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Subject: [NT] Canada
Seca [del] to
All
This week’s opponent is one I know a little more about. :)
RL Canada
Has a population of ~ 32 million (about 8 times New Zealand) while covering nearly 10 million km2 (approximately 37 times New Zealand). Even with all that space, about 1/5 of the population resides in the GTA (greater Toronto area). The economy is driven by plundering Mother Nature’s gifts and selling them to the Americans. Not sure what we’ll do when the oil, ore and trees are gone. The parliamentary government is often confused. The primary religion is hockey.
Sokker Canada
One of the oldest nations, it is into it’s 10th season. Usually around 60-65 users. It’s national team has been successful for it’s size - has been ranked as high as 17. It’s core users have made an effort to train Canadian, and managed to split themselves fairly evenly amongst the positions (perhaps a few more defender trainers per capita) which has led to the success. Only one human squad has managed to win the top Canadian division (ahem). :)
Notables
Joe Parker was one of the earlier non-Polish divine keepers, and has long boosted the average value of the squad. Still a top rate keeper, tho off form at the moment.
Jarome Moreau, Rex Barry, and Graham Garvey, otherwise known as the 3 Riders of the Apocalypse. Trained as HT style strikers, their team went bot some time ago, but was good enough to stay up, so these players have never been released and as such, never met their potential. For a good part of team Canada's history, the play of Moreau and Barry dictated how successful the team would be on a given day.
Current Team
Has the ability to put a scare into anyone that isn’t Poland, as illustrated by a 4-4 draw against Italy in the last round of qualifying.
As noted, the team has a good keeper and a solid defense with great depth. Two starting defenders are currently injured (Wagenaar and Fichaud) but there are several comparable fill-in options.
The midfield used to be a weakness of the team, but it has progressed a lot over the past few seasons (primarily due to the efforts of this team who provides most all of the NT midfielders - 5 on the current roster). Felix Iginla is perhaps the most artistic of the midfielders, though there are several creative threats. O’Hara, a usual midfield starter, is currently injured and questionable for this weekend’s match, but there is sufficient midfield depth that his absence will not be significant.
The Canadian side doesn’t quite have the same depth at forward. Sean Amado (off my own club) is their most dangerous weapon up front, and can be very difficult to handle. If he is out for some reason, the offense has less bite. He is currently available and in divine form. :)
Canada’s manager (Slavko74) is relatively experienced, though new on the International scene. He spent a season in the CPL, and sometimes assisted me while I managed Canada, so we have some familiarity with each other. He knows I rely heavily on the previous tactics a team has used. So even though he has employed the same 3-4-3 tactic in both qualifying matches, there is a 99.9% chance he will use something different against New Zealand.
I do know what I want to do tactically, but there are still some personnel decisions that need to be made. If any loyal New Zealand manager would like to be involved in the decision making process, please drop me an SK mail. :)
RL Canada
Has a population of ~ 32 million (about 8 times New Zealand) while covering nearly 10 million km2 (approximately 37 times New Zealand). Even with all that space, about 1/5 of the population resides in the GTA (greater Toronto area). The economy is driven by plundering Mother Nature’s gifts and selling them to the Americans. Not sure what we’ll do when the oil, ore and trees are gone. The parliamentary government is often confused. The primary religion is hockey.
Sokker Canada
One of the oldest nations, it is into it’s 10th season. Usually around 60-65 users. It’s national team has been successful for it’s size - has been ranked as high as 17. It’s core users have made an effort to train Canadian, and managed to split themselves fairly evenly amongst the positions (perhaps a few more defender trainers per capita) which has led to the success. Only one human squad has managed to win the top Canadian division (ahem). :)
Notables
Joe Parker was one of the earlier non-Polish divine keepers, and has long boosted the average value of the squad. Still a top rate keeper, tho off form at the moment.
Jarome Moreau, Rex Barry, and Graham Garvey, otherwise known as the 3 Riders of the Apocalypse. Trained as HT style strikers, their team went bot some time ago, but was good enough to stay up, so these players have never been released and as such, never met their potential. For a good part of team Canada's history, the play of Moreau and Barry dictated how successful the team would be on a given day.
Current Team
Has the ability to put a scare into anyone that isn’t Poland, as illustrated by a 4-4 draw against Italy in the last round of qualifying.
As noted, the team has a good keeper and a solid defense with great depth. Two starting defenders are currently injured (Wagenaar and Fichaud) but there are several comparable fill-in options.
The midfield used to be a weakness of the team, but it has progressed a lot over the past few seasons (primarily due to the efforts of this team who provides most all of the NT midfielders - 5 on the current roster). Felix Iginla is perhaps the most artistic of the midfielders, though there are several creative threats. O’Hara, a usual midfield starter, is currently injured and questionable for this weekend’s match, but there is sufficient midfield depth that his absence will not be significant.
The Canadian side doesn’t quite have the same depth at forward. Sean Amado (off my own club) is their most dangerous weapon up front, and can be very difficult to handle. If he is out for some reason, the offense has less bite. He is currently available and in divine form. :)
Canada’s manager (Slavko74) is relatively experienced, though new on the International scene. He spent a season in the CPL, and sometimes assisted me while I managed Canada, so we have some familiarity with each other. He knows I rely heavily on the previous tactics a team has used. So even though he has employed the same 3-4-3 tactic in both qualifying matches, there is a 99.9% chance he will use something different against New Zealand.
I do know what I want to do tactically, but there are still some personnel decisions that need to be made. If any loyal New Zealand manager would like to be involved in the decision making process, please drop me an SK mail. :)
eh?
@Seca, i believe you are the best man to be taking on Canada, and i do believe you would be the most passionate man in sokker to beat them :P Good luck for it too!
@Seca, i believe you are the best man to be taking on Canada, and i do believe you would be the most passionate man in sokker to beat them :P Good luck for it too!
nice analysis ;)
wanna give the scotland coach lessons on making such a thorough investigation? ;)
wanna give the scotland coach lessons on making such a thorough investigation? ;)
Heehee. I'm certain Dandy could give a similar report if he were playing against Scotland. :)
@ Al Thore - It was a pretty long post. :) Sometimes I'm a little wordy (you should consider yourself lucky you don't have to sit through my lectures).
@ Barhilo - Thanks! I wish the New Zealand side was a little healthier and in better form. Will try our best. :)
@ Al Thore - It was a pretty long post. :) Sometimes I'm a little wordy (you should consider yourself lucky you don't have to sit through my lectures).
@ Barhilo - Thanks! I wish the New Zealand side was a little healthier and in better form. Will try our best. :)
I've notified most of the managers of participating players. Still a couple of selections I'm agonizing over.
Sounds odd seeing as it's only the 3rd qualifying match, but with the team's goal differential where it is, going to need at least a point from this one to have a shot at 2nd.
Sounds odd seeing as it's only the 3rd qualifying match, but with the team's goal differential where it is, going to need at least a point from this one to have a shot at 2nd.
I think I'm happy with how things are set.
Thanks to all who offered advice (BBall, Barhilo, Al Thore, ...). Don't take offence if I don't follow your suggestion - I received several conflicting points of view. :) Suggests to me there isn't much to choose between the different player scenarios.
Thanks to all who offered advice (BBall, Barhilo, Al Thore, ...). Don't take offence if I don't follow your suggestion - I received several conflicting points of view. :) Suggests to me there isn't much to choose between the different player scenarios.
Here we go. :)
I tried to use the first 3 games to set this one up. Used lots of width in those matches hoping to convince Canada they need to defend wide. If they do this, it should open up the middle, where we have concentrated our attack (this would be an “AIM” in the oHTer game). The plan would be better if our width had been more intimidating. But even if they don’t defend wide, I’m optimistic some gaps will be found.
4-3-3 with a triangle in midfield. Defense plays deep - Amado (Canada’s #1 forward) is too quick to allow behind the line. Forward placement is tricky - I’m a little worried they may back their defensive line off where it has been, so the center forward is placed rather high, and may be in offside positions frequently.
Have Gilbert in at center forward. He’s looking for an “ugly” goal (garbage collection). He’s also been told to “flop” whenever possible. If things go our way, we might get one of their central defenders in trouble.
Over the seasons I’ve repeatedly stressed (in the Canadian forum) the importance of throw-ins in tactics, something I’m sure has not been lost on Canada’s manager. I always use throw-ins along the line, and I fully expect the opponent to take those away tactically. So the throw-ins this game are mostly intended as squares into the middle. Some may not be pretty. :) In the danger zone, the throws are intended to go into the box - hoping for a quick shot or foul for a PK.
Bodger takes penalties and freekicks. Watts is covering the two fullbacks in case of red card. Roza on for tragic-form Hird at 60. Richards off at 60 too - Robben in if New Zealand is up or tied, Atkinson in if trailing.
Would prefer to have Harris and Kelly marking Iginla. Iginla has played twice on the right, so I’m expecting to see him on the left this time.
Could use a couple of breaks in this one. Haven’t had too many so far. This would be a good time. :)
I tried to use the first 3 games to set this one up. Used lots of width in those matches hoping to convince Canada they need to defend wide. If they do this, it should open up the middle, where we have concentrated our attack (this would be an “AIM” in the oHTer game). The plan would be better if our width had been more intimidating. But even if they don’t defend wide, I’m optimistic some gaps will be found.
4-3-3 with a triangle in midfield. Defense plays deep - Amado (Canada’s #1 forward) is too quick to allow behind the line. Forward placement is tricky - I’m a little worried they may back their defensive line off where it has been, so the center forward is placed rather high, and may be in offside positions frequently.
Have Gilbert in at center forward. He’s looking for an “ugly” goal (garbage collection). He’s also been told to “flop” whenever possible. If things go our way, we might get one of their central defenders in trouble.
Over the seasons I’ve repeatedly stressed (in the Canadian forum) the importance of throw-ins in tactics, something I’m sure has not been lost on Canada’s manager. I always use throw-ins along the line, and I fully expect the opponent to take those away tactically. So the throw-ins this game are mostly intended as squares into the middle. Some may not be pretty. :) In the danger zone, the throws are intended to go into the box - hoping for a quick shot or foul for a PK.
Bodger takes penalties and freekicks. Watts is covering the two fullbacks in case of red card. Roza on for tragic-form Hird at 60. Richards off at 60 too - Robben in if New Zealand is up or tied, Atkinson in if trailing.
Would prefer to have Harris and Kelly marking Iginla. Iginla has played twice on the right, so I’m expecting to see him on the left this time.
Could use a couple of breaks in this one. Haven’t had too many so far. This would be a good time. :)
Very nice win!
One of the things i was wondering about was Richards/Robben down the left side of the field, and the right side of the field at points. Was this intentional for corners etc or a mistake?
Bodger played pretty shoddily in that match, he was quite slow and Hird played pretty damn well. Amado was definitely a force to be reckoned with (you trained him well :P) and he was dampened down pretty well, snowy and i both applauded when he scored his 82nd minute goal though, it was pure class.
Harris is being paid by the canucks i believe though.. his performance was pretty shoddy, though he should be used to that ;). Glad that Watts wasn't used in the defence so he doesn't bumble again and lead to a goal. Throw ins were genius down our half of the field as Dawkins/Harris were placed right beside the targets.
I think it was tactically brilliant all round, well done Seca!! No doubt will will be ecstatic too at beating your home country :)
One of the things i was wondering about was Richards/Robben down the left side of the field, and the right side of the field at points. Was this intentional for corners etc or a mistake?
Bodger played pretty shoddily in that match, he was quite slow and Hird played pretty damn well. Amado was definitely a force to be reckoned with (you trained him well :P) and he was dampened down pretty well, snowy and i both applauded when he scored his 82nd minute goal though, it was pure class.
Harris is being paid by the canucks i believe though.. his performance was pretty shoddy, though he should be used to that ;). Glad that Watts wasn't used in the defence so he doesn't bumble again and lead to a goal. Throw ins were genius down our half of the field as Dawkins/Harris were placed right beside the targets.
I think it was tactically brilliant all round, well done Seca!! No doubt will will be ecstatic too at beating your home country :)
great game to watch...if your not from Canada ;)
I thought Bodger had a great game and Hird.
an allround good performance :)
I thought Bodger had a great game and Hird.
an allround good performance :)
Blasphemy!
Watts probably is the least likely to mess up in defence :P. Still, he seems to not do too badly sitting in front of the defence.
Watts probably is the least likely to mess up in defence :P. Still, he seems to not do too badly sitting in front of the defence.
like he didn't screw up last week? ;)
but i agree, he did look pretty comfy in that position.
but i agree, he did look pretty comfy in that position.
Thanks guys. :)
The tactic worked much as I had hoped. Weathered their assaults, and sprung some quality chances on the counter attack.
I was a little surprised with the Canadian tactic. Considering they used an aggressive 3-4-3 against Croatia, this tactic seemed quite defensive.
I was really pleased with the play of Hird and Richards. Both played better then their form would suggest.
Got the guys I wanted on Iginla. :) One match-up I anticipated and was worried about was the Omar - Watts match-up. Wouldn't say Watts outplayed him, but he did manage to hold his own - very pleased with that.
@ Barhilo - I think you are being too hard on Bodger. Made a very nice individual effort for his goal. :) Very close a couple of other times.
About Harris - perhaps his colour vision should be checked?
You are right - there was some odd movement by the central midfielder when the ball moved up the sides. This was due to throw-in positioning. Without flank midfielders, throw-ins are tougher to arrange. I'm not sure it could be avoided.
The tactic worked much as I had hoped. Weathered their assaults, and sprung some quality chances on the counter attack.
I was a little surprised with the Canadian tactic. Considering they used an aggressive 3-4-3 against Croatia, this tactic seemed quite defensive.
I was really pleased with the play of Hird and Richards. Both played better then their form would suggest.
Got the guys I wanted on Iginla. :) One match-up I anticipated and was worried about was the Omar - Watts match-up. Wouldn't say Watts outplayed him, but he did manage to hold his own - very pleased with that.
@ Barhilo - I think you are being too hard on Bodger. Made a very nice individual effort for his goal. :) Very close a couple of other times.
About Harris - perhaps his colour vision should be checked?
You are right - there was some odd movement by the central midfielder when the ball moved up the sides. This was due to throw-in positioning. Without flank midfielders, throw-ins are tougher to arrange. I'm not sure it could be avoided.