scrappy young player who can play both midfield and back-line. Has not developed much finesse yet, but that may come. :) No previous caps.
Aaran Ponting - Mid - 19 yrs
Takutimu
Young offensive middie with a few holes in his game. But in great form and hopefully able to contribute. No previous caps.
Jacob Priorie - Att - 21 yrs
Unbelievers youth - playing in Poland
All round threat, and one of two real stars on NZ’s U21s (along with Findlay). As the Hirds and Bodgers head out to pasture, Priorie seems likely to assume the mantle. 9 previous caps, with 8 goals in those matches.
Quintin Richards - Mid-Def - 22 yrs
One
Well rounded player comfortable in both midfield and on defense. 1 previous cap.
Luke Stanley - Att - 20 yrs
11 Wise Men youth, playing in Poland
Built very much like Walker, he’ll have trouble generating his own shot, but should do alright finishing if the mids set him up well. No previous caps.
Rick Van Hattum - Def - 22 yrs
Invincibles youth, playing in Scotland
Built very much little Q Richards. Reasonably rounded defender who could still be a nice middie depending on the direction training goes. 2 previous caps.
Rodney Walker - Att - 21 yrs
Unbelievers youth, playing in Slovakia
Bit of a 1-dimensional threat at this point in his career. Will need some excellent service to be effective. May grow into a more rounded threat. Spent some time in Maqoma’s sokker factory. No previous caps.
Dan Williams - Mid - 21 yrs
Cashmere
Offensive minded midfielder - 19 assists in just 33 official matches with his club. May have learned a few tricks from Root. ;) Stamina means he only has so many good minutes. No previous caps.
Mick Crockett - GK, 21 yrs
11 Wise Men youth, playing in the Czech Republic
Don’t really know much about him, but he seems the best option in net. :) No previous caps.
Thomas Mckay - GK - 21 yrs
One
Recent call-up with no previous caps. Has ratings similar to Crockett though with less player value.
Andrew Cole - Def - 22 yrs
New Manchester Unite youth, playing in USA
Rounded defender, a little off form at the moment. 1 previous cap.
Josh Filer - Mid - 20 yrs
Cashmere
Nice all-rounder. Stamina is a concern - not able to go the full 90 yet. Has NT promise beyond U21. No previous caps.
Duncan Findlay- Def - 21 yrs
N_Z
The best young defender in the system. As players like Harris and Dawkins fade away, Findlay will be looked to ascend. Stamina is a concern - has been something that has limited his caps with the senior squad. 3 previous caps.
Stuart Hobbs - Mid - 22 yrs
Hyperintelligent Shades of Blue
Yet another smooth middie from HSOB, Hobbs is cut from the same clothe as fellow HSOB middie Tomlinson. He’ll likely be the main source of creativity against Scotland. 1 previous cap.
Tyler Lanev - Att-Mid - 22 yrs
Cashmere
With 96 goals in just 39 matches with his club, Lanev has been prolific in different roles. Gifted offensive player, look for him to direct the midfield and sneak in for the odd shot on net. No previous caps.
Jono Langer - Mid - 21 yrs
West Auckland Warriors
Gritty midfield player who is unfortunately waaaaay out of form at the present time. No previous caps.
Brendon Pince - Mid-Def - 20 yrs
One
Scrappy young player who can play both midfield and back-line. Has not developed much finesse yet, but that may come. :) No previous caps.
Aaran Ponting - Mid - 19 yrs
Takutimu
Young offensive middie with a few holes in his game. But in great form and hopefully able to contribute. No previous caps.
Jacob Priorie - Att - 21 yrs
Unbelievers youth - playing in Poland
All round threat, and one of two real stars on NZ’s U21s (along with Findlay). As the Hirds and Bodgers head out to pasture, Priorie seems likely to assume the mantle. 9 previous caps, with 8 goals in those matches.
Quintin Richards - Mid-Def - 22 yrs
One
Well rounded player comfortable in both midfield and on defense. 1 previous cap.
Luke Stanley - Att - 20 yrs
11 Wise Men youth, playing in Poland
Built very much like Walker, he’ll have trouble generating his own shot, but should do alright finishing if the mids set him up well. No previous caps.
Rick Van Hattum - Def - 22 yrs
Invincibles youth, playing in Scotland
Built very much little Q Richards. Reasonably rounded defender who could still be a nice middie depending on the direction training goes. 2 previous caps.
Rodney Walker - Att - 21 yrs
Unbelievers youth, playing in Slovakia
Bit of a 1-dimensional threat at this point in his career. Will need some excellent service to be effective. May grow into a more rounded threat. Spent some time in Maqoma’s sokker factory. No previous caps.
Dan Williams - Mid - 21 yrs
Cashmere
Offensive minded midfielder - 19 assists in just 33 official matches with his club. May have learned a few tricks from Root. ;) Stamina means he only has so many good minutes. No previous caps.
In very tough this match. Even with a few 22 year olds to help out (Scotland will also be using a few) the line-up, as a group, isn’t that intimidating.
Scotland is renowned for it’s strong wing play, and even at the U21 level I expect it to be a strength for them. Best guess is a 442 from them with some width in the offensive midfield. Nonetheless, New Zealand is countering with a 352. In part because there just aren’t that many able bodied defenders, and in part because it seems noone else has to defend the wings. I mean, come on - Root, Morcombe, Gilbert vs. 1 defender ... but I digress. :D
What can make a 352 sing is the 2 defensive mids - if they can cover ground and recover balls a 352 can be really nice. I fear I am asking a little much out of our lads in those spots tonight. All are either young or out of form. I’m hoping they will pleasantly surprise.
Ball recovery is going to be an issue from start to finish. Look for Scotland to break lots of tackles. In all honesty, we’re hoping for a bad pass to get the ball back. I expect to lose the tech vs. def battle, and the pace battle.
The left side (with Hobbs and Priorie) is stronger then the right side. If we can direct play that way, then maybe we can keep it respectable. My expectations for the right side of the offense are a little lower.
Lanev takes freekicks, Walker penalties. Pince provides coverage for the back 3.
......................................Crockett...............................
...........Van Hattum.......Findlay.......Richards............
........................Filer......................Pince....................
Williams......................Lanev........................Hobbs
....................Walker..................Priorie.....................
Bench
Mckay
Cole
Langer (60 - Filer)
Ponting (75 - Williams)
Stanley (50 - Walker)
Scotland is renowned for it’s strong wing play, and even at the U21 level I expect it to be a strength for them. Best guess is a 442 from them with some width in the offensive midfield. Nonetheless, New Zealand is countering with a 352. In part because there just aren’t that many able bodied defenders, and in part because it seems noone else has to defend the wings. I mean, come on - Root, Morcombe, Gilbert vs. 1 defender ... but I digress. :D
What can make a 352 sing is the 2 defensive mids - if they can cover ground and recover balls a 352 can be really nice. I fear I am asking a little much out of our lads in those spots tonight. All are either young or out of form. I’m hoping they will pleasantly surprise.
Ball recovery is going to be an issue from start to finish. Look for Scotland to break lots of tackles. In all honesty, we’re hoping for a bad pass to get the ball back. I expect to lose the tech vs. def battle, and the pace battle.
The left side (with Hobbs and Priorie) is stronger then the right side. If we can direct play that way, then maybe we can keep it respectable. My expectations for the right side of the offense are a little lower.
Lanev takes freekicks, Walker penalties. Pince provides coverage for the back 3.
......................................Crockett...............................
...........Van Hattum.......Findlay.......Richards............
........................Filer......................Pince....................
Williams......................Lanev........................Hobbs
....................Walker..................Priorie.....................
Bench
Mckay
Cole
Langer (60 - Filer)
Ponting (75 - Williams)
Stanley (50 - Walker)
Predictable result. Both the loss and that New Zealand's offense struggled. If the senior team can't score goals, it's unlikely the U21s will be able to do it. :)
Soundly beaten in midfield. Scotland had the upper hand in tech vs. defending & in pace. Ball recovery was tough for New Zealand, and even when someone got it, they often didn't get very far before they lost it.
Not enough service for Priorie, and the balls he got typically weren't ones he could run onto, but instead had to come back for. I probably should have loaded the left side a little more to draw more play that way (not sure it would have worked out well considering that was the side Buchanan was zipping up and down).
I changed the line-up a number of times, and it resulted in a blown order. Walker & Pince switched spots instead of Stanley coming on for Walker. Despite Walker having an ATT order and no midfield skills, he actually played very well at DM, and provided some of the better balls forward. Strange.
Crockett played well, making a number of good stops. No one else really had much opportunity to shine.
Think that's 4 losses in a row. Nice to start the WC on a roll. :P
Soundly beaten in midfield. Scotland had the upper hand in tech vs. defending & in pace. Ball recovery was tough for New Zealand, and even when someone got it, they often didn't get very far before they lost it.
Not enough service for Priorie, and the balls he got typically weren't ones he could run onto, but instead had to come back for. I probably should have loaded the left side a little more to draw more play that way (not sure it would have worked out well considering that was the side Buchanan was zipping up and down).
I changed the line-up a number of times, and it resulted in a blown order. Walker & Pince switched spots instead of Stanley coming on for Walker. Despite Walker having an ATT order and no midfield skills, he actually played very well at DM, and provided some of the better balls forward. Strange.
Crockett played well, making a number of good stops. No one else really had much opportunity to shine.
Think that's 4 losses in a row. Nice to start the WC on a roll. :P