Wednesday, February 13, 2013
HOW IT HAPPENED AT BERNABEU (MADRID 1-1 MAN UTD)
So I managed to clean out my desk and leave the office early enough for the game. Its been a while and I must apologize for the long absence. I'm back!
Since the draws were made in December,we all knew this would be the star game of UCL's round of 16. Madrid playing at home first.
Madrid (4-2-3-1): Lopez,Arbeloa,Ramos,Varane,Alonso,Khedira,Ronaldo,Ozil,Di Maria and Benzema
Man U (4-2-4)
DeGea,Rafael,Evans,Ferdinand,Evra,Carrick,Jones,Kagawa,Welbeck,Rooney and Van Persie
Madrid started the game pressing high up the field and taking charge around vital areas. This allowed them the opportunity to force DeGea into early saves. What Madrid did well during the half was pass the ball around quickly with swift player movement. This caused united a lot of troubles early in the game. Nevertheless, United threw some good balls forward trying to find Kagawa who spent a better part of the 1st half watching Madrid's defense line. He tried hard to beat the offside trap and succeeded on 2 occasions. Madrid kept attacking until Welbeck put United in front with a good header from a Wayne Rooney corner kick. Welbeck got the better of Ramos who in my opinion, thought Lopez was going for the ball.
As crowded as United's midfield looked, Madrid easily found space and the forward players got into spaces between United's midfield and defense. Ozil who started from the left had drifted to the right at this time, swapping positions with Di Maria. The Argentine got into a good position on the left side and delivered one of the many good aerial passes we saw from Madrid tonight. Ronaldo rose to get the header into the net in a manner similar to that with which he scored against chelsea in the 2008 finals. He got the better of Evra. In the first half, Madrid started most of their attacks from the right side around the centre of the park,exchanging passes and paces diagonally towards the left flank. Ronaldo and Khedira were the link men. We saw what I like to call, aerial passes rather than crosses considering the way the balls are measured and delivered.
For long periods in the half,Rooney was anonymous. Van Persie initiated most of United's attack as Evra,Kagawa and Welbeck helped force Madrid's midfield and backline into some runnings and defending.
Degea was the star of the half as he made some crucial saves. Benzema was poor and heavy.
It was Jones who was called upon to mark heavily in the second half and he did not disappoint. Di Maria kept creating spaces between United's midfield and backline. He got into good positions but was unlucky not to have scored. His replacement by Modric came as a surprise to me because he was by far the best Madrid player on the field. Khedira and Alonso were centrally positioned to keep united out. Earlier in the second half, United's attacking players were forced into deep roles to close-up the spaces in midfield and this even got better with the introduction of Giggs. Higuain's introduction re-affirmed the fact that Benzema had a poor outing as he had an immediate impact, moving across the defense with good pace and anticipation. United's defending everywhere on the field was excellent in the latter stages of the game. Madrid also did very well defending and winning balls. United were close to getting a second goal but Van Persie was unlucky as he was denied by the cross bar and then the goalkeeper.
United return to England with an excellent result and we hope to see an even more exciting game in the second leg
Conclusion:
For most part of the game,Madrid lacked a direct player. This was clearly revealed when Modric came on to help his team penetrate through the centre. United did a good job by scoring an away goal and leaving Bernabeu with a draw. They kept their cool and worked hard.
DeGea-Man of the match. Great saves, good composure and showed good reflexes
Jones-Did a great job of watching over Ronaldo
Kagawa-His job was clear but lacked the ability to execute
Evra-Very solid and resourceful all through the game
Ronaldo-Good goal and great movement but would have done better if he had a more direct player starting beside him;Kaka or Modric
Di Maria-The most impactful Madrid player tonight
Khedira-Once again showed his abilities as a box-to-box midfielder
Ozil-He is the player expected to have the 'Iniesta' touch for Madrid but he does not play that role well enough.
Man of the match-David DeGea
Battle of the night-Jones vs Ronaldo
Subs
Madrid:
59' Higuain on for Benzema
74' Modric on for Di Maria
81' Pepe on for Alonso
Man U:
63' Giggs on for Kagawa
72' Valencia on for Welbeck
83' Anderson on for Rooney
Goals
Madrid:
29' Ronaldo
Man U:
20' Welbeck
Feel free to leave comments and ask questions. You can also follow me on twitter @coachsanmi
Thursday, January 26, 2012
ALTERING FORMATIONS DURING A MATCH (Changing from 4-4-2 to 4-3-3)
Sometimes, games do not go the way we expect and as a coach one has to make modifications to the team's tactics. It may be difficult for coaches to do this because they perceive it as delicate. One cannot blame coaches who find it difficult to alter tactics on the field because some players find it difficult to tactical changes in the game. However, these changes must sometimes be made to save the team from losing or put them in a better position to take control of the game.
A coach might decide to alter his formation if the opposing team are exploiting his team's formation or if he has seen a loop hole in his opponent's team which he wants his team to capitalise on.
In this piece, I choose to discuss changing from a 4-4-2 to a 4-3-3 formation during games. The most common forms of 4-4-2 involves playing 2 central midfielders;a left midfielder;a right midfielder or playing 1 defensive midfielder;1 central midfielder;1 attacking midfielder and a winger. Either ways, there are 2 strikers.
A coach might decide to change a 4-4-2 formation to a 4-3-3 formation during the game to allow for a different,more direct approach. Though the 4-3-3 uses a point man, it affords the team two wing forwards who are also attackers.
In changing from a 4-4-2 to a 4-3-3,the faster of the 2 wingers pushes to make a third attacker or the only winger becomes the third attacker depending on the initial style of play. A striker pulls to balance one side as a wing forward leaving the striker with higher ball-retention ability as the point man. The 3 midfielders then balance the areas in the middle of the park and allow space for the full-backs to run the flanks as they cover for them. The attacking midfielder will have to assume a more advanced role so as to support the centre forward and push attacks. The central midfielder moves to receive ball and drive his team forward and should supply penetrating passes as well as diagonal passes to give width to his team and pull the full-backs forward.
When the players have balanced into the 4-3-3 style,they can easily move balls quicker and exchange roles in the midfield and sometimes in attack. It is also important that the wing forwards drop metres behind to help their team defend when they are under-pressure.
This change in formation can help a team co-ordinate and mark better in the midfield during matches. It can also reduce the rate at which a team loses the ball.
Although it might take some time for the players to get into the new formation and may be disastrous to the team, the coach sometimes has to take a decision that can save his team.
Feel free to ask questions and drop comments:
Facebook: Olaniyan Olusanmi
Follow on twitter:@coachsanmi
Email:lil_lusan@yahoo.com
Phone no:+2347030711869
A coach might decide to alter his formation if the opposing team are exploiting his team's formation or if he has seen a loop hole in his opponent's team which he wants his team to capitalise on.
In this piece, I choose to discuss changing from a 4-4-2 to a 4-3-3 formation during games. The most common forms of 4-4-2 involves playing 2 central midfielders;a left midfielder;a right midfielder or playing 1 defensive midfielder;1 central midfielder;1 attacking midfielder and a winger. Either ways, there are 2 strikers.
A coach might decide to change a 4-4-2 formation to a 4-3-3 formation during the game to allow for a different,more direct approach. Though the 4-3-3 uses a point man, it affords the team two wing forwards who are also attackers.
In changing from a 4-4-2 to a 4-3-3,the faster of the 2 wingers pushes to make a third attacker or the only winger becomes the third attacker depending on the initial style of play. A striker pulls to balance one side as a wing forward leaving the striker with higher ball-retention ability as the point man. The 3 midfielders then balance the areas in the middle of the park and allow space for the full-backs to run the flanks as they cover for them. The attacking midfielder will have to assume a more advanced role so as to support the centre forward and push attacks. The central midfielder moves to receive ball and drive his team forward and should supply penetrating passes as well as diagonal passes to give width to his team and pull the full-backs forward.
When the players have balanced into the 4-3-3 style,they can easily move balls quicker and exchange roles in the midfield and sometimes in attack. It is also important that the wing forwards drop metres behind to help their team defend when they are under-pressure.
This change in formation can help a team co-ordinate and mark better in the midfield during matches. It can also reduce the rate at which a team loses the ball.
Although it might take some time for the players to get into the new formation and may be disastrous to the team, the coach sometimes has to take a decision that can save his team.
Feel free to ask questions and drop comments:
Facebook: Olaniyan Olusanmi
Follow on twitter:@coachsanmi
Email:lil_lusan@yahoo.com
Phone no:+2347030711869
Saturday, November 5, 2011
MY THOUGHTS ABOUT APPOINTMENT OF COACHES FOR SUPER EAGLES
Nigerian football has been struggling for very many years and we seem to have lost it all at the national team level right now. With the failure of the Super Eagles to qualify fr next year's nations cup, it has dawned on all that the national team has to be restructured.
Clemens Westerhof was in-charge for about 5 years and did greatly as a coach.Westerhof is credited with turning Nigeria into a perennial powerhouse in African football and showing that they, and other African nations, can compete on the world stage. He is responsible for what could be described as a "golden" period in Nigerian football. Players such as Jay-Jay Okocha, Sunday Oliseh, Nwankwo Kanu, Rashidi Yekini, Daniel Amokachi and others, who all went on to successful careers with various high-profile European clubs, entered the world spotlight while playing under Westerhof. He structured and harmonized the 4-4-2 formation in Nigeria and most Nigerian players over te years, grew with this football orientation. The formation always had 4 defenders,, 4 midfielders and 2 strikers. Of the 4 midfielders,we have RMF,LMF,AM and DM.We were comfortable with this formation and had players who fitted into these positions appropriately. However,evolution in football has changed a lot of things.
Young players now have opportunity to watch different playing patterns on TV and are having a different orientation twards the game. The talents coming out of the country now do not fit into these positions occupied by the Okochas and Kanus. Instead,they flow with the modern football culture.Just like Westerhof had a master plan and harmonized the 4-4-2 formation to be our traditional formation,we need a new master plan to achieve long-term targets for football in Nigeria.
Overtime, we have made different appointments,none of which we were satisfied with.The last best man we had was Bonfrere Jo. We need a technical team be put in place.This team should comprise football experts who will have a task of designing a new football tradition for Nigeria and recommend a coach or coaches who should be appointed to build a formidable Super Eagles team, fit to compete with any team in the world.
Truth be told, our local coaches are not well-groomed for such a task and they cannot boast enough experience required to build such a team.I strongly suggest they be kept in the background and understudy the foreign expert in-charge while they also contribute to the technical inputs of the foreign coach.They should also act as advisors.Only minimal bias and maximun credibility should be considered in the appointment of a coach for the Super Eagles. The bul of our players are slow and today's football requires a lot of pace.
We have a choice to make,its either we map out a strategy for the long-term or we just patch up coaches for the short-term.Also,we need a coach who has a will to develop the game in Nigeria.
Above all,we need the football administrative body to be sanitized and best brains with good plans and focus be brought in.
Clemens Westerhof was in-charge for about 5 years and did greatly as a coach.Westerhof is credited with turning Nigeria into a perennial powerhouse in African football and showing that they, and other African nations, can compete on the world stage. He is responsible for what could be described as a "golden" period in Nigerian football. Players such as Jay-Jay Okocha, Sunday Oliseh, Nwankwo Kanu, Rashidi Yekini, Daniel Amokachi and others, who all went on to successful careers with various high-profile European clubs, entered the world spotlight while playing under Westerhof. He structured and harmonized the 4-4-2 formation in Nigeria and most Nigerian players over te years, grew with this football orientation. The formation always had 4 defenders,, 4 midfielders and 2 strikers. Of the 4 midfielders,we have RMF,LMF,AM and DM.We were comfortable with this formation and had players who fitted into these positions appropriately. However,evolution in football has changed a lot of things.
Young players now have opportunity to watch different playing patterns on TV and are having a different orientation twards the game. The talents coming out of the country now do not fit into these positions occupied by the Okochas and Kanus. Instead,they flow with the modern football culture.Just like Westerhof had a master plan and harmonized the 4-4-2 formation to be our traditional formation,we need a new master plan to achieve long-term targets for football in Nigeria.
Overtime, we have made different appointments,none of which we were satisfied with.The last best man we had was Bonfrere Jo. We need a technical team be put in place.This team should comprise football experts who will have a task of designing a new football tradition for Nigeria and recommend a coach or coaches who should be appointed to build a formidable Super Eagles team, fit to compete with any team in the world.
Truth be told, our local coaches are not well-groomed for such a task and they cannot boast enough experience required to build such a team.I strongly suggest they be kept in the background and understudy the foreign expert in-charge while they also contribute to the technical inputs of the foreign coach.They should also act as advisors.Only minimal bias and maximun credibility should be considered in the appointment of a coach for the Super Eagles. The bul of our players are slow and today's football requires a lot of pace.
We have a choice to make,its either we map out a strategy for the long-term or we just patch up coaches for the short-term.Also,we need a coach who has a will to develop the game in Nigeria.
Above all,we need the football administrative body to be sanitized and best brains with good plans and focus be brought in.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
THE BIG GAME AT OLD TRAFFORD (MAN U vs. CHELSEA
*Make a correct prediciton of the Man U- Chelsea game and get N500 recharge card of any network..Only the first correct prediction wins the prize.*
I hope my readers permit my inconsistency in publishing posts. Its been many busy weeks for me,training takes most of my time and I still have to do individual player development daily. The transfer window has opened and shut and all players who moved are either gradually settling into their new clubs or have settled in quickly.
The season is quite early but a few surprises have been recorded.There is no point mentioning them now because they are no longer fresh in our memories. We have seen some interesting away victories this season.
It's the big showdown today and United will be locking horns with a team they defeated four times last season,Chelsea.
United have flagged off their campaign on a high,enjoying wide goal margin victories.Chelsea on the other hand have had a decent start,gradually gathering momentum and adapting to a fluent and attacking style of play under AVB. It's a big day for the young manager stepping out against the most experienced coach in English football. Chelsea have been trying to play more vertically this season and United have maintained their pacy wing plays with consistent connections by the all-efficient Wayne Rooney.
Chelsea will have to close the spaces if they want to get a point or points away from Old Trafford this afternoon because the hosts are fond of running into spaces. It will remain a 4-4-2 for United and most likely a 4-3-3 for Chelsea. Hernandez netted 3 times against Chelsea last season and the blues will have to stop that quick young man who is very comfortable in front of goal. The eyes of Chelsea's players have to be multiplied because players like Rooney,Nani and Young have to be equally monitored.
Ramires,if picked to start, will be available to cause problems for United with his forward runs and box-to-box ability. It is expected that Chelsea will look to calm things down in the middle and force United to struggle through to get balls to their flambouyant wingers.
It promises to be a very lively game where a lot of technicalities will be displayed by players and coaches of both teams.Sir Alex Ferguson is an icon and AVB is a tinkerman.
My prediction: Man U 2-2 Chelsea
Drop your predictions now,closes at the start of the game. Drop your predictions as comments on the page in this format;
NAME:
email address/phone number:
SCORES:
I hope my readers permit my inconsistency in publishing posts. Its been many busy weeks for me,training takes most of my time and I still have to do individual player development daily. The transfer window has opened and shut and all players who moved are either gradually settling into their new clubs or have settled in quickly.
The season is quite early but a few surprises have been recorded.There is no point mentioning them now because they are no longer fresh in our memories. We have seen some interesting away victories this season.
It's the big showdown today and United will be locking horns with a team they defeated four times last season,Chelsea.
United have flagged off their campaign on a high,enjoying wide goal margin victories.Chelsea on the other hand have had a decent start,gradually gathering momentum and adapting to a fluent and attacking style of play under AVB. It's a big day for the young manager stepping out against the most experienced coach in English football. Chelsea have been trying to play more vertically this season and United have maintained their pacy wing plays with consistent connections by the all-efficient Wayne Rooney.
Chelsea will have to close the spaces if they want to get a point or points away from Old Trafford this afternoon because the hosts are fond of running into spaces. It will remain a 4-4-2 for United and most likely a 4-3-3 for Chelsea. Hernandez netted 3 times against Chelsea last season and the blues will have to stop that quick young man who is very comfortable in front of goal. The eyes of Chelsea's players have to be multiplied because players like Rooney,Nani and Young have to be equally monitored.
Ramires,if picked to start, will be available to cause problems for United with his forward runs and box-to-box ability. It is expected that Chelsea will look to calm things down in the middle and force United to struggle through to get balls to their flambouyant wingers.
It promises to be a very lively game where a lot of technicalities will be displayed by players and coaches of both teams.Sir Alex Ferguson is an icon and AVB is a tinkerman.
My prediction: Man U 2-2 Chelsea
Drop your predictions now,closes at the start of the game. Drop your predictions as comments on the page in this format;
NAME:
email address/phone number:
SCORES:
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
MAN U 3-2 MAN CITY
All across the world,football lovers sat on Sunday afternoon to watch the champions of last season who double as city rivals go head-to-head in the game that ushers in the new season. Man U showed superiority by coming from two goals down to win the game by 3 goals to 2.Nani was the man of the afternoon as he crowned a great display with a brace.
United started on bright note,running through City's midfield with every ball they got forward.Ashley Young drove United forward from the first minute,giving City players a run for their monies.On exactly 23', Nani and Welbeck ran through the right side and exchanged passes in an entertaining fashion but the Portugese could not finish the last pass. The continuous United threats forced City to initiate attacks and their first real chance came on 28'with Silva picking Milner,but the former Villa man could not finish either.It was obvious City were struggling through the game as they had picked up 3 bookings by the half-hour mark. Nani had an attempt from a freekick as United continued to look for a goal. City responded in a timely manner as Lescott made the best of Silva's freekick by heading home past Degea. As if this was not enough,the United defence again opened up space for Dzeko to shoot from outside the area and caught the United keeper responding late for City's second just before half time.
As expected,Sir Ferguson made tactical changes to the side at half time and United again resumed the second half very strong.This time,their efforts provided them a goal on 52' as Smalling tapped into the net an Ashley Young freekick.Nani proved his brilliance at 58' as he scored a nice goal well assisted by the Cleverley.Just before the final whistle went off came Kompany's saddest moment as a spirited Nani fought for the ball and ran past him to score United's winner.
OBSERVATIONS
If you ask me,I will say Sir Alex got it all right in the game while a lot is to be said about Mancini.Sir Alex was a genius for taking off Ferdinand and Vidic and bringing in Evans and Jones who played central defence without being wary of City striker's threats. Also, Cleverley's introduction was key to United's victory as he opened the midfield and created space for the wingers to play in and afforded Anderson room to play an anchor man role in the midfield.Mancini's first sub should have been Balotelli off for Adam Johnson because he needed width in the game and had to pull one of Nani or Ashley back to support in defence thereby reducing United's attacking threat.Also,Milner was the best performing midfielder for City and I wonder why he was taken off.There is no point highlighting Kompany's mistake.In a nutshell,what I saw on Sunday was unlike City's midfield.Maybe the players are tired from pre-season games as was Kompany's excuse or maybe Mancini is not just getting it right. I believe the non-stop signing of players is making the current squad at City unsettled.
We wish United,City and out other beloved teams in the premier league all the best this season as we eagerly awaiting the opening games this weekend.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
The curtain raiser:Man U vs. Man City
Once again,the two bitter rivals in Manchester will lock horns.The rivalry has grown stronger in recent times as City have been spending big.The latest addition to their squad being Sergio Aguero who was signed for £35 million from Atletico Madrid.Manchester United have also been busy in the transfer market strengthening their squad with not less than 3 players so far.United defeated City in the league last season while City got one over their rivals in the semi-finals of the FA Cup.
Possible line-ups for tomorrow's game;
Man U:De Gea,Rafael,Vidic,Ferdinand,Rafael,Nani,Giggs,Anderson,Young,Rooney,Owen.
Man City:Hart,Richards,Kompany,Lescott,Clichy,De Jong,Yaya Toure,Barry,Silva,Balotelli,Dzeko.
It will be the first real test for United's keeper,De Gea who is stepping into the big shoes of Van Der Saar.
I see Man U sticking to their traditional 4-4-2 with Young and Nani swapping positions on the left and right during the game.The most notable modification of United's formation is how deep Rooney drops to the midfield to pick the balls and drive his team forward.Also,I expect to see Nani and Young make forward runs through City's defense and create space for the central midfielders to run through,create goal chances and score goals.
If Clichy starts for city,I expect to see Barry play in front of him on the left side with DeJong and Toure stabilizing the central midfield for City.silva should play the link role between midfield and attack.we hope to see city play a less-conservative game.We hope Mancini's men play a more attacking game this season.
Man U will look to attack through the wings while city will depend on number advantage to attack through the middle.Whoever emerges victorious tomorrow will start the season on a high.
We wish both champions all the best as they go head-to-head tomorrow.
Possible line-ups for tomorrow's game;
Man U:De Gea,Rafael,Vidic,Ferdinand,Rafael,Nani,Giggs,Anderson,Young,Rooney,Owen.
Man City:Hart,Richards,Kompany,Lescott,Clichy,De Jong,Yaya Toure,Barry,Silva,Balotelli,Dzeko.
It will be the first real test for United's keeper,De Gea who is stepping into the big shoes of Van Der Saar.
I see Man U sticking to their traditional 4-4-2 with Young and Nani swapping positions on the left and right during the game.The most notable modification of United's formation is how deep Rooney drops to the midfield to pick the balls and drive his team forward.Also,I expect to see Nani and Young make forward runs through City's defense and create space for the central midfielders to run through,create goal chances and score goals.
If Clichy starts for city,I expect to see Barry play in front of him on the left side with DeJong and Toure stabilizing the central midfield for City.silva should play the link role between midfield and attack.we hope to see city play a less-conservative game.We hope Mancini's men play a more attacking game this season.
Man U will look to attack through the wings while city will depend on number advantage to attack through the middle.Whoever emerges victorious tomorrow will start the season on a high.
We wish both champions all the best as they go head-to-head tomorrow.
Monday, August 1, 2011
football today
I have been off for a while and I am sure you all missed me.I apologise for my long absence.I picked up a role as assistant cach with ACE FOOTBALL ACADEMY.Now I am back and sincerely a lot has changed since I left.Right now,its all transfer news in the air.I have been thinking about the 4-2-31 formation and came up with a lot of things about this amazing formation.Look out for more on the formation tomorrow.I have to go now.See you tomorrow.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
PAUL SCHOLES HANGS BOOT
I salute one of the greatest ever midfielder to grace the beautiful game of football. '18' Scholes as I like to call him, is a legend that left a mark at United and in football history as a whole. The midfielder spent the whole of his career at Manchester United.Born in 16 November 1974 at Hope Hospital in Salford, Greater Manchester, to parents Stewart and Marina Scholes, the veteran midfielder played cricket and football while in school.He first trained with Man U at age 14 after being scouted in school. He scored 3 goals in his first 2 games for Manchester United and went on to score 7 goals in the 1994/95 season. He made 675 appearances for united and scored 150 goals in all.He also made 66 appearances for the English national team and scored 14 goals in all. Despite the persuasion and calls over the last few years, Scholes declined to play for the national team again. He last played for England in 2004.He cannot be listed amongst the disciplined players in football as he received 90 yellow and 4 red cards in the Premier League, making him the third most booked player in Premier League history.He also been booked 32 times in the Champions League, more than any other player in the competition.
Scholes sits comfortably at the centre of a 4-4-2 formation playing a pivot role for the team.He will be remembered for his brilliant display of short and long passes and smooth ball distribution.He cordinated the midfield and controlled the game play for United even until the end of his career.Although he did not enjoy all the playing time lately,he always had a great impact whenever he was introduced. Scholes who started as a forward was deployed to the '10' role by Ferguson where he formed great partnership with Roy Keane. The most recent of his goals which remains fresh in my memory was the strike against Barcelona in 2008 at the tenth minute.The strike seperated both teams and took united into the finals where they
defeated Chelsea in Moscow.
Scholes had a great number of strikes from outside the box though this reduced towards the end of his career. Carrick paired Scholes in the midfield when he arrived United and at this time, Scholes did a of work in the team playing both as a 10 and a 4 as the duo exchanged roles regularly. His brilliant performances contributed to United's league success that season.
Honours
Carling Cup : 2006, 2009, 2010
Champions League : 1999, 2008
Community Shield : 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2010
FA Cup : 1994, 1996, 1999, 2004
FIFA Club World Cup : 2000, 2009
Premier League : 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2009 (Manchester United)
Paul Scholes will take on a coaching role with United from the start of next season.He is one of the best midfielders ever in football history.
All hail PAUL '18' SCHOLES!!!
Scholes sits comfortably at the centre of a 4-4-2 formation playing a pivot role for the team.He will be remembered for his brilliant display of short and long passes and smooth ball distribution.He cordinated the midfield and controlled the game play for United even until the end of his career.Although he did not enjoy all the playing time lately,he always had a great impact whenever he was introduced. Scholes who started as a forward was deployed to the '10' role by Ferguson where he formed great partnership with Roy Keane. The most recent of his goals which remains fresh in my memory was the strike against Barcelona in 2008 at the tenth minute.The strike seperated both teams and took united into the finals where they
defeated Chelsea in Moscow.
Scholes had a great number of strikes from outside the box though this reduced towards the end of his career. Carrick paired Scholes in the midfield when he arrived United and at this time, Scholes did a of work in the team playing both as a 10 and a 4 as the duo exchanged roles regularly. His brilliant performances contributed to United's league success that season.
Honours
Carling Cup : 2006, 2009, 2010
Champions League : 1999, 2008
Community Shield : 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2010
FA Cup : 1994, 1996, 1999, 2004
FIFA Club World Cup : 2000, 2009
Premier League : 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2009 (Manchester United)
Paul Scholes will take on a coaching role with United from the start of next season.He is one of the best midfielders ever in football history.
All hail PAUL '18' SCHOLES!!!
Sunday, May 29, 2011
A NIGHT AT WEMBLEY
I sit here remembering every moment of last night's game. It was an action-packed match that I would always want to watch again and again. The line-ups for both teams were the anticipated ones.
Man U-Van Der Saar,Fabio,Ferdinand,Vidic,Evra,Valencia,Park,Carrick,Giggs,
Rooney and Chicharito
Barcelona-Valdes,Alves,Mascherano,Pique,Abidal,Xavi,Busquets,Iniesta,Pedro,Villa and Messi.
United started the game on the high as is their usual practice. A few decent attacks before they handed the game over to Barcelona. Park, Vidic and Ferdinand were up for the game and intercepting passes and breaking Barcelona attacks. At about 23', United started attacking again. They got carried away attacking and Barcelona got a good attack on with three men ahead of Xavi when he advanced with the ball for the opening goal. This number threw united defenders into confusion and lost knowledge of who each should mark. A true pass to Pedro resulted in a goal with a good touch from the striker. United again attacked and just 7 minutes after, scored the equaliser through Wayne Rooney even though Giggs appeared to be in an offside position when he picked the initial pass from Rooney. Nonetheless, the striker finished the ball well.
*Both sides were level at half time*
The second half was when Barca did justice to the game. They started out attacking and overwhelmed Man U. It was good enough that Man U did not run after Barca but waited to close them down. But the question remains: 'How long can you hold Barca?' Iniesta took a lot of time before passing the ball to Messi. Lionel picked the ball and was quick to push forward before taking the final strike for the second goal. To me, it was a combination of the 'bush baby'(Iniesta) and the 'evil spirit'(Messi).
David Villa found it difficult to get behind United's defenders so instead he stood in front of them and made shot attempts for every ball he got. These attempts paid off when he sent home the third goal that put both hands on the trophy for Barca. Van Der Saar made a number of good saves but was not enough to keep the catalunyans from carrying the day.
OBSERVATIONS
**Chicharito had no real impact in the game and that leaves me wondering why Sir Alex started him.From my point of view,I expected Nani,Fletcher,Oshea or Scholes would have started.
**Evra was always tending towards the centre to assist in breaking the dangerous attacks of Barcelona and in the process, freed his man.
**Unexpectedly,Villa started from the right side and Pedro from the left. The first goal came when the two players swapped position.
**The three goals for Barcelona was shared among the strikers which was a clear indication that the midfielders did a wonderful job last night.
**I expected Giggs to play in front of Carrick and Park while Rooney drifted to the left flank thereby providing width and drive to the United side.
**Finally, was I the only one who saw Fergie's hands shaking?...lol
The question remains, WHO WILL STOP BARCELONA?!!!
Man U-Van Der Saar,Fabio,Ferdinand,Vidic,Evra,Valencia,Park,Carrick,Giggs,
Rooney and Chicharito
Barcelona-Valdes,Alves,Mascherano,Pique,Abidal,Xavi,Busquets,Iniesta,Pedro,Villa and Messi.
United started the game on the high as is their usual practice. A few decent attacks before they handed the game over to Barcelona. Park, Vidic and Ferdinand were up for the game and intercepting passes and breaking Barcelona attacks. At about 23', United started attacking again. They got carried away attacking and Barcelona got a good attack on with three men ahead of Xavi when he advanced with the ball for the opening goal. This number threw united defenders into confusion and lost knowledge of who each should mark. A true pass to Pedro resulted in a goal with a good touch from the striker. United again attacked and just 7 minutes after, scored the equaliser through Wayne Rooney even though Giggs appeared to be in an offside position when he picked the initial pass from Rooney. Nonetheless, the striker finished the ball well.
*Both sides were level at half time*
The second half was when Barca did justice to the game. They started out attacking and overwhelmed Man U. It was good enough that Man U did not run after Barca but waited to close them down. But the question remains: 'How long can you hold Barca?' Iniesta took a lot of time before passing the ball to Messi. Lionel picked the ball and was quick to push forward before taking the final strike for the second goal. To me, it was a combination of the 'bush baby'(Iniesta) and the 'evil spirit'(Messi).
David Villa found it difficult to get behind United's defenders so instead he stood in front of them and made shot attempts for every ball he got. These attempts paid off when he sent home the third goal that put both hands on the trophy for Barca. Van Der Saar made a number of good saves but was not enough to keep the catalunyans from carrying the day.
OBSERVATIONS
**Chicharito had no real impact in the game and that leaves me wondering why Sir Alex started him.From my point of view,I expected Nani,Fletcher,Oshea or Scholes would have started.
**Evra was always tending towards the centre to assist in breaking the dangerous attacks of Barcelona and in the process, freed his man.
**Unexpectedly,Villa started from the right side and Pedro from the left. The first goal came when the two players swapped position.
**The three goals for Barcelona was shared among the strikers which was a clear indication that the midfielders did a wonderful job last night.
**I expected Giggs to play in front of Carrick and Park while Rooney drifted to the left flank thereby providing width and drive to the United side.
**Finally, was I the only one who saw Fergie's hands shaking?...lol
The question remains, WHO WILL STOP BARCELONA?!!!
Saturday, December 11, 2010
THE 4-3-3 FORMATION contd.
MIDFIELD(PART 1)
Three midfielders are used. There are 3 options for how the midfield stands;
*1 defensive midfielder, 1 central midfielder and 1 attacking midfielder.
*2 defensive midfielders and 1 attacking midfielder.
*1 defensive midfielder and 2 attacking midfielders.
1 defensive midfielder, 1 central midfielder and 1 attacking midfielder: One of the midfielders is allotted a free role. This option works best if the team has one midfielder who is a box-to-box player. The defensive midfielder maintains a centralized position and acts mainly as a ball winner and a distributor, if possible. Technically, the team playing this formation is expected to dominate play. This option allows for the team to pick and spray passes all around the pitch. This is because the presence of 3 players at the middle, each with a defined role helps produce dominance and control of the game. It is only in rare cases using this option that the defensive midfielder is allowed to push forward. This is because even if one of the defenders join the attack, the defensive midfielder is to cover for him. Only a good ball winner with brilliant tackles is played in this position. The central midfielder is required to have a high work rate and strength thereby fitting into a free role. He runs through the midfield, defense as well as attack. He picks the ball from the full backs and defensive midfielder and dictates the pace of the team. If a skimmer is played in this position, it is an added advantage. In play, the central midfielder is required to play every position on the field.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
THE 4-3-3 FORMATION
The formation fields 4 defenders, 3 midfielders and 3 attackers. It became the most common formation in recent years following the advanced technicalities introduced in the game.
DEFENDERS
Two central defenders and two full backs, one on either flank. Usually, one of the central defenders stands as the sweeper and the other as the last man. Special attention is given to the full-backs. The full-backs are given an additional task of initiating attacks. They roam forward and are required to perform their defensive roles as well.
Full Backs: The left and right full backs provide width and attacking options for the team. Players with a high work-rate, speed and good delivery are used in these positions. These qualities they have to combine with their sound defensive abilities. The rate at which a player can overlap and return to perform his primary duty of defending is of great importance. In most teams using this formation, it has been discovered that one of the full-backs is always more attacking than the other. Sometimes, one wonders if this is only natural or a game plan. When a team is attacking in most cases, the full backs run the flank through to the opponent’s goal line. Tactically, the full-backs are to play as the wingers as the wing forwards either play into the mid-field or the attack. The prevalence of this formation in modern day football has almost made it compulsory for full-backs to play long into the attack, regardless of the formation being used. It has also been observed over time that the full-backs initiate most of the attacks. The mid-fielders pick the balls from the defenders, spray to the full-backs who play back to the mid-fielders and run forward for a return pass.
The ability to alternate speed and break runs are additional qualities a full-back should possess.
Only players with good technique, speed, good ball delivery and work rate can successfully play these positions. Most football lovers hold the view that the idea of full-backs pushing into attack started with Cafu and Roberto Carlos in the 2002 FIFA Mundial.
to be continued
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Tuesday, November 30, 2010
EL-CLASSICO(NOW THAT THE MIGHTY HAS FALLEN)
As the players filed out with high expectations, viewers across the globe were in high spirit and a lot of excitement surrounded the much talked about tie.
Some said it was a war of C. Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi, others said Guardiola vs Mourinho. Whatever anyone said,it was going to be a thrilling encounter.
LINE-UP
Barcelona lined up a 4-3-3 formation with Valdes in goal: Alves,Pique,Puyol,Abidal,Xavi,Busquets,Iniesta,Pedro,Messi,Villa.
Madrid lined up a 4-5-1 formation with Casillas in goal: Ramos,Carvalho,Pepe,Marcelo,Alonso,Khedira,Ozil,Ronaldo,Di Maria,Benzema.
1ST HALF
In the early stages of the first half,barcelona were more tactical as they looked to pick the ball quickly in the mid-field and send it to the left flank. They did this with an aim of disorienting Madrid's 5-man midfield.They were quick with their passes and this did not give Madrid mid-fielders particular players to mark.Xavi was the commander of this game play and distributed passes as quickly as he ran forward to score the first goal. The quick play at the center of the park allowed Villa enough space and time to think anytime the ball was sprayed to him. Iniesta constantly joined Villa on the left flank to cause Ramos more troubles as Ronaldo drifted to the centre of the field,leaving Ramos with no support behind.Even now,I wonder why Alonso or Khedira was not present to support Ramos in marking these Spanish 'wizards'.But for two good runs,Messi did not do more than pass the ball excellently in the first half. The two goals scored by Xavi and Pedro in the half showed how quick Barca can attack and use the ball to the detriment of their opponents.After these two goals,Madrid struggled to find their feet but it almost appeared as a repay of the Germany-Spain world cup match. The individual abilites of the Barca players was on display as they kept possession wonderfully.
2ND HALF
The half-time substitution of Ozil for Diarra was an evidence of confusion in the Madrid bench.At half time,I expected the special one to bring on a more-attacking player for Khedira instead of Ozil. I was amazed at the simplest of tactics with which Guardiola defeated Mourinho as he switched his attack from the left to the right in the second half,thereby causing Marcelo a lot of problems. In this half,Messi and Pedro did the same job which Villa and Iniesta did in the first half.If you followed the game,you would notice Messi set Villa up for two goals in almost the same fashion that Iniesta set Xavi up for the first goal. If only Madrid had known that the second half would cause more problems for them than the first!Once again,Messi showed class as he dished through passes to Villa for two brilliant finishes by the man i like to call the 'number 1 goalscorer of today'.Villa makes goalscoring seem an easy task.After much pressure on Marcelo,Mourinho took him off for Arbeloa who did a better job defensively.Carvalho was lucky not to have been sent off when he used his hands to stop a goal-bound move by Pedro.Later in the game,it was Ramos who was going to get his matching orders. Bojan and Jeffren came on later in the game and the youngsters teamed up to register their presence on the pitch as the former swung in a great pass to the latter for a clinical finish.
In a nutshell, Barcelona made the match seem like a training session.
SUBSTITUTIONS
DIARRA --> OZIL(MADRID)
ARBELOA --> MARCELO(MADRID)
BOJAN --> VILLA
KEITA --> XAVI
JEFFREN --> PEDRO
Watch out for the next post on the 4-3-3 formation.
Some said it was a war of C. Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi, others said Guardiola vs Mourinho. Whatever anyone said,it was going to be a thrilling encounter.
LINE-UP
Barcelona lined up a 4-3-3 formation with Valdes in goal: Alves,Pique,Puyol,Abidal,Xavi,Busquets,Iniesta,Pedro,Messi,Villa.
Madrid lined up a 4-5-1 formation with Casillas in goal: Ramos,Carvalho,Pepe,Marcelo,Alonso,Khedira,Ozil,Ronaldo,Di Maria,Benzema.
1ST HALF
In the early stages of the first half,barcelona were more tactical as they looked to pick the ball quickly in the mid-field and send it to the left flank. They did this with an aim of disorienting Madrid's 5-man midfield.They were quick with their passes and this did not give Madrid mid-fielders particular players to mark.Xavi was the commander of this game play and distributed passes as quickly as he ran forward to score the first goal. The quick play at the center of the park allowed Villa enough space and time to think anytime the ball was sprayed to him. Iniesta constantly joined Villa on the left flank to cause Ramos more troubles as Ronaldo drifted to the centre of the field,leaving Ramos with no support behind.Even now,I wonder why Alonso or Khedira was not present to support Ramos in marking these Spanish 'wizards'.But for two good runs,Messi did not do more than pass the ball excellently in the first half. The two goals scored by Xavi and Pedro in the half showed how quick Barca can attack and use the ball to the detriment of their opponents.After these two goals,Madrid struggled to find their feet but it almost appeared as a repay of the Germany-Spain world cup match. The individual abilites of the Barca players was on display as they kept possession wonderfully.
2ND HALF
The half-time substitution of Ozil for Diarra was an evidence of confusion in the Madrid bench.At half time,I expected the special one to bring on a more-attacking player for Khedira instead of Ozil. I was amazed at the simplest of tactics with which Guardiola defeated Mourinho as he switched his attack from the left to the right in the second half,thereby causing Marcelo a lot of problems. In this half,Messi and Pedro did the same job which Villa and Iniesta did in the first half.If you followed the game,you would notice Messi set Villa up for two goals in almost the same fashion that Iniesta set Xavi up for the first goal. If only Madrid had known that the second half would cause more problems for them than the first!Once again,Messi showed class as he dished through passes to Villa for two brilliant finishes by the man i like to call the 'number 1 goalscorer of today'.Villa makes goalscoring seem an easy task.After much pressure on Marcelo,Mourinho took him off for Arbeloa who did a better job defensively.Carvalho was lucky not to have been sent off when he used his hands to stop a goal-bound move by Pedro.Later in the game,it was Ramos who was going to get his matching orders. Bojan and Jeffren came on later in the game and the youngsters teamed up to register their presence on the pitch as the former swung in a great pass to the latter for a clinical finish.
In a nutshell, Barcelona made the match seem like a training session.
SUBSTITUTIONS
DIARRA --> OZIL(MADRID)
ARBELOA --> MARCELO(MADRID)
BOJAN --> VILLA
KEITA --> XAVI
JEFFREN --> PEDRO
Watch out for the next post on the 4-3-3 formation.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
ARSENAL-TOTTENHAM(THE NORTH LONDON DERBY)
I've been away for a while but now back and better.Learnt so much in little time.
The game is:
The game is:
Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur
Barclays Premier League, Emirates Stadium
Saturday, November 20, 2010, 12:45
Referee: Phil Dowd
Arsenal news: Jack Wilshere passed a fitness test on Friday and will be named in the squad. Laurent Koscielny is back from suspension. Robin van Persie had 45 minutes more football with Holland this week but is highly unlikely to start.
Tottenham news: Striker Jermain Defoe, having recovered from ankle surgery, is back in training and is included in Harry Redknapp’s squad, and will likely be used as a substitute.Lennon could also play some part in this fixture.
Tottenham news: Striker Jermain Defoe, having recovered from ankle surgery, is back in training and is included in Harry Redknapp’s squad, and will likely be used as a substitute.Lennon could also play some part in this fixture.
The North London derby promises to be an entertaining one as both teams have always been known for their abilities to come all out and attack their opponents.Flashes of class and pace will be the highlight of the game but I see Arsenal carrying the day as they tend to be more technically disciplined. I expect the Arsenal midfield to put pressure on Spurs and make it very difficult for them to find their feet for most of the game.
On the other hand anyway,one cannot rule out the 'bullet' pace of Bale and the thunderous strikes from the left foot of Van der Vaart.Tottenham are a very strong side too and could go out to pick 1 or 3 points in this early kick off.
I however do not see this as a 'Modric vs Fabregas' game as players like Nasri and Bale have been in excellent form this season.I also believe that if both coaches place Walcott and Bale on the right and left flanks of their teams respectively,it is going to be much action on one side of the fray.Nevertheless, I do not see Walcott starting this game.
Whatever the results turn out to be,we are assured of a fun-filled,all-attacking afternoon.
I will be here after the game to highlight the technicalities and tactical activities of the match,rating and analyzing each player in the process.
While some say it is a battle between Fabregas and Modric, I see it as a battle between these men who are techincally sound and mentally alert;
Sunday, August 8, 2010
CURTAIN RAISER
As we gear up for the start of a new season,England comes alive again today as the community shield is played. The champions are going head to head to kick-start a new season as players from both sides race against time to attain full fitness.
Chelsea's Carlo Ancelotti is sticking to the 4-3-3 formation he played against Hamburg on Wednesday night with Hilario in goal as the only change to the squad. Benayoun starts from the bench alongside Drogba and others as Essien is set for his first real test after a long spell on the sidelines.With Ashley Cole on the left, Malouda will be able to drift in most times as Anelka is played as the lone man upfront.
Hernandez should get the nod to start instead of Berbatov alongside Rooney if Sir Alex Ferguson sees it right to start the new boy.We are likely to see O'Shea at left-back due to the absence of Evra.Aside this,I believe Man U's team will remain unchanged from what they had last season.Alternatively,we could see a 4-3-3 formation for Man U too.
Immediately after the game,I will be here with detailed analysis of the match.
Always hit this blogspot to read up more about games played and technical inputs of the gaffers because we are ready for a challenging flight this season.
Chelsea (team): Hilario, Ivanovic, Terry, Ferreira, Cole, Essien, Lampard, Mikel, Kalou, Anelka, Malouda. Subs (from): Turnbull, Bruma, Zhirkov, Carvalho, Benayoun, Kakuta, Drogba, Sturridge
Man Utd (from): Van der Sar, Kuszczak, O'Shea, Neville, Evans, De Laet, Vidic, Smalling, Brown, Fletcher, Scholes, Gibson, Giggs, Park, Valencia, Nani, Cleverley, Rooney, Hernandez, Berbatov, Owen, Macheda.
Chelsea's Carlo Ancelotti is sticking to the 4-3-3 formation he played against Hamburg on Wednesday night with Hilario in goal as the only change to the squad. Benayoun starts from the bench alongside Drogba and others as Essien is set for his first real test after a long spell on the sidelines.With Ashley Cole on the left, Malouda will be able to drift in most times as Anelka is played as the lone man upfront.
Hernandez should get the nod to start instead of Berbatov alongside Rooney if Sir Alex Ferguson sees it right to start the new boy.We are likely to see O'Shea at left-back due to the absence of Evra.Aside this,I believe Man U's team will remain unchanged from what they had last season.Alternatively,we could see a 4-3-3 formation for Man U too.
Immediately after the game,I will be here with detailed analysis of the match.
Always hit this blogspot to read up more about games played and technical inputs of the gaffers because we are ready for a challenging flight this season.
Chelsea (team): Hilario, Ivanovic, Terry, Ferreira, Cole, Essien, Lampard, Mikel, Kalou, Anelka, Malouda. Subs (from): Turnbull, Bruma, Zhirkov, Carvalho, Benayoun, Kakuta, Drogba, Sturridge
Man Utd (from): Van der Sar, Kuszczak, O'Shea, Neville, Evans, De Laet, Vidic, Smalling, Brown, Fletcher, Scholes, Gibson, Giggs, Park, Valencia, Nani, Cleverley, Rooney, Hernandez, Berbatov, Owen, Macheda.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
1ST ROUND OF MATCHES ENTERS FINAL DAY
As the first round of matches of the FIFA WORLD CUP,SOUTH AFRICA 2010 enters the final day,I review the games so far and try to evaluate if the teams have played up to the anticipated levels.
SOUTH AFRICA 1-1 MEXICO
A typical first game of the competition. Mexico started well and pushed forward through Dos Santos and slowly the host nation got into the game and fought hard to earn a draw after a second half which went their way.Two players worth mentioning in that game are Dos Santos and Tshabalaba.
URUGUAY 0-0 FRANCE
One game France showed us they do not have much to offer in this WC.Uruguay's Forlan gave a solid performance but did not get all the needed support for Suarez,we must say we expected much more from the Ajax man.Evra did all in his capacity to drive his team forward on a day Arsenal's Diaby was present in the midfield but sadly with an almost absent Gourcuff except for those far wide shots.Maybe someone lied to him that the Jabulani would go right into the net when you shoot from any distance and angle even without precision.
KOREA REPUBLIC 2-0 GREECE
What J.S Park put up in this game is the kind of performance you expect from the big players in a team.He drove the team forward and two good goals assured them maximum points in a game where Greece struggled throughout to find their balance.
ARGENTINA 1-0 NIGERIA
This has grown into a rivalry since 2005 when these two teams mate at the Under-21 level in holland,but Argentina have remained at the advantaged end of the rivalry.Even in 2002 WC,Argentina only managed a 1-0 win against Nigeria and if you recall,Ike Shoronmu put up a goal keeping clinic that day.Lionel Messi was allowed his runs forward but denied registering himself on the score sheet by the magnificent form of Enyeama;great for indeed.While the Nigerian side kept their cool with only a few attacks in that game,Gabriel Heinze's goal seperated both sides.
ENGLAND 1-1 USA
Soccer fans all over the world stayed glued to their TV sets to see their favorite premiership stars bring glamour to the WC. But yet again,the English team did not play to their full potential and this made the tactically disciplined USA side pull a draw,no thanks to a Robert Green error.This was a game where the midfield battle was stiff and Glen Johnson the only full back allowed to stretch forward many times.England sincerely missed Barry and the surprise inclusion of Miner in the starting 11 did not help matters.
ALGERIA 0-1 SLOVENIA
An uneventful match which saw another goal keeping error enough to secure vital 3 points for Slovenia.Algeria had a good game with Ziani doing good work from central to mostly attacking midfield.
I will be back to discuss other matches at the end of today's games.
We expect so much from a team that I say will give a solid performance.Brazil had a good start yesterday,although most people expected more than that from them.Worthy of note was Maicon's super strike. And today,Spain enters into the world cup..Indeed,the world cup has begun.
SOUTH AFRICA 1-1 MEXICO
A typical first game of the competition. Mexico started well and pushed forward through Dos Santos and slowly the host nation got into the game and fought hard to earn a draw after a second half which went their way.Two players worth mentioning in that game are Dos Santos and Tshabalaba.
URUGUAY 0-0 FRANCE
One game France showed us they do not have much to offer in this WC.Uruguay's Forlan gave a solid performance but did not get all the needed support for Suarez,we must say we expected much more from the Ajax man.Evra did all in his capacity to drive his team forward on a day Arsenal's Diaby was present in the midfield but sadly with an almost absent Gourcuff except for those far wide shots.Maybe someone lied to him that the Jabulani would go right into the net when you shoot from any distance and angle even without precision.
KOREA REPUBLIC 2-0 GREECE
What J.S Park put up in this game is the kind of performance you expect from the big players in a team.He drove the team forward and two good goals assured them maximum points in a game where Greece struggled throughout to find their balance.
ARGENTINA 1-0 NIGERIA
This has grown into a rivalry since 2005 when these two teams mate at the Under-21 level in holland,but Argentina have remained at the advantaged end of the rivalry.Even in 2002 WC,Argentina only managed a 1-0 win against Nigeria and if you recall,Ike Shoronmu put up a goal keeping clinic that day.Lionel Messi was allowed his runs forward but denied registering himself on the score sheet by the magnificent form of Enyeama;great for indeed.While the Nigerian side kept their cool with only a few attacks in that game,Gabriel Heinze's goal seperated both sides.
ENGLAND 1-1 USA
Soccer fans all over the world stayed glued to their TV sets to see their favorite premiership stars bring glamour to the WC. But yet again,the English team did not play to their full potential and this made the tactically disciplined USA side pull a draw,no thanks to a Robert Green error.This was a game where the midfield battle was stiff and Glen Johnson the only full back allowed to stretch forward many times.England sincerely missed Barry and the surprise inclusion of Miner in the starting 11 did not help matters.
ALGERIA 0-1 SLOVENIA
An uneventful match which saw another goal keeping error enough to secure vital 3 points for Slovenia.Algeria had a good game with Ziani doing good work from central to mostly attacking midfield.
I will be back to discuss other matches at the end of today's games.
We expect so much from a team that I say will give a solid performance.Brazil had a good start yesterday,although most people expected more than that from them.Worthy of note was Maicon's super strike. And today,Spain enters into the world cup..Indeed,the world cup has begun.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
THE ENGLAND-USA GAME
USA
The ever-technical Bradley did not fail in his plan to keep England away,but unlucky to record one of those crafted wins.The substitutions were important and this is why I place this man as one of the most brilliant coaches in the game right now.Most times,I think he has a weak bench and that is why he does not get his substitutes to win games for him,but at least,they keep the game in order.
Lining up a solid 4-4-2 against England,USA kept a good defensive wall and gave Dempsey and Donovan the task of handling the English midfield in an attempt to create some space in between the English midfield and defense.Also worth mentioning is the tenacious presence of Micheal Bradley,son of the coach.Also worth mentioning was the brilliant run and eventual strike of Altidore which was denied a goal by Green and the wood work.
ENGLAND
The 4-4-2 of England which to me presented a surprise introduction of Milner into starting from left lacked the cutting-edge to gain victory from the well battled game.And again the need for a Joe Cole or Walcott is called.Wait a minute,what was on Capello's mind when he chose the starting XI?
Lampard started deep until sometime in the second half when Gerrard let him loose and Carragher allowed Terry to tear the game forward.I could bet Milner would have done better if allowed to stay on with some instruction and I really wonder why it was not Joe Cole on for him.Even flying both wings did not provide any more width for Capello's side.The side played for total dominance but lacked the authority of one of the supposed strongest teams in the world.
NOTABLE POINTS FROM THE GAME
*Ashley Cole was kept at 'home',no thanks to Donovan who did a good job while Johnson worked the right side through giving England width.
*Gerrard took the game upon himself but with Lampard not doing much until late in the game,he only could do his best.
*Tim Howard had a decent game and what he had to do,he did with minimal fuss.And when called upon on high points,he was present.
*Onyewu did excellently and had the nerve to hold Rooney to the ground thereby giving the entire USA defense less work to do.
*Dempsey and Donovan did not fail to deliver and showed their presence has professionals with good experience.Such performance is expected of high profile players in their respective countries.
*Bocanegra and Gerrard put up captain performances tonight.
CRITICISMS
Wright-Phillips?Aaron Lennon?James Milner?
Findley made some good runs in the first half which I believe should have torn Altidore space enough to net one goal.
COMIC
Only God knows what curse is on English keepers.Green was some form of comic relief for the goal he conceded.
I leave you with this question:
Gerrard,Dempsey,Johnson,Onyewu..Who of these four (4) was the best player on the field for the USA-ENGLAND game?
The ever-technical Bradley did not fail in his plan to keep England away,but unlucky to record one of those crafted wins.The substitutions were important and this is why I place this man as one of the most brilliant coaches in the game right now.Most times,I think he has a weak bench and that is why he does not get his substitutes to win games for him,but at least,they keep the game in order.
Lining up a solid 4-4-2 against England,USA kept a good defensive wall and gave Dempsey and Donovan the task of handling the English midfield in an attempt to create some space in between the English midfield and defense.Also worth mentioning is the tenacious presence of Micheal Bradley,son of the coach.Also worth mentioning was the brilliant run and eventual strike of Altidore which was denied a goal by Green and the wood work.
ENGLAND
The 4-4-2 of England which to me presented a surprise introduction of Milner into starting from left lacked the cutting-edge to gain victory from the well battled game.And again the need for a Joe Cole or Walcott is called.Wait a minute,what was on Capello's mind when he chose the starting XI?
Lampard started deep until sometime in the second half when Gerrard let him loose and Carragher allowed Terry to tear the game forward.I could bet Milner would have done better if allowed to stay on with some instruction and I really wonder why it was not Joe Cole on for him.Even flying both wings did not provide any more width for Capello's side.The side played for total dominance but lacked the authority of one of the supposed strongest teams in the world.
NOTABLE POINTS FROM THE GAME
*Ashley Cole was kept at 'home',no thanks to Donovan who did a good job while Johnson worked the right side through giving England width.
*Gerrard took the game upon himself but with Lampard not doing much until late in the game,he only could do his best.
*Tim Howard had a decent game and what he had to do,he did with minimal fuss.And when called upon on high points,he was present.
*Onyewu did excellently and had the nerve to hold Rooney to the ground thereby giving the entire USA defense less work to do.
*Dempsey and Donovan did not fail to deliver and showed their presence has professionals with good experience.Such performance is expected of high profile players in their respective countries.
*Bocanegra and Gerrard put up captain performances tonight.
CRITICISMS
Wright-Phillips?Aaron Lennon?James Milner?
Findley made some good runs in the first half which I believe should have torn Altidore space enough to net one goal.
COMIC
Only God knows what curse is on English keepers.Green was some form of comic relief for the goal he conceded.
I leave you with this question:
Gerrard,Dempsey,Johnson,Onyewu..Who of these four (4) was the best player on the field for the USA-ENGLAND game?
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
THE 4-4-2 FORMATION(MODIFIED)
Just when we thought the left and right mid-fielders were going into extinction paving way for Left and Right wing forwards,our ever-intelligent football experts introduce a modified 4-4-2 formation.
DEFENSE(4)
As expected of football these days,the full backs are allowed to run the whole line through to the attack.If both full backs have attacking abilities,then the wing mid-fielder plays centrally. This gives the team a stronger midfield,thereby giving them an advantage of dominance of the game.
When either of the full backs pushes forward,there is always one mid-fielder to cover for him.
MIDFIELD(4)
In this formation,either a left or right wing mid-fielder is featured along with 1 attacking,1 central and 1 defensive mid-fielder.Most times,one of the mid-fielders tends to play on the other wing but only supporting the wing back on that flank.
The peculiarity of this formation is the fact that the attacking mid-fielder is granted freedom to join the strikers in attack while the winger plays centrally.Infact sometimes the winger adapts to a central role just like the case of JAMES MILNER of ASTON VILLA.
ATTACK(2)
Just like in the traditional 4-4-2,the 2 strikers can both play through the middle or from both sides of the field.When playing through the middle,the strikers rarely play side-by-side,instead they play 1 behind the other.
The sound technicality of modern footballers makes them modify the 4-4-2 formation to a 4-3-3 sometimes during the course of the game. This way,one of the strikers(mostly the one with more pace or foot work) drops to one wing,inviting the winged mid-fielder to join the attack on the other wing.This makes the other striker act like a lone striker and the attacking mid-fielder playing just behind him.
TEAMS WITH THIS FORMATION:
Chelsea(4-4-2):
Defenders: Ashley Cole,John Terry,Alex and Ivanovic.
Mid-fielders: Frank Lampard,John Obi Mikel, Micheal Ballack,Florent Malouda.
Strikers: Nicolas Anelka,Didier Drogba.
Tottenham* with Modric,Huddlestone,Palacios and Lennon in midfield
Supposed English team with Barry,Lampard,Gerrard and Lennon/Wright Phillips in Midfield
Spain* with Alonso,Iniesta/Fabregas,Xavi and Silva in Midfield
Many other teams also use this formation.
*It should be noted that Tottenham used this formation before Modric got injured in 2009/2010 season and Spain's formation is subject to many changes based on the decision of the coach.
Feel free to comment and ask questions about this.You can check on this blog regularly for more about football...
e-mail to; lil_lusan@yahoo.com or call: 07030711869,08024740427.
DEFENSE(4)
As expected of football these days,the full backs are allowed to run the whole line through to the attack.If both full backs have attacking abilities,then the wing mid-fielder plays centrally. This gives the team a stronger midfield,thereby giving them an advantage of dominance of the game.
When either of the full backs pushes forward,there is always one mid-fielder to cover for him.
MIDFIELD(4)
In this formation,either a left or right wing mid-fielder is featured along with 1 attacking,1 central and 1 defensive mid-fielder.Most times,one of the mid-fielders tends to play on the other wing but only supporting the wing back on that flank.
The peculiarity of this formation is the fact that the attacking mid-fielder is granted freedom to join the strikers in attack while the winger plays centrally.Infact sometimes the winger adapts to a central role just like the case of JAMES MILNER of ASTON VILLA.
ATTACK(2)
Just like in the traditional 4-4-2,the 2 strikers can both play through the middle or from both sides of the field.When playing through the middle,the strikers rarely play side-by-side,instead they play 1 behind the other.
The sound technicality of modern footballers makes them modify the 4-4-2 formation to a 4-3-3 sometimes during the course of the game. This way,one of the strikers(mostly the one with more pace or foot work) drops to one wing,inviting the winged mid-fielder to join the attack on the other wing.This makes the other striker act like a lone striker and the attacking mid-fielder playing just behind him.
TEAMS WITH THIS FORMATION:
Chelsea(4-4-2):
Defenders: Ashley Cole,John Terry,Alex and Ivanovic.
Mid-fielders: Frank Lampard,John Obi Mikel, Micheal Ballack,Florent Malouda.
Strikers: Nicolas Anelka,Didier Drogba.
Tottenham* with Modric,Huddlestone,Palacios and Lennon in midfield
Supposed English team with Barry,Lampard,Gerrard and Lennon/Wright Phillips in Midfield
Spain* with Alonso,Iniesta/Fabregas,Xavi and Silva in Midfield
Many other teams also use this formation.
*It should be noted that Tottenham used this formation before Modric got injured in 2009/2010 season and Spain's formation is subject to many changes based on the decision of the coach.
Feel free to comment and ask questions about this.You can check on this blog regularly for more about football...
e-mail to; lil_lusan@yahoo.com or call: 07030711869,08024740427.
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