Subject: [NT] Scheduled Matches

HIGHLIGHTS




Additional personal comment:


I confirm we can be plently satisfied as we achieved a clear victory without any risk, against a strong defense as for players quality and opponent's covered module.
These improvements are very encouraging, so we are on the right route and the experiment on new modules can be considered successful.

It's just the beginning, so aiming to be more upredictable match by match by experimenting multiple tactic options.
As you know, I also try to offer the attendance an enjoyable and realistic match as more as possible. So we are improving also about this issue.

Thanks everybody for following and supporting us, see you next match!!

NEXT MATCH:

Ireland - Ecuador

Friendly match - Week 12

Scheduled for: 01-06-2024 at 12.59 (GMT)


Match's introduction:

Ok here we are to face Ecuador next Saturday, a nations ranked 52° with almost 50 user's community, so bringing another consistent challenge.
Ecuador is a solid team with no particular weaknesses, lead by one of most titutated coaches of Venezuela. This team failed to qualify to last World Cup just for 2 points, this witnessing its high quality level.

As explained we are in full injury emergency from midfield to offense, so I will experiment a new module and movements who are very useful in this kind of situations, it will be the fourth since the start of my management for Ireland's NT.
The main goal, as usual, will be to offer an enjoyable match for any attendance, aiming for a concrete good result in a match between two teams of similar quality.

So follow us and have fun with Ireland's NT. Go Ireland!!
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[url=https://postimg.cc/gxTwYFTX][/url]

Personal comment:

I'd like to take a moment to reflect on our recent match. Right from the outset, the circumstances were challenging, with four injured players among midfielders and forwards, and two suspended players. This already set the stage for a tough encounter. I attempted to adapt by experimenting with a flexible 4-4-2 diamond formation, which was intended to work well, particularly from midfield upwards. However, we conceded two goals due to defensive movements that were not optimal and require immediate adjustments.

With that said, I aim to maintain a respectful tone as I discuss the events. Despite the outcome, I believe we played better, as I have always strived to promote, with a more fluid and enjoyable style of play. It's evident that we conceded goals when we showed defensive weaknesses, often losing key battles or granting space to the opponents.

The final score does not accurately reflect the flow of the game. We conceded four goals in the first half, but I cannot say that the opponents outshot us twofold more than just figuratively. The truth is, the team experienced a collapse after the initial goals, then with some inexplicable errors from our players, as you will see by yourself.

I'd like to highlight some positives. Despite the challenges, Wayne Norman showed promise as a developing attacker, delivering a commendable performance despite his limitations in starting matches at just 25 years old. I'm confident that by next mid-season, our attacking department will be stronger and better equipped to handle any emergencies. Also Foy and De Mange are growing very well, despites some crucial mistakes in defense.

This match was a bitter experience, particularly in defensive terms after some experiments. I will do my utmost to prevent similar situations in the future, so that we can be rewarded for our style of play and improve our effectiveness on the field.

I thank you all for your ongoing support and understanding.

Additional comment:


It has been more than ten seasons since I encountered a match where a mistake didn't result in a loss, a rare occurrence compared to the opposite trend.

The true essence of this match, reflecting the core values of the game, unfolded notably in the second half, leading to a 1-0 partial victory with minimal risk. Although there were a few defensive lapses, upon reflection, their impact was less significant than initially perceived.

I find it somewhat puzzling to observe a player of Yeats' caliber, renowned for their top skill and form, encountering difficulty in a routine tackle that led to the first opponent's goal. Additionally, the resilience displayed by the opposing attackers, enduring five consecutive tackles before securing the corner kick that led to the third opponent's goal, is indeed noteworthy.

Even during the first half, we exhibited our playing style with finesse, showcasing moments of brilliance. The opponents capitalized on a few generous wide passes and defensive lapses, areas which we are diligently addressing. Credit is due to the opponents for their anticipation of attacker positioning during their only two crosses, both resulting in goals.

Undoubtedly, luck was not on our side in this match, as evident from the highlights.

Nevertheless, this match serves as a reminder to renew our determination in pursuit of tactical perfection over the next three matches. Our commitment to excellence remains unwavering, and we eagerly anticipate a return to favorable fortunes.
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NEXT MATCH:

Sakartvelo - Ireland

Friendly Match - Week 13

Scheduled for: 8-06-2024 at 10.00 (GMT)


Match introduction:

Since now we will get back to common three strikers modules with just slight adjustment every match. Experimental phase is ended.

We agreed with Pilipines to search new opponents, since we already played two weeks ago, so accepting Sakartvelo invitations.

The opponent seems in rebuilding phase, but with strong player in keyroles, so obviously the match will be prepared with usual accuracy.

The challenge is to play an aggressive match achieving a fluid playstile up to a clean victory, so increasing offense and defense efficience.

Enjoy viewing the match a 10.00 a.m. next Saturday. Go Ireland!!
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[url=https://postimg.cc/qzq2rbmJ][/url]


Coach's comment:

We conclude the season with a convincing victory over an average opponent, who nonetheless fielded their strongest lineup of the season. I'm quite pleased with the team's defensive and offensive performances, although I recognize there's still room for improvement, especially in attack where we faced some challenges due to player availability. Nonetheless, our depth was evident, with key players deserving more goals and opportunities.

Our gameplay was adequately fluid and enjoyable to watch as ever aimed for. Key players are regaining form, ensuring we can field three forwards without issue in future matches. This season has been an important developmental phase, and the national team is poised to reap the rewards, thanks to the wealth of young talents, especially in the attacking department.

I extend my sincere gratitude to our supporters for their unwavering encouragement throughout this journey and support as we move forward. The future looks promising, and I'm excited to offer embark on the next chapter together.
(edited)

HIGHLIGHTS



Additional comment:

We faced a team who fielded its best formation of the entire season, as predictable, so it was important to don't underestimate match difficulty.

Some movements should be improved, but since first half we deserved having scored at least two or three goals, saved by goalkeeper.

About that, today William English finally got back in goalie in considerable good form, expressing his skills with few but fundamental saves. The rest of defense is a certain base as ever and their movement's quality improved as promised.

At the same, Banker and Duddy scored three goals, welcoming back this last to offense tactics, but second lines as Norman and Lawrie played a good match.

Gilchrist and Ray Waters are improving form, confirming both them as stable points of the formation.

A good victory to work on, and a quite enjoyable match already. Thanks everybody, until now.

NEXT MATCH:

Ireland - Pilipinas

Friendly match - Week 1

Scheduled for: 15-06-2024 at 12.59 (GMT)

Match introduction:

Pilipinas' coach asked for a rematch and I accepted, since the predicted match against Jamaica was already deleted.

The opponent is still an overall good team with solid defense, It will be the opportunity for us to check a more offensive approach than the first victorius match.

We are recovering many injured players, so probably Gannon will be back on the field, hopefully wishing to score goals.

Same for William English, who is recovering best possible form and probably will start from the first minute.

I will do my best to prepare and offer an enjoyable match to view. Go Ireland!!

Today has been decided World Cup Qualification's groups. Ireland is in Group R:

https://sokker.org/league/leagueID/59369

Starting rank:

1: Spain
2: Italia
3: Ireland
4: New Zealand
5: Cymru

[url=https://postimg.cc/yk3M37Wf][/url]

Match's comment:

Normally, I would use to compliment my opponent for two reasons:

1 He completely changed tactic, using a very deep defense who vanished most of our offense potential
2 He renounced to the wing he almost ever used until now

Moreover, my fault has been to don't prevent this evenience, either I didnt mix offense height. I do apologize for that.

But a draw would have been the real deserved score, for a match like this. It's a real joke the final score of the match, with 6 goals against on 11 shots, this means a joking 55% realization percentage against a top keeper as William English, whose ridicolous first goal suffered explains the entire match development.

Infact, while the opponent has only orbited two strikers in the middle of our defense, just waiting the time they resisted to 2-3 of our tackles consecutively then aiming alone to the goal, at the same time our offensive movements where penalized so to never gain speed, where a top striker as our Duddy failed every ball control in the first part of the game.

Again, many of our players seemed as skill halved too, from keeper to strikers.

These details clearly means there's something badly wrong in these matches, so it's hard to digest a loss in a such undeserved way.

This time I will publish the entire match, so you can make your whole own opinion.

There's much more I could add, but I prefer to grant my efforts to improve won't stop. Thanks.
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Additional comment:

Nothing more to add, than to calm down angryness.

I don't like losing badly any matches, neither if they are just friendlies. Here's the entire match, as everybody can make his own opinion.

Said that, this time we lacked to be unpredictable and variable tactically, so as usual the match engine punished us much over than deserved.

There will be just one option for the future: aiming to perfection week by week

That's about my duties as coach, all other things will be considered after. Thanks again.
(edited)

NEXT MATCH:

Ireland - England

Week 2 friendly match

Scheduled for: 22-06-2024 at 12.59 (GMT)

Match introduction:

As scheduled, next Saturday we will host England for the last friendly match before World Cup Qualifications.

It will be an important test against a strong opponent, an hundreds community with a team more similar to Spain and Italy as quality of their players.

The actual coach is retiring, but it's probable he will prepare the match very well as last salute.

Same for us obviuosly, so to trying to make a quality match to gain trust in our means, for the oncoming qualifications.

Go Ireland!!

Last minute World Cup update:


As has been rumored for days, and as already happened for the U21s, the qualifying groups for the World Cup were re-sorted, and this time it went much better.
We are now in a group of six teams where we can compete on equal terms with anyone:

1. België
2. Nederland
3. Ireland
4. Australia
5. U.A.E.
6. Ghana

The final top two will go to World Cup, I tell you that we can do it and I am ready to put in all the effort I can. As always, I would also like to hear your opinions. Let's go friends!!

:)
(edited)

Slightly easier group than before but still a big challenge. Hoping we have some good luck for the matches against Netherlands to compete for a top 2 spot

Good luck :)

Yeah.

I like that this group is more balanced. So there's more chance for everybody to stay inside the competition until the ending phase.

That's very important.