Asunto: National Team

but we are skillful in the utilization of our luck :D

Yes. :)

I think that generally you could've stand a chance...

...if there wasn't Bodger in first 11. :p

Ahh...I'm waiting for Australia 6:0 Bulgaria video upload at youtube ends, but it takes so loooong...:/

Kris Hirons averages a goal every 50 minutes against New Zealand. If he played a full game vs NZ they'd be in trouble :P

Next time he will. ;)

Australia vs Bulgaria video.

Hm..quite bad quality.

If someone wants it, then I can upload it to rapidshare.
(editado)

nah, aussie would still lose ;)

Still...? It was a draw if you don't remember :P

i looked into the game engine and saw we would've won if extra time was played.

I haven't watched the game right through, but two things I noticed.

1. When we're deep in attack, I'd like to see Widera push forward a bit and fill the void. Have to trust the back line against such weak strikers.

2. What was the logic behind having the strikers swap sides when the ball was played in from the right wing?

1. He was moving up in the last squares :)
2. The logic was simple - I wanted to get the forward with weaker striker skill to by near the gk, and the one with better striker skill to be far from gk. I had to place them in these place after watching how Bulgarian coach places his defs, I wanted to make forwards more 'free' in penalty area, that's why Whitehouse scored 3/6 - he was free and near the goal. :)
(editado)

1. I'd like to see him push up as soon as the ball crosses into our attacking half... especially when the ball is played to the wing, because it leaves a big hole in behind where their strikers were unmarked. It's just the way I like to see the central def-mid used... not too far from the defs but not so close... roaming and intercepting is his role which allows the def line to remain intact.

2. I'm not sure you needed to do that and I'm not sure if doing so confuses the player who is wanting to play the ball in. But I did like your positioning... very good. I understand your point, but you'll recognise that Whitehouse scored most of his goals from towards the top of the square... not at the goal-mouth... so it could have been either striker in that position, no?

1. I agree with that, he played like that in most games, though when playng like that he makes me almost sure opponent won't score from long range. Also now opponents never know how will be the DM placed :)

2.Hm...Whitehouse scored when he was as hish as possible in tactic, so his striker skill wasn't that much needed. But if he was placed behind, like Hrehoresin, then he would never score in my opinion. Also look - there are 2 defs near Hrehoresin, and Whitehouse was free - thanks to that Thompson didn't had to think who to pass, and White~ had easier work. :)

Now we're going to play U21 game with Israel.

I hope for a good game. Maybe my last as NT coach :)

It looks like you wanted to load one side of their defense with a right-wing, right forward and center forward.

One thing I noticed was Hrehoresin (the right forward) frequently running at a ball that should have been left for the winger. I wonder if you aren't better off having the two forwards more central when the ball is lower down the pitch and only loading up the right hand side once the ball is on the wing? Wouldn't this make it less likely the forward on the side of the wing would run at balls on the wing and thus provide an extra target in the box for the winger?

I was surprised with that! I often play like that in my normal team, and my forward never tries to 'help' the winger, also it haven't happened in NT before. I must analise it, though I wasn't experimenting with position of forward

What a problem with this U21, a bad week this time.

Hirons - injury.
Byers - injury.
Damien Coveny - form.

Argh. *goes to find a good enough forward*

Byers is only a slight injury.. damn bot defender in friendly!