Subpage under development, new version coming soon!
Subject: [u21 NT] WC Qualifying
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.
Well, we did it again, scraped through 1-0 for the fourth time this season. Those winning goals have come as follows: 66th minute (Tefera), 72nd minute (Ndaguana), 70th minute (Tefera), and now 76th minute (Tefera).
Tactics were much as expected and I was happy enough with our play in general. Playing with one striker did leave our supporting mids with difficulty completing the final pass and I found myself frustrated at Ndaguana especially not taking shots when he had the chance. If anyone can tell me how to get the wing to cross instead of turning in towards the box and running into a defender, please do so!
This time, possession was even, we had the territorial advantage, and topped the shots counter 6-2. Macedonia edged the average marks 50.9-50.1, showing that they're tough opposition for us and we should be pleased with the result.
The injury in the 15th minute to Mudau was potentially a problem as Gatri had to come on early, forcing Stober to play a full match. The ended up playing alongside each other on the right, on the side where Macedonia played their wing. They handled the situation well enough. The goal that Tefera scored was great to watch as our attacking mids passed the ball around looking for a gap and Tefera eventually came out to fetch the ball himself before powering a shot across the face of the goal into the far corner. Brilliant. :)
Tactics were much as expected and I was happy enough with our play in general. Playing with one striker did leave our supporting mids with difficulty completing the final pass and I found myself frustrated at Ndaguana especially not taking shots when he had the chance. If anyone can tell me how to get the wing to cross instead of turning in towards the box and running into a defender, please do so!
This time, possession was even, we had the territorial advantage, and topped the shots counter 6-2. Macedonia edged the average marks 50.9-50.1, showing that they're tough opposition for us and we should be pleased with the result.
The injury in the 15th minute to Mudau was potentially a problem as Gatri had to come on early, forcing Stober to play a full match. The ended up playing alongside each other on the right, on the side where Macedonia played their wing. They handled the situation well enough. The goal that Tefera scored was great to watch as our attacking mids passed the ball around looking for a gap and Tefera eventually came out to fetch the ball himself before powering a shot across the face of the goal into the far corner. Brilliant. :)
Team Matches Wins Draws Losses Goals Points
1. België U21 8 8 0 0 64-0 24
2. Bosna i Hercegovina U21 8 7 0 1 39-3 21
3. South Africa U21 8 5 0 3 12-9 15
4. Makedonija U21 8 2 0 6 11-24 6
5. Hayastan U21 8 2 0 6 10-30 6
6. Pilipinas U21 8 0 0 8 0-70 0
1. België U21 8 8 0 0 64-0 24
2. Bosna i Hercegovina U21 8 7 0 1 39-3 21
3. South Africa U21 8 5 0 3 12-9 15
4. Makedonija U21 8 2 0 6 11-24 6
5. Hayastan U21 8 2 0 6 10-30 6
6. Pilipinas U21 8 0 0 8 0-70 0
Wonderful match. :) I almost jumped out of my chair on the goal. Beautiful ball movement dutifully rewarded.
I thought that was a fantastic tactic. The positioning of the two offensive midfielders was marvelous. I'm going to attempt to replicate something like that with my club team. It was a great change of pace offensively.
Was a little discussion about Mabizela maybe under-achieving his stats for the senior team. Not sure about Chenene's stats, but he really under-achieved his positioning in this match. The manager put him in a great position to scorch the opponent, and he often failed to take advantage (usually not even delivering the ball). The striker was a little frustrating too - had several chances when he could have shot but didn't.
Another match with a really impactful substitution. Blankenburg was great and had an immediate positive impact.
Great match! :)
I thought that was a fantastic tactic. The positioning of the two offensive midfielders was marvelous. I'm going to attempt to replicate something like that with my club team. It was a great change of pace offensively.
Was a little discussion about Mabizela maybe under-achieving his stats for the senior team. Not sure about Chenene's stats, but he really under-achieved his positioning in this match. The manager put him in a great position to scorch the opponent, and he often failed to take advantage (usually not even delivering the ball). The striker was a little frustrating too - had several chances when he could have shot but didn't.
Another match with a really impactful substitution. Blankenburg was great and had an immediate positive impact.
Great match! :)
Chenene is very much a winger - possible striker. He plays up front for his club. I chose not to use a wing this time but didn't want to leave Chenene out of the starting line-up with him being our most valuable outfielder. The position didn't really suit his skills, but I was hoping his pace would give him an edge. Blankenberg's skills are not too disimilar actually, just a touch more playmaking and the fresh legs seems to make a difference.
He's only 20 now, so I'm hoping for a big things from him next season.
(edited)
He's only 20 now, so I'm hoping for a big things from him next season.
(edited)
Belgium are our opponents today. As Seca suggested before, it's like rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic. Our chances are slim, but we'll do our best.
Zulu is still out injured but we otherwise have a full squad. Mkhize's form has dropped back to tragic, a season long problem that has been most unfortunate in his 21st year.
Zulu is still out injured but we otherwise have a full squad. Mkhize's form has dropped back to tragic, a season long problem that has been most unfortunate in his 21st year.
Heehee. Good luck! Can always hope for divine intervention. :)
Despite the loss, that's a good result against Belgium. Their ratings are more in line with the South Africa senior team, so sticking with them was a pretty nice feat.
I liked Chenene's match. Got the outside positioning on his defender a number of times, and was a little unlucky the Belgian defender managed to chip the ball out almost every time.
I liked Chenene's match. Got the outside positioning on his defender a number of times, and was a little unlucky the Belgian defender managed to chip the ball out almost every time.
Better performance and result than last time, even spent less time in our half despite 70% not being good. We managed to get a few decent chances as well.
Ramudzuli did a solid enough job at left back for his first cap, though it would be nice if he (and the others) wouldn't hoof the ball out quite so much! I thought Bell could have done better.
Chenene was definitely more effective in his wider role. I tried young Champion as the sub this time and we actually have a good selection of players that can play in similar positions, Blankenberg and Ramakgopa come to mind.
Generally, I was happy with the tactic but still prefer to find a way to avoid getting the ball to the striker too early.
Ramudzuli did a solid enough job at left back for his first cap, though it would be nice if he (and the others) wouldn't hoof the ball out quite so much! I thought Bell could have done better.
Chenene was definitely more effective in his wider role. I tried young Champion as the sub this time and we actually have a good selection of players that can play in similar positions, Blankenberg and Ramakgopa come to mind.
Generally, I was happy with the tactic but still prefer to find a way to avoid getting the ball to the striker too early.
Our final match of the qualifiers tomorrow is a home game against the Phillipines. We beat them 8-0 in the season opener, and they have a goal record of 0-75 in the group while we've run at 12-12. Our average marks are 49.4 compared with their 30.8. All that suggests that we should dominate again.
Zulu isn't back yet from injury and Tefera, our supersub striker, joins the injury list. That's going to put the pressure on Ngaduana to score more goals and I'll probably tinker with the lineup a bit.
I'll look for any fringe players that deserve a first cap, as the result is irrelevant to our group position, but will still field a strong side with a view to maximising any ranking points we might earn.
(edited)
Zulu isn't back yet from injury and Tefera, our supersub striker, joins the injury list. That's going to put the pressure on Ngaduana to score more goals and I'll probably tinker with the lineup a bit.
I'll look for any fringe players that deserve a first cap, as the result is irrelevant to our group position, but will still field a strong side with a view to maximising any ranking points we might earn.
(edited)
Marks are shady business, but most times a difference of 5 in average marks indicates a solid favourite. +20 ... yeah, they should be ok. :)
Still, it's good to finish on a high note. The lads should be able to put on a show. Best of luck.
Still, it's good to finish on a high note. The lads should be able to put on a show. Best of luck.
Very true, marks are not a great indicator. However, matches where a lower mark team beats a higher mark team are very hard to find. In my opinion, Sokker is far too predictable.
MarcL if you say so, try to play Hattrick - that is really predictable.
Marks only shows how players use they potential on the pitch playing on position and how they skills refer to tactics, and tactical discipline and so on, and so on.
Marks only shows how players use they potential on the pitch playing on position and how they skills refer to tactics, and tactical discipline and so on, and so on.
More predictable than this?
The senior NT has played 13 matches. The team with the higher average marks has won 12, the other was a draw.
The u21 NT has played 12 matches, the team with the higher average marks has won 11, including one match where the one team was stronger by only 0.10 points. The other match the 'weaker' team won but the difference was only 0.80 points.
Yes, many of these matches were quite one-sided, but the trend remains. Unless there is no more than a point or two between the teams, the matches tend to be one-sided and it seems that only luck can produce a 'surprise' result.
Sure, the marks themselves can be misleading, and the manager can affect them by making good or bad use of his players, substitutions etc. I just feel that a team has to be far too similar in level to its opponent to have a real chance of winning.
(edited)
The senior NT has played 13 matches. The team with the higher average marks has won 12, the other was a draw.
The u21 NT has played 12 matches, the team with the higher average marks has won 11, including one match where the one team was stronger by only 0.10 points. The other match the 'weaker' team won but the difference was only 0.80 points.
Yes, many of these matches were quite one-sided, but the trend remains. Unless there is no more than a point or two between the teams, the matches tend to be one-sided and it seems that only luck can produce a 'surprise' result.
Sure, the marks themselves can be misleading, and the manager can affect them by making good or bad use of his players, substitutions etc. I just feel that a team has to be far too similar in level to its opponent to have a real chance of winning.
(edited)
It's true what are you saying. But I've lost match in my league because my opponent used my tactical mistake. Even difference 44.1 to 49.5 doesn't change. I've lost 3:1.
Ouch! Oh yes, I see that match. The scoreline wasn't a fluke either because your opponent had more shots and possession advantage as well. Well, you've restored my faith. A weaker team can beat its opponent by more than luck. :)