Asunto: National Team

A 2 - 0 loss today and a few flaws in the tactic followed by a few unlucky breaks to key members. Wasn't the greatest match I've seen us play but we got caught offside too often and the times we got through we were quickly shut down. Offensive throw ins were terrible to put it lightly, I over estimated how far they could throw the ball and the English had them covered anyway.

Our defense held on as much as it could have. The loss of Pierce and Rex early really hurt the stability in the backline as many players tired too quickly.

Things didn't go to plan but we weren't thumped on the scoreboard, we were just thumped in shots and territory.

The throw ins were probably the biggest flaw of your tactic, i agree. Defensive wise they were good though. I thought the winger was up a bit too much at some points too, but maybe thats just me.

Greg's offside trap was most definitely incomplete with an incredible amount of inconsistencies.. the biggest loser today for aussie was the shocking passing by the players, especially Mr Keeper (a few winger passes went missed too though).

Thought Byers should've scored on that opportunity he had, but unlucky i guess. If there was any point where to score in this match it would've been in the last half hour or so when all their defenders would be worn out. Have to admit the second goal by England was pretty sexy too.

Yeah, that was why I had intended to bring on Newhill in the 60th and had a few changes which were meant to happen around then as well which happened much earlier due to the injuries. I knew we'd be struggling to break down their defense and was hoping we could do it with some fresh legs at the end.

The winger and strikers were both up one 'click and drag' too many most of the time.

Certainly room for improvement, but England certainly had the firepower over us.

Still better than the 2x gubbings I personally dished out to Australia in the first two games :).

Nothing to worry about there Dave, it looked fine to me. England played their defenders along way up the field which paid off. Had you brought the strikers back and their defenders played deep then it would've been completely ineffective for us so you had no choice.

The organisation looked pretty good to me. We were just outmatched in every match-up, every position.

Masi made some great saves. His kick-outs were shocking, but he made up for it.

Also, the defensive throw-ins were fine. They got free possession out by the side-line, but how many effective crosses were generated from that position? I didn't see one of maybe ten/fifteen crosses.

Yeah defensive throw ins I wasn't worried about as they panned out quite well, just the offensive side was a bit sloppy in areas.

Least we're getting closer ;)
We've had enough 10-0 beltings from England in the past so to only lose 2 - 0 is encouraging :).

congrats on going to world cup! nicely done. ps. no dreger in the u21? :( btw - now solid pace, outstanding technique and striker...

Weak ;).

bad-weak-howarth :-P

Dreger came close to making the U21 game. I ended up giving the spot to Newhill although it was pleasing to actually have Dreger in a little bit of form.

Excellent is not so bad :-P

he was solid last week :p.

Ah...maybe, I wasn't on sk for 2 weeks :p
You are absolved of sins. ;)

3 - 0 loss today. Suppose that's a reasonable scoreline but wasn't what I was hoping for. 2 goals they got from crosses from throw ins from the corner line, and a bit of mis communication between Croxall and Baveas butchered our best chance of scoring.

Fairly insane how they can dribble our best defs with ease though.

We certainly missed Ando out there.
(editado)

They have unearthly technicians...no one was hoping for the win, draw would be a great result, so I think that 0:3 isn't that bad. And I've got 100% in the betting competition :P