Subject: [NT] World Cup Qualifying

I have a dumb newbie question about the tactic used this week.

Isn't it going to wear Omar out, running him all the way left and right across the field like that? I seem to recall something in the rules about players wearing out both due to their stamina level and the amount of running they do in a match...

What you read is correct. I'm not sure what Omar's stamina is - it is likely maxed out. I think the general perception is that with max stamina fatigue isn't factor even if there is a lot of miles covered. But you are right that it is something to keep in mind. :)

Wyn was still the best with his 1 goal from 8 shots today which is really alarming!

Bah. W Lav had the best shooting % (at 12.5 - weee!) but Broussard had the better day. ;) He was 0 for 3, but they were from tougher shooting positions. 1 was on target with sufficient mustard that it was spilled for the first goal. And he drew the penalty.

You cannot only blame it on the engine or the players.
Something must also be wrong with the tactic because it's just not normal to end like that...

There are some tweaks that could be made - there always are. :) But 27 shots, 18 of them from divine strikers (and 0 shots conceded) suggests a fair bit went right. It might even have been a new striker rating record for Team Canada in this one. Can we blame the manager for the missed penalty? I think you could replay this match with no changes on either side and get a +6 or +7. Such is the nature of the game.

but Sokker does strange things to the strikers...so why use 3? :)

Because Sokker does strange things to the strikers. :D Guatemala backed 7 into the box in this match. 3 strikers (IMO) is the right call. It increases the chances one of them will be unmarked. It gives a better opportunity at rebound goals. It puts an extra body in the 18 yard box, which makes it more likely to draw a pass into that area.

It's a shame.
I won't say anything bad against the tactics again.
Wyn had about the same finishing today in my league match.
He playes nicely and about 95% of his shots are on target, but too often directly aimed at the keeper.
I don't find this nice, but the "latest" keeper changes are most likely the cause of this.
Sometimes you score about all and sometimes about nothing....form independent :(
(edited)

it's true, but the better team still wins most days

I won't say anything bad against the tactics again.

It's not my intent to prevent criticism. NT managing is a public position that is clearly open to it. In fact, criticism is often the main way one improves. Most around here will agree I don't hesitate to speak up when I see something I don't like. :D

I just happen to think the formations the past two weeks are defensible choices - this week even more then last week. :)

PS - I don't mean to sound "holier-then-thou", tho I'm sure I do. :D I could be completely wrong - perhaps a 3 striker formation is not the way to go here. I laid out the reasons why I thought it was a good approach, but maybe I'm missing something (I'm learning too).

For me, the reasons NOT to play a 3 striker formation are:

- can't spare the body
need the player on defense in order to defend properly, or in midfield in order to control the play

- dilution
if one striker is weaker, playing a third striker may hurt the offense if a disproportionate number of chances go through the weak link

I didn't think either of these was an issue in this match. But again, I could be missing something.

PS - I don't mean to sound "holier-then-thou", tho I'm sure I do. :D

Nah, don't worry :)
Since it looks like I'm the only one who thinks that 3 striker tactics are no good it makes no fun to argue :P
Could be me who is wrong.

The main reason for me to not play 3 strikers is that you lose control even against weaker opponents.
For me the midfielders are the most important part of a team that is responsible for quality and goals.
Even the best quality strikers are worth nothing if they don't get the good balls.

My todays league opponent used a 3 striker tactic and if we cross out the final minutes he was about chanceless even though his two main strikers are nice and his average marks are 4 points higher than mine.
Why?
Because I had the ball possession and the control.
The strikers got no balls and were therefore harmless.
Its better to feed one striker with 15 balls than 3 strikers with 5 good balls each. (In my opinion)

For me a striker is a player that stays up front and does nothing but wait for the right situations to explode.
You don't need, no you just cannot afford to have 3 players standing and waiting for the ball doing nothing else for the game than that.
More players in the midfield means more players that could do the deadly pass the striker(s) need.
More players to gain the ball.
More players to worry the opponent.

That's how I see it, but... Once burnt, twice shy
(edited)

lol you haven't seen my strikers in action have you?

You have not fielded them against me though. :)

/edit
I find your tactics more than "strange".
Doesn't fit into my book.
Must be some Canadian style :)
(edited)

You've explained it well, and I understand your point. :)

My counter point would be that (IMO) the 4 midfielders were more then enough to maintain control of midfield in this match (17-83 territory, 59-41 possession). Playing another mid could potentially have opened up a few more passing lanes - but given how Guatemala backed in, there's no guarantee of that - might still have been left with primarily peripheral shots.

I usually have strikers with PM and PA, then they contribute to the team play (I tend to train players from my youth league for most positions)

Good luck, don't think you will need any.

GO GO
(edited)

..........Amado.........Giacomi.......W Lavrynenko



Caron...................Omar...............................Iginla



........................Barrera.........................

.............Holden......Villa.........Zanardi........



............................Singh........................




Today's line up will look sth like this. Going with the 3 strikers again, did some minor changes to the tactic since the Guatemala game. Let's hope our strikers are on top of their game today, and pop some goals..........

good luck. there has to be at least 1 game where everything works out.