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Subject: [NT] Austria
I appreciate your feedback. :) I see it as constructive. I am open to suggestions. Here are my counter-points:
I was surprised to see Caron today playing that wide, better option would have been Iginla which you intend to switch later but to late.
Because of the tactic used by Austria, IMO the left mid was actually in a better position to contribute offensively then the semi-winger. I was pretty happy to have Iginla on the left. After the card was dreading his shift to the right side.
All in all, there is little to choose between Iginla and Caron. That said, had Olaf Lavrynenko been healthy he would have played left mid and Iginla would have started in the semi-winger position (Caron's form, tho better, is still a concern). Most of the week I planned to start O'Hara, but went with Caron because of better PM.
I briefly considered starting Barrera at left mid so that I could use Iginla on the other side (this was to be the second arrangement after the substitution) but I felt the first arrangement was potentially more productive. I feel the match bears this out. We had 7 quality scoring chances with the first arrangement in just 40 minutes against a fairly respectable defense.
The red card is a random event. Iginla failed 3 tackles from behind while he was on the right side. It could just as easily have been him assessed the red card.
Dehere is a nice player but just don't fit as DM.
I disagree with this. Dehere was excellent in this role against Lithuania and was acceptable today. For me, passing is quite possibly the second most important stat for a DM. I know you and I disagree on this (as your usual choice at DM had passing as his poorest stat).
Again, the injury to Lavrynenko limited options in this regard. Omar at DM, Lav at left mid, Iginla in the center and Caron at semi-wing would have been a consideration had Lavrynenko been healthy.
Like you said our strikers positioning today just wasn't good.
I questioned this initially, but on the re-watch it didn't bother me. Coming out of our own end they pulled back further then the defense, but this wasn't a problem at all when Wang was in the game, as both he and Amado had sufficient technique and PM to work their way upfield. Austria had so little zone penetration that this was an even smaller problem. In Austria's end Amado and Wang were where I wanted them. Amado was even with the defense or 1 square back (so the mids could lead him through the hole). Wang was 1 or 2 squares back hoping to get off a 15-20 yarder (scoring or letting Amado run down the rebound).
Laterally, there were some positions where the strikers were covered, but this is always going to be the case. They were open in others. The midfield had many good chances to connect.
Lavrynenko as a sub stiker for this tipe of games is not a good move, SI Cochran or Biron and even Manohar would have been better options.
Lol. 2 seasons ago you judged Lavrynenko good enough to start a qualifying match. :) Two additional seasons of training, and he's not good enough to be a sub? :D And if you really feel this way, why not say something before now? He's been the back-up striker in each Q-match (including Lithuania). :)
Cochran was SI 10 on Monday. Biron was SI 9 monday. Both were still significantly SI (~3). To use either would have been silly. Manohar doesn't have enough pace & tech to be a threat, and doesn't have enough striking to hit with any consistency from distance. Lavrynenko at least has 1 dimension. He is a potential game changer with his striking ability. And a game-changer is what you want as your substitute striker.
Above of all that luck wasn't on our side today at all. 2 shots 2 goals from Austria, 13 shots 1 goal for Canada and both divine keepers?
This really is the key. I've played Sokker a long time, and this is the most bogus result I've had (worse then the Valiant FC - Hajduk Burnaby draw a few seasons back :D). I firmly believe we were not out-smarted or out-played in any way today - we, quite simply, got screwed. It's important not to panic and start second guessing everything.
I was surprised to see Caron today playing that wide, better option would have been Iginla which you intend to switch later but to late.
Because of the tactic used by Austria, IMO the left mid was actually in a better position to contribute offensively then the semi-winger. I was pretty happy to have Iginla on the left. After the card was dreading his shift to the right side.
All in all, there is little to choose between Iginla and Caron. That said, had Olaf Lavrynenko been healthy he would have played left mid and Iginla would have started in the semi-winger position (Caron's form, tho better, is still a concern). Most of the week I planned to start O'Hara, but went with Caron because of better PM.
I briefly considered starting Barrera at left mid so that I could use Iginla on the other side (this was to be the second arrangement after the substitution) but I felt the first arrangement was potentially more productive. I feel the match bears this out. We had 7 quality scoring chances with the first arrangement in just 40 minutes against a fairly respectable defense.
The red card is a random event. Iginla failed 3 tackles from behind while he was on the right side. It could just as easily have been him assessed the red card.
Dehere is a nice player but just don't fit as DM.
I disagree with this. Dehere was excellent in this role against Lithuania and was acceptable today. For me, passing is quite possibly the second most important stat for a DM. I know you and I disagree on this (as your usual choice at DM had passing as his poorest stat).
Again, the injury to Lavrynenko limited options in this regard. Omar at DM, Lav at left mid, Iginla in the center and Caron at semi-wing would have been a consideration had Lavrynenko been healthy.
Like you said our strikers positioning today just wasn't good.
I questioned this initially, but on the re-watch it didn't bother me. Coming out of our own end they pulled back further then the defense, but this wasn't a problem at all when Wang was in the game, as both he and Amado had sufficient technique and PM to work their way upfield. Austria had so little zone penetration that this was an even smaller problem. In Austria's end Amado and Wang were where I wanted them. Amado was even with the defense or 1 square back (so the mids could lead him through the hole). Wang was 1 or 2 squares back hoping to get off a 15-20 yarder (scoring or letting Amado run down the rebound).
Laterally, there were some positions where the strikers were covered, but this is always going to be the case. They were open in others. The midfield had many good chances to connect.
Lavrynenko as a sub stiker for this tipe of games is not a good move, SI Cochran or Biron and even Manohar would have been better options.
Lol. 2 seasons ago you judged Lavrynenko good enough to start a qualifying match. :) Two additional seasons of training, and he's not good enough to be a sub? :D And if you really feel this way, why not say something before now? He's been the back-up striker in each Q-match (including Lithuania). :)
Cochran was SI 10 on Monday. Biron was SI 9 monday. Both were still significantly SI (~3). To use either would have been silly. Manohar doesn't have enough pace & tech to be a threat, and doesn't have enough striking to hit with any consistency from distance. Lavrynenko at least has 1 dimension. He is a potential game changer with his striking ability. And a game-changer is what you want as your substitute striker.
Above of all that luck wasn't on our side today at all. 2 shots 2 goals from Austria, 13 shots 1 goal for Canada and both divine keepers?
This really is the key. I've played Sokker a long time, and this is the most bogus result I've had (worse then the Valiant FC - Hajduk Burnaby draw a few seasons back :D). I firmly believe we were not out-smarted or out-played in any way today - we, quite simply, got screwed. It's important not to panic and start second guessing everything.
hehe Seca you had your luck back from your match against Deja this past week :p
I thought the lads did pretty good despite the loss. Most of the mactch was played in Austria's half. Preiner just totally outclassed Parker. From the start of the game I thought Canada was going to win hands down. Yet after shot after shot that Preiner kept saving I had a feeling it was going to take a turn for the worst. Malhotra had a bit of trouble early on but settled on nicely as the game went on. Its a shame about Wang's injury. Big Carl didn't disappoint in his big match, he had a strong game I felt.
Good effort Seca, there's not much more that could have been done personally.
Oh, one more thing. How are keepers rating actually calculated? Parker with an 89 going two for two? Something really doesn't add up too me :s
(edited)
I thought the lads did pretty good despite the loss. Most of the mactch was played in Austria's half. Preiner just totally outclassed Parker. From the start of the game I thought Canada was going to win hands down. Yet after shot after shot that Preiner kept saving I had a feeling it was going to take a turn for the worst. Malhotra had a bit of trouble early on but settled on nicely as the game went on. Its a shame about Wang's injury. Big Carl didn't disappoint in his big match, he had a strong game I felt.
Good effort Seca, there's not much more that could have been done personally.
Oh, one more thing. How are keepers rating actually calculated? Parker with an 89 going two for two? Something really doesn't add up too me :s
(edited)
Preiner isn`t divine in keeper, but he played divine yesterday ;)
You are very good informed Seca, he is magical...
You are very good informed Seca, he is magical...
It wasn't me that was talking about him. But it is fairly clear from his value that he isn't divine.
Good effort Seca, there's not much more that could have been done
I really thought it was a good game plan. I felt a strong possession tactic would inevitably lead to goals given the quality of our strikers and midfielders. When Austria left a vacuum in the middle I was thrilled. I'm still baffled.
The defense the tactic faced was similar to the "field test" against Partizan 74. Actually, Partizan 74's defensive zone coverage was better IMO. I expected Austria to back in. The goals were supposed to be scored like the first goal in the Voyageur Cup match. There Fleury picked out Broussard who scored from the top of the 18. We had more then 10 similar opportunities in this match, all of which were wasted.
Normally when you outshoot your opponent 13-2, have the better strikers and the better keeper you win. Welcome to my nightmare. :)
I really thought it was a good game plan. I felt a strong possession tactic would inevitably lead to goals given the quality of our strikers and midfielders. When Austria left a vacuum in the middle I was thrilled. I'm still baffled.
The defense the tactic faced was similar to the "field test" against Partizan 74. Actually, Partizan 74's defensive zone coverage was better IMO. I expected Austria to back in. The goals were supposed to be scored like the first goal in the Voyageur Cup match. There Fleury picked out Broussard who scored from the top of the 18. We had more then 10 similar opportunities in this match, all of which were wasted.
Normally when you outshoot your opponent 13-2, have the better strikers and the better keeper you win. Welcome to my nightmare. :)
Seca these things happen, as in real life as in sokker, put it behind and keep doind the good job you're doing so far.....cheers!
[i]Normally when you outshoot your opponent 13-2, have the better strikers and the better keeper you win. Welcome to my nightmare. :)/[i]
hehe no welcome to your luck :p
The difference in the game was the keepers, plain & simple. They goalie was spot on, Parker....ummmm, not so good, eh?
hehe no welcome to your luck :p
The difference in the game was the keepers, plain & simple. They goalie was spot on, Parker....ummmm, not so good, eh?
Line-up is set for this weekend. I'm hopeful I'll get another login before then, but it may not happen.
good luck for todays match.
i am looking forward for a really close match;-)
i am looking forward for a really close match;-)
Underway against Austria. A win is badly needed both for the team’s prospects and to stem my persecution complex. :)
I expect a more even match this time. I wasn’t all that impressed with the Austrian tactic last match - that was part of my consternation about the result. I’m guessing they’ll sacrifice a winger for a little more interior presence so Canada doesn’t run wild with ball control.
442 again from us. The difference is in the details. I’ve backed the Canadian defense off a little partly to give the flank backs a little more time, and partly for the sake of change.
A more distinct two-tiers in the midfield. Hopefully Iginla and O’Hara will be able to get past the Austrian defensive midfield and draw defenders a little more then last match. I generally consider the arrangement I’m using today to be a defensive approach, but some of the positioning and (more importantly) player selection should give it a more attacking tilt.
I’ve “loaded” the right side of the field to an extent. I have placed our best PM players on the left side - hopefully they will realize there isn’t anyone there and switch the ball. If a lot of balls get thrown up the left side of the field, my low opinion of PM will become lower.
There was some (valid) criticism of the striker positioning last match. It could have been a little better (it can always be better). What made it worse last time was the absence of an offensive midfielder caused Amado to be pulled out of position frequently. I hope that won’t be the case today. Furthermore, the offensive midfield tends to “filter” balls as they come forward - mitigates the chances of offsides a little, and allows for more aggressive striker positioning.
I expect the Austrian defense to play quite deep again. It worked last time. If they were to move their line forward I think it would be very beneficial for them - the extra possession they would gain could go a long way. I think that is a little unlikely, and have to prepare for the deep placement.
I’ve tried to “hide” Wyn Lavrynenko. I would prefer he only touch the ball in Austria’s 18 yard box. I’ve put him in a spot where I hope he will be closely marked (until in the 18) hoping the midfield won’t provide him service. I’ve kept him close to Amado too, hoping that any service intended for Lavrynenko will be intercepted by Amado.
The key players for me today are:
Parker - he’s can’t be completely useless.
W Lavrynenko - he’s gotta get shots away. Only 1 shot last time.
Malhotra - he was the most suspect defender in an outstanding defensive effort last time. I hadn’t planned to use him, but Mayard’s injury, and Wagenaar, Villaneuva & Bradshaw’s form make him the best choice IMO.
Line-Up
Parker
Abbas Musa, Malhotra, Fichaud, Dehere
Omar, O Lavrynenko, Iginla, O’Hara
W Lavrynenko, Amado
Bench
Madden
Bradshaw
Barrera (conditional - 75 for Iginla)
Ortega Santiago
Biron (conditional - 80 for W Lavrynenko)
I expect a more even match this time. I wasn’t all that impressed with the Austrian tactic last match - that was part of my consternation about the result. I’m guessing they’ll sacrifice a winger for a little more interior presence so Canada doesn’t run wild with ball control.
442 again from us. The difference is in the details. I’ve backed the Canadian defense off a little partly to give the flank backs a little more time, and partly for the sake of change.
A more distinct two-tiers in the midfield. Hopefully Iginla and O’Hara will be able to get past the Austrian defensive midfield and draw defenders a little more then last match. I generally consider the arrangement I’m using today to be a defensive approach, but some of the positioning and (more importantly) player selection should give it a more attacking tilt.
I’ve “loaded” the right side of the field to an extent. I have placed our best PM players on the left side - hopefully they will realize there isn’t anyone there and switch the ball. If a lot of balls get thrown up the left side of the field, my low opinion of PM will become lower.
There was some (valid) criticism of the striker positioning last match. It could have been a little better (it can always be better). What made it worse last time was the absence of an offensive midfielder caused Amado to be pulled out of position frequently. I hope that won’t be the case today. Furthermore, the offensive midfield tends to “filter” balls as they come forward - mitigates the chances of offsides a little, and allows for more aggressive striker positioning.
I expect the Austrian defense to play quite deep again. It worked last time. If they were to move their line forward I think it would be very beneficial for them - the extra possession they would gain could go a long way. I think that is a little unlikely, and have to prepare for the deep placement.
I’ve tried to “hide” Wyn Lavrynenko. I would prefer he only touch the ball in Austria’s 18 yard box. I’ve put him in a spot where I hope he will be closely marked (until in the 18) hoping the midfield won’t provide him service. I’ve kept him close to Amado too, hoping that any service intended for Lavrynenko will be intercepted by Amado.
The key players for me today are:
Parker - he’s can’t be completely useless.
W Lavrynenko - he’s gotta get shots away. Only 1 shot last time.
Malhotra - he was the most suspect defender in an outstanding defensive effort last time. I hadn’t planned to use him, but Mayard’s injury, and Wagenaar, Villaneuva & Bradshaw’s form make him the best choice IMO.
Line-Up
Parker
Abbas Musa, Malhotra, Fichaud, Dehere
Omar, O Lavrynenko, Iginla, O’Hara
W Lavrynenko, Amado
Bench
Madden
Bradshaw
Barrera (conditional - 75 for Iginla)
Ortega Santiago
Biron (conditional - 80 for W Lavrynenko)
Congrats! ;-)
A longtime it looked like two weeks ago, Preiner saved everything and Austria scored from their only chance.
But this time you got the 3 points, of course totally deserved, you were the better team and you created much more scoring opportunities! ;-)
But I was a little bit surprised about your defenders outkicks ...
Anyway, congrats again!
Good match, good tactic and a well deserved victory! ;-)
@Hells: Just look at the team Niederreiter's playing in, then you know why he played that good! ;-)
A longtime it looked like two weeks ago, Preiner saved everything and Austria scored from their only chance.
But this time you got the 3 points, of course totally deserved, you were the better team and you created much more scoring opportunities! ;-)
But I was a little bit surprised about your defenders outkicks ...
Anyway, congrats again!
Good match, good tactic and a well deserved victory! ;-)
@Hells: Just look at the team Niederreiter's playing in, then you know why he played that good! ;-)
Did you see it? Minute 72. Parker made a save. Incredible.
Preiner again was unbelievably good. 5 or 6 saves in the first half. The match could easily have been 4-1 for Canada.
IMO a much stronger tactic from Austria. The slight forward move of the defense was very effective. Their stronger presence in the middle eased the pressure on their defense a little from last time.
I considered assaulting the left side instead of the right. Koppel played fairly well last match, and I would have liked to take the play away from him. But I thought Austria might switch sides too so I stayed right.
Canadian defense was not as sharp as the last match. Many, many panic kick-outs and a number of poorly controlled bouncing balls. Malhotra worried me a few times. Not sure where Fichaud was going with the ball in the 86th minute and a 1 goal lead.
Thought both Iginla and O Lav's slightly off form was apparent. Both made some sloppy passes and had trouble controlling the ball. W Lav was not effective. May have been tactical - hard to tell on the first watch. He's like a one of the Apocalypse boys - has difficulty making his own shot.
I didn't think Omar was going to last the game after his early yellow. O'Hara didn't break many down the sideline, but made some nice decisions and passes. Barrera, brought on for slightly more defense, was solid.
Amado was great. He was the difference.
In the end, another dominant performance with a less then dominant result. One of these times we'll play a keeper who's not having a career day. The result is what is important. Back on track for 2nd place.
Preiner again was unbelievably good. 5 or 6 saves in the first half. The match could easily have been 4-1 for Canada.
IMO a much stronger tactic from Austria. The slight forward move of the defense was very effective. Their stronger presence in the middle eased the pressure on their defense a little from last time.
I considered assaulting the left side instead of the right. Koppel played fairly well last match, and I would have liked to take the play away from him. But I thought Austria might switch sides too so I stayed right.
Canadian defense was not as sharp as the last match. Many, many panic kick-outs and a number of poorly controlled bouncing balls. Malhotra worried me a few times. Not sure where Fichaud was going with the ball in the 86th minute and a 1 goal lead.
Thought both Iginla and O Lav's slightly off form was apparent. Both made some sloppy passes and had trouble controlling the ball. W Lav was not effective. May have been tactical - hard to tell on the first watch. He's like a one of the Apocalypse boys - has difficulty making his own shot.
I didn't think Omar was going to last the game after his early yellow. O'Hara didn't break many down the sideline, but made some nice decisions and passes. Barrera, brought on for slightly more defense, was solid.
Amado was great. He was the difference.
In the end, another dominant performance with a less then dominant result. One of these times we'll play a keeper who's not having a career day. The result is what is important. Back on track for 2nd place.
Thanks. :)
I expected a few more panic kick-outs on the left side, since there weren't as many outlet options there (due to the loading). But I was surprised by the number of times Fichaud and Dehere chose to put the ball out instead of creating something.
I was impressed with Lindenberger. I think he won most every 50-50 ball he went up for - most against Fichaud. His slight knock was a bad break for Austria, as it surely robbed him of a step or two. Mahlich also stood out for me - he did a pretty good job marking Iginla.
I expected a few more panic kick-outs on the left side, since there weren't as many outlet options there (due to the loading). But I was surprised by the number of times Fichaud and Dehere chose to put the ball out instead of creating something.
I was impressed with Lindenberger. I think he won most every 50-50 ball he went up for - most against Fichaud. His slight knock was a bad break for Austria, as it surely robbed him of a step or two. Mahlich also stood out for me - he did a pretty good job marking Iginla.