Subpage under development, new version coming soon!
Subject: [u21 NT] WC Qualifying
Indeed! :)
I thought South Africa's tactic was great. Was just a bit of a flat, sloppy game from the players. Strikers didn't hit the ball very well, and the short passing game at times was brutal. The offense just grinds to a halt when you can't complete those 5-10 yard mid to mid passes without the ball ricochetting.
I thought South Africa's tactic was great. Was just a bit of a flat, sloppy game from the players. Strikers didn't hit the ball very well, and the short passing game at times was brutal. The offense just grinds to a halt when you can't complete those 5-10 yard mid to mid passes without the ball ricochetting.
Standings after 4 rounds:
1. België U21 4 4 0 0 35-0 12
2. Bosna U21 4 3 0 1 16-3 9
3. South Africa 4 3 0 1 10-5 9
4. Makedonija U21 4 2 0 2 11-2 6
5. Hayastan U21 4 0 0 4 0-23 0
6. Pilipinas U21 4 0 0 4 0-39 0
Average marks:
57.8 België U21
49.6 Bosna i Hercegovina U21
47.6 South Africa U21
45.6 Makedonija U21
38.2 Hayastan U21
29.8 Pilipinas U21
South Africa
Rank points: 1677.65
Number of players: 40
Average form: incredible
Average age: 19.7
Average value: 2 434 000 R
Total value: 97 360 000 R
Bosnia
Rank points: 1928.12
Number of players: 35
Average form: outstanding
Average age: 20.3
Average value: 4 677 372 R
Total value: 163 708 000 R
Bosnia have 649 users to our 15. Their U21 squad figures clearly indicate that they have much greater depth of talent than we do. The marks for the current u21 WC qualifying campaign suggest that the gap between the two sides for todays match isn't too great and, while we will not be going into the match as favourites, we're not without a chance.
If we are to qualify for the world cup, Bosnia are perhaps the opponents most critical to our success. We play them twice in the next three matches and must have the objective of coming out ahead over the two games in order to have a chance at second spot in the group.
The team has been set for the match. Unsurprisingly, there won't be any new caps. We have one suspension to deal with and the form of our strikers is a concern, but otherwise we'll be at full strength.
1. België U21 4 4 0 0 35-0 12
2. Bosna U21 4 3 0 1 16-3 9
3. South Africa 4 3 0 1 10-5 9
4. Makedonija U21 4 2 0 2 11-2 6
5. Hayastan U21 4 0 0 4 0-23 0
6. Pilipinas U21 4 0 0 4 0-39 0
Average marks:
57.8 België U21
49.6 Bosna i Hercegovina U21
47.6 South Africa U21
45.6 Makedonija U21
38.2 Hayastan U21
29.8 Pilipinas U21
South Africa
Rank points: 1677.65
Number of players: 40
Average form: incredible
Average age: 19.7
Average value: 2 434 000 R
Total value: 97 360 000 R
Bosnia
Rank points: 1928.12
Number of players: 35
Average form: outstanding
Average age: 20.3
Average value: 4 677 372 R
Total value: 163 708 000 R
Bosnia have 649 users to our 15. Their U21 squad figures clearly indicate that they have much greater depth of talent than we do. The marks for the current u21 WC qualifying campaign suggest that the gap between the two sides for todays match isn't too great and, while we will not be going into the match as favourites, we're not without a chance.
If we are to qualify for the world cup, Bosnia are perhaps the opponents most critical to our success. We play them twice in the next three matches and must have the objective of coming out ahead over the two games in order to have a chance at second spot in the group.
The team has been set for the match. Unsurprisingly, there won't be any new caps. We have one suspension to deal with and the form of our strikers is a concern, but otherwise we'll be at full strength.
Close but no cigar, as the saying goes.
Despite Bosnia having a stronger side, according to marks, we dominated both possession and territorial play and managed to edge the shots as well. Unfortunately, my concern about the strike force proved to be accurate and we couldn't put away any chances.
Bosnia scored with a penalty early in the match and followed up with another goal in the first half. After they had a player sent off early in the second half, they posed little threat, though they did have two golden opportunities that they missed.
It's hard to be disappointed about the loss when we played so well, but I need to figure out a way to put the ball in the opponents net!
Qualification from here will be difficult, sitting 3rd as we are at the half way stage. If we can reverse this result in two weeks time, we'll still be in with a chance but our lack of goals is not going to help.
(edited)
Despite Bosnia having a stronger side, according to marks, we dominated both possession and territorial play and managed to edge the shots as well. Unfortunately, my concern about the strike force proved to be accurate and we couldn't put away any chances.
Bosnia scored with a penalty early in the match and followed up with another goal in the first half. After they had a player sent off early in the second half, they posed little threat, though they did have two golden opportunities that they missed.
It's hard to be disappointed about the loss when we played so well, but I need to figure out a way to put the ball in the opponents net!
Qualification from here will be difficult, sitting 3rd as we are at the half way stage. If we can reverse this result in two weeks time, we'll still be in with a chance but our lack of goals is not going to help.
(edited)
I'm going to be away for the next two days, returning on Friday. I expect to be back with plenty of time to finalise the lineup for our next match, but have set up a preliminary plan, just in case.
The team has been finalised and notices sent to managers. There's one injury enforced change from as Bell is replaced by Stober in the starting lineup and Augustine comes in on the bench.
(edited)
(edited)
*sigh*
That didn't go as hoped, though probably as expected. We conceded a very early goal due to a bunch of blunders by the defence in the box. It culminated with Gatri bundling the ball over his own goal line. Shortly afterwards, the unfortunate Gatri picked up an injury causing Augustine to come on much earlier than planned. Somehow we survived until half-time only that one goal down.
At the start of the second half, fortune looked like it had swung our way. Our opponent made three simultaneous substitutions and only minutes later had an injury to a central defender. This left a huge gap in their back line, right where I had positioned our striker, and gave us some golden opportunities during the half with some clear breaks. Neither Ndaguana nor Tefera was able to beat the keeper. Bosnia sealed a deserved win with a second goal despite playing with 10 men for half the match.
I probably should've brought the backline deeper this time against this strike force, but our lack of clinical finishing continues to be a problem. There were some good performances, particularly amongst the midfielders. Chenene's pace was quite effective and Ncaca did well enough just behind the striker.
Our chances of qualification are realistically over. Focus must now be on ending this losing run of 0-2 results, putting some goals in the opposition net, and restoring some of our lost ranking points. We face Macedonia and Armenia next, teams we beat 1-0 earlier in the competition. Wins are the objective, improving the scorelines the hope.
(edited)
That didn't go as hoped, though probably as expected. We conceded a very early goal due to a bunch of blunders by the defence in the box. It culminated with Gatri bundling the ball over his own goal line. Shortly afterwards, the unfortunate Gatri picked up an injury causing Augustine to come on much earlier than planned. Somehow we survived until half-time only that one goal down.
At the start of the second half, fortune looked like it had swung our way. Our opponent made three simultaneous substitutions and only minutes later had an injury to a central defender. This left a huge gap in their back line, right where I had positioned our striker, and gave us some golden opportunities during the half with some clear breaks. Neither Ndaguana nor Tefera was able to beat the keeper. Bosnia sealed a deserved win with a second goal despite playing with 10 men for half the match.
I probably should've brought the backline deeper this time against this strike force, but our lack of clinical finishing continues to be a problem. There were some good performances, particularly amongst the midfielders. Chenene's pace was quite effective and Ncaca did well enough just behind the striker.
Our chances of qualification are realistically over. Focus must now be on ending this losing run of 0-2 results, putting some goals in the opposition net, and restoring some of our lost ranking points. We face Macedonia and Armenia next, teams we beat 1-0 earlier in the competition. Wins are the objective, improving the scorelines the hope.
(edited)
Good try. :) I was surprised by the shot totals - thought it was much closer. Aside from the actual scoring plays-opportunities, South Africa played very well. Ideally, the territorial advantage would be parlayed into more shots - just a little lack of creativity/accuracy from the OMs. First goal was really unlucky.
It was a really poorly managed matched from the BiH manager. Using all 3 subs at half is bone-headed. Not having a replacement order on a central defender is also silly. Either one of those mistakes on it`s own could have cost them the match. Pretty fortunate.
It was a really poorly managed matched from the BiH manager. Using all 3 subs at half is bone-headed. Not having a replacement order on a central defender is also silly. Either one of those mistakes on it`s own could have cost them the match. Pretty fortunate.
Agreed. Replacement orders for centre-backs and the keeper are standard practice for me. I really hoped we'd capitalise on that error. We very nearly went two men up when they had another injury but the player concerned plugged on.
World Cup qualifying action again tomorrow with the return match at home versus Armenia (Hayastan). Last time we dominated territory and possession, were much the better side by marks, but allowed them too many chances and only got away with a win by a 72nd minute goal.
Although that was only 4 weeks ago, I get the impression that the Armenian side has improved quite a bit since then. If our goal scoring woes continue, we might be in for a tough time, though their keeper isn't quite in the class of Shasha.
Barring anything unexpected, the team has been selected. Managers will be receiving notification soon.
Although that was only 4 weeks ago, I get the impression that the Armenian side has improved quite a bit since then. If our goal scoring woes continue, we might be in for a tough time, though their keeper isn't quite in the class of Shasha.
Barring anything unexpected, the team has been selected. Managers will be receiving notification soon.
Love those substitutions that make the coach look like a genius. :) Tefera brought huge spark off the bench. Was a nice attacking strategy, but several players didn't have a particularly sharp match.
Congratulations, my friend.You won again.We tried to do our best, but this is what we can at the moment.Good luck!:)
Thanks Rafa. Your guys put up a great effort again. It was very difficult to break them down at the back.
If only Tefera had the stamina to play a full game. :)
His substitution, along with the one 10 minutes earlier, worked wonders. All of a sudden the ball was dropping into the box right where it needed to be. Ndaguana did manage to hit the bar before coming off.
I was happy enough with the formation this time, though Rafa had his defenders well positioned to cause some difficulties for my attacking mids. I went with the two wings largely because it best suited the personnel we had available.
It ended up another tight result in a match where we were the stronger side. As said before, a win is a win and the job was done.
(edited)
If only Tefera had the stamina to play a full game. :)
His substitution, along with the one 10 minutes earlier, worked wonders. All of a sudden the ball was dropping into the box right where it needed to be. Ndaguana did manage to hit the bar before coming off.
I was happy enough with the formation this time, though Rafa had his defenders well positioned to cause some difficulties for my attacking mids. I went with the two wings largely because it best suited the personnel we had available.
It ended up another tight result in a match where we were the stronger side. As said before, a win is a win and the job was done.
(edited)
To be honest, I didn't expect you to play with two wingers.....I thought you'll use only a winger, and that cost us.Anyway, I must admit that I really like the goal you scored.It was an entertaining match, and the best won.:)
(edited)
(edited)
Current standings:
Team Matches Wins Draws Losses Goals Points
1. België U21 7 7 0 0 58-0 21
2. Bosna i Hercegovina U21 7 6 0 1 25-3 18
3. South Africa U21 7 4 0 3 11-9 12
4. Makedonija U21 7 2 0 5 11-23 6
5. Hayastan U21 7 2 0 5 10-24 6
6. Pilipinas U21 7 0 0 7 0-56 0
Team Matches Wins Draws Losses Goals Points
1. België U21 7 7 0 0 58-0 21
2. Bosna i Hercegovina U21 7 6 0 1 25-3 18
3. South Africa U21 7 4 0 3 11-9 12
4. Makedonija U21 7 2 0 5 11-23 6
5. Hayastan U21 7 2 0 5 10-24 6
6. Pilipinas U21 7 0 0 7 0-56 0
Today we're up against Macedonia.
Average team marks:
very good België U21
very good Bosna i Hercegovina U21
solid South Africa U21
good Makedonija U21
adequate Hayastan U21
average Pilipinas U21
Average individual marks:
57.5 België U21
52.3 Bosna i Hercegovina U21
49.2 South Africa U21
46.4 Makedonija U21
40.1 Hayastan U21
30.6 Pilipinas U21
Macedonia (77 users)
Rank points: 1128.00
Number of players: 39
Average form: incredible
Average age: 19.6
Average value: 3 229 898 R
Total value: 125 966 000 R
South Africa (18 users)
Rank points: 1603.71
Number of players: 40
Average form: outstanding
Average age: 19.7
Average value: 2 736 400 R
Total value: 109 456 000 R
As you can see, Macedonia are probably our closest rivals in the group on results so far. We appear to have a marginal edge in first team strength but they have more depth. Not much in it, really.
The last time we met, we dominated possession (57-43), they had the shots advantage (9-13), territorial play was equal, and we won 1-0 through a Tefera penalty in the 66th minute. Average marks for the match were almost identical (48.9-48.8). Other info from the match report: shooting (adequate-solid), passing (solid-adequate), defending (very good-solid).
I can't make any comments on the strategy for todays match, but we've got a full squad to call on, other than Zulu being out with a long injury due to stupidity on my part. I'll send out notices to managers in a few minutes.
Average team marks:
very good België U21
very good Bosna i Hercegovina U21
solid South Africa U21
good Makedonija U21
adequate Hayastan U21
average Pilipinas U21
Average individual marks:
57.5 België U21
52.3 Bosna i Hercegovina U21
49.2 South Africa U21
46.4 Makedonija U21
40.1 Hayastan U21
30.6 Pilipinas U21
Macedonia (77 users)
Rank points: 1128.00
Number of players: 39
Average form: incredible
Average age: 19.6
Average value: 3 229 898 R
Total value: 125 966 000 R
South Africa (18 users)
Rank points: 1603.71
Number of players: 40
Average form: outstanding
Average age: 19.7
Average value: 2 736 400 R
Total value: 109 456 000 R
As you can see, Macedonia are probably our closest rivals in the group on results so far. We appear to have a marginal edge in first team strength but they have more depth. Not much in it, really.
The last time we met, we dominated possession (57-43), they had the shots advantage (9-13), territorial play was equal, and we won 1-0 through a Tefera penalty in the 66th minute. Average marks for the match were almost identical (48.9-48.8). Other info from the match report: shooting (adequate-solid), passing (solid-adequate), defending (very good-solid).
I can't make any comments on the strategy for todays match, but we've got a full squad to call on, other than Zulu being out with a long injury due to stupidity on my part. I'll send out notices to managers in a few minutes.