Heart 3-2 Victory: Match Analysis

This edition of the Melbourne Derby was a thrilling contest, fought between two clubs with contrasting approaches. Heart were able to emerge victorious, largely due to the shrewdness of Dutch manager John van't Schip. Having seen his initial theoretically sound tactical plan fail to contain the sparkling Victory trident of Hernandez, Kewell and Thompson, the former Ajax winger changed Heart's formation, and from then were in the ascendant. This match superbly illustrated the superiority of a collective 'system' over reliance on individual 'star power' in building a team. 

Melbourne Derby Preview

Bring on the blood and the thunder, for the Derby is at hand. This Friday, what has quickly become one of the most anticipated fixtures of Australian sport will play out at AAMI Park, when the Red and Whites host the Navy Blues.
(Press Play for Mood Music)

Delay

Due to Christmas related mishaps and various shenanigans, there will be a delay for all Round 11 Analysis. Apologies for the inconvenience, expect Brisbane vs Central Coast by Thursday, Friday at the latest.

It has been extremely heartening to see that PM has consistently reached 150 page views per day, even without new articles. I'd like to thank all of you for your support and encouragement.

Have a very Merry (and safe) Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Demographics

PM Readers may have noticed a few new polls on the sidebar. They're just an attempt to gauge the demographics of PM's readership, such as age, gender, frequency of visits etc. I would just like to reassure you that all information voluntarily submitted is completely confidential - there is simply no way for the poll data to be accessed beyond clicking on "View Results". All data submitted is much appreciated. 

4 points on Wellington 2-0 Brisbane

Brisbane's fall from grace continues unabated then, with a shocking two-nil defeat away against a resilient Wellington outfit. This was always going to be a tough fixture, especially with such an arduous travel schedule involved, but no one seriously expected such a definitive scoreline against the visitors. This match was notable in a tactical sense for the slight tweaks both managers made to their respective sides. 

Brisbane 1-2 Heart: Match Analysis

A clash of the titans. The two most innovative sides in the A-League era, Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Heart, fought for supremacy at Suncorp Stadium; if not quite a title deciding event, it will certainly be looked back upon, with far greater reverence, as a turning point in the evolution and growing sophistication of Australian football. The reigning champions Brisbane, reeling from the unexpected end of their record-setting 36-games unbeaten streak, were keen to demonstrate they are more than just a Thomas-Broich-and-Friends ensemble. Heart on the other hand, have been one of the most tactically fascinating teams in the the A-League. This was their chance to lay down a marker to the other clubs in the league, that they have finally realised their potential. 

Heart 1-0 Wellington: Match Analysis

This match was an open and exciting encounter between two clubs with very contrasting styles; Heart, with their 'total voetball' sensibilities  and Wellington, with a counter-attacking brief that emphasises speed and power. The first half was dominated by the hosts, who were able to create a handful of outright chances, without closing the deal. The Nix fought back in the second period, with renewed energy and aggressive substitutions. Credit to both managers for a game that served as a laudable example of and to Australian football. 

8 points on Sydney 2-0 Brisbane

It's almost like the sky is falling. After a record-setting unbeaten streak, the reigning champions tasted defeat for the first time in 3,240+ minutes of football, bending the knee to none other than...Sydney FC? How in blazes did Lavicka manage that? With clever use of pressing, a dawn sacrifice to the weather gods and more than a dollop of good fortune. 

Delay

Just a note for PM Readers, there is going to be a delay for all analysis of Round 9 this week. Brisbane v Sydney is a work in progress, hopefully there'll be time for the Victory v Galaxy friendly, and its unlikely but possible that Heart v Wellington will make an appearance. Earliest anything will be completed and posted will probably be Wednesday/Thursday. 

Apologies for the inconvenience.

6 points on Adelaide 0-4 Central Coast

Here are 6 tactical points on the Mariners ruthless four-goal shellacking of a hapless Adelaide. 

Before the start of the season, the Reds were tipped by many, including PM, to mount a serious title tilt, despite the departures of a host of key players. Coolen supervised a complete rebuild of the playing squad, presumably at great expense. Among his prized recruits were Vidosic, McKain, Levchenko and Slory. And although none of the new arrivals have particularly distinguished themselves, perhaps the most disappointing performance has been produced by the manager himself, who has consistently committed severe tactical mistakes. 

5 points on Victory 3-2 Gold Coast

Here are 5 tactical points on the Victory's desperate 3-2 triumph against Gold Coast. The match was highly unusual for a number of reasons. Firstly, the referee was probably more of an influence on the outcome of this match than any of the players, handing out a red card and two penalties to the home team, as well as a host of yellow cards. But both managers also bungled their tactics, which made for early modifications. 

Olyroos 0-0 Uzbekistan: HT Match Impressions

The Olyroos played out a goal-less draw against a 'familar' Uzbekistan. This is not a full match analysis, and is intended only to convey how the Olyroos were set out.

Central Coast 3-1 Heart: Match Analysis

A genuinely exhilarating tactical encounter was decided, undeservedly perhaps, by a foul on a keeper resulting in a stunning overhead kick and a mis-judged handball. Melbourne and the Central Coast have shaped up this season as genuine title contenders; the Red and Whites and the Mariners will be tussling for the silver and bronze medals come the business end of the season. John van't Schip and Graham Arnold renewed their reputations as among the finest tacticians in Australia.

6 points on Adelaide 0-0 Newcastle

Here is a 6 point tactical analysis on Adelaide's underwhelming nil-all draw with Newcastle. Don't forget to help spread the word about Pass and Move. 

Sydney 2-3 Central Coast: Match Analysis

Bling FC against the Little Club That Could; that would be the expected narrative in any derby involving the Harbour City and their more modest cousins. Except in recent times, it's the Sky Blues who have been in the doldrums and the Mariners in the ascendant. Central Coast triumphed at the SFS for the first time in four years, but it was Lavicka's confusing tactics and overly aggressive substitutions that largely decided the contest. 

Gold Coast 1-2 Heart: Match Analysis

This match was an intriguing tactical proposition and a prime example of why pure 4-4-2's, in its attacking incarnation, have become obsolete, and why striker-less 4-6-0's are the future. Gold Coast were completely overwhelmed in midfield, the classy Dutch pair of Beekmans and Jungschlager were overrun by Heart, who were able to deploy four players in central midfield, yet still field two wingers, by ditching a central striker. 

The pattern of play was established early, after Thompson pilfered an early goal. Heart dominated the rest of the first period, monopolising possession and chances. Gold Coast retained a threat through the predatory Rigters, whose direct and aggressive running very nearly undid Madaschi on the counter-attack, as well as dangerous deliveries by Jungschlager at set pieces. Bleiburg's tactical changes after the break allowed Gold Coast to get back into the contest, but their equaliser was then cancelled out by Germano's late goal. 

4 points on Brisbane 1-1 Wellington

Here are 4+ tactical points on Brisbane's one-all draw with Wellington.

12 points on Heart 3-0 Newcastle

Here are 12 tactical points on Heart's three-nil victory against Newcastle. 

Thailand 0-1 Australia: Match Analysis

In an encounter Australia was largely expected to dominate, the Socceroos were insipid and vulnerable to a dangerous Thailand. Winfried Schafer deserves great credit for Thailand's stubborn and animated performances against Australia. Mr Schafer, be honest now - have you been reading Pass and Move? His tactical plan to neutralise Australia's left flank was remarkably similar to PM's feature on 'How to dismantle Australia'. The scoreboard may have read one-nil to the visitors, but it was the Thais who escaped with greater credit. 

Given that Osieck restored the system that had recently been successful, with Holman reverting to the withdrawn striker role, McKay back at left midfield, and Zullo resuming his role as the left fullback, PM readers are justified in asking why Australia was so ineffective. Simply put, those failings that Australia suffered from against Oman and Thailand before, resurfaced despite the switch in personnel. Specifically, Australia were prone to a lack of width on the left flank, a lack of mobility up-front and a failure to retain possession. Ultimately this was probably a match that was tactically significant for the players that weren't present more than for the players that were. 

Match Day: Brisbane

A couple of months back PM asked any readers if they were keen to write 'match day experience' pieces, as a way to give a window into the life of a dedicated Australian football fan and the various subcultures of the disparate A-League clubs. No one replied. Until Hamish of Football Down Under and Beyond, a hardcore Brisbanite, put his hand up. 

Now I wouldn't want to take away any of his audience by posting his article in its entirety, so instead I've linked back to his original site, which any true Roar fans should have bookmarked already.  

If there are any other fans of the other A-League clubs eager to write something similar, do get in touch, and PM will look to accommodate you. Nice work Hamish. 

Oman 1-0 Australia: Match Analysis

Well this was unexpected. The Socceroos, unbeaten since that heart breaking extra time loss to Japan in January, have bent the knee to a defiant Oman. So besides falling back on tired old clichés like the hosts 'raging against the dying of the light', how can we explain this result? Oman definitely improved, with their defensive organisation becoming faster, which is a credit to Le Guen. Unfortunately however, it was Holger Osieck's team selection to which the majority of blame can be apportioned. 

Now mistakes, in and of themselves, are rarely something to worry over, as trial and error is often the best way to learn. Disappointingly however, the omissions Holger committed against Oman were of a strikingly similar nature, to the mistakes he made in his team selection against Thailand. Specifically, deploying Holman and McKay out of position at left wing and fullback, in a bid to squeeze in all of the 'on form' players into the same team. 

Oman v Australia: Preview

Next Tuesday, At 1am this Saturday, Australia is going to face Oman, needing only a draw to guarantee progression to the next stage of AFC Qualification for Brazil 2014.

Holger Osieck called up a 23-man squad for the two upcoming matches. The last match against Oman, about a month ago, was a resounding three-nil victory for the Aussies.

The fact that qualification is all but assured, and that the starting XI is the hardest it has been to predict for some years, are all excellent signs of the progress we have made under the affable German. 

The Big One-oh-oh-oh-oh.

A couple of days ago, Pass and Move reached the magic landmark of 10,000 hits. This would be an appropriate time for some introspection.

Adelaide 1-1 Heart: Match Analysis

There are multiple prisms through which to perceive this match; a 'relegation' scrap for one, a grudge match between former colleagues (on the pitch and in the dugouts) another, a Double Dutch affair, perhaps even a fight between the two highest paid and most 'underperforming' managers in the league. Thanks to the audacity of John van't Schip however, PM is going to treat this match as a fascinating tactical exhibition. Kind of obvious really, given the word 'tactics' is in the URL.

The first half was a see-sawing affair. Heart dominated play initially, thanks to their monopoly of possession. But Adelaide battled through, unsettling the Heart and conjuring threatening periods of play. What set this fixture alight however, was the late sending off of Colosimo, and Adelaide's equaliser from the resultant free kick. Both sides really battled in the closing minutes; Slory came close to twice creating open net situations, while Hoffman actually tapped in a shot from close range, only to be called off-side.

Blog Rule

Pass and Move recommend interesting/fascinating posts and articles, from abroad, to our audience Down Under.

Victory 2-2 Brisbane: Match Analysis

Melbourne Victory turned in a heroic defensive performance after going down to ten, and then nine men, within the space of half an hour. The manner of the goals tells the story of this match, with Brisbane scoring from two set pieces, and Archie Thompson displaying his clinical edge, bagging a brace.

This match might very well be the turning point for the seasons of both Brisbane and Victory. After that blunt performance, the reigning champions are now faced with the prospect of playing teams that sit all eleven men behind the ball, while Durakovic might finally realise that in the short term, the Navy Blues will be better served playing the way Merrick intended his squad to.

Round 5 Tips

Round 5 of A-League Season 7 is upon, and here are PM's tips for the weekend. After watching Brisbane absolutely tear apart a sorry Adelaide, what can we expect from the upcoming action?

A Tale of Victory: From London to Melbourne

It is the 22^nd of October. Mehmet Durakovic and his Melbourne Victory squad welcome derby rivals Melbourne Heart to Etihad Stadium. The home team are fortunate to escape with a draw against the rampant Red and Whites.

A week later and it’s now the 29^th of October. Arsene Wenger’s stuttering Arsenal visit Andre Villas Boas and his Chelsea squad at Stamford Bridge. A goal fest of epic proportions ensues, which results in a Van Persie hat-trick and a 5-3 loss to the Blues.

What could these two clubs, Melbourne Victory and Chelsea FC, nearly 17,000 km, hundreds of millions of pounds and a whole other English dialect apart, have in common?

Socceroos Squad List

Holger Osieck has called up a 23-man squad, adding five players from the 18 that contested against Malaysia and Oman at home, to face Oman away on Nov 11 and Thailand away on Nov 15, though that may change due to floods.

The big talking points pertain to the return of Aussie stalwarts Harry Kewell and Brett Emerton, as well as the call-ups of relative newcomers Chris Herd, Mitch Nichols and Adam Sarota.

Round 4 Team of the Week

Just to switch things up a bit, here is PM's Team of the Week for Round 4, in the fashionable universal default of 4-2-3-1. Do your heroes make an appearance? Add your own suggestions in the comments below.

Addendum to Besart Berisha

PM recently analysed the 7-1 thrashing Brisbane dolled out to Adelaide.

ADDITION:
That isn't to say Berisha is a 'simple poacher' - that dubious honour belongs to none other than Shane Smeltz, the A-League's own Michael Owen. To again use the Torres metaphor, Berisha's pace and aggression was used to push back the Adelaide centre backs to expand the space between the Red's midfield and defence, something Smeltz isn't capable of.

Heart 1-1 Sydney: Match Analysis

A vintage Arsenal Heart performance. Control of possession, impatience in constructing attacks, lack of a clear final ball and defensive frailty. A classic North London Red and White recipe. Sydney showed a measure of resilience, and could certainly take encouragement away from the improved performance by Brett Emerton, and the continued excellent form of Nick Carle in concert with Karol Kisel. In truth, Heart controlled the second half; it was theirs to win or lose, and a failure to kill the game after their late goal cost them dearly. Fate is exacting a heavy toll on Heart's mistakes so far this season; all they can do is hope that Karma will shine on them in the weeks to come.

Format Changes

PM has recently changed to a wider format, which displays more features, but may disadvantage readers with narrow screens. Indicate your approval/disapproval in the "Reactions" of this post, and PM may revert to the narrower width with only one sidebar.

Best New Signings

It's now Round 4 of the A-League season, which means that new arrivals have now add a little over a month to settle into their respective clubs and adapt or be accommodated into the preferred style of play.

Which players have looked the most impressive in their new surrounds? Add your own opinons in comments below.

Brisbane 7-1 Adelaide: Match Analysis

Un-f**king-believable. Brisbane produced a virtousic performance with a display of football that was at turns scintillating, exhilarating and utterly crushing. Brisbane's raw speed of movement, passing and thought, their creative flair, their disciplined and determined pressing; this was the beautiful game at its most elegant and elemental, a full realisation of football as an ideal. Brisbane were almost mechanical in their precision, and provided a demonstration of the merits of subordinating the individual talent to the expression of the collective.

Because of the sheer disparity in quality, it's hard for PM to analyse this match from a tactical prism - Brisbane won because of their superior style of play. Yet there are points of interest concerning Coolen's tactics and Postecoglou's line-up, most pertinently the decision to break up the McKain/Susak central defensive axis and shift Susak to right fullback, as well as the decision to field Caravella out of position on the left with the return of Levchenko to the double pivot.

Round 4 Tips

Round 4 of Season 7 of the A-League is upon us, and here's PM's tips for the weekend:

Adelaide 1-2 Sydney: Match Analysis

Sydney turned in a much improved and more fluent performance to clinch a confidence boosting three points at Hindmarsh Stadium, a venue they had gone three whole years without winning at. Adelaide were effective in patches, but still seem to miss the fluency of the squad Coolen inherited from Vidmar.

THIS ANALYSIS SHOULD BE REGARDED AS INCOMPLETE, but PM thought there was merit in posting the tactical diagram.

Notice for Perth and Central Coast

Note to all Perth and Central Coast fans, few of whom ever visit this site.

PM hasn't devoted much coverage to either club since Round 1, but rest assurred, there are 'developments' behind the scenes for both the Mariners and the Glory.

Expect an analysis of the general systems/formations/shapes employed by Arnold and Ferguson, coming soon.  Conveniently enough, the two clubs are meeting in Gosford in Round 4, so in all probability, PM will cover that match, if there is demand for it.

If anyone is REALLY keen for a Round 3 Newcastle v Central Coast Analysis, speak up now (in the comments) or forever hold your peace.

Thanks for your support

LATER ADDITION;
The Round 3 Match Analysis for Adelaide and Sydney will be 'cancelled'. I'll post it anyway for the match diagram, but it should be regarded as incomplete.

Victory 0-0 Heart: Match Analysis

Saturday's Melbourne Derby was an open and exciting affair, as well as an entertaining spectacle thanks to the fantastic atmosphere created by the Blue and White Brigade and the travelling Yarraside. Though it ended in a draw, Heart were conclusively the more dominant side throughout, but were unable to translate that into goals. PM have made the comparison before of Heart to Arsenal, and on the weekend the Red and Whites of Melbourne displayed that most evident failing endemic to the Red and Whites of North London; hesitancy up-front. At times, Heart seemed intent on walking the ball into the net, with Covic undoubtedly the home side hero, with only his snap reflexes keeping the Navy Blues in the game. There wasn't an overt tactical 'battle' during this match as there was between Postecoglou and Arnold. Nonetheless, Durakovic's starting XI was short on invention, and his substitutions worsened Victory's situation in midfield, while van't Schip's line-up was positive, aggressive and his substitutions were daring.

The football media have definitely not given enough attention, or more likely haven't even noticed the fact that Melbourne Heart and Brisbane have been trying to implement False Nines. The False Nine is a tactic that only the greatest Champions League sides have dared to attempt; Van Persie at Arsenal, Totti at Roma, Rooney at Manchester United and of course Messi at Barcelona. To that illustrious list we can now add Alex Terra of Melbourne Heart and Thomas Broich of Brisbane. Bravo Ange Postecoglou and John van't Schip, the two greatest innovators of Australian football.

Notice Round 3 Analysis

Just a note for interested readers on Round 3 Analysis; PM is planning on eventually compiling a Match Analysis on both the Melbourne Derby and Sydney v Brisbane, and we'll try Central Coast v Newcastle but no guarantees. We'd like to advise that, due to troublesome circumstances, these will probably be posted in the coming days, rather than this weekend.

Brisbane 3-0 Gold Coast: Match Analysis

This was a frenetic contest between the two bitter Queensland rivals. Miron Bleiburg did his homework, learning the lessons from Central Coast's and Sydney's previous defeats to the Roar. Despite the unflattering scoreline, Gold Coast had quite threatening periods of play, especially in the first half, and are justified in feeling unlucky to concede three against their neighbours. The first goal was a case of weak defending at a set-piece, while the third goal was a result of carelessness in possession. The second goal was a fantastic effort by the Oranje; a superb through ball by Murdocca coupled with a determined run and clinical finish by Berisha. It was Rigters however, who was culpable in his defending.

Queensland Derby Preview

Later tonight will see the flamboyant Miron Bleiburg take his Gold Coast squad to face the reigning champions Brisbane Roar in the Queensland Derby.

A-League Training Camp

Holger Osieck and Aurelio Vidmar have called up a 31-man training camp, comprised of potential Olyroos and uncapped senior A-League players. Ostensibly for the older players in the prospective group, this is a chance to stake a claim for a berth in the Socceroos squad during the long and arduous qualification campaign for Brazil 2014. A camp such as this was only a matter of time, with Osieck having held a similiar training event for young Australians in Europe. This initiative is to be applauded as another signal of approval for the A-League from Osieck.

Blog Rule

Pass and Move recommend interesting/fascinating articles or posts to our Aussie audience.

Melbourne Derby Preview

Arise, arise ye sons and daughters of Melbourne, for the Derby is at hand.

This Saturday will see the two Victorian rivals take the field at Aami Park Etihad Stadium to determine, for good and all (or at least for the next few weeks), which club holds sway over the city of Melbourne - Victory or Heart.

Coming Soon...

Melbourne Derby Preview

Heart 1-2 Perth: Match Analysis

The majority of this match was largley disjointed. Neither side was able to establish a rhythm, and the first half played out like an aerial bombardment. Ferguson kept faith with the side that beat Adelaide, while Heart were compelled to replace Jason Hoffman. Heart ultimately fell victim to a degree of defensive naiveity and are justified in feeling unlucky to have yet to post points on the table.

It's an oldie...

...but a goodie.

Blog Rule

Pass and Move recommend interesting/fascinating/infuriating posts by other bloggers to our Aussie audience.  

Sydney 0-2 Brisbane: Match Analysis

Saturdays's match between the Sky Blues and the Roar was initially a close fought contest. Lavicka altered his tactics and his starting XI from last week's City Classico against the Victory, trying to implement a more energetic and positive style. Initially, it seemed to work, but the fast tempo necessitated by the high press tired Sydney, and Brisbane were able to seize the advantage later on.

Twitter

Actually useful. Who'd have thunk it?

Just want to say thanks to John Didulica, Francis Awartefe and Brendan Schwab for the recommend. Your support is much appreciated.

Must say, PM isn't really active on Twitter, though we'll try to be. Our attempts at live commentary have failed, largely due to being too busy debating whether a bucket of chips at Etihad is worth more than $5. Conclusion; we'd rather go hungry.

Adelaide 1-0 Victory: Match Analysis

This was a taut, tense and heated affair between the two clubs with arguably the most vitriolic rivalry in the A-League; the Reds and the Navy Blues. South Australians scarcely need reminding of the utterly dominant record the Victorians hold over them, the highlights of which include Archie Thompson's 5-goal shellacking in the inaugural 2006-7 Grand Final, and a 5-year undefeated streak held against the Reds that Coolen was only able to break last year. For the Reds, this was a match to savour. Ultimately, the result was decided by a mistaken pass, Van Dijk's predatory instincts and confirmed by a questionable sending off of Leijer. While both managers employed 4-2-3-1 shapes, there were distinctive differences between the two; namely the roles of Harry Kewell, shifted from trequartista to centre forward, and Zenon Caravella, a passing midfielder who has found himself shunted out on the wing.

Shout Out

Just wanted to convey PM's gratitude to Moss and Faithful. Had a gander at mvc.net, thanks for spreading the word. We'll try to tone down the pompousness.

As for black backgrounds being so-2004; Black is ALWAYS sexy. Plus it was a homage to ZM, which is Apple white. So there.

LATER ADDITION: PM have covered every match of Round 1. It's unlikely subsequent rounds will be as extensively covered, we just wanted a baseline of comparison. That's where our 'most exciting match' polls come in - we'll be using those as a guideline for which games receive a full Match Analysis, and which are given low priority.

PM came so close to reaching the mythical 200 page views in one day mark. On the 13th, we received 197. Today, we're already on 130. Fingers crossed.

LATER ADDITION: Well thanks to all PM readers, particularly the new contingent from mvc.net. Thanks to you, PM have hit 234 page views in a day. Adelaide v Victory match report is coming, probably some time tomorrow afternoon. Again, we'll ask for your patience and understanding.

Perth 1-0 Adelaide: Match Analysis

This was an energetic and aggressive encounter. While the play itself was not particularly cerebral, there was a tactically intriguing feature. Perth, deployed in an orthodox 4-4-2, dominated possession against Adelaide, deployed in a nominal 4-3-3. Adelaide, of all the losing clubs in Round 1, most deserved to; they were unimaginative and insipid.

It's the new millennium

We'd like to announce that Pass and Move have just crossed the 2,000th page view point, which means PM has doubled the amount of hits in half the time it took to get to 1,000.

We'd also like to thank all those readers who have contributed vital feedback to PM, in the form of much appreciated comments, reactions under posts, and voting in our sidebar polls (we have quite a few so scroll down, and the 'most exciting match' polls will be used to determine which games receive a full Match Analysis and which ones are given lower priority, so vote if you want your club's matches analysed).

We'd also like to draw attention to the 'which club do you support poll' - so far Sydney FC is kicking ass and taking names, Adelaide and Perth are yet to get on the scoresheet, while Victory, with the largest fanbase in Australia, has only 1 vote, and as for the Premiership poll - predictably enough the Roar is loudest. Thank you for your participation, and please help spread the word about Pass and Move. You can find PM on Twitter or on The Roar Opinion Website, but your best bet is actually right here.

We're going to try to get a Match Analysis or at least a HT Impressions on the Round 1 Adelaide v Perth match, but no guarantees. Expect a Round 1 Review and a Round 2 Preview, but we all have other things to attend to, so we'll ask for our readers' patience and understanding.

PM would like to gauge interest in our readers towards contributing articles about their favoured clubs. If you're a rabid fan with a bone to pick, or just a casual observer with an interesting idea, come forth and we'll look at accommodating you. Articles about the match-day experience will be especially welcome.

Ohhhh, Holger we love you

On the eleventh of August 2010, Australian football followers had one phrase on their lips - "Who the f**k is Holger Osieck?". 14 months later, Humourous Holger is the toast of the football media, enjoying an extended honeymoon with the fans, and the Socceroos are playing some of the most fluent, fluid and attacking football ever produced by the Green and Gold. Australia is no longer totally reliant on the Golden Generation, and young talent is being brought into the squad. Pass and Move have quite a favourable opinion of the friendly German, and we thought it an appropriate time to examine the changes Holger has affected in his time in charge.

Gold Coast 1-1 Wellington: Match Analysis

This was a match between two clubs with broadly similar systems; 4-2-3-1's, but vastly different interpretations. Gold Coast and Wellington had spells of dominance, with the biggest influence on ascension being the performance of the respective fullbacks; it's no coincidence Gold Coast's best spells during the game coincided with Traore overlapping and attacking Paston, while Wellington's advantageous passages of play coincided with Muscat advancing into midfield.

Addendum to Emerton as fullback

PM recently explored the notion that Brett Emerton, might be more productively deployed by Sydney at fullback than at wide midfield or on the wing. This is because fullback has become the most important position on the pitch, because in a 4-4-2 or 4-3-3, a fullback is without a direct opponent; they have time and space to advance. Advanced of the fullback, Emerton is closely marked by the opposition leftback, and obliged to provide close support for the lone striker, which prevents him from launching his superb crossing range.

It's a become a cliche to say that fullbacks are more wingers than defenders in modern football and there is some truth to this, as fullbacks are expected to provide width as the wide forwards cut-in. So why is there a public reluctance to give fullbacks their due credit?

Jonathan Wilson suggestes that it is due to the characterisation given to the term itself; 'fullback' has an overtly defensive connontation, and suggests the player must have a primarily defensive disposition. But Brazil, a country famous for its production line of attacking wing-backs (in a 3-4-3 or 3-5-2) in Roberto Carlos, Maicon and Dani Alves does not use the word 'fullback' to describe the position - the English translation is 'lateral' which conveys width or wide play over depth or defensive responsibility.

Australia 3-0 Oman: HT Impressions

Australia produced a fluid and fast-paced performance to clinch a win against Oman. Oman it must be said, did not collapse under pressure as the Malaysians did. Paul le Guen's side was able to generally keep its defensive shape, and launched sporadic counter-attacks, but the Socceroos were simply superior. Much credit has to go to Holger Osieck for his introduction of the most fluid football to be produced by the Green and Gold in some time. Some of the media have unfairly portrayed last night's XI as a 'second string' which is insulting to the players, and to the manager; the fact that he has successfully moulded a side no longer dependent on Tim Cahill, Mark Schwarzer, Brett Emerton and Harry Kewell is a massive acheivement, considering that none of the Young Guard play in the English Premier League, which for so long, had a strong contingent from the Antipodes. 

Brisbane Roar 1-0 Central Coast Mariners: Match Analysis

Brisbane produced an exciting display of attacking football, based around rapid passing, positional interchange and incisive movement. Although the Mariners weren't exactly dominated, Brisbane saw the majority of possession and scoring chances. Matt Ryan and temporary skipper Zwaanswijk turned in stubborn performances to deny the hosts a number of seemingly definite goals.

Australia's Progress under Osieck

Tomorrow evening, Australia will play Oman in the 3rd match of Round 3 of Qualifying for Brazil 2014. This encounter might be the first competitive match since Australia became expectant of regular participation in the World Cup that the manager will be without at least one of Socceroos stalwarts Harry Kewell, Tim Cahill, Mark Schwarzer and Brett Emerton; only Lucas Neill remains, and it is a testament to his ability and leadership that he really is the only one of the 'Fab 5' that is literally indispensable to the team.

Australia v Oman: Preview

Holger Osieck's men will take on Oman in a Round 3 AFC Qualifier on Tuesday night at ANZ Stadium. An 18-man squad has been called up by Holger, who recently thrashed Malaysia 5-0 in a friendly preparation match.

Newcastle 3-2 Heart: Match Analysis

This was an electric and energetic affair between two clubs who were devoted to committing players forward in the attack. Newcastle started the brightest, pressing Heart intensely to prevent their build-up play. Heart eventially grew into the contest as Newcastle's fitness faded, and although it was a fairly even game, on the balance of play, Heart did not deserve to lose; the three goals scored against them were the result of a superb Griffiths free kick from a silly foul by Germano, a mistaken pass by rookie defender Good, and a deflection off Marrone from a Byun shot that wrong-footed the keeper. Conversely, Heart's two goals were absolute marvels; rapid passing while running at pace, clever positional interchange and lethal finishing by Dugandzic.

Would Brett Emerton be more effective for Sydney as a fullback than as a winger?

Last night's City Derby between Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC was a fitting spectacle for the A-League debuts of Harry Kewell and Brett Emerton. While Kewell was effective playing as a trequartista, drifting from flank to flank in search of space and serving as the main conduit of the Navy Blues attack, Emerton's performance on the right wing was much more muted, and Brett did not feature as prominently during the game as his national team colleague.

Australia's 2nd most capped player

It wasn’t that Brett played particularly badly; it was just that Sydney never really strung together fluent attacking phases and Emerton’s performance suffered from the helter-skelter rhythm. This might be remedied by affording Emerton time to settle-in and build a rapport with his team-mates; but perhaps there is another, tactical reason Emerton was so subdued last night.

Victory 0-0 Sydney: Match Analysis

Tonight’s city derby was a scrappy and aggressive, end-to-end affair. Both sides eschewed any semblance of build-up play in favour of exchanging attacks down the flanks. Debutants Brett Emerton and Harry Kewell were obviously the focus pre-game, but after the 90 mins, it was Kewell who had acquitted himself better.

 

Round 1 Preview/Predictions

Predcited starting line-ups and scores
Note: Pantelis and Wilkinson are out injured, McKain is doubtful.

Commenting

I've only recently been alerted to issues over commenting on any posts on Pass and Move. I've altered the comment settings to hopefully remedy this issue.

If you wish to comment on a post;
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Refresh the page to see your comment below the article in question.

I'm sorry if this has caused frustration or problems; hopefully now you can contribute to the discussion, or call me an idiot.

A-League 2011-12 Season Predictions

Now that Pass and Move have conducted an examination of every A-League club, it's time to submit our tips for the coming season. The A-League is a notoriously difficult competition to predict, due to the salary cap. Before Brisbane ran away with the title, closely purused by Central Coast and Adelaide, most pundits were predicting those Top 3 to be battling to avoid the wooden spoon. Anyway, it's PM's turn to put ourselves out there and look like idiots.

Melbourne Victory 2011-12 Season Preview

Melbourne Victory; for so long, that name inspired trepidation and admiration throughout the A-League. Winning two Championship/Premiership Doubles, regular Finals appearances, the largest fanbase in Australia and huge financial clout will do that for you. Victory were dominant, rampant and unstoppable. Then something changed; Brisbane arrived and dragged the A-League into the modern era with a dynamic philosophy of possession based football. And for the first time, Victory were found wanting. Foundation manager Ernie Merrick was sensationally sacked. Foundation captain Kevin Muscat exited the game ignominiously. Mehmet Durakovic was installed to succeed Merrick and presided over an underwhelming Asian Champions League campaign.

Sydney FC 2011-12 Season Preview

How the mighty have fallen. Fresh from a debut season where he guided Sydney to an impressive Championship/Premiership Double, in 2010-11 Lavicka was unable to reproduce the disciplined performances which garnered so much success for the Sky Blues. Sydney's championship hangover can be directly retraced to poor recruitment and the depature of key players; Steve Corica retired, Aloisi, Colosimo and Bolton transferred to Heart while Kisel returned to Prague. These five players constituted the spine of Lavicka's Double winning team, and none were adequately replaced.

Perth Glory 2011-12 Season Preview

Where to begin. Perth must hate the A-League; optimistic pre-seasons coupled with limp performances have become the norm for the club on the shores of the Indian Ocean. Perth's A-League track record is a far cry from their name sake, not to mention their previous dominance in the old NSL. This season, once again the Glory begin anew. A whole new squad for radically different times in Australian football. Can Ferguson finally secure finals football for Perth?

Australia 4-0 Malaysia HT Impressions

Simply woeful. What else can be said? Malaysia could not pass, they could not tackle; they couldn't even get close to the Australian players. Malaysia managed the frankly near-impossible task of standing firmly off the Socceroos, while running around like headless chooks - no mean feat indeed. Some defenders seemed to be under the impression they were using an offside trap, while the others were too busy ball-watching to care.