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Subject: [NT] Friendlies
Ireland aren't an easy side to defeat. Agree that you were fortunate to get the draw, but there were a few chances blown for both sides like the Bodger to Hird to Bodger which ended in an offside instead of a goal.
Looking forward to next week and I'm not sure whether I'm looking forward to the surprise or not yet. I hate surprises in games, usually means a bad sign :p.
Looking forward to next week and I'm not sure whether I'm looking forward to the surprise or not yet. I hate surprises in games, usually means a bad sign :p.
First off, Bodger was atrocious. That is one thing that stood out the entire match.
Second off, Atkinson was also atrocious, almost as much, but not quite.
Third, i basically agree with everything you said, everyone had a bad day for NZ imo, Watts performed alright and Hird made some pretty nice runs and shots (especially the impossible 179 degree one)
our Matthews has an alright game for once, not one of his normal really good or really bad ones, this one was in the middle. Opponent Matthews played well i think, especially that long shot!
back 4 though were quite shocking, lucky to get the draw with this playing.. Next week should be really fun! I'll put Bodger on meditation during the week to get his form up.
Second off, Atkinson was also atrocious, almost as much, but not quite.
Third, i basically agree with everything you said, everyone had a bad day for NZ imo, Watts performed alright and Hird made some pretty nice runs and shots (especially the impossible 179 degree one)
our Matthews has an alright game for once, not one of his normal really good or really bad ones, this one was in the middle. Opponent Matthews played well i think, especially that long shot!
back 4 though were quite shocking, lucky to get the draw with this playing.. Next week should be really fun! I'll put Bodger on meditation during the week to get his form up.
you forgot this bit as well Nin :).
Like like Australia will against the AB's this weekend =D
:P.
Like like Australia will against the AB's this weekend =D
:P.
You so paid that ref.
Not been my week for predictions *looks around*
*runs*
Not been my week for predictions *looks around*
*runs*
Ok. A little more alert now. :)
Tactically, the biggest problem for New Zealand was the positioning of the defense. I like to move the line around so the opponent has a more difficult time positioning his forwards. In this match I moved them up a little. The team did get a few off-side calls, but more often then not the Irish forwards did a good job of staying on-side, and the tight marking made the defenders job more difficult. Still, I would hope for better play from the back 4 - particularly Edwards (form) and Gilbert (not quite there yet).
(Note: I should add that neither Edwards or Gilbert would have been in had this been a more important match. Dawkins and Chadwick are better options - but I thought the young guys would make better use of the NT training bonus).
Bodger wasn't great. A couple of times he settled for a long shot when it looked like he had beaten the defense, and could have easily improved his shooting position. Irish defenders also managed a clean tackle from behind a number of times, which was unusual. Chalk it up to form maybe.
New Zealand's Matthews played fine. That position (top of the triangle) is much more difficult when facing two defensive midfielders, and was further compounded today by the erratic passing of the New Zealand defense. In the big picture I think Richards, with his slightly superior pace and tackling, is most times the better choice there. Hird has also shown he brings a unique package to that role.
Opponent Matthews was pretty sharp. 3 different New Zealand players had a shot at him on the first goal, but he barreled his way through anyway. At other times I thought he made Kilkenny (New Zealand's fleetest defender) look rather sluggish.
One final point - some of Taylor's goal kicks were truly awful in this match, something that wasn't a problem at all last season. Strange.
Tactically, the biggest problem for New Zealand was the positioning of the defense. I like to move the line around so the opponent has a more difficult time positioning his forwards. In this match I moved them up a little. The team did get a few off-side calls, but more often then not the Irish forwards did a good job of staying on-side, and the tight marking made the defenders job more difficult. Still, I would hope for better play from the back 4 - particularly Edwards (form) and Gilbert (not quite there yet).
(Note: I should add that neither Edwards or Gilbert would have been in had this been a more important match. Dawkins and Chadwick are better options - but I thought the young guys would make better use of the NT training bonus).
Bodger wasn't great. A couple of times he settled for a long shot when it looked like he had beaten the defense, and could have easily improved his shooting position. Irish defenders also managed a clean tackle from behind a number of times, which was unusual. Chalk it up to form maybe.
New Zealand's Matthews played fine. That position (top of the triangle) is much more difficult when facing two defensive midfielders, and was further compounded today by the erratic passing of the New Zealand defense. In the big picture I think Richards, with his slightly superior pace and tackling, is most times the better choice there. Hird has also shown he brings a unique package to that role.
Opponent Matthews was pretty sharp. 3 different New Zealand players had a shot at him on the first goal, but he barreled his way through anyway. At other times I thought he made Kilkenny (New Zealand's fleetest defender) look rather sluggish.
One final point - some of Taylor's goal kicks were truly awful in this match, something that wasn't a problem at all last season. Strange.
If you had played Watts up front in the place of Bodger, I guarantee he would have scored at least 1 goal, more than that weak striker. He should be sacked.
Considering how well Watts covered Cully on the second Ireland goal, this may not be a bad suggestion. ;)
(JK - Watts had a nice game ... besides, of course, when he got beat for the second goal.)
Australia booked for this weekend. I demanded home-field, seeing as Australia has hosted the last two.
I have a plan, but would be happy to entertain suggestions. Any loyal New Zealand users with ideas, or who just want to hear my thoughts, should drop me an SK mail.
(JK - Watts had a nice game ... besides, of course, when he got beat for the second goal.)
Australia booked for this weekend. I demanded home-field, seeing as Australia has hosted the last two.
I have a plan, but would be happy to entertain suggestions. Any loyal New Zealand users with ideas, or who just want to hear my thoughts, should drop me an SK mail.
would love to hear your suggestions =p
Aussie is the NT team i know second best, i mean, their forums are my second home ;)
Aussie is the NT team i know second best, i mean, their forums are my second home ;)
yep but it does backfire from time to time like the other night :D.
Think we are all set for this weekend's match.
Obviously a respectable opponent. I've watched most of the Australia games this season, and have been reasonable impressed. :)
Strength of the team seems to be in midfield. Defense isn't bad. Strikers seem to be a little behind - but then Ireland's are too, and they made the New Zealand defense look suspect last week.
Cometer is a bit of a dicotemy. Has been quite flexible and unpredictable with the Australian team, while being very predictable with his club team. Odd. Perhaps the NT is consuming the majority of his time and energy.
Caught some nice breaks roster-wise. Australia is missing both Howarth and King due to injury. Baveas is suspended, which would appear to be a big loss.
Thanks to Barhilo for:
1) Injuring Howarth
2) The superb scouting report
And if you could see fit to lock Byers in the dressing room, that would be cool too. ;)
Managers of participating players have been notified. Hoping for a little more spirited showing this week over last.
Obviously a respectable opponent. I've watched most of the Australia games this season, and have been reasonable impressed. :)
Strength of the team seems to be in midfield. Defense isn't bad. Strikers seem to be a little behind - but then Ireland's are too, and they made the New Zealand defense look suspect last week.
Cometer is a bit of a dicotemy. Has been quite flexible and unpredictable with the Australian team, while being very predictable with his club team. Odd. Perhaps the NT is consuming the majority of his time and energy.
Caught some nice breaks roster-wise. Australia is missing both Howarth and King due to injury. Baveas is suspended, which would appear to be a big loss.
Thanks to Barhilo for:
1) Injuring Howarth
2) The superb scouting report
And if you could see fit to lock Byers in the dressing room, that would be cool too. ;)
Managers of participating players have been notified. Hoping for a little more spirited showing this week over last.
Cometer is a bit of a dicotemy. Has been quite flexible and unpredictable with the Australian team, while being very predictable with his club team. Odd.
Thats exactly what i thought!
I think saturday night should be a stunner, i'll try take some time out of my poker match to watch it live =]
Thats exactly what i thought!
I think saturday night should be a stunner, i'll try take some time out of my poker match to watch it live =]
Cometer is a bit of a dicotemy. Has been quite flexible and unpredictable with the Australian team, while being very predictable with his club team. Odd.
Think it's got something to do with having a set itinerary of players, and not being able to come up with something new to do with them. Not everyone has ridiculously versatile players, you know.
I went through the same thing when I was NT manager for heavens' sake, and I'm still going through it with my club squad.
Think it's got something to do with having a set itinerary of players, and not being able to come up with something new to do with them. Not everyone has ridiculously versatile players, you know.
I went through the same thing when I was NT manager for heavens' sake, and I'm still going through it with my club squad.
The comment wasn't meant as criticism. If anything, it was a compliment for doing a nice job with the NT.
In fact, keeping a fairly static tactic with one's club team might be seen as beneficial for the NT, as one's tendancies are obscured by the uniformity.
In fact, keeping a fairly static tactic with one's club team might be seen as beneficial for the NT, as one's tendancies are obscured by the uniformity.