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Subject: World Cup 4 (Season 12)
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Canada had a record finish in the last World Cup, advancing beyond the group stage for the first time. It’s certainly possible to duplicate that this time, though after a disappointing qualifying round, and entering into the World Cup as a #4 seed, expectations are probably a little lower.
Canada is in Group B
1. Finland
2. Switzerland
3. Germany
4. Canada
All the first basket teams were tough. Finland isn’t a terrible pull in that position - certainly a very strong team, but not quite Netherlands or Belgium.
Switzerland is a great pull from the second basket. They are a quality side, but were probably the weakest team in the second basket. Drawing Poland or Italy from this basket would have snuffed out any chances of progressing.
Germany wasn’t a great pull from the third basket. Along with Croatia and USA, they are amoung the toughest from that pot. However, it was far more important to get a good pull from the second basket. All in all, we did pretty well.
Canada is weaker then both Finland and Germany and is the clear underdog in both of those matches. But the differences aren’t huge, and an upset in either wouldn’t be Earth-shaking. Canada arguably has a better starting 11 then Switzerland and may actually be favoured going into that match depending on form and who is available.
It’s a group where the players are close enough in skill that tactics will matter, and luck (both macro and micro) will be a very important factor. Finland is favoured, but really any 2 of the 4 teams could make it through.
Canada is in Group B
1. Finland
2. Switzerland
3. Germany
4. Canada
All the first basket teams were tough. Finland isn’t a terrible pull in that position - certainly a very strong team, but not quite Netherlands or Belgium.
Switzerland is a great pull from the second basket. They are a quality side, but were probably the weakest team in the second basket. Drawing Poland or Italy from this basket would have snuffed out any chances of progressing.
Germany wasn’t a great pull from the third basket. Along with Croatia and USA, they are amoung the toughest from that pot. However, it was far more important to get a good pull from the second basket. All in all, we did pretty well.
Canada is weaker then both Finland and Germany and is the clear underdog in both of those matches. But the differences aren’t huge, and an upset in either wouldn’t be Earth-shaking. Canada arguably has a better starting 11 then Switzerland and may actually be favoured going into that match depending on form and who is available.
It’s a group where the players are close enough in skill that tactics will matter, and luck (both macro and micro) will be a very important factor. Finland is favoured, but really any 2 of the 4 teams could make it through.
[color=#000000 size=6 face=arial]Germany[/color]
Is a fairly large Sokker nation, with ~900 users. It is currently ranked #14 which is down a little. If memory serves, they were a top 10 team for some time.
Their domestic league and NT same age as Canada. The Bundesliga is stronger then CPL - top CPL teams would likely be bottom half Bundesliga teams.
In the first World Cup they won their group, then knocked out the Czech Republic before being bounced by Mr. Gibbage’s England.
In the second World Cup they suffered an opening 3-0 loss to BBallMaster2's New Zealand (in a wonderful tactical match by NZ) which ended their World Cup run as it began. Germany finished 3rd behind Croatia and New Zealand.
The third World Cup was painful to watch for Germany supporters, as the team took 5 red cards in it’s opening two matches - losing them both. Canada, under the steady hand of Slavko, put them out of their misery. They finished 3rd behind Argentina and Canada.
They had a relatively straight forward qualifying group this past season. Were locked into second place because of the 800 lb gorilla (Poland) in the group. None of South Africa, Serbia, Nigeria or Iceland caused them too much concern.
Is a fairly large Sokker nation, with ~900 users. It is currently ranked #14 which is down a little. If memory serves, they were a top 10 team for some time.
Their domestic league and NT same age as Canada. The Bundesliga is stronger then CPL - top CPL teams would likely be bottom half Bundesliga teams.
In the first World Cup they won their group, then knocked out the Czech Republic before being bounced by Mr. Gibbage’s England.
In the second World Cup they suffered an opening 3-0 loss to BBallMaster2's New Zealand (in a wonderful tactical match by NZ) which ended their World Cup run as it began. Germany finished 3rd behind Croatia and New Zealand.
The third World Cup was painful to watch for Germany supporters, as the team took 5 red cards in it’s opening two matches - losing them both. Canada, under the steady hand of Slavko, put them out of their misery. They finished 3rd behind Argentina and Canada.
They had a relatively straight forward qualifying group this past season. Were locked into second place because of the 800 lb gorilla (Poland) in the group. None of South Africa, Serbia, Nigeria or Iceland caused them too much concern.
The German Team
Up Front
Thomas Wessels, Ralf Straub and Kim Hill seem to get most of the action up front. Wastl Deiß provides some depth. Thomas Reichel and Lars Kampa seem on the verge of “arriving”. Some very good strikers, but not quite as good as one might expect from a nation this size. Amado, for example, would be amoung their top 4.
In the Midfield
Midfield is often where larger nations get an advantage, as their greater numbers lead to more diverse options. Germany has some nice wingers like Orlando Ott (0.76 assists per match in league, 0.56 for NT), some very flexible options like Dominik Suster (0.41 assists per match for NT) and Odysseus Konrad who can be used inside and out. Again, our top guys (like Iginla) would be in the mix for the German side.
At the back
Germany played Poland twice in qualifying, so a good number of their top defenders were on display. :) Players like Guido Kahre and Axel Skela typify what I perceive as the difference between our two sides - comparable brute defending skills, but Germany with a little more finesse around the ball.
In Goal
Heiner Platins seems to be the keeper of choice, tho they appear to have a number of other viable options (Emil Keidel, youngster Robert Goldschmied). Parker is comparable, but their depth is enviable.
Currently
Their roster is in very good shape. Their top options are all in pretty good form. Only 1 injury (Snowhares’ Christoffer Lauth) who was unlikely to play. One SI of note - striker Kim Hill.
The Game
Not trying to sound defeatist, but for me this match is about luck. We must avoid red cards and key injuries. We need to win 50-50 headers and get our shots on target. We need spilled balls to roll to red shirts rather then white shirts. We need Parker to show up. The teams are close enough that if either team gets a disproportionate amount of support from random, it will put them over the top.
Up Front
Thomas Wessels, Ralf Straub and Kim Hill seem to get most of the action up front. Wastl Deiß provides some depth. Thomas Reichel and Lars Kampa seem on the verge of “arriving”. Some very good strikers, but not quite as good as one might expect from a nation this size. Amado, for example, would be amoung their top 4.
In the Midfield
Midfield is often where larger nations get an advantage, as their greater numbers lead to more diverse options. Germany has some nice wingers like Orlando Ott (0.76 assists per match in league, 0.56 for NT), some very flexible options like Dominik Suster (0.41 assists per match for NT) and Odysseus Konrad who can be used inside and out. Again, our top guys (like Iginla) would be in the mix for the German side.
At the back
Germany played Poland twice in qualifying, so a good number of their top defenders were on display. :) Players like Guido Kahre and Axel Skela typify what I perceive as the difference between our two sides - comparable brute defending skills, but Germany with a little more finesse around the ball.
In Goal
Heiner Platins seems to be the keeper of choice, tho they appear to have a number of other viable options (Emil Keidel, youngster Robert Goldschmied). Parker is comparable, but their depth is enviable.
Currently
Their roster is in very good shape. Their top options are all in pretty good form. Only 1 injury (Snowhares’ Christoffer Lauth) who was unlikely to play. One SI of note - striker Kim Hill.
The Game
Not trying to sound defeatist, but for me this match is about luck. We must avoid red cards and key injuries. We need to win 50-50 headers and get our shots on target. We need spilled balls to roll to red shirts rather then white shirts. We need Parker to show up. The teams are close enough that if either team gets a disproportionate amount of support from random, it will put them over the top.
Nice postings at all. Good work.
The third World Cup was painful to watch for Germany supporters, as the team took 5 red cards in it’s opening two matches - losing them both. Canada, under the steady hand of Slavko, put them out of their misery. They finished 3rd behind Argentina and Canada.
The match against your team was terrible unlucky. That's why we want to take revenge this time. We are the favorite in the upcoming match but - as you already said - random can be a decisive factor.
Only in one thing we aren't same opinion: I guess
Switzerland is a little stronger then you.
Let's have a nice game.
The third World Cup was painful to watch for Germany supporters, as the team took 5 red cards in it’s opening two matches - losing them both. Canada, under the steady hand of Slavko, put them out of their misery. They finished 3rd behind Argentina and Canada.
The match against your team was terrible unlucky. That's why we want to take revenge this time. We are the favorite in the upcoming match but - as you already said - random can be a decisive factor.
Only in one thing we aren't same opinion: I guess
Switzerland is a little stronger then you.
Let's have a nice game.
Only in one thing we aren't same opinion: I guess
Switzerland is a little stronger then you.
I'm an optimist. :)
Switzerland is a little stronger then you.
I'm an optimist. :)
Fair enough. :) I'm not about to try and convince you of the virtues of our roster. I do think we have the advantage in a few positions over the Swiss. If their players are better, the difference is slight (IMO).
PS - no need to take revenge on me. It was Slavko who was in charge. I'm an innocent bystander. :)
PS - no need to take revenge on me. It was Slavko who was in charge. I'm an innocent bystander. :)
Underway against Germany.
Germany’s manager is very flexible - hard to predict what they’ll do. I’m expecting them to play fairly offensively. A draw would do us more good then them, and they may be expecting a very defensive approach from us. They tried out a 433 in their friendly last week, but I think it more likely they will return to a 442 (with a winger) like they used a lot in qualifying.
Tho I’m expecting a winger from them, I’ve only got 3 in the back-line. Using a 3-3-2-2. The outside def mids are responsible for the wingers - hopefully intercepting a lot of the service, and failing that, chipping the ball out so the defense can reset. It will be a bad sign if one of the back three start engaging wingers - they are to look after the strikers.
A 433 isn’t what I want to see from them - there are better ways to deal with that then 3-1 in the middle. If they do use the 433, our midfield is going to need to dominate.
Rebound goals seem to be the most consistent way to score right now (especially at the NT level), and that’s what we are going for. Wang drops off to be the “shooter”. Amado parks in front of the net, and the weak-side off mid crashes the net. At times I’m committing a tactical “sin” - I’ve got Amado in the line-of-sight of the shooter - hopefully he can get his big butt out of the way.
I’m also worried about conceding rebound goals, so I’ve got our quickest and best form defenders in the back 3.
It didn’t matter how many times I looked at the roster, we were 1 decent form defender away from a line-up. So Abbas Musa is in despite being a little off lately. Hopefully his seasons of commitment will compensate. :)
Line-Up
Parker
Wagenaar, Fichaud, Bradshaw
Dehere, Sebrango, Abbas Musa
Iginla, Caron
Amado, Wang
Bench
Madden
Villanueva
Renda (75 - Caron)
W Lavrynenko (75 - Wang, conditional)
B Laforest
Wang spot kicks, Caron freebies. Red card coverage for the back 3 and Sebrango.
Germany’s manager is very flexible - hard to predict what they’ll do. I’m expecting them to play fairly offensively. A draw would do us more good then them, and they may be expecting a very defensive approach from us. They tried out a 433 in their friendly last week, but I think it more likely they will return to a 442 (with a winger) like they used a lot in qualifying.
Tho I’m expecting a winger from them, I’ve only got 3 in the back-line. Using a 3-3-2-2. The outside def mids are responsible for the wingers - hopefully intercepting a lot of the service, and failing that, chipping the ball out so the defense can reset. It will be a bad sign if one of the back three start engaging wingers - they are to look after the strikers.
A 433 isn’t what I want to see from them - there are better ways to deal with that then 3-1 in the middle. If they do use the 433, our midfield is going to need to dominate.
Rebound goals seem to be the most consistent way to score right now (especially at the NT level), and that’s what we are going for. Wang drops off to be the “shooter”. Amado parks in front of the net, and the weak-side off mid crashes the net. At times I’m committing a tactical “sin” - I’ve got Amado in the line-of-sight of the shooter - hopefully he can get his big butt out of the way.
I’m also worried about conceding rebound goals, so I’ve got our quickest and best form defenders in the back 3.
It didn’t matter how many times I looked at the roster, we were 1 decent form defender away from a line-up. So Abbas Musa is in despite being a little off lately. Hopefully his seasons of commitment will compensate. :)
Line-Up
Parker
Wagenaar, Fichaud, Bradshaw
Dehere, Sebrango, Abbas Musa
Iginla, Caron
Amado, Wang
Bench
Madden
Villanueva
Renda (75 - Caron)
W Lavrynenko (75 - Wang, conditional)
B Laforest
Wang spot kicks, Caron freebies. Red card coverage for the back 3 and Sebrango.
Deserved victory for Germany in a strange game.
Parker for MOTM.
Parker for MOTM.
it could of gone both sides IMO
canada played better in the 2nd half with a man down...
agreed though...parker MOTM
(edited)
canada played better in the 2nd half with a man down...
agreed though...parker MOTM
(edited)
Yet again Canada luck but we showed even with a man down we can do well. Parker very strong MOTM indeed.
Yup. Germany deserved the win. Parker played out of his skin to keep it close.
Still, a little disappointing to miss that penalty. :)
I think this game is a great illustration of the difference between the top tier teams and the second tier teams. Canada was under huge pressure in the first half of the match because the defense kicked a large proportion of recovered balls out of play - despite having numerous open targets. (One of the big motivators to use a tactic like this instead of 5 at the back is to reduce kick-outs). By contrast, the German defense (which has stronger PM and passing skills) not only kicked few balls out, but routinely made a very difficult pass to the winger. So instead of defending a throw, they are racing down-field. Makes all the difference.
The tactic didn't work great at the back - Germany had no trouble getting the ball to Ott who in turn had no trouble making the end-line. 4-2 would have probably been better then 3-3. All the kick-outs really hurt because Germany's throw-ins were nicely constructed (or I did a lousy job covering them - which-ever you prefer :D). So they generated a large number of good scoring chances. Thanks again to Parker.
The offense worked fine when the offensive mids passed the ball instead of trying to beat their defender. None of them seemed to have enough horse-power to beat their opposing back out wide. The passes into the middle generally caused some trouble. The "shooter" and "net-crasher" didn't really pan out as Canada had very little sustained possession in Germany's end.
I'll try to do better next week. :) A -1 doesn't kill us - but we'll need a stronger outing in round 2.
Still, a little disappointing to miss that penalty. :)
I think this game is a great illustration of the difference between the top tier teams and the second tier teams. Canada was under huge pressure in the first half of the match because the defense kicked a large proportion of recovered balls out of play - despite having numerous open targets. (One of the big motivators to use a tactic like this instead of 5 at the back is to reduce kick-outs). By contrast, the German defense (which has stronger PM and passing skills) not only kicked few balls out, but routinely made a very difficult pass to the winger. So instead of defending a throw, they are racing down-field. Makes all the difference.
The tactic didn't work great at the back - Germany had no trouble getting the ball to Ott who in turn had no trouble making the end-line. 4-2 would have probably been better then 3-3. All the kick-outs really hurt because Germany's throw-ins were nicely constructed (or I did a lousy job covering them - which-ever you prefer :D). So they generated a large number of good scoring chances. Thanks again to Parker.
The offense worked fine when the offensive mids passed the ball instead of trying to beat their defender. None of them seemed to have enough horse-power to beat their opposing back out wide. The passes into the middle generally caused some trouble. The "shooter" and "net-crasher" didn't really pan out as Canada had very little sustained possession in Germany's end.
I'll try to do better next week. :) A -1 doesn't kill us - but we'll need a stronger outing in round 2.
Tho I’m expecting a winger from them, I’ve only got 3 in the back-line. Using a 3-3-2-2. The outside def mids are responsible for the wingers - hopefully intercepting a lot of the service, and failing that, chipping the ball out so the defense can reset. It will be a bad sign if one of the back three start engaging wingers - they are to look after the strikers.
1-2 close result but a fair win of Germany. I think the outside def mids didn't play good..especially in the first part of the game. There was alot of running by the def mids, but most of the time they where just running and didn't take part of the game.
Anyway, good luck in the next game! :)
(edited)
1-2 close result but a fair win of Germany. I think the outside def mids didn't play good..especially in the first part of the game. There was alot of running by the def mids, but most of the time they where just running and didn't take part of the game.
Anyway, good luck in the next game! :)
(edited)
Indeed. When we lost Wagenaar, Dehere shifted out of his wide def mid position - which had almost no effect on team play.
The wide def mids weren't positioned great (hard to do!) - and neither Abbas Musa nor Dehere had the quick feet to make up for it. I knew it was a bit of a gamble, and it didn't pay off. Germany's passing made it worse - they really moved the ball well.
The wide def mids weren't positioned great (hard to do!) - and neither Abbas Musa nor Dehere had the quick feet to make up for it. I knew it was a bit of a gamble, and it didn't pay off. Germany's passing made it worse - they really moved the ball well.