tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89871807677738520352024-02-21T10:34:32.834+11:00Pass And MoveAnalysis and Commentary on the Socceroos and the A-LeaguePass and Movehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17743035847207063959noreply@blogger.comBlogger122125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8987180767773852035.post-89059824318403845432013-10-22T01:08:00.000+11:002013-10-22T01:10:23.097+11:009 points on Adelaide 2-2 Victory<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The latest instalment of the league's most volatile fixture ended with the Victory clawing back to level terms to depart Hindmarsh with a share of the spoils. All in all, this contest was not decided by clever tactical flourishes, but through fitness and momentum. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Line-ups after Bowles substituted on 20' minutes. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Gombau, a Barcelona devotee, named an initially cautious line-up. Nominall left back Zullo was pushed up to left wing, Elrich was switched from right to left fullback to cover, with defender Bowles at right back. Seemingly a minor switch regarding defensive responsibilities, it had implications for how Adelaide attacked. With Ferreira on the right, the Reds had two wide players performing traditional winger roles; using their pace to take on their opposing fullback and whip in crosses. Nowadays, more often than not, players who are described as 'wingers' are not actually in this mould; the ideal being physically slight, tricky dribblers and clever passers like David Silva or Marcos Reus, or they are deployed as wide forwards attacking goal like Pedro Rodriguez or Cristiano Ronaldo. (Exceptions of course being Antonio Valencia and Jesus Navas, but they are almost always balanced out by the other wide player stationed narrowly). The slightly retro method of play was not ineffective; Zullo slung in two or three telling crosses, and Lustica made some promising late charges into the box to latch onto them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">However twenty minutes in, injury forced Gombau's hand. Bowles came off, and to Gombau's credit, he opted for an aggressive substitution; Elrich switched from left to right fullback, Zullo dropped back from left wing, and right footed attacking midfielder Mabil was fielded inverted on the left. Mabil naturally enough, looked to cut inside and dribble at Geria, but this also allowed Zullo to scamped upfield into the space he vacated, lending greater balance. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Postecoglou made a few changes, all like for like. His forward line however remained intact, and retained fluidity in contrast to a rather blocky defence and midfield. Nichols and Troisi, neither outright strikers, were deployed up top, with Thompson stretching the play and providing a goal threat on the right, and Pain cutting inside from the left. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The key to the first half was the level of pressing. Adelaide were intent on pushing and pressurising Melbourne's defensive half. And that entailed playing a high line, keeping the distance between their forwards and defenders compact, but leaving space behind them that Melbourne could attack with balls over the top. By the end of the first half, Victory players had been caught offside half a dozen times, while Adelaide had none. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Reds were able to score twice in quick succession. The first, a wrongfully given penalty, was tactically significant only in that it displayed Adelaide's success in building play through their left flank. The "assist" preceding the penalty was played with no less than four Adelaide players in close proximity on the left; Mabil darting inside, Zullo rampaging up wide, Jerinimo dashing between the opposing centre back and fullback and Cirio finding space between the lines. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The second goal followed a period of sustained possession on the right, before Elrich, now stationed at right back, cleverly switched the play to Cirio, who fed Mabil, again cutting inside from the left. Although not immediately exposed, their entire side had shifted toward Elrich's flank before he switched play. Mabil was now able to take on Geria one-on-one, before unleashing a vociferous shot, which rebounded but was then put away by Jeronimo. The common factors shared by the two goals were the close proximity of Mabil and Cirio as well as Zullo stretching the play on the left. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">By the end of the first period, Adelaide found themselves with a two goal margin, despite not comprehensively outplaying their rivals. It came however at a cost; their level of pressing was unsustainable, and the Reds took the pitch after the break looking significantly lethargic. They were no longer able to push up high and harass the Navy Blues, so they sought to drop increasingly deep and protect their lead. That ultimately meant that the initiative belonged to Postecoglou, and the second half was the story of Postecoglou attacking and Gombau responding. During his </span><a href="http://www.zonalmarking.net/2011/03/16/brisbane-roar-2-2-central-coast-tactics/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">maiden Championship win at Brisbane</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">, Postecoglou similarly found himself staring down the barrels of a two goal defeat, and in both cases; he removed a defensive player and switched to an all-out attacking 4-2-4 system. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">On 56' minutes, he exchanged Pain for speedy striker Barbarouses. Nichols became more of a permanent Number 10, and Thompson increasingly abandoned his wide position to stalk the penalty area. On 67' minutes, Gombau introduced an extra centre back in Elsey for defensive midfielder Watson, pushing Malik forward as extra security. On 71' minutes, Postecoglou removed centre back Ansell, dropping Milligan into centre back, Nichols into centre midfield and introducing Brazilian attacking midfielder Finkler. On 80' minutes, after conceding to a Finkler drive, Gombau removed his right winger, switching Mabil and pushing Cirio to the left, introducing Barker for extra security in central midfield. To recap, Postecoglou removed a centre back and winger for a striker and attacking midfielder, switching to 4-2-4, while Gombau introduced another centre back and central midfielder for more bodies in midfield. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbpypLJL1kNWn-uj9fV1eEAg8GjsfPQDNfqMnbZruQW35xG3NJDIPsJ8xpwmqFTKbU_mPlNtZnwMX0lUEhwqlMsZpAAtd92QFWpzZacdi8qAZYFRFVIcGyBnadI-2tB2HzzeDSwc6ZjlY/s1600/rd+2+ade+v+mvc+3rd.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbpypLJL1kNWn-uj9fV1eEAg8GjsfPQDNfqMnbZruQW35xG3NJDIPsJ8xpwmqFTKbU_mPlNtZnwMX0lUEhwqlMsZpAAtd92QFWpzZacdi8qAZYFRFVIcGyBnadI-2tB2HzzeDSwc6ZjlY/s640/rd+2+ade+v+mvc+3rd.png" width="488" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Line-ups by the end. Perhaps optimistic, Adelaide were almost confined to their penalty box by the end.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In the end, momentum won out. Victory's extra-time goal effectively illustrated the value of counter-attacking. His goal arrived after about twenty minutes of sustained pressure; the Navy Blues were practically camped out in Adelaide half, with only striker Jeronimo approaching the half way line. Finally, Adelaide were able to clear the ball with a Reds player seeming to have latched onto it. A few Adelaide players had already started charging upfield, hoping to land a knockout blow. Milligan regained possession for Melbourne however, and when he finally launched a long pass into Adelaide's defensive half, there were no less than fives Reds players on the wrong side of the half way line, including Malik, assigned to shield the space in front of the back four. When the shot was unleashed, the two Adelaide players occupying the centre back slots were left back Zullo and temporary midfielder Malik. Twenty minutes of siege football was insufficient to get past Galekovic, but an optimistic long ball was enough to displace literally half the Adelaide team, and Victory finally put the ball in the back of the net. </span>Pass and Movehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17743035847207063959noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8987180767773852035.post-1082197568320325372013-10-14T03:47:00.000+11:002013-10-15T00:50:33.861+11:007 points on Central Coast 1-1 Western Sydney Wanderers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3RqAd0dq-0svE3lBR7LChuEi21bUkGBiLCHdkj_EYKZT2pQrbVLVsD7XL_HAhDHECH3nth0noIX1l6BVWIVajO_x7ToTAoYAJesx6pMDQI4qTDPd7u0VCzzzM7gJC7bqmi-7feQskWxg/s1600/Central_Coast_Mariners_logo_svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3RqAd0dq-0svE3lBR7LChuEi21bUkGBiLCHdkj_EYKZT2pQrbVLVsD7XL_HAhDHECH3nth0noIX1l6BVWIVajO_x7ToTAoYAJesx6pMDQI4qTDPd7u0VCzzzM7gJC7bqmi-7feQskWxg/s1600/Central_Coast_Mariners_logo_svg.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This hotly anticipated clash between the current Champions and Premiers, though enlivened by a vivid atmosphere, ended in stalemate. A conventional and organised performance from Popovic's Wanderers failed to consistently threaten a Central Coast side fielding a fascinating forward duo. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The
Wanderers were set out in a fairly conventional 4-2-3-1 with Mark Bridge
playing from out to in on the left, Mooy buzzing around in the hole behind the
lone striker, and Hersi looking to restrict the surges of Rose and link up with
Polenz on the overlap.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Arnold
deployed his Mariners in an unusual manner. Ostensibly a 4-4-2, the
back-four/midfield platform featuring buccaneering fullbacks were predictable
enough. Similar to <a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com.au/2013/10/11-points-on-victory-0-0-heart.html">Postecoglou’s Victory</a>, Arnold seemed to be attempting to encourage
a high degree of intelligent movement in his forward line, by playing without an
orthodox striker up top.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Marcos
Flores and Mile Sterjovski were fielded as a forward duo; Flores of course has
forged a reputation as one of the premier South American playmakers to grace
Australian shores while Sterjovski has always been fielded as an attacking
midfielder during his spells in Europe and at Perth. Instead of staying high up
and central, Sterjovski drifted around the attacking third from flank to flank,
linking play. His reciprocal movement allowed Duke in particular to dart inside
and he dovetailed well with Flores. This was a strike partnership positively
oozing class and cleverness; Duke and Fitzgerald provided the pace and
directness and this was facilitated by Sterjovski’s movement and Flores’ vision
in possession.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">The
Mariners, despite Sterjovski’s deployment as the primary forward, had a
relatively straightforward strategy; working the ball wide and slinging in
crosses, through the fullbacks Rose and Roux and allowing Duke and Fitzgerald
to cut inside from the flanks. Flores created two or three fantastic chances
with movement wide from inside, then slipping a through ball between the Coast
defence for the wide players to latch onto.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The
Wanderers never looked particularly threatening in open play. Around the half
hour mark, Bridge began to cut inside to link up with Mooy more frequently.
Hersi did an admirable defensive job on Rose, and also bagged an assist with a
delightful cross. Mooy himself was relatively peripheral to proceedings; the
visitors needed more movement and vision from their No. 10 and more attacking
intent from their holding midfield duo. Around the hour mark, Popovic removed
one of his holders, pulled Mooy deeper and positioned Shinji Ono behind the
striker. This was an attacking move on the part of the Wanderers, but Mooy
again was marginal.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Without
possession, the Red and Blacks were content to allow the Coast centre backs
time on the ball, determined to remain compact. The Mariners however remained
patient, working angles and pushing the fullbacks forward and the holding
midfielders deeper to escape the press, never resorting to long balls forward.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">A
late surge and cross by Hersi ended the game at one-all; a fair result. With
the return to action of Simon and the imminent homecoming of Golden Boot winner
McBreen, Arnold faces a question over whether to persevere with Sterjovski as a
highly mobile forward. Undoubtedly the vagaries of rotation will ensure we see
various incarnations of the Coast attack; nevertheless, the characteristics he
seeks in the No. 9 slot will go a long way to determining the style of play.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">All
in all, Popovic can be satisfied with the Wanderers performance, and will have
to decide whether to favour Ono over Mooy for the next match as the withdrawn
forward. </span></div>
Pass and Movehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17743035847207063959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8987180767773852035.post-91450452964311914852013-10-13T04:02:00.000+11:002013-10-13T04:02:01.492+11:0011 points on Victory 0-0 Heart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYR0DFhHUAa-0L1U3jRVk66sGqHJIsMkcVx9zD4ml8q3Jgjsdu6F9kwgVGkOXZi5nhYAExTu1T_ZnHTRWsV3dyZRTwaBKa8_Qih-JG7Up9HtXUu-ZA3Y4PCNWkhoOW4NiQ3FJAIN6_cFk/s1600/Melbourne_Victory_svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYR0DFhHUAa-0L1U3jRVk66sGqHJIsMkcVx9zD4ml8q3Jgjsdu6F9kwgVGkOXZi5nhYAExTu1T_ZnHTRWsV3dyZRTwaBKa8_Qih-JG7Up9HtXUu-ZA3Y4PCNWkhoOW4NiQ3FJAIN6_cFk/s1600/Melbourne_Victory_svg.png" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Honours even at the Etihad Stadium, after a fairly tentative game between the two Melbourne rivals. Billed as the return of 'turncoat'/'saviour' Harry Kewell, it was instead Postecoglou's Victory which provided the more tactical interest.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Heart's overarching strategy was fairly transparent - Aloisi set out his charges in a 4-2-1-3 to absorb pressure, and then hit back on the counter, using the pace of Williams, Mebrahtu and Dugandzic, to latch onto through balls sent into space by Kewell. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Kewell, presented with the No. 10 shirt, was explicitly deployed in a trequartista role, with a remit to supply the forward trio. Though this is a job he would not be unfamiliar with, it is also one he has never been consistently charged with before. At Leeds, Liverpool and Galatasaray he was exclusively used as a left sided attacker, as a second striker at Victory, and as a primary striker at the Asian Cup, his last most consistent period in the national team. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hoffman was somewhat of a liability at fullback, but Victory were never able to capitalise on his sporadic lapses. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Generally speaking, Heart were unable to implement their counter-attacking strategy effectively. The first ball out of the defence was often wayward - a damning indictment of the Red and White centre backs and midfield pivot. Kewell was never able to find enough space to launch attacks, partially due the presence of Broxham. And the three forwards exhibited poor decision-making in the final third, with wayward passes and dallying on the ball. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">To rectify this bluntness in attack, Aloisi might either persevere and hope cohesion comes in time, introduce a static target man to hold up the ball and lay off to the wide forwards, or push Kewell into the forward trio, either inverted on the right or as a striker using his experience to hold up the ball for midfield runners. Williams and Dugandzic have displayed intelligence in their positioning in the past, so only the role of Mebrahtu is in question. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Victory's formation by contrast was highly idiosyncratic. Pre-match graphics depicted a vanilla 4-4-2 but the reality of Postecoglou's system was unusual. It was almost a South-American 4-2-2-2, but with a striker on the wing and a midfielder often taking up the highest position. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Pain was stationed wide on the left and given orders to cut inside and dribble at make-shift fullback Hoffman (delivering a reasonable Cristiano Ronaldo impression - or if you like, Aiden McGeady/Andre Schurrle). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Archie Thompson was stationed very wide on the right flank - he consciously positioned himself on the outside of Heart leftback Behich during phases of play, and rarely ventured inside, but neither did he motor for the by-line and deliver crosses. Postecoglou was seemingly wary of Victory playing too narrowly with Pain inverted, and utilised Thompson to stretch the play. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Troisi too was strangely utilised. A player possessing a reputation for versatility, it was hard to define his exact role. Usually taking up an inside left position, he was not advanced enough against the opposition centre backs to be considered a striker, nor wide enough to be considered an auxiliary winger. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Mitch Nichols role was perhaps the most fluid of the four Victory attackers. Nichols of course, established his <a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com.au/2011/12/brisbane-1-2-heart-match-analysis.html">reputation under Postecoglou at Brisbane</a>. In the wake of Matt McKay's departure, Nichols carved out a place for himself at the head of the Roar's midfield triangle; in the Barcelona metaphor, Nichols was roughly analogous to Andreas Iniesta. In this match though, Nichols was given something close to a free role - whereas in Orange he would burst forward from midfield, in Navy Blue, he had license to float all over the final third. Strangely, considering his positional history, he seemed reluctant to involve himself in the midfield pell-mell. Nichols in fact spent the majority of the match as the furthest forward attacker, in advance of Troisi, Pain and even nominal striker Thompson. It could be argued that Postecoglou was attempting to deploy Nichols as a false nine, but the implementation was neither definitive nor particularly effective. A more conventional line-up, with Troisi at right wing, Thompson performing in his regular No. 9 role, with Nichols in the hole as No. 10, might have been more effective. The Heart centreback partnership was particularly disciplined in dealing with Nichols, holding their position instead of being drawn upfield. Van't Schip brilliantly deployed <a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com.au/2011/10/victory-0-0-heart-match-analysis.html">Alex Terra as a false nine</a> to devastating effect against Victory; Heart weren't caught out in turnabout. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Victory weren't necessarily playing with fluidity in possession; it was more a case of players swapping positions between phases of play, and imbuing that position with a different flavour depending on their abilities and experience. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">All in all, Victory depart this match with more questions that answers. Nichols was their brightest performer on the night, but Postecoglou is seemingly uncertain of how best to deploy him. Aloisi on the other hand faces a straightforward to-do list; having settled on a counter-attacking style of play, it is now about fine-tuning the forward line for maximum effectiveness. To go on a brief tangent, it is a little sad to see Heart abandon the Dutch influence of ball retention instilled by van't Schip in the club's foundation season. The two Melbourne sides have essentially exchanged position on the stylistic divide of football. </span>Pass and Movehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17743035847207063959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8987180767773852035.post-35236142910660657572012-01-20T14:14:00.002+11:002012-01-20T14:16:41.073+11:00Australian Open<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Regular readers may have noticed that PM posts have been few and far between lately. Due to my work at Melbourne Park, spare time to write has been hard to come by lately. Apologies. PM will be up and running again soon enough. </span>Pass and Movehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17743035847207063959noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8987180767773852035.post-65213119022922100572012-01-04T00:19:00.002+11:002012-01-06T00:37:44.197+11:003 points on Brisbane 3-1 Victory<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtUKzUJNPRY8TKN9RGNbXzZNhJT31Qg8lhiT_v9cAZeeZFBnzilI_CAoLbS4p4-9gFt1nZdsAaRY8mklJzkmPrnJTLuqVckwbf6_5AGUiKuBma3sVnQRUU93F4m1KfkoAM58A800qJdvw/s1600/Brisbane_roar_svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtUKzUJNPRY8TKN9RGNbXzZNhJT31Qg8lhiT_v9cAZeeZFBnzilI_CAoLbS4p4-9gFt1nZdsAaRY8mklJzkmPrnJTLuqVckwbf6_5AGUiKuBma3sVnQRUU93F4m1KfkoAM58A800qJdvw/s200/Brisbane_roar_svg.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">First off, Happy New Year to you all</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> - hopefully your holiday hangovers are a distant and fuzzy memory. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Brisbane returned back to winning form, halting a worrying run of five matches without a win, by easily disposing of a disorientated Victory. Mehmet Durakovic has his fair share of detractors, but this was easily his worst tactical performance against a title contending team yet. By contrast, Ange Postecoglou was masterful in the dug-out, completing bamboozling his counterpart, by tailoring his system to exploit key weaknesses. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><u>Victory's System:</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Durakovic deployed the Victory in their customary 4-3-1-2 shape, with some notable omissions compared to the side that contested the <a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/12/heart-3-2-victory-match-analysis.html">recent derby against Heart</a>. Covic was in goal, Franjic and Vargas were paired in central defence, with Fabio and Foschini at left and right fullback. Broxham, Celeski and Ferreira formed the midfield trio - probably the most negative midfield of the round, with three defensively minded players screening the back-four. Hernandez, Kewell and Thompson made up the forward trident, the former in his usual trequartista role. with the latter two in a strike duo. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u><b>Brisbane's System:</b></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Postecoglou radically altered his team's shape, to exploit Victory's lack of width. Jurman, Smith and Adnan formed a three-man backline with Paartalu in the holding role. Brattan and Nichols were paired in midfield, with Franjic and Stefanutto at wingback. Visconte was at left wing with Berisha the lone striker. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><u>Permanent Three-Man Defence:</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This match was the first time we have seen Brisbane utilise a permanent three-man defence. Postecoglou has usually deployed Paartalu as a 'modern centre half', and through the towering No 6, is able to alternate between a conventional back-four and a narrower back-three; when Paartalu drops deep from defensive midfield becoming a third centre back, which allows the fullbacks to advance into midfield as wingbacks. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Against Victory however, Postecoglou modified his formation, by using all three of his senior central defenders in the backline. The use of three centre backs worked perfectly, with two of Jurman, Smith or Adnan marking Victory's strike duo of Kewell and Thompson, leaving the third defender spare, as cover. </span><br />
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u>Wingbacks trump fullbacks:</u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Most people will surely be sick to death of the "Brisbane is Barcelona on a budget" stereotype, but in this case, the comparison is all but unavoidable. Brett Taylor once dubbed Ivan Franjic the Aussie Dani Alves, and against Victory, Postecoglou took a leaf out of Guardiola's book, in regard to his own marauding right back. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">With three central defenders, and a designation as a wingback rather than a fullback, Franjic was given more licence than usual to attack. But even so, Franjic's positioning was ludicrously aggressive, and he spent the majority of the match running at Fabio from a right wing position, in advance of the central midfielders. Indeed, the fact that Brisbane did not station a winger on the right flank, with Nichols asked to shuttle right from midfield in support of Franjic's surges, indicated it was a deliberate move on Postecoglou's part. Giving free reign of the entire right flank to Franjic, allowed Brisbane to field an extra player in central midfield. It was only successful because of Victory's narrow 4-3-1-2 formation, which doesn't have any space for wingers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Guardiola has utilised this tactic several times, of giving Alves responsibility for the entirety of the right flank, notably against Real Madrid, Sevilla, Espanyol, Valencia and Milan, with the caveat that Alves was used in a back-four with Busquets dropping deep to cover his surges. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Something similar happened on the left. Visconte was used nominally as the left winger, and this is his preferred position. But against Victory, Visconte spent the majority of the match defending behind nominal fullback Stefanutto, who took up ridiculously advanced positions. Unfamiliar viewers could have easily mistaken Stefanutto as the winger, and Visconte as the 'fullback'.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u><b>More than a poacher:</b></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Besart Berisha had a wonderful game against Victory, providing two direct assists. His movement and positioning was excellent; instead of simply sitting on the shoulder of the last defender and waiting for through balls, as he has done previously, Berisha varied his play, drifting to the flanks to create space. Franjic's goal was a direct result of this movement; Berisha played a 1-2 with the wingback, then dragged a centre back wide, allowing Franjic to run towards goal. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><u>Remember when...?:</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Did Durakovic bump his head on the way to Suncorp? The Victory manager seemed to experience a severely specific bout of retrograde amnesia. After asking Cernak to shuttle from central midfield to left wing and Kewell to drift right from a centre forward position severely frustrated Heart's three-man defence, Durakovic reverted to typert. He replaced winger Cernak with defensive midfielder Celeski, and even instructed Kewell to remain in central positions. This played right into Postecoglou's hands, and the Navy Blues were simply cut to shreds - Brisbane were just in another class. </span>Pass and Movehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17743035847207063959noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8987180767773852035.post-16946488967586466802011-12-29T15:54:00.000+11:002013-10-15T00:50:15.646+11:00Heart 3-2 Victory: Match Analysis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5eG3OHerT7ugyuv7_xZ1Xtty4nam3pNzA9h1bZEPC_cyBGeiHneXgYH6PHPjcx-OcaoNdT0ahKXUYg2nmV8dLAH23VSPJUg2CZE5lsYAJRXc-MNT33G9ns5vA2XxsTEI6TIwPoo4xnXU/s1600/MelbourneHeartLogo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5eG3OHerT7ugyuv7_xZ1Xtty4nam3pNzA9h1bZEPC_cyBGeiHneXgYH6PHPjcx-OcaoNdT0ahKXUYg2nmV8dLAH23VSPJUg2CZE5lsYAJRXc-MNT33G9ns5vA2XxsTEI6TIwPoo4xnXU/s200/MelbourneHeartLogo.png" width="130" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">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. </span><br />
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<u style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Victory's System:</b></u><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Durakovic deployed the Victory largely as expected, in a 4-3-1-2, with a few interesting tweaks. Covic continued as custodian, Franjic and Leijer were paired in central defence, with Fabio and Foschini at left and right fullback. Broxham, Ferreira and Cernak formed a midfield trio, with the latter two given more license to join the attacker, and the former assigned the holding role, screening the back-four. Hernandez was fielded in his usual trequartista role, Kewell drifted to the right as the seconda punta, with Thompson leading the line as the central striker. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><u>Heart's System:</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Van't Schip radically altered Heart's formation, from the usual 4-3-3 to a 3-4-3 diamond. Bolton was in goal, while Hamill, Madaschi and Marrone constituted the three-man defence. Shroj fulfilled the holding role in midfield, versatile central midfielder Thompson was fielded as the right carillero (side midfielder in a diamond), while aggressive winger turned fullback Behich was deployed as the left carillero, with Fred as a deeper-lying creator, at the tip. Silky target-man Babalj led the line, with Worm and Dugandzic at left and right wing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u><b>Three Wise Men:</b></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Van't Schip sprung a minor selection surprise with his staring XI. Reverting to a three-man defence was a <a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/12/melbourne-derby-preview.html">near certainty</a>, as it would theoretically work perfectly against Victory's strike partnership. But unlike the other occasions when Heart have utilised a three-man backline, van't Schip did not introduce an extra nominal centre back. Instead, he opted to shift technical fullback Marrone to the right-sided centre back position. </span><br />
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u>Balance unbalanced:</u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The major unknown was whether van't Schip would favour a <a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/11/adelaide-1-1-heart-match-analysis.html">3-3-1-3 with wingbacks</a>, which might have left Fred isolated and out-muscled in central midfield, or a <a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/11/central-coast-3-1-heart-match-analysis.html">3-4-3 diamond</a>, matching the Navy Blues man-for-man in central midfield, but leave defensive responsibilities for the Victory fullbacks Fabio and Foschini almost entirely to the Heart wingers Worm and Dugandzic. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In the end, Van't Schip settled for a compromise between the two. He fielded Behich, a winger converted to fullback, on the left of his midfield diamond, and Thompson, a versatile central midfielder, on the right. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">With a wingback on the left, adept at stretching the play wide, van't Schip was comfortable fielding nominal centre back Hamill on the left of the three-man defence. Conversely, with a central midfielder on the right of midfield, van't Schip had nominal fullback Marrone on the right of the three-man defence, to provide width by spreading play to the flanks. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/12/melbourne-derby-preview.html">As noted before</a>, one of the factors influential on van't Schip's previous decisions to use three-man defences was the unavailability of certain players - against Adelaide, Fred was injured, and against Central Coast, Behich was unavailable. So those two line-ups featured three centre backs in the defence. On this occasion, van't Schip more or less had a full deck to choose from, and the decision to field Marrone in defence was a symptom of Heart wanting to squeeze in as many of their 'big guns' into the XI as possible. </span><br />
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u>Unnatural width:</u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">One of the interesting tactical features of Victory in recent weeks has been Durakovic's adoption of a 4-3-2-1 Christmas tree shape. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Before this match, Victory captain Adrian Leijer highlighted the contrasting approaches adopted by his own team, and their bitter rivals, which he eloquently summarised as "they've got the good football, we've got the star names". </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Victory have indeed pursued something of a Galacticos policy this term, and Durakovic spent the first few weeks of this season trying to figure out how to crowbar strikers Allsopp and Thompson, playmakers Hernandez and Kewell, and electric winger Rojas into the same team, not to mention find enough room on the pine for another striker and winger in the form of Solorzano and Cernak. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">But utilising up to five forwards, none of whom were particularly defensively disciplined, left the team amazingly vulnerable on the counter-attack. If one of the fullbacks was caught up-field, Victory would only be able to defend with four players; the two centre backs, the opposite fullback, and a single holder. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">To obfuscate this vulnerability, Durakovic has adopted a more conservative tactical out-look. Essentially, he has switched from a single holder and five forward to three holders and three forwards. This affords the Navy Blues a more robust presence in central midfield, and a defensive platform which absolves the forward trio from defensive duties. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The problem with the 4-3-2-1 formation however, is a lack of natural width, especially in the attacking third. In fact, the point of using such a formation is to exchange wingers for extra midfield security. This lack of width is exacerbated by the fact that neither of Victory's preferred fullbacks are accomplished attackers. To compensate for this, Durakovic has regularly deployed a nominal winger into one of the midfield berths; in this occasion, Isaka Cernak shuttled between a central midfield role when Victory were out of possession, and a left wing role when Victory were attacking, effectively operating as a inverted winger. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Similarly, Harry Kewell and Archie Thompson were tasked to alternate stretching the play to the right flank, by taking up positions on the wing. The combination of these two factors meant that Victory often resembled a 4-2-3-1 when in possession, and this allowed the Navy Blues to play with a semblance of width, while still retaining the necessary midfield platform to compensate for the lack of defensive work from the forward trio.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A corollary to this point was the fact that Kewell and Cernak, wingers deployed 'out of position', were also deployed on their non-preferred sides. Cernak is right-sided, while Kewell made his name as a left-winger, but in this match, the former was deployed on the left, and the latter on the right. This was probably a concession to a lack of a target-man on the pitch; inverting the two 'wingers' allows them to cut inside and attack the goal, instead of crossing the ball when Victory lacked a clear aerial advantage. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0789WmzLlPhQnYOeQCaZae28yxBa8Eitkwzq-G4trMURt5wh5asCdfR4MO3BCgmtBvYhd-3FpNKIU-aPS6ybP7Uvn5DzbxCZN-OXYC1kvyFyN4VoSL7YgTypRI1EyF8_gw6Uoi47O-eM/s1600/A%252BLeague%252BRd%252B12%252BHeart%252Bv%252BVictory%252BzWTXIzu-PbGl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0789WmzLlPhQnYOeQCaZae28yxBa8Eitkwzq-G4trMURt5wh5asCdfR4MO3BCgmtBvYhd-3FpNKIU-aPS6ybP7Uvn5DzbxCZN-OXYC1kvyFyN4VoSL7YgTypRI1EyF8_gw6Uoi47O-eM/s640/A%252BLeague%252BRd%252B12%252BHeart%252Bv%252BVictory%252BzWTXIzu-PbGl.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u>Back to the drawing board:</u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The tactical plan van't Schip formulated was theoretically flawless - the three man backline accounted for Victory's strike partnership, the lopsided midfield diamond matched the Blues man-for-man and the Heart forward trio would be tasked with dismantling a back-four. Yet it was the Navy Blues who started the match the brighter, overwhelming the Heart defence, even opening the scoring on the 20th minute mark. Why did van't Schip's 3-4-3 fail?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There were two main reasons. Firstly, Victory started the match pressing very aggressively. Heart are a team that are committed to building attacks from the back and keeping possession, but their less familiar three-man backline was having difficulty dealing with the ferocity of Victory's pressing. Various players were exhibiting signs of positional confusion; in fact Archie Thompson's goal was a prime example of this. Covic's goal-kick bounced fortuitously behind Madaschi, who had stepped up to contest Kewell in the air. Thompson ghosted around Hamill, who had probably forgotten Behich was not nearby at left back to cover, but instead at left midfield. Thompson's finish was superb, but Heart's defence was clearly struggling to adjust to the new positions. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Secondly, Victory were attacking with more width that Heart had initially accounted for, with their narrow three-man backline. Theoretically, the three-man defence works perfectly against two strikers; two centre backs man-mark with the third covering as a sweeper. As explained above however, Kewell and Thompson were very intelligent in their movement. Instead of staying in central positions, allowing themselves to be marked out of the game by the three Heart centre backs, both took it in turns to occupy the vacant space to the left of Hamill, effectively operating as auxiliary right wingers. Cernak too was instrumental in dragging the Heart defence out of shape. He occupied positions very high up the left flank, dragging Marrone out of the defence. This created huge gaps in the Heart backline; Hamill and Marrone were dragged to the fullback positions, while Madaschi was literally trying to do the work of two centre backs, attempting to cover a huge amount of space in front of the 18-yard box. Hernandez and Ferreira were very intelligent in exploiting this space, making runs to burst through the Heart defence. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A three-man defence works best against two strikers, but when in possession, Victory were effectively using a forward trio; Kewell on the right wing, Thompson through the middle, and Cernak on the left. As explained previously, when a back-three comes up against a forward three, problems tend to arise. In this case, the two centre backs were dragged wide, and the defence became too stretched. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq8tfANxwtqTIL0oUXSzC94ZcjgTMeGFD-4SUyRrUhyOjpccGsLbE1q1iZhUK09rmrK6K_IzOB0_-wty-Cc4PwZGbirUfqpa1fcrL9OD9ry6cjha4TBwcHv4iSVCud4jdQkyJvPuJL2cM/s1600/rd+12+mht+v+mvc+after+20.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq8tfANxwtqTIL0oUXSzC94ZcjgTMeGFD-4SUyRrUhyOjpccGsLbE1q1iZhUK09rmrK6K_IzOB0_-wty-Cc4PwZGbirUfqpa1fcrL9OD9ry6cjha4TBwcHv4iSVCud4jdQkyJvPuJL2cM/s640/rd+12+mht+v+mvc+after+20.png" width="482" /></a></div>
<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u>Width for numbers:</u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Around the 20th minute mark, after going a goal down to the visitors, van't Schip decided to act. His 3-4-3 was originally formulated in anticipation of facing a narrow 4-3-2-1, but Heart were becoming stretched because of the wide movement of Cernak and Kewell. Heart needed to re-assert control of the wide areas in their own defensive half. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">To accomplish this, van't Schip reverted to the usual 4-3-3 formation, featuring two fullbacks in the defence. Behifh retreated to left fullback, Madaschi and Hamill shuffled across to form the centre back pairing, and Marrone shifted back to right fullback. Thompson switched back to left central midfield, while the rest of Heart's players stayed the same. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">With two fullbacks covering the flanks, and with four players covering the width of the defence instead of just three, Heart re-established dominance of the wide areas. The vacant space Kewell and Cernak had previously exploited was now occupied by Behich and Marrone. Essentially van't Schip discarded his spare man in central defence; Kewell and Thompson were now up against only Madaschi and Hamill, in order to gain more width, with the caveat that the two fullbacks would take it in turns to tuck inside and provide cover. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Although arguably Rose, Franjic and Cassio are better individual talents, Heart are able to call upon the best pair of fullbacks in the league. With no direct opponents looking to check their advances, as Kewell and Cernak were instructed to fold back into the centre when out of possession, Marrone and Behich simply ran riot. After Heart had settled down and begun to dictate play, both advanced far into midfield to provide width to support the attack. This worked better on the right flank, as far too often Rutger Worm decided to stay wide instead of cutting inside to create space for Behich to overlap. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Around this time Victory ceased their high press and began to stand off, allowing Heart time on the ball. The tables had turned; Victory were superior in the opening stages because, counter-intuitively, the Blues had more width in their attacking third that the Red and Whites had in their defensive third, and their intense pressing unsettled an unfamiliar backline. Heart were able to seize control of the match, by re-establishing control of the wide areas, and by monopolising possession. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u>Your move sir:</u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Van't Schip's tactical shift from a three to a four-man backline left Durakovic in an unenviable position. His measures for makeshift width - Cernak shuttling to the left and Kewell drifting right - were no match for permanent width in Heart's two fullbacks. In addition, his charges did not possess enough energy to sustain an intense press that had so effectively shackled the opposition's build-up play. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Durakovic was essentially stuck between a rock and a hard place; he could persist with the narrow 4-3-2-1 and by bypassed on the flanks, trusting to mass of numbers in the middle to provide defensive sturdiness, or switch to a wider 4-2-3-1, with Cernak and Kewell permanently on the wings in order to pin-back Behich and Marrone, and be outnumbered and out-passed in midfield, with Fred, Shroj and Thompson up against the none-too creative double pivot of Ferreira and Broxham. Durakovic went with the former option, and it's hard to fault his decision. <a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/11/tale-of-victory-from-london-to.html">Traditionally, Victory have prospered with a defensive/counter-attacking approach</a>, and opening up the midfield would have benefited Heart more than it might have harmed their influence out wide. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Matt Thompson's elegant double, orchestrated largely by former Victory man Fred, pretty much decided the contest. Victory persisted with their course, but never looked like opening up a more resilient Heart defence. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-TfSZHlfbXIqgDpypMburxiqmKMTZYfjjaHjuG1n-EkWOxpjnqnkDLUBEmthKyXBM6k98-8_1jFkmllTxVb2o4EtBBfo7PuDU8U4KUcBWEsKG2B5mEcblILSk-kgktRa9P2gsdddidw/s1600/A%252BLeague%252BRd%252B12%252BHeart%252Bv%252BVictory%252BQAS3RtQZQgyl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-TfSZHlfbXIqgDpypMburxiqmKMTZYfjjaHjuG1n-EkWOxpjnqnkDLUBEmthKyXBM6k98-8_1jFkmllTxVb2o4EtBBfo7PuDU8U4KUcBWEsKG2B5mEcblILSk-kgktRa9P2gsdddidw/s640/A%252BLeague%252BRd%252B12%252BHeart%252Bv%252BVictory%252BQAS3RtQZQgyl.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<u style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>True or false:</b></u><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Although little more than a post-script, Alex Terra was substituted on for Eli Babalj with around half an hour remaining on the clock. Babalj, by virtue of being a target-man, <a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/12/brisbane-1-2-heart-match-analysis.html">provides a focal point</a> to the Heart forward line, allowing them to adopt a more direct style. But the trade-off is that Heart's attack can become too predictable and boxy, with little interchange between players. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Alex Terra however, is a completely different player. Able to operate as a trequartista or winger, when fielded as the most advanced forward, Terra becomes a False Nine, vacating his central position to create space and drag the opposition defence apart. His goal was well taken, but his more notable contribution in a tactical sense was his movement in open play. His first action on the pitch, was to drift high to the right flank, allowing Dugandzic to cut inside towards goal. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This links back to the point made previously, of the <a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/12/brisbane-1-2-heart-match-analysis.html">tactical variety</a> that van't Schip's has assiduously cultivated. Heart have demonstrated a remarkable ability to alter not just their formations, from three to four man backlines, but also their styles, from more patiently possession oriented with a False Nine in Alex Terra, but also a more direct style through the hold-up play of Eli Babalj. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u>Conclusion:</u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A fascinating tactical contest between the two Melbourne clubs was won by the better team. Van't Schip's initial plan was foiled by Durakovic's gambits for auxiliary width, but ultimately, Victory was unable to deal with Heart's changes. Credit to Durakovic for a plan that successfully upset the superior team, but ultimately, Victory's approach is all about getting the best out of individual talent - the midfield platform absolving Hernandez, Kewell and Thompson from defensive duties is particularly illustrative. Van't Schip has built a cohesive team with a dedication to a purist philosophy. For the immediate future at least, Melbourne is red and white.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u>Player Rankings:</u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Heart | Victory</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">10) Worm | Franjic</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">9) Dugandzic | Leijer</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">8) Shroj | Thompson</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">7) Hamill | Fabio</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">6) Babalj | Broxham</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">5) Madaschi | Foschini</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">4) Behich | Ferreira</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">3) Marrone | Kewell</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2) Thompson | Cernak</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1) Fred | Hernandez</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">LATER ADDITION:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Some people have asked about the meaning of the terms seconda punta and carrilero. The following is a comment in response. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The
term ‘seconda punta’ is just second striker in Italian. And that’s the key to
understanding the term. For many years, the predominant formation in Italy was
4-3-1-2, with three holding or central midfielders, a No 10 or trequartista, a
No 9 or central striker and a second striker that pulled off to the flanks, but
was distinct from the trequartista role. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">That
is the difference – the English term second striker can refer to a hybrid of a
withdrawn striker and a playmaker, but the Italian term seconda punta is
definitely referring to a team that uses two strikers with an additional
playmaker, with a clear delineation between the roles. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">If
you want some examples; when Wayne Rooney plays behind Javier Hernandez, or
Rafa Van der Vaart behind Adebayor, those withdrawn players can be referred to
as second strikers, even if Van der Vaart is more of a playmaker than a
forward. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">By
contrast, take AC Milan, who often operate with three holders in midfield,
Seedorf in the playmaking role, Ibrahimovic up-front, but with Alexandre Pato
or Robinho as the seconda punta, drifting off to the flanks. For another
example, take Inter Milan under Mourinho; they often operated with a trio in midfield,
Wesley Sneijder as the trequartista/enganche/advanced playmaker/No 10, with
Diego Milito up front as the central striker/No 9, but with Samuel Eto’o
drifting off to the flanks as the seconda punta. So to clarify, for Manchester
United, Rooney is both a striker and playmaker, but for Inter, Eto’o was a
withdrawn striker, but not a playmaker. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">As
for box-to-box midfielders – they’re extinct. There aren’t any box-to-box
players in elite football left. Because of the liberalisation of the offside
rule, the popularisation of the 4-3-3 and the proliferation of
possession/passing football, the midfield roles have become delineated. You
have defensive midfielders and attacking midfielders – some players can do both,
like say Ballack or Fabregas - but they never perform both roles at the same
time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Wide
midfielders too are similarly scarce – in fact if David Beckham actually signs
for PSG, he’ll probably be the only wide midfielder in any of the top European
leagues. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Carilleros
then refers to a specific role – the side midfielders or shuttlers in a
midfield diamond. They do not perform a box-to-box role because there is a
holder behind them and an attacking midfielder in front of them. Neither are
they wide midfielders because they spend most of the time in central positions,
leaving the flanks for the fullbacks.</span></div>
</div>
</div>
Pass and Movehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17743035847207063959noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8987180767773852035.post-10265788629549128602011-12-21T20:26:00.002+11:002011-12-21T21:38:00.167+11:00Melbourne Derby Preview<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">(Press Play for Mood Music)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We already know to expect wonder goals, crunching challenges, frenzied masses, and perhaps a yellow card or two, but what does this iteration of the Melbourne Derby promise in a tactical sense?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">After some experimentation regarding formation, and specifically just what to do with marquee man Harry Kewell, Durakovic has finally settled on a 4-3-2-1 Christmas tree shape, featuring a triple pivot in midfield, twin playmakers and a lone striker. This shape largely absolves the forward trio from defensive duties, but it also means they are relatively isolated in an offensive sense. Victory often attack with </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">only</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">three players and defend with seven, though when that trident consists of, respectively, the A-League's record goal scorer, a Johnny Warren </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">medallist playmaker, and the greatest </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">ever </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Australian football talent, it certainly gives opponents pause for thought. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Durakovic has also stabilised his selection policy. Even though he has largely relegated Danny Allsopp, Solorzano, Rojas and Cernak to the roles of expensive bench warmers, Victory's line-up looks more robust in midfield. Durakovic has effectively switched from a single holder and five forwards to three holders and three forwards . </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWUxbtvOIYUGD9G318Ya7V93lxAtaTtE7gjveAc6tzpSO3EQLM8auopzOHJ_xnVHv-9nFLSXy2TTrJvdATBG67BhBIpCuGDxM7naRN4_i3HsL3VW5mawrQvwJMFXwbaJzHVqNpcj6fdxI/s1600/melb+derby+mht+back+4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWUxbtvOIYUGD9G318Ya7V93lxAtaTtE7gjveAc6tzpSO3EQLM8auopzOHJ_xnVHv-9nFLSXy2TTrJvdATBG67BhBIpCuGDxM7naRN4_i3HsL3VW5mawrQvwJMFXwbaJzHVqNpcj6fdxI/s640/melb+derby+mht+back+4.png" width="488" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Victory XI, with Heart arrayed in a possible back-four</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The real tactical interest from this match however, will be provided almost entirely by John van't Schip, who has already displayed his credentials as the finest tactician in the A-League. Van't Schip has successfully utilised a wide variety of shapes and formations; even though he has largely stuck to a standard back-four, he employed a <a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/11/adelaide-1-1-heart-match-analysis.html">3-3-1-3 against Adelaide</a>, and a <a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/11/central-coast-3-1-heart-match-analysis.html">3-4-3 against Central Coast</a>, to great effect. These three-man backlines were effective because they were used against strike partnerships, allowing Heart to retain a spare man. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Theoretically then, a three-man backline plus holder would work best against Durakovic's 4-3-2-1. The back three of Madaschi, Hamill and Good would mark Kewell and Thompson, with Hernandez closely watched by the holder, likely Shroj replacing the injured Germano. This would allow Heart to retain a spare man in defence.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This narrow three-man backline would be particularly effective against Victory, because the Navy Blues lack sources of width. When a side uses such a narrow shape, there is an expectation that the fullbacks will provide the majority of the width, but neither Fabio or Foschini are particularly effective in an offensive sense. Van't Schip then would be able to defend with four, and attack with six, particularly as none of the Victory's triple pivot, with the exception of Rojas who isn't a certainty to start, offer much offensively. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzeSchszoVzW-aQcHW7X5HjDvdNernV9qMFq8YnuVd4-GHGy7b__wgZKYZhqAhny7AkgMyBZvSd2J3rrbT7mG-45IFO4fAYbeYdsVIu5jfS1wkIIYJ_UuhZr3d1FE-wURWwhXPVUxMx1I/s1600/melb+derby+mht+back+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzeSchszoVzW-aQcHW7X5HjDvdNernV9qMFq8YnuVd4-GHGy7b__wgZKYZhqAhny7AkgMyBZvSd2J3rrbT7mG-45IFO4fAYbeYdsVIu5jfS1wkIIYJ_UuhZr3d1FE-wURWwhXPVUxMx1I/s640/melb+derby+mht+back+3.png" width="488" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Victory XI, with Heart arrayed in possible 3-3-1-3</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">But using a 3-3-1-3 with wingbacks, has the potential to leave trequartista Fred isolated in midfield, up against the physically imposing trio of Ferreira, Broxham and Brebner. In Behich and Marrone, Heart can lay claim to the best pair of fullbacks in the league, but both can be largely characterised by their energy, less than their passing ability. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9uFfS5RlwOPuRIrqAlA8vI3loc5dQxQCfTeHvZTdqrP-UBwt9bjxqfe0yNE6mh1oEEtuTTrNGSj1GAM_AvWUM5Yvss0fwMEJl8EyW3hTJhUOFaIOnXRotBr0c8pbJ9AcFkMinnLeev68/s1600/melb+derby+mht+narrow+343.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9uFfS5RlwOPuRIrqAlA8vI3loc5dQxQCfTeHvZTdqrP-UBwt9bjxqfe0yNE6mh1oEEtuTTrNGSj1GAM_AvWUM5Yvss0fwMEJl8EyW3hTJhUOFaIOnXRotBr0c8pbJ9AcFkMinnLeev68/s640/melb+derby+mht+narrow+343.png" width="488" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Victory XI with Heart arrayed in a possible 3-4-3</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The 3-4-3 then would seem to be the best compromise. Heart would have a spare man in defence, match the Victory man-for-man in midfield, and have their forward trio against Victory's back-four. The only problem is that switching from wingbacks to carilleros (side midfielders in a diamond) is that the defensive responsibilities for the Navy Blue fullbacks would fall entirely on the Heart wingers; if Fabio or Foschini manage to beat Terra and Dugandzic, or if the Heart wingers are bypassed on the counter-attack, the Victory fullbacks would be allowed to advanced largely unencumbered. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Conversely, though using Behich and Marrone as wingbacks would result in a lesser amount of midfielder passers, their energy and endeavour would allow them to effectively shuttle from central midfield, supporting Fred and the holder, to out-wide, doubling up on the Navy Blue fullbacks in the event the Heart wingers are bypassed on the counter. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There's also the question of whether leaving Fabio and Foschini free is even dangerous. Even if both are allowed to advance, neither are particularly good crossers of the ball. And though Thompson and Kewell are far from being bad in the air, neither are target men who can offer a consistent aerial threat. So perhaps checking the advances of the Victory fullbacks shouldn't be an urgent consideration. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The question of Heart's potential formation is just scratching the surface. A large factor of Van't Schip using 3-3-1-3 and 3-4-3 was the absence of crucial performers. Against Adelaide, Heart was without trequartista/regista Fred, and against Central Coast, Heart was without fullback/wingback Behich. In this match, van't Schip has a full deck of his big guns to choose from, meaning whichever formation he chooses, one of his stars will be forced out. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So apart from the three or four man backline, and the wingbacks or narrow diamond issues, there are many others for Van't Schip to address. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">With Germano out injured, who will fulfill the holder role? Thompson is likely, even though bizarrely, he hasn't appeared in defensive midfield with any regularity, having been shifted between attacking midfield and central defence. Shroj was used in this role at the start of the season, but hasn't appeared in the starting XI for the past few weeks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Will we continue to see Eli Babalj as a true striker, or will Alex Terra, who was amazing as a False Nine in the first Derby of this season, come into the XI? What effect will this choice have on Victory's defensive line? Recently, Victory have struggled trying to implement a more positive approach, which includes playing a higher defensive line. Terra as a False Nine with inverted wingers was very effective against Victory's high line in the last Derby, yet Babalj, by nature of him being a target-man, has provided a singular focal point to Heart's attack. Which approach will van't Schip favour? With Victory likely to start out with a high defensive line, theoretically Maycon the quick striker, or Terra as a quick striker rather than a False Nine would be the best approach, but again, neither have appeared in the XI for some weeks. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Will we see inverted wingers, or true wide men? Perhaps a mixture of both? And which wingers? Williams or Worm? Terra or Maycon shifted out wide? Hoffman?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In recent matches, JVS has developed a very settled midfield destroyer/passer/creator trio of Germano/Thompson/Fred. Will this continue? (with Shroj replacing the injured Germano). Switching to a three-man backline will almost certainly result in the trio being broken up, and though it would theoretically work better defensively, would it be worth breaking up what has become a very successful part of Heart's line-up?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There are a myriad of possibilities confronting the Heart manager. All things considered, Heart are almost guaranteed to dominate possession in this fixture. But that was also true of the last derby, where Ante Covic performed marvellously, producing save-after-desperate-save, to keep the Heart attackers at bay. Will Durakovic temper his idealism, and revert to a deep defensive line, as Andre Villas Boas has for Chelsea?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Who will win? Only time will tell. But one thing's for sure; this match will be one for the ages. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFGcoQDFdvPmPJMW-VbyC1yPDJLnUb-gmeRvJdalUqRy88pIi3kX_K2mIcWjY41H2ArUECROUc47cZFQuAHqUxxdGmmEOvTMyjS2EDeTXND-vcMAtxqGWzK4CrY865lYQ9f6U7Davn6I4/s1600/A%252BLeague%252BRd%252B18%252BHeart%252Bv%252BVictory%252B-4HkijJgeb_l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFGcoQDFdvPmPJMW-VbyC1yPDJLnUb-gmeRvJdalUqRy88pIi3kX_K2mIcWjY41H2ArUECROUc47cZFQuAHqUxxdGmmEOvTMyjS2EDeTXND-vcMAtxqGWzK4CrY865lYQ9f6U7Davn6I4/s640/A%252BLeague%252BRd%252B18%252BHeart%252Bv%252BVictory%252B-4HkijJgeb_l.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Pass and Movehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17743035847207063959noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8987180767773852035.post-79373121296168822932011-12-20T18:22:00.002+11:002011-12-20T18:22:22.917+11:00Delay<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">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. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Have a very Merry (and safe) Christmas and a Happy New Year. </span>Pass and Movehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17743035847207063959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8987180767773852035.post-59355076815187125392011-12-18T13:37:00.002+11:002011-12-18T13:37:36.608+11:00Demographics<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">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. </span>Pass and Movehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17743035847207063959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8987180767773852035.post-35899037482684185822011-12-16T09:08:00.000+11:002011-12-16T09:13:06.888+11:004 points on Wellington 2-0 Brisbane<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAMyfN7IpGN6yDAOvNdzrKuSRgfipZBG_Busnd1SPg1lz8fAZCI4Sg_mk5eNHSXfVpZc0ru_cjOzRDNvjFWG0nUaQPv7nIG5VLcCeW_a4pHIyug4yCezLp_jGCBT0hJUAlfg9e8a3hCH0/s1600/Wellington_Phoenix_crest.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAMyfN7IpGN6yDAOvNdzrKuSRgfipZBG_Busnd1SPg1lz8fAZCI4Sg_mk5eNHSXfVpZc0ru_cjOzRDNvjFWG0nUaQPv7nIG5VLcCeW_a4pHIyug4yCezLp_jGCBT0hJUAlfg9e8a3hCH0/s200/Wellington_Phoenix_crest.png" width="144" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">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. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn9e8jM2Mh4CR-EcGuo6M7TIKYJvw-2yyiFpZhp579fYLG4hwS7Fe1KB67q_SFi5hkRRdWLaD5Nk0PuiwYUoZ88coBnOd_eeFzIINY31g57Sc5DSYO4t2adTN0q8ErmshG4AKGcdtwX2M/s1600/rd+10+wel+v+bri.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn9e8jM2Mh4CR-EcGuo6M7TIKYJvw-2yyiFpZhp579fYLG4hwS7Fe1KB67q_SFi5hkRRdWLaD5Nk0PuiwYUoZ88coBnOd_eeFzIINY31g57Sc5DSYO4t2adTN0q8ErmshG4AKGcdtwX2M/s640/rd+10+wel+v+bri.png" width="481" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><u>Wellington's System:</u></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Herbert deployed the Nix in their standard 4-4-1-1 shape. Warner's good patch of form meant he continued in place of Paston in goal, Durante and Sigmund were paired in central defence, Muscat was at right fullback, with Griffiths deputising for Lockhead on the opposite flank. Lia and Brown formed the double pivot. Bertos and Ward were at left and right wing, dropping back to form two banks of four. The real tactical interest comes with Herbert swapping his two front-men. Imposing target man Chris Greenacre has lead the Phoenix front-line for every match this season, but on this occasion, he was occupying the attacking midfield berth, with creative right winger Paul Ifill pushed to the No 9 role. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><u>Brisbane's System:</u></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Postecoglou deployed the Oranje in their standard 4-3-3/3-4-3 shape. Theoklitos was between the sticks, Adnan came in for Smith to partner Jurman in central defence, with Stefanutto and Franjic advanced at left and right wingback. Paartalu was the holder in midfield, looking to stay goal side of Greeacre and form a back-three, allowing the fullbacks to motor on. Nichols and Visconte were advanced. Berisha led the line, with Issey back to his preferred left side, and Danning coming back into the XI on the right.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><u>Ifill and Greenacre switch:</u></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">As noted above, Herbert switched the berths of his nominal front-two. Usually, it is Ifill playing off the physicality and hold-up play of Greenacre. On this occasion, Greenacre spent the majority of this match behind Ifill. This was a very perceptive gamble by Ricki Herbert. In the <a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/11/4-points-on-brisbane-1-1-wellington.html">last fixture between these two sides</a>, the Nix sat deep, looking for Greenacre to hold-up the ball, to allow midfield runners to join the counter-attack. The problem was, with Wellington defending so deep, midfield runners arrived too late to provide support to the lone striker, and their attacks tended to fall apart as Brisbane reformed their defensive lines. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This time, Herbert was counting on Ifill's speed and trickery to provide a modicum of penetration. Essentially, he was gambling on Ifill putting together a few quality opportunities, as opposed to Greenacre providing a quantity of poor opportunities. It actually worked rather well. Jurman and Adnan had to deal with the immediate threat presented by Ifill, running toward goal, instead of just jockeying Greenacre, with his back to goal. With Bertos, Ward and Greenacre flying forward to join the attack, Franjic, Stefanutto and Paartalu were pushed back and occupied, leaving no free defenders for Brisbane. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Greenacre's physical qualities also helped to defend the midfield area. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJiRgTXK2vFSrtQs6OXZPgkc5agZpX_fAspq55ZQQ0Neuh5V-lE1DxozUVaiGYDqoRhKKYdyEzNezrepgDTmXa3a3wBEkd0r9zvm9X7uYQsf2suDw-_opbROX-Bk2zCMiD22B7POaSBVI/s1600/Paul%252BIfill%252BLeague%252BRd%252B10%252BWellington%252Bv%252BBrisbane%252BtaEI--GEHFvl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJiRgTXK2vFSrtQs6OXZPgkc5agZpX_fAspq55ZQQ0Neuh5V-lE1DxozUVaiGYDqoRhKKYdyEzNezrepgDTmXa3a3wBEkd0r9zvm9X7uYQsf2suDw-_opbROX-Bk2zCMiD22B7POaSBVI/s640/Paul%252BIfill%252BLeague%252BRd%252B10%252BWellington%252Bv%252BBrisbane%252BtaEI--GEHFvl.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u>For increased penetration:</u></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It was notable that in the <a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/12/brisbane-1-2-heart-match-analysis.html">last</a> few <a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/12/8-points-on-sydney-2-0-brisbane.html">matches</a>, Brisbane have lacked their usual degree of penetration, despite monopolising possession almost completely. Instead of implementing a False Nine or target man, Postecoglou sought to increase penetration by exchanging a midfielder for another forward; he swapped patient passer Murdocca for left winger Visconte, who slotted into the midfield trio. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Arguably however, against a side that sit so deep and look to counter-attack, Brisbane would have benefited from increased circulation, to pull apart Wellington's defensive shape. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Theoretically, Wellington would have been the best team for Brisbane to bounce back against. They conceded possession to Brisbane, and with their orthodox 4-4-2 shape, allowed Brisbane to fold out into their 3-4-3. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u><b>Fixtures play their part:</b></u></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A big part of Brisbane's championship season, was how they dealt with the fixture list. Last year, roughly half of the clubs in the league were required to deal with a devilish patch of several games in a short amount of time. Brisbane were the only club to go through this patch of games undefeated. This season, in the same patch, they have experienced 3 defeats and 2 draws.</span><br />
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<u style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Jurman mano e mano:</b></u><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This is the second time this season the young defender has conceded a goal after being isolated one-on-one. The first occasion was in the match <a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/11/victory-2-2-brisbane-match-analysis.html">against Melbourne Victory</a>, where Archie Thompson similarly wrong-footed Jurman to slot past Theoklitos. Ifill's goal was almost a carbon copy in circumstances. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Ug9-aecRbyacvi4WqZ8pnELlBqpKbvJyadhDkM-U-CqJ5SR_Pxf7RR3EYI-vxXMNrC7nUYrcLmubT9no7z6_t4ZBHtpjGi9ELi-FoOPJz-jmXqqgyATG0XvQdEAZsFzj2J_kOtwpd00/s1600/League%252BRd%252B10%252BWellington%252Bv%252BBrisbane%252B1ai3QCV3WPjl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Ug9-aecRbyacvi4WqZ8pnELlBqpKbvJyadhDkM-U-CqJ5SR_Pxf7RR3EYI-vxXMNrC7nUYrcLmubT9no7z6_t4ZBHtpjGi9ELi-FoOPJz-jmXqqgyATG0XvQdEAZsFzj2J_kOtwpd00/s640/League%252BRd%252B10%252BWellington%252Bv%252BBrisbane%252B1ai3QCV3WPjl.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Pass and Movehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17743035847207063959noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8987180767773852035.post-90646381484002063902011-12-10T13:37:00.001+11:002011-12-15T14:12:44.251+11:00Brisbane 1-2 Heart: Match Analysis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV5i41o_MbKb1F53IMxs9Y3i7zLSMzMEpoKl27vYrgBhqcdU3yM4NBQ9CSf1RKzOfYbNmcAELjczDr4wBFyzIRDMBIUevrh5ze6w4DpiyxBhpHxHNalhTbf77xQGQwVMdI_b_n5cC1ks4/s1600/MelbourneHeartLogo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV5i41o_MbKb1F53IMxs9Y3i7zLSMzMEpoKl27vYrgBhqcdU3yM4NBQ9CSf1RKzOfYbNmcAELjczDr4wBFyzIRDMBIUevrh5ze6w4DpiyxBhpHxHNalhTbf77xQGQwVMdI_b_n5cC1ks4/s200/MelbourneHeartLogo.png" width="130" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">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. T</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">he reigning champions </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Brisbane, reeling from the </span><a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/12/8-points-on-sydney-2-0-brisbane.html" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">unexpected end</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> 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. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjBQX0X7Wj_Iw1SeniJxF8EE9Ddc1E1-x0xghbeXhBzkHwrdbRS_Mz7CzuIUkqKUp2HcTzFfYIJfVokZjA16ESog2rmLw2A3rkUUJ_TYtDNdOZHsQ_7RaIQqTBm1nvuUUW_6za16ISsUY/s1600/roar+heart.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjBQX0X7Wj_Iw1SeniJxF8EE9Ddc1E1-x0xghbeXhBzkHwrdbRS_Mz7CzuIUkqKUp2HcTzFfYIJfVokZjA16ESog2rmLw2A3rkUUJ_TYtDNdOZHsQ_7RaIQqTBm1nvuUUW_6za16ISsUY/s640/roar+heart.png" width="488" /></a></div>
<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u>Brisbane's System:</u></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Postecoglou was still without German maestro Thomas Broich and Brazilian forward Henrique. He deployed Brisbane in their customary 4-1-2-3 shape. Theoklitos was custodian, Jurman and Smith were paired in central defence, with Stefanutto and Franjic advanced at left and right fullback. Paartalu was the holder in midfield, with Murdocca and Nichols advanced. Berisha led the line, Issey was inverted on the right, with young winger Fitzgerald making his league debut.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><u>Heart's System:</u></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Van't Schip deployed Heart in an identical line-up to the one that </span><a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/12/heart-1-0-wellington-match-analysis.html" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">saw off Wellington one-nil last weekend</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">, probably the only time he has named an unchanged team this season. Bolton was between the sticks, Madaschi and Hamill were paired in central defence, with Behich and Marrone advanced at left and right fullback. Germano, Thompson and Fred were deployed in an archetypal destroyer/passer/creator midfield trio. Youthful target-man Babalj led the line, Duagandzic was narrow at right wing, with Worm wide on the left. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><u>The Spare Man:</u></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The concept of retaining a spare man in the defence was the determining factor for both side's formations. Brisbane, as we have seen previously, have the ability to <a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/10/brisbane-7-1-adelaide-match-analysis.html">organically switch between a three and four man defence</a>; Paartalu, in the 'Busquets/modern centre half role' drops deep in between Smith and Jurman, becoming a third centre back, while Franjic and Stefanutto advance into midfield, becoming wingbacks, creating a 3-4-3. Van't Schip on the other hand, has recently used an <a href="http://jouracule.blogspot.com/2011/02/3-3-1-3-ajax-and-louis-van-gaal-love.html">Ajax inspired</a> <a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/11/adelaide-1-1-heart-match-analysis.html">3-3-1-3 with wingbacks</a> against Adelaide, and a <a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/11/central-coast-3-1-heart-match-analysis.html">3-4-3 diamond</a> against Central Coast, to great effect. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">But a three man defence is really <a href="http://www.zonalmarking.net/2010/03/24/three-man-defence-in-football-soccer/">only effective against a strike partnership</a>; two centre backs man-mark, with the third as a sweeper. Against a lone striker, or a forward trio including two wingers, problems arise; either the two wingbacks get dragged back by the opposition wingers, leaving two centre backs redundant and a shortfall in midfield, or the two wide centre backs get dragged to the flanks by the opposition wingers, leaving enormous gaps in the defence that can be attacked by opposition runners. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">With both van't Schip and Postecoglou never having deviated from a forward trio of a striker and two wide players, they were always going to opt for a conventional four-man backline, to retain a spare man and avoid becoming undermanned in defence. </span><br />
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u>Press:</u></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Brisbane and Heart are the best pressing sides in the competition. <a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/12/8-points-on-sydney-2-0-brisbane.html">Sydney were very effective at the high press last week</a>, but their, in effect, man-marking scheme was a concession of inferiority; an admission that it was more important for them to <i>stop</i> Brisbane playing than it was to attack themselves. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In this match, both the home team and the visitors varied their use of the press, from a half press, standing relatively off and harrying once the ball possessor had crossed the centre circle, to a high press, preventing the centre backs from playing out from the back. This leant the match a predictable and natural rhythm. One side would assume control of possession, circulating and probing from flank to flank looking for the killer pass or cross, while the other would press within their defensive shape, trying to turn over the ball. When the ball was turned over, the roles were reversed. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">An interesting feature of this match was how the midfields closed each other down. The two trios were reasonably fluid, with the caveat that Germano and Paartalu both sat deep compared to their two midfield colleagues, trying to stay goal side of the opposition's most advanced midfield player. The consequence of this was that the second most advanced player for both Brisbane and Heart received the most time on the ball. So for example, if Paartalu closed down Fred, and with Nichols trying to get past Germano, Murdocca received a decent amount of time on the ball. And vice versa, so that if Germano closed down Nichols, with Fred being marked by Paartalu, Thompson was gifted time on the ball. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><u>Folding defences:</u></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Both Heart and Brisbane were exceptionally defensively disciplined. Very often forward players doing defensive work is regarded as a bonus, but the reality is, in modern elite football, every player on the pitch has defensive and offensive responsibilities. When Brisbane were attacking, and with their fullbacks high up the pitch, Worm and Dugandzic would fold back into deep areas, operating almost as auxiliary fullbacks. The same can be said of Issey and Fitzgerald, retreating into deep areas to check the advances of Behich and Marrone. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><u>One wing clipped, the other soars:</u></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Another similarity was how both sides treated their wide men. Generally speaking the inverted right wingers Dugandzic and Issey looked to come inside and link with the striker while the left wingers Worm and Fitzgerald looked to stretch the play. Brisbane's wide players occasionally switched flanks, while Heart's wingers remained in place. </span><br />
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u>Striking differences:</u></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So we've seen how similar both Heart and Brisbane are when it comes to their playing styles. Both favour high tempo pressing, compact midfields coupled with a possession oriented approach, attacking fullbacks and 'inverted' </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">wingers </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">or narrow forwards attacking from the flanks. What proved the difference, in this match and overall? </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Despite losing against Heart, Postecoglou wasn't particularly out-thought in a tactical sense. It's a more a case of him being 'strategically outmanoeuvred'. <a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/11/central-coast-3-1-heart-match-analysis.html">As noted previously</a>, Heart are really the only club in the the league that operate with a genuine squad rotation system. Assembling a true squad means having access first, to depth, and second, and perhaps more crucially, variation. Brisbane and Central Coast, for all their depth, don't have access to the tactical variety that van't Schip has carefully cultivated. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Take the central striker role as an example. Postecoglou only has two realistic options to field as the No 9, Besart Berisha and Kofi Danning, and even then, Danning has always been deployed as a right winger. They have more or less identical qualities as players, and can be described as pacey finishers. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Conversely, van't Schip can opt between pacey finisher <a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/10/heart-1-2-perth-match-analysis.html">Maycon</a>, a creative deep-lying forward who can operate as a <a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/10/victory-0-0-heart-match-analysis.html">False Nine</a> in <a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/11/adelaide-1-1-heart-match-analysis.html">Alex Terra</a>, and an imposing target man with impressive <a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/12/heart-1-0-wellington-match-analysis.html">hold-up play</a> in the young Eli Babalj. And it was Babalj who made the difference in this game, winning the corner and creating space for the first goal and finishing the second. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We've seen in recent weeks, that Brisbane have struggled to penetrate defences who sit deep. They were held to a <a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/11/victory-2-2-brisbane-match-analysis.html">draw by Victory</a>, despite their opponents being two men down, and <a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/11/4-points-on-brisbane-1-1-wellington.html">by Wellington</a>, who produced a disciplined defensive performance. The reason sitting deep is so effective against Brisbane is two fold; it minimises space between the lines of midfield and defence, denying Brisbane space to create passing angles in midfield, and it also restricts space behind the defence, denying Berisha or Danning the opportunity to unleash their fearsome acceleration, latching onto through balls. It also decreases the margin of error for the man playing the through pass; when the opposition backline sits deep, there is a greater chance that through balls will simply run to the opposition keeper. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So what is the merit in Heart's variation?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Simply put, van't Schip holds an answer to all the possible questions. If Heart need a quick striker to get behind an opponent's high line, van't Schip can deploy Maycon. If Heart need a False Nine to bolster the midfield and unlock a massed defence, van't Schip can turn to Alex Terra. And if Heart need a physical/aerial option, to dissuade a defence sitting deep, van't Schip can field Babalj. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Against Brisbane, van't Schip opted for a combination of speed and strength. As <a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/12/heart-1-0-wellington-match-analysis.html">noted previously</a>, Babalj's role as a striker is very different to the domain of a traditional target man. Instead of primarily meeting crosses and occupying/pushing back the centre backs, Babalj's role revolves around hold-up play, in a manner reminiscent of Emile Heskey's role for England or perhaps even Dimitar Berbatov for Manchester United. In effect, he operates as an advanced fulcrum; Worm, Fred and Dugandzic were able to use Babalj to retain possession under pressure in advanced areas, secure in the knowledge that after they had made runs into space, Babalj would be be able to return possession. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Essentially, Heart were able to vary their strategy from direct play, exploiting Babalj's physical qualities, to a more patient and possession oriented approach, utilising the passing abilities of Thompson and Fred and then the sheer pace of Worm and Dugandzic on the flanks. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Brisbane on the other hand, were not able to do so. They were only dangerous when Heart's backline pushed up during the high press. When Heart reverted to a half press, with the defence standing off, they lacked the necessary penetration to pierce their defensive shape, and an aerial option to dissuade them from sitting deep. </span><br />
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u>Heart's Goals:</u></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The first two goals were a perfect illustration of the physicality Babalj provides to the Red and Whites silky midfield play. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Germano 10' - A direct ball out of defence eventually reaches Babalj, via Fred. He looks to square the ball across the six-yard box but the ball is put out for a corner by Smith. Dugandzic delivers. Babalj stands between the width of the penalty spot and the far post. He makes a decoy run to the near post; as he does so, the man on the near post sidles closer, the man next to Theoklitos steps forward, and the man on the far post darts behind Theoklitos to harass Babalj. With this simple run, Babalj has sucked in three Brisbane defenders and left the far post completely vacant. Germano takes advantage, ghosts past Franjic and is given a free header. Babalj created the corner, and then the space for Germano's shot. In the aftermath, Slater lamented Brisbane not having a man on the far post; Brisbane actually did, its just that Babalj dragged him away. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Babalj 26' - This was a well worked goal, after a period of concerted pressure. The nearest stoppage in play was a Heart throw-in at 25:27, on the far touchline. Babalj's goal was registered at 26:35. In that minute or so of play, Heart completed approximately 24 passes. Though they conceded possession four times within that period, they regained it immediately, with Brisbane not able to register a single completed pass of their own, testament to the ferocity of Heart's press. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Germano played a 1-2 with Worm, who drew in three defenders and slipped a through ball behind the high Brisbane defence. At this point it was 3v3. Germano measured an inch-perfect cross which evaded Theoklitos, Smith and Jurman and reached Dugandzic on the right flank, who cut it back for Babalj to finish assuredly. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><u>Substitutions:</u></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">On 64', Postecoglou made two aggressive substitutions in an effort to get back into the contest. He exchanged Issey, who had produced an inconsistent performance, for lucky left winger Rocky Viconte, and central midfielder Murdocca for speedy attacker Kofi Danning. Brisbane shifted to an all-out attacking 4-2-4, with Paartalu and Nichols in midfield, and a forward line of Visconte, Berisha, Fitzgerald and Danning. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This was a clever move by Postecoglou. Heart had started to play more conservatively, trying to kill the game by keeping possession. Changing to a direct style jarred the Heart defence, and they found themselves overwhelmed by sheer numbers. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">On 77', Postecoglou reaped his reward with Nichols' goal.Theoklitos passed to Jurman, then to Fitzgerald, then to Danning on the edge of the area. This indicated Brisbane's speed of transition, from defence to attack within three passes. Danning managed to accelerate past leftback Behich, creating a yard of space for a low cross. This was parried by Bolton on the near post, though unfortunately for him, into the path of Nichols. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It should be said however that Heart were beginning to play rather naively. They resumed holding a high defensive line, which only benefited Danning and Berisha, and Bolton begun to punt goal kicks far up the pitch, instead of retaining control of possession. But without Babalj's aerial prowess, having been substituted off for Hoffman, these goal kicks became Brisbane's fastest route back to possession. The commentators highlighted the identical two goal deficit to Brisbane's famous Grand Final comeback last season, but in fact it was this inability/unwillingness of the visiting side to keep possession that was the most pertinent similarity. Just as Central Coast's carelessness in possession allowed the Oranje a route to the Championship, Heart's new found sloppiness nearly did the same, albeit for lesser stakes. </span><br />
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u>The Death Star plans are not in the main computer:</u></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">After going undefeated for a record 36 games, Brisbane have been held to two draws and experienced two defeats, at the hands of teams they would have expected to beat, and beat with panache. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In a word, Brisbane have lacked penetration. Their midfield and forward line has become too focussed on retaining possession to the detriment of constructing attacks. A similar phenomenon has been <a href="http://www.zonalmarking.net/2011/11/14/del-bosque-spain-tactics-false-nine-euro-2012/">experienced by Spain</a>. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It should be noted that in this particularly match, the Roar were deprived of Thomas Broich and Henrique, two players who are equally capable of making their mark in one-on-one situations, to tip the balance. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">With Berisha more easily restricted by deep defences, and unable to offer a physical option, how can Postecoglou solve this problem of a lack of penetration? There are two possible solutions.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The first is to recruit a target-man. Against defences that sit deep, Brisbane might do well to go for an aerial option. As <a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/12/8-points-on-sydney-2-0-brisbane.html">noted previously</a>, Spain, the international masters of possession football, are not above sticking a big man up-front and telling him to win balls in the air. In their recent match against Scotland, having failed to unlock a stubborn tartan defence, Del Bosque threw on Atheltico Bilbao's Fernando Llorente, and he eventually netted the winner, from a very un-Spanish cross. This option might seem a philosophical departure from Postecoglou's preferred style of football, but Heart have demonstrated how to incorporate physical qualities to facilitate possession football. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Another option to unlock massed defences would be introducing a <a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/10/victory-0-0-heart-match-analysis.html">False Nine</a>. Physicality isn't the only method of achieving penetration (yes, yes, that's what she said). As Barcelona have demonstrated, technical quality is always the trump card, and fielding Broich or<a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/09/true-dawn-of-false-nine-brisbane-roar.html"> Henrique </a>in that False Nine role could provide greater attacking flexibility and creativity from the central striker role. It would also provide the most natural and unobtrusive situation within the squad. For instance, if Berisha as striker and Broich/Henrique on the wings isn't working, instead of using up one of his substitutions, Postecoglou can simply switch Berisha to the wing, and Broich or Henrique to the False Nine role. Broic or Henrique could then dictate play, with Berisha using his pace to provide a goal-threat from wide in a manner similar to Mirko Vucinic for Roma when Francesco Totti was deployed as a <a href="http://www.zonalmarking.net/2010/03/05/teams-of-the-decade-5-roma-2007/">False Nine for Roma</a>. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It is very likely Postecoglou has considered this second option. There were tentative reports Broich was being utilised in this way in pre-season, and of course Broich was used as a False Nine for a ten minute period in their <a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/10/brisbane-roar-1-0-central-coast.html">Round 1 Match against Central Coast</a>, where he created Nichols' match winner. Is Postecoglou simply saving this tactic for a decisive moment later in the season? The first time Lional Messi started a match in the False Nine role that has helped define his stellar talent, was during their 2008-9 Champions League final against Manchester United in Rome - his switching positions with Samuel Eto'o completely bamboozled the Red Devils defence.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><u>Conclusion:</u></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This was a match between two of the most innovative sides in the A-League era. Heart were able to triumph in this contest because they had access to tactical variation - they were able to alternate between retaining possession with the technical quality of Fred and Thompson and using the speed of Worm and Dugandzic, to a more direct style, exploiting the physical qualities of Babalj. Brisbane conversely were unable to, and Berisha was almost entirely restricted when Heart reverted to a half press, sitting deeper. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">What is the significance of this result for the respective seasons of both clubs? As PM <a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/11/central-coast-3-1-heart-match-analysis.html">predicted previously</a>, the Top 3 now reads Brisbane, Central Coast and Heart - deservedly so. It should be remembered Brisbane were deprived of two key performers and will undoubtedly mount a resurgence. Every campaign goes through peaks and troughs. Postecoglou should find a solution. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Heart's victory is a testament to van't Schip's managerial acumen, and the way he has gone about assembling tactical variation in his squad, within a salary cap mind, has been nothing less than brilliant. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><u>Player Rankings:</u></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Brisbane | Heart:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">10) Issey | Hamill</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">9) Fitzgerald | Madaschi</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">8) Berisha | Marrone</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">7) Stefanutto | Behich</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">6) Smith | Thompson</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">5) Jurman | Worm</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">4) Franjic | Dugandzic</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">3) Murdocca | Fred</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2) Nichols | Germano</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1) Paartalu | Babalj</span>Pass and Movehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17743035847207063959noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8987180767773852035.post-53615303353100785842011-12-07T18:47:00.001+11:002011-12-15T14:15:20.674+11:00Heart 1-0 Wellington: Match Analysis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvz-kymg1QzKJ0Q3bDlHG_QLLk-OWY29ceOTA4evyNwAyPsdEyPQrcKIHP9ReOo5szk2Msqthe7-My9muNMb23D9Qo12I1cICEOQIT1ofBfav2hzTKrDuP1EGF3a6yDJ2St_fS5oPflik/s1600/MelbourneHeartLogo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvz-kymg1QzKJ0Q3bDlHG_QLLk-OWY29ceOTA4evyNwAyPsdEyPQrcKIHP9ReOo5szk2Msqthe7-My9muNMb23D9Qo12I1cICEOQIT1ofBfav2hzTKrDuP1EGF3a6yDJ2St_fS5oPflik/s200/MelbourneHeartLogo.png" width="130" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">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. </span><br />
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<u style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Heart's System:</b></u><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Van't Schip deployed Heart in a 4-1-2-3 shape. After so many exotic tactical features such as 3-4-3 formations, wingbacks, false nines, and inverted wingers, this was probably one of van't Schip's most 'vanilla' line-ups.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Bolton was custodian, Madaschi and Hamill were paired in central defence, with Behich and Marrone advanced at left and right fullback. Germano, Thompson and Fred were set-out in the archetypal destroyer/passer/creator midfield trio. Young target-man Babalj was fielded as the No 9, Worm stretched the play as an orthodox winger on the left, with Dugandzic inverted on the right.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><u>Wellington's System:</u></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Herbert deployed a near full-strength Phoenix line-up in their 4-4-1-1 default, with the wide players dropping back to form two banks of four. Warner continued in place of Paston between the sticks, Durante and Sigmund were partnered in central defence, with Lockhead and Muscat at left and right fullback. Lia and Brown were paired in a conservative double pivot. Bertos and Ward were at left and right wing, Ifill played the trequartista role, with target-man Greenacre as the No 9. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><u>Strikers to the fore:</u></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">As noted above, in general terms, both clubs pursue very different playing styles. The hosts very consciously preferring a possession based approach that relies on technical quality. Ricki Herbert meanwhile favours a counter-attacking style, relying on pace and power in transition and defensive solidity to triumph over more-fancied opponents. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Yet in this match, Heart and the Phoenix were both utilising imposing target man, Eli Babalj and Chris Greenacre, to lead their attacks. How did this affect the match? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The differences in utilisation of the two strikers reflected the general approaches of both teams.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Greenacre operated as a traditional target-man, an 'English' No 9, what Glanville characterised as 'the brainless bull at the gates'. Greenacre essentially had two jobs; to meet the crosses of Bertos and Ifill and the more direct balls from Lia or Durante, providing an aerial threat. His role was very similar to that of Chelsea's Didier Drogba. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Eli Babalj's role however was very different, and centred around facilitating the creativity of his team mates through hold-up play and creating space. In effect, Babalj operated as an advanced fulcrum; Fred, Worm and Dugandzic were able to use Babalj to retain possession under pressure in advanced areas. Once they had laid the ball off to Babalj, they were then free to make runs into space, secure in the knowledge Babalj would be able to hold-off challenges and then return possession. Therefore, Babalj himself did not present a realistic goal-threat in open play. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In doing so, Babalj's role bore marked similarities to the roles of Emile Heskey and <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2010/jun/28/world-cup-2010-fernando-torres-spain">Fernando Torres</a>, for England and Spain respectively. Long derided by the public for their admittedly meagre goal returns in international football, in recent times their selfless contributions in enabling the attacking play of Wayne Rooney and David Villa, by creating space, has garnered wider acknowledgement. Javi Venta, the Villareal defender remarked that "When Torres plays, Villa plays better. He has more freedom and greater mobility." Victor Munoz defined Torres' contribution by saying that "Fernando makes the pitch longer". Torres has never seemed to fit into the archetype of the Spanish footballer; at the height of his powers, Torres' style was based around power and pace, not patient passing or flair. So for Spain, Torres was used to facilitate the passing patterns of the 'Barcelona' midfield, by stretching the opposition defence with his explosive runs. For Heart, Babalj's hold-up play was used to enable the movement of the creative players. And it is a very effective strategy.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">On a wider note, we are again privy to van't Schip's remarkable managerial acumen, in accumulating tactical variance in his squad. As <a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/11/central-coast-3-1-heart-match-analysis.html">PM has noted previously</a>, Heart are the only club in the league to operate with a genuine squad rotation system. Even Brisbane, for all their strength in depth, do not have access to van't Schip's carefully cultivated tactical variation, which was an issue that contributed to the <a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/12/8-points-on-sydney-2-0-brisbane.html">end of their unbeaten streak</a>. So in regards to the central striker role, van't Schip can deploy Babalj as a target man, Maycon as a quick man or Alex Terra as a false nine. </span><br />
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<u style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>The central winger:</b></u><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Paul Ifill, the creative right winger and Wellington legend, started this match as the central attacker of the Phoenix trident, behind Greenacre. It's a role Ifill is not unaccustomed to, but his interpretation of the role is very different to that of a traditional trequartista, such as Dani Sanchez, who was substituted on in the second half of this match. Instead of looking for space between the lines, the traditional domain of the trequartista, Ifill tended to roam laterally, moving to the flanks.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Zonal Marking dubbed this phenomenon, of the deployment of creative wide men in the central attacking midfield role, as the <a href="http://www.zonalmarking.net/2010/12/03/introducing-the-central-winger/">'central winger'</a>. Now for Wellington the situation is a little different; in the past Ifill has pretty much been the only creative presence in the Pheonix line-up, and was deployed in the No 10 role as a matter of necessity. But the central winger phenomenon sheds light on why Ifill has been effective as an attacking midfielder. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">For a variety of reasons, the classic No 10 or trequartista, in the mould of Zidane or Riquelme, has waned in the past decade. This can be variously attributed to the proliferation of holding midfielders in the 'Makele' mould who occupied the space between the lines trequartistas originally thrived in, the increased prevalence of counter-attacking football that discouraged creativity and emphasised speed of movement over speed of thought, and the popularity of the 4-3-3 formation, that had no space for a central playmaker. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">But the liberalisation of the offside rule that stretched the active playing area, the increased proliferation of possession football that emphasised technical quality, and the advent of the 4-2-3-1 formation as the universal default have contributed to the re-emergence of the playmaker, as the central attacker in the trident. For some clubs, this has simply resulted in the re-deployment of players used on the wing to their 'natural position' as the No 10. Wesley Sneijder and Rafael van der Vaart are both players who were used on the wing at Real Madrid, but were moved back to the No 10 position, at Inter Milan and Tottenham respectively. Similarly, Wayne Rooney spent his early years at United on the wing, but has been moved to a central playmaker role. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">But there has also been a recent trend for players who spent their formative years on the wing, to be re-deployed as that central playmaker in the trident. Examples include Ashley Young at Aston Villa, Mesut Ozil at Werder Bremen and Real Madrid, David Silva at Manchester City and Juan Mata at Chelsea. These were all players who regularly shone as left wingers, but have found themselves starring as the new No 10's. Naturally their interpretation of the central playmaker role is very different to that of traditional trequartistas. Traditional trequartistas thrived between the rigid lines of defence and midfield against conventional 4-4-2's, whereas the central winger drifts laterally, from flank to flank, in effect returning to their 'natural' domain. Whereas Silva, Mata and Ozil thrived cutting-inside from left at Valencia and Werder Bremen, now they are dominating matches drifting wide from central for Manchester City, Chelsea and Real Madrid. The reason for this, is that when two 4-2-3-1's meet, where the wingers pick up the fullbacks, the only space left is the pockets either side of the holding midfielders. </span><br />
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u>Heart ascendant:</u></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The Red and Whites were able to dominate the first half by monopolising possession. The fullbacks Behich and Marrone were instrumental to this dominance, by pushing back the Wellington wide men, Ward and Bertos. Fred grew into the game, playing in Dugandzic and Worm.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Their 40' goal was achieved through a spot of gamesmanship, rather than outright tactics. Fred took a quick free kick on the edge of the centre circle, catching out Lia and Brown. Thompson received the ball on the run, laid off to Worm on the left. At this point it was 3v3. Worm unleashed a low drive that clipped the post and was bundled in by Dugandzic. This was Mate's third such goal this season, having arrived late at the far post to s<a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/10/newcastle-3-2-heart-match-analysis.html">core twice against Newcastle</a> in Round 1. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u><b>Phoenix rising:</b></u></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">After the break, the visitors were able to get back into the contest. Herbert increased the tempo of their play and pushed the wide players Ward and Bertos further up the field to restrict Behich and Marrone. Credit to Herbert for some very aggressive substitutions that further increased the pressure on Heart. He exchanged Ward for Pavlovic on 60', moved Ifill out to right wing and switched to a 4-4-2 formation. Wellington were now playing with two very tricky wingers on both flanks, looking to take on their fullbacks, and swing crosses in for Greenacre and Pavlovic. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">On 65', Herbert exchanged Greenacre, who had faded, for Spanish trequartista Dani Sanchez, and switched to an aggressive 4-2-3-1 formation, with Pavlovic as the No 9, Bertos on the left and Ifill on the right. Sanchez was very effective as the trequartista, and Ifill clearly enjoyed sharing the creative burden; he revelled in latching onto Sanchez's through balls. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It must be said though that Wellington were only allowed a route back into the game, by van't Schip's aggression. I don't think the man knows how to play for a draw.<a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/11/adelaide-1-1-heart-match-analysis.html"> Against Adelaide</a>, with the score tied at one-all, Colosimo red carded and with 10 minutes to go, van't Schip switched to an aggressive 3-3-3 formation and ordered his men to attack. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">He could have chosen to close out this game by telling his players to form back into two banks of four, but you can see by his substitutions he only had eyes for goals. Van't Schip brought on two more strikers, Hoffman and Maycon, on 65' and 80', only exchanging Madaschi for central defender Good on 88', and this switch was injury enforced. As noted above, credit to both managers for a match that can serve as a laudable example of and to Australian football. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u><b>The best little Spaniard we know:</b></u></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">PM was heart broken in January, with the news of Mikel Arteta's deadline day departure to Arsenal. But perhaps there's another Spaniard who can fill the No 10 shaped void. Dani Sanchez has encountered slight injury problems this season, but has been extremely impressive as the trequartista. His creative vision 'complete' the Phoenix line-up, complimenting the brawn of Greenacre, the speed of Bertos and the trickey of Ifill. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It's amazing to consider that Sanchez is the only Spaniard to yet ply their trade in the A-League, considering the modern trend for clubs to build teams around Spanish playmakers, such as the aforementioned Silva and Mata. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">And having a soft spot for the Nix, PM would like nothing more than to see Sanchez wear the Yellow and Black Number 10 on his back. The Phoenix have never really had a proper playmaker; now they have a man worthy to the task. Watching Sanchez on the ball just makes you think, "Marco who?". It would also lend a rather pleasing symmetry to the Wellington line-up; they'd have No 7 Bertos on the left, No 8 Ifill on the right, No 9 Greenacre up-front and No 10 Sanchez in the hole. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMAdISuZ73Kf1GxIshxxtcuqktgdR_xm6J6tuW83QoPqNkm9AsmRHH_oEulon8SaG6FaPIpubfKfdzy4zQHFkIn-yNoQ4Fgt8-UjuQqv8iXrFhbIdWXUcBVbjWbCgPew4ohDo4MUOxJuQ/s1600/Fred%252BLeague%252BRd%252B9%252BHeart%252Bv%252BWellington%252B4PgWuF6uhexl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMAdISuZ73Kf1GxIshxxtcuqktgdR_xm6J6tuW83QoPqNkm9AsmRHH_oEulon8SaG6FaPIpubfKfdzy4zQHFkIn-yNoQ4Fgt8-UjuQqv8iXrFhbIdWXUcBVbjWbCgPew4ohDo4MUOxJuQ/s640/Fred%252BLeague%252BRd%252B9%252BHeart%252Bv%252BWellington%252B4PgWuF6uhexl.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u>New isn't always better:</u></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This past off-season, Gold Coast, Adelaide and Perth went to great expense to completely renovate their squads, and find themselves in severe trouble. Herbert on the other hand, while he has been financially handicapped, has relied on the tried and tested. The Phoenix back-line and double pivot of Durante, Sigmund, Muscat, Lockhead, Lia and Brown have been together for the past two seasons, and that familiar relationship makes the Phoenix incredible hard to break down. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><u>Conclusion:</u></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This was an exhilarating match between two managers with very different philosophies yet identical commitments to attacking football. On the balance of play, perhaps a draw would have been a fairer result, and Wellington paid the price for failing to capitalise on a few golden opportunities. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><u>Player Rankings:</u></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Heart | Wellington</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">10) Madaschi | Sigmund</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">9) Hamill | Muscat</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">8) Marrone | Durante</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">7) Germano | Lockhead</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">6) Behich | Ward</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">5) Thompson | Lia</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">4) Worm, Maycon | Brown</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">3) Babalj | Bertos</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2) Dugandzic, Hoffman | Greenacre, Pavlovic</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1) Fred | Ifill, Sanchez</span></div>Pass and Movehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17743035847207063959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8987180767773852035.post-74095363737031510842011-12-06T22:48:00.001+11:002011-12-06T23:51:48.294+11:008 points on Sydney 2-0 Brisbane<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">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. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><u>1) Sydney's System:</u></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Lavicka deployed the Sky Blules in an expansive 4-4-2 diamond shape. Reddy was between the sticks, Bosschart and Beauchamp were paired in central defence, Cole was inverted, deputising at left fullback, while Coyne was conservative on the opposite side. McFlynn was the holder in midfield, screening the backline. Emerton and Kisel operated as carilleros, shuttling to wide positions. Carle was the trequartista, with Petratos and Cazarine were paired in a classic target man/quick man strike partnership. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u><b>2) Brisbane's System:</b></u></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Postecoglou set out Brisbane in their customary 4-1-2-3 shape. Theoklitos was custodian, Jurman and Smith were paired in central defence. Stefanutto and Franjic were advanced at left and right fullback. Paartalu was the holder in midfield, dropping deep to allow the fullbacks to advance. Murdicca and Nichols were paired in midfield, Issey and Henrique were inverted at right and left wing, with Berisha as the No 9.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In most aspects, this was very much a full-strength Brisbane line-up, with one notable absentee; Thomas Broich. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><u>3) Cassandraic</u></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There were actually aspects of this match that PM has previously predicted. In the aftermath of <a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/10/brisbane-7-1-adelaide-match-analysis.html">Brisbane's seven-nil belting of Adelaide</a>, PM commented that, if the rampant champions were to eventually lose, it would "be away from home...with Thomas Broich out of form". In this case, the match wasn't even played at either side's home stadium, and Thomas Broich wasn't even in the squad. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Furthermore, PM has previously remarked that Cazarine is a superb target-man, adept at holding the ball up and bringing his team mates into play, and it was his utilisation of his qualities that created the opening goal, when he receive a short free kick from Bosschart, held off a challenge and flicked the ball over the top for Petratos to latch onto. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGiOiAhPYJTK8oRdXCVTBaZD3hC5u0jOZmX7IGzkZvsLZX_iBvfDqEhAOltEOxw3hnAk4mSzYU688iR5kQ8ttmYX4mTbUjei8XGm1LsLw3WnMcfsApGt96pR2CvNf3oe8mT7cHZz-KUFM/s1600/Bruno%252BCazarine%252BLeague%252BRd%252B9%252BSydney%252Bv%252BBrisbane%252Bl3k9UMlgo6hl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGiOiAhPYJTK8oRdXCVTBaZD3hC5u0jOZmX7IGzkZvsLZX_iBvfDqEhAOltEOxw3hnAk4mSzYU688iR5kQ8ttmYX4mTbUjei8XGm1LsLw3WnMcfsApGt96pR2CvNf3oe8mT7cHZz-KUFM/s640/Bruno%252BCazarine%252BLeague%252BRd%252B9%252BSydney%252Bv%252BBrisbane%252Bl3k9UMlgo6hl.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u><b>4) Inka was always the hottest Planeteer</b></u></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It's probably never remarked on enough, but the environment can have a huge impact on a match. In this case, the wind became an extremely influential factor, and Sydney were able to harness 'Mother Earth' to their advantage. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The gale was strong enough to curve Emerton's corner, headed for the penalty spot, straight into goal. Having won the coin toss, McFlynn elected to play with the wind, and with the breeze as strong as it was, the momentum was with Sydney in a very literal sense; Brisbane passes along the deck tended to fall short, and Sydney through balls were imbibed with extra verve. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><u>5) Pressing to negate width</u></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Lavicka's use of the high press was, overall, identical to the <a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/10/sydney-0-2-brisbane-match-analysis.html">last time he faced Brisbane</a>. His objective was to prevent Brisbane from playing out from the back. The intensity of Sydney's press was such that Brisbane were barely able to string passes together, and were completely penned inside their own defensive half. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">But the crucial point is how Sydney's pressing negated Brisbane's width. Lavicka tasked Emerton and Kisel, to shuttle out-wide from the central positions, to confront the fullbacks-turned-wingbacks Franjic and Stefanutto. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The natural weakness of the 4-3-1-2 formation is the lack of natural width. In fact, the point of using that formation is to sacrifice wingers for extra midfield security. The last time Brisbane faced a genuine 4-3-1-2, <a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/10/brisbane-roar-1-0-central-coast.html">in Central Coast</a>, the three central midfielders and trequartista dropped deeper, and the fullbacks Rose and Bojic were overrun by Meyer, Franjic, Issey and Stefanutto. Lavicka overcame his side's theoretical lack of width by instructing Emerton and Kisel to move wide and occupy Stefanutto and Franjic. He sacrificed a spare man at the back, to facilitate his high press.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">With the entire defensive five players occupied, Theoklitos had no one free to build play through. Smith and Jurman were marked by Petratos and Cazarine, Carle pushed up to confront Paartalu, and Stefanutto and Franjic were blocked by Kisel and Emerton. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Postecoglou's system is almost entirely dependent on the fullbacks to provide width, as the wide players are instructed to come inside and link with the central striker. In this instance, this lack of width in forward areas was exaggerated, as Henrique and Issey were inverted. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><u>6) Lady Luck</u></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It goes without saying that Sydney were very lucky indeed. The first goal came within 30 seconds of the start of the match, with the Sky Blues capitalising on a moment of confusion over a free kick. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The second goal was a bloody fluke. Emerton's corner was curved into the goal by a powerful gust.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The main point however is that Sydney were able to cement a two-goal lead within the first 20 minutes of the match. Sydney were never going to be able to maintain a high press for the duration of the match; in their last match against Brisbane, Lavicka tried to, and his charges were completely exhausted by the middle of the second period, allowing Brisbane to pass around their opponents like traffic cones.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In many ways this resembled the Toffee's glorious two-nil defeat of Manchester Citeh. David Moyes went for an intense pressing game, Everton were able to score twice within the first 20 minutes, then switched to an all-out defensive posture to see out the match. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In the second period especially, Sydney had all 10 outfield players behind the ball, with only Cazarine over the halfway line. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u><b>7) Solutions</b></u></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It must be said however, this is the most recent instance where Brisbane have failed to unlock a massed defence. There were able to monopolise possession in the second half, but barely created any clear chances, with the ball being circulated from flank to flank. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This begs the question of how can Postecoglou overcome sides who sit with all 11-men behind the ball. One of the reasons sitting deep is such an effective defensive strategy against Brisbane is that it minimises space behind and between the lines, meaning Berisha is prevented from unleashing his fearsome acceleration latching onto through balls, and Brisbane have less space in midfield to work passing moves. There are two likely Plan B's. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The first is to recruit a target-man. Spain, the international masters of possession football, have shown they are not above sticking a big man up-front and telling him to win crosses. In their recent match against Scotland, having failed to unlock the stubborn Tartan defence, Del Bosque threw on Atheltico Bilbao's Fernando Llorente, a imposing target man, and within a few minutes, he had scored the match winner from a very un-Spanish cross. Even Barcelona considered this route a few seasons ago, when Guardiola recruited Sweedish giant Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Surely there are proficient target-men plying their trade in the state leagues, one of whom the Roar could recruit to become their Llorente Protocol. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The second is the False Nine. This season, van't Schip at Melbourne Heart has fielded Alex Terra as a False Nine, dropping deep to dictate play for inverted wingers Dugandzic and Williams. He used this to great effect in the first </span><a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/10/victory-0-0-heart-match-analysis.html" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Melbourne Derby</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">. Physicality isn't the only way to achieve penetration (that's what she said). As Barcelona have demonstrated, technical quality is the trump card. While van't Schip has concertedly implemented the False Nine, he actually isn't the first to in the A-League. In Brisbane's Round 1 Match against Central Coast, Thomas Broich was used as a False Nine for ten minutes, and it was his dropping deep to dictate play that created Nichol's match winning goal. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In a more immediate sense, it might have made sense for Brisbane to test the rigidity of Lavicka's marking scheme. In last season's Grand Final, with the Mariners strikers pegging back the Brisbane fullbacks, Postecoglou instructed Paartalu to push further into midfield to drag Amini out of position. We should have seen a move along those lines; push Paartalu further up to drag Carle backwards, drop Murdocca further into the backline, just as a 'for instance'.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u><b>8) Player Rankings</b></u></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Sydney | Brisbane:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">10) Beauchamp| Jurman</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">9) Bosschart | Smith</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">8) Coyne | Franjic</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">7) McFlynn | Stefanutto</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">6) Cole | Paartalu</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">5) Kisel | Henrique</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">4) Emerton | Issey</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">3) Petartos | Berisa</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2) Carle | Nichols</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1) Cazarine | Murdocca</span>Pass and Movehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17743035847207063959noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8987180767773852035.post-31489850358562991142011-12-05T23:43:00.001+11:002011-12-05T23:46:11.978+11:00Delay<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">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. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Apologies for the inconvenience.</span>Pass and Movehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17743035847207063959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8987180767773852035.post-82525997177407050372011-12-03T00:06:00.001+11:002011-12-03T19:16:11.446+11:006 points on Adelaide 0-4 Central Coast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Here are 6 tactical points on the Mariners ruthless four-goal shellacking of a hapless Adelaide. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">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. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><u>1) Central Coast System:</u></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Arnold deployed the Mariners in their customary 4-3-1-2. Ryan returned as custodian, Wilkinson and Zwaanswijk were paired in central defence, Rose and Bojic were advanced at left and right fullback. Griffiths, McGlinchey and Hutchinson formed a conservative trio in midfield, Amini was trequartista, and Simon and Ibini formed a strike partnership. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u><b>2) Adelaide System:</b></u></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Coolen however made major modifications to his team, in a manner reminiscent of <a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/12/5-points-on-victory-3-2-gold-coast.html">Durakovic's 'tilting' midfield</a> against Gold Coast. Galekovic was between the sticks, McKain and Susak were paired in central defence, Usucar and Watson completed a flat back-four, the latter having never operated anywhere in the defence previously. Djite was the lone striker. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The midfield zone was where the most significant alterations occurred. In effect, Coolen 'tilted' his double pivot and attacking trident, in order to mirror the Mariners. Ramsay, the nominal left winger, was shifted forwards and to the centre, providing close support to Djite almost as a seconda punta. Caravella, the nominal right winger, tucked inside to mark Hutchinson. Da Silva, as the central attacking midfielder, was in proximity with the deepest Mariner holder, Griffiths. Barbiero, the nominal left pivot, advanced to mark McGlinchey, while Malik stayed goalside of Amini. All of these alterations made Coolen's usual 4-2-3-1 seem like a 4-4-2 diamond, with Caravella as the right carillero and Ramsay as the second striker. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><u>3) Midfield congestion:</u></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The cumulative effect of these changes was to congest central midfield. With four clear 1v1 battles closing each other down, play was shifted out to the flanks. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><u>4) Fullbacks gain wings:</u></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">With neither side deploying nominal wingers, the offensive responsibility out wide was left solely to the fullbacks. Rose, Bojic, Usucar and Watson were left with acres of space on the flanks, as none faced direct opponents. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It isn't a surprise which team would have relished this situation more. Rose is probably the most effective leftback in the league, while Bojic, while perhaps lacking in technical quality relative to the likes of Franjic and Marrone, provides an energetic offensive presence. But it is surprising that Coolen opted for a tactical plan that not only handicapped himself, but also actively benefited the opposition. </span><br />
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u>5) Best laid plans:</u></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The Reds lack of support or attacking thrust from the fullback areas was fatal. So the question must be posed; why did Coolen opt to mirror the Mariners midfield? The weakness of Arnold's preferred 4-3-1-2 is the lack of natural width. The point of the 4-3-1-2 is to exchanged wingers for extra central midfielders, with the fullbacks becoming the major source of width. It is this lack of width that causes problems for Italian sides in the Champions League time and again. The A-League even saw an example of this in <a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/10/brisbane-roar-1-0-central-coast.html">Round 1, when Brisbane used</a> Stefanutto and Issey to double up on Bojic, and Franjic and Meyer to double up on Rose, accepting a numerical inferiority in central midfield. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This is something broadly true of all 4-3-1-2 systems; the best way to attack it is to target the space behind the fullbacks and to mark the trequartista. It must be said the only reason for Coolen to tilt his midfield to resemble a 4-4-2 diamond was to occupy the Mariners midfield trio of Griffiths, Hutchinson and McGlinchey. But why? It is no slight to claim that the Mariners midfield trio lacks in incisiveness and creativity. In fact their roles are directly analogous to the roles of Manchester City's FA Cup winning midfield trio, of De Jong, Barry and Toure; to monopolise possession, and failing that, to provide a muscular defensive shield in midfield, allowing the fullbacks to motor forward. There was no point in matching Central Coast man-for-man in midfield, as their job is to provide a defensive platform and service to Rose, Bojic and Amini. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The lack of creativity deep in midfield, or a regista, is something Napoli took advantage of in their recent group stage victory over Manchester City. Napoli's broad plan was to sit deep and counter-attack. But it only worked because Mancini fielded a conservative double pivot of Barry and De Jong. Neither are deep-lying registas; hence there was no imperative for Napoli to come high to close them down. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><u>6) Sack race?</u></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This is the third time Coolen has been significantly out-thought from the dug-out. The <a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/11/6-points-on-adelaide-0-0-newcastle.html">fullback issue nearly caused defeat</a> for Adelaide against Newcastle, <a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/11/adelaide-1-1-heart-match-analysis.html">van't Schip's unusual 3-3-1-3 system</a> caused significant problems for the Reds, and Coolen's personnel changes contributed to Adelaide's <a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/10/brisbane-7-1-adelaide-match-analysis.html">seven-nil shellacking at the hands of Brisbane</a>. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The comparison with his fellow Dutchmen is particularly telling. When the Heart manager found himself a goal-down against Arnold's Coast, he threw on a striker, a forward and a wingback. At half time against Central Coast, starring at a three goal deficit, Coolen exchanged attacking midfielder Da Silva for defender Mullen. </span></div>Pass and Movehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17743035847207063959noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8987180767773852035.post-61903847691199832532011-12-01T15:28:00.001+11:002011-12-01T19:20:24.474+11:005 points on Victory 3-2 Gold Coast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">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. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u><b>1)</b></u> Maceo <b><i>Rigters</i></b> was shifted forward to the <b><i>central striker</i></b> role, with target man Macallister dropped to the bench. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Rigters has demonstrated over the past few weeks that he is one of the première forwards in the league. But that excellent form has been achieved as a wide player cutting inside, or as the withdrawn striker, exploiting the space and the hold-up play produced by Macallister, who is one of the best strikers in the A-League with his back to goal. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In this instance, counter-intuitively perhaps, fielding Rigters as the most advanced forward made him less effective. He was more easily marked by the Victory central defenders, and this meant he was less able to receive the ball in space to run at the defence. To find space, he dropped deep to escape marking, but that meant he received the goal in less dangerous areas, and often with his back to goal. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Bleiburg rectified this omission, exchanging Bevan for Macallister around the half hour mark, after Gold Coast had conceded two penalties, and shifted to a 4-4-1-1 system, with Rigters linking play behind Macallister.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u><b>2)</b></u> The Dutch </span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>midfield pairing</i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> of </span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Beekmans and Jungschlager</i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> was </span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>broken up</i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">. Jungschlager deputised at right fullback, Beekmans anchored midfield, with Bevan and Salley advanced. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It is hard to fathom the motivation or logic behind this change. Beekmans and Jungschlager were starting to develop a highly fluid and familiar relationship, bossing the Coast midfield. Bevan and Salley, though it is too early to make definitive judgements on both players, were not an improvement. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Jungschlager in particular was very ineffective as the right fullback. He is not particularly adept defensively, with Beekmans providing the physicality when the two are paired in midfield, but neither is he accomplished offensively, as his style is passed around patient and methodical passing, not energy. So he became very much a liability as the right fullback.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">These two changes, by no means the only ones, were the most significant.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u><b>3)</b></u> <b><i>Victory's</i></b> initial line-up held a remarkable <b><i>similarity</i></b> to the way <a href="http://www.zonalmarking.net/2009/11/14/brazil-a-4-2-3-1-or-a-midfield-diamond-neither/">Dunga used to deploy <b><i>Brazil</i></b></a> in the lead-up to the World Cup 2010, with a formation that was <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/blog/2009/jun/24/the-question-brazil-4-2-3-1">interpreted by Europeans</a> as an asymmetric 4-2-3-1 and <a href="http://www.zonalmarking.net/2010/03/03/analysing-brazils-fluid-system-at-close-quarters/">by South Americans</a> as an asymmetric 4-4-2 diamond. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The best way to understand this similarity, is to identify the key components, and then compare their nominal 'positions' in both the 4-4-2 diamond and 4-2-3-1. For Brazil, they are Robinho and Ramires, the former as either the second striker striker or left winger and the latter as either the right carillero (side midfielder in a diamond) or right winger.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">For Victory, the key players were Kewell and Rojas. Kewell, like Robinho, could have been designated as either the second striker/seconda punta in a 4-4-2 diamond or the left winger in a 4-2-3-1, while Rojas, like Ramires, could have been designated as either the right carillero in a 4-4-2 diamond or a right winger in a 4-2-3-1. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The above diagrams come courtesy of Zonal Marking, and illustrate the differences in interpretation of Dunga's formation. The highest diagram shows the system with it's 'first choice' players, with the arrows depicting movement. The two lower diagrams depict the different designations, the left is the 4-2-3-1 and the right is the 4-4-2 diamond. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">As explained by Michael Cox, the origin of the divergence of interpretation stems from the divergence of tactical history between South America and Europe. The European 4-2-3-1 derives from 4-4-2; one of the strikers drops deeper, the wide players push forward, though with responsibility to track the opposing fullbacks. The South America 4-2-3-1 however, derives from 4-2-2-2, the magic square of four playmakers, two deep-lying registas and two advanced trequartistas. This system has evolved into 4-2-3-1 by pulling one of the strikers to the side while the opposite advanced playmakers shuttles wider. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">For Victory, Rojas is cast in the role of the modern tornante, shuttling from a central role to the right wing, while Kewell operates almost as an interiore, drifting inside from left. He and Thompson, while the most advanced players, rarely link up, so they can't be referred to as a striker partnership. And Rojas takes up such a deep and central position when defending, that he can't be designated a pure winger either. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">What are the consequences for the marking scheme of the opposition? If the opposition sets out in a 4-2-3-1, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">as a withdrawn left forward, Kewell should fall under the remit of one the holders. Given the other holder would be marking Hernandez, it leaves space to be exploited by Rojas on the inside channel.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">For complete understanding, PM urges readers to peruse those three linked articles by Michael Cox and Jonathan Wilson. More than anything, this comparison demonstrates just how reductive the modern tendency to refer to players by their positions can be, as it discounts their individual and varied abilities. The important part is to understand the <i>role</i> of a player. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u><b>4)</b></u> The two early penalties and the red card against Vargas changed the complexions of both sides. The <i><b>Navy Blues retreated</b></i> to protect their lead, while the visitors pushed forward to get back into the game and make use of their numerical advantage. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Funnily enough, for the second match this season, Victory were more dangerous <i>after</i> going a man down. Are the Navy Blues just masochistic, only able to play after they've been punished? Similar to the outcome of the <a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/11/victory-2-2-brisbane-match-analysis.html">draw against Brisbane</a>, when Victory were red carded twice, Durakovic was forced to reconsider his strategy and adopt a <b><i>counter-attacking style</i></b>. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">As <a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/11/tale-of-victory-from-london-to.html">PM has previously elucidated</a>, the troubles the Navy Blues have experienced this season can be directly traced to the change of playing style Durakovic has attempted to engineer, from a more reactive/counter-attacking approach to a more pro-active/possession based one. The problem is that the Victory squad is ill-suited to the new style; the best players are pacey dribblers and there isn't a single passing midfielder able to retain and distribute possession. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So the red card, metaphorically speaking, actually liberated the Victory, forcing Durakovic to use his players in a way that suits them, rather than in a manner which exposes their short comings. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><u>5)</u></b> Gold Coast on the other hand pushed forward. They managed to equalise on either side of the break, from a penalty and a sweeping counter-attack initiated by Halloran. They were however, experiencing a problem with their offensive strategy, despite the re-introduction of Macallister and the shifting of Rigters. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In a word, <i><b>Gold Coast lacked width to their attack</b></i>, which meant that Victory only needed to defend narrow, a proposition that suits the defending side. With both wingers Halloran and Mebrahtu looking to come inside and link with Rigters and Macallister, and both fullbacks not overlapping properly, the hosts only needed to camp inside their penalty box. Coast were reduced to taking pot shots from range. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A better strategy would have been to ask Halloran and Mebrahtu to operate as orthodox wingers, stretching the play, and looking to get around their opposing fullbacks. This would have opened space for Rigters and midfield runners to exploit, and crossing from the flanks would have also made use of Macallister's aerial prowess.</span></div>Pass and Movehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17743035847207063959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8987180767773852035.post-78177119146017686642011-11-28T03:12:00.001+11:002011-11-28T03:41:33.974+11:00Olyroos 0-0 Uzbekistan: HT Match Impressions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO8SiRnNucHWuGR3FvXVH-hoYp0VSRG1LYQR1O637j41lK9Nksf1W7bQ2hBoOQLWISC8qmMH6CVfUU7-_Z90wn89tJRdjKQ-Sdxc1q1l93l7JQSXv77lH_v1nOo2MAaHB9K717aWoVF9U/s1600/socceroos+-+Copy.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO8SiRnNucHWuGR3FvXVH-hoYp0VSRG1LYQR1O637j41lK9Nksf1W7bQ2hBoOQLWISC8qmMH6CVfUU7-_Z90wn89tJRdjKQ-Sdxc1q1l93l7JQSXv77lH_v1nOo2MAaHB9K717aWoVF9U/s1600/socceroos+-+Copy.gif" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The Olyroos played out a goal-less draw against a 'familar' Uzbekistan. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This
is not a full match analysis, and is intended only to convey how the
Olyroos were set out.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ETF6APaUe9x9B-maq9p2yEt002EJi-XgSasE_y8QwhCIeDnWXxwd9iQ3JbDNcjrnSsO_LMZ4d93GfxZH-j6xuAZpExKKzeJzX8lHTwMGKSmICJNxtOUsRZUZhceydsv5zToHFkWjk9A/s1600/olyroos+v+uzbeks.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ETF6APaUe9x9B-maq9p2yEt002EJi-XgSasE_y8QwhCIeDnWXxwd9iQ3JbDNcjrnSsO_LMZ4d93GfxZH-j6xuAZpExKKzeJzX8lHTwMGKSmICJNxtOUsRZUZhceydsv5zToHFkWjk9A/s640/olyroos+v+uzbeks.png" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><u>Olyroos
Formation:</u></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Vidmar
deployed the Olyroos in an aggressive and fluid 4-3-3. Ryan was
between the sticks, Jurman and Ryall were paired in central defence,
with Mullen and Foschini conservative at left and right fullback.
Bozanic was deepest in the midfield trio, distributing possession out
of the backline. Nichols was a creative passer, generally drifting to
the right. Brown made runs in support of Hoffman from attacking midfield. Petratos stayed
wide at left wing, Dugandzic was inverted at right wing, while
Hoffman led the line as the No 9.
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u><b>Uzbekistan
Formation:</b></u></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Abramov
sent out the Uzbeks in quite an anachronistic 'British' 4-4-2.
Kuvvatov was between the sticks, Ismatullaev and Tuttahojhev were
paired in central defence with Mustafaev and Khodjiak fairly advanced
at left and right fullback. Kilichev and Hasanov were in a classic
creator/destroyer pair in midfield, the former sitting deep allowing
the latter to support the attack creatively. Musaev and Zoteev were
at left and right wing, with Guryanov and Turaev paired in a
traditional strike partnership.
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><u>So please don't take my Behich away:</u></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">With
the absence of Aziz Behich, an aggressive left winger-turned-fullback, Vidmar sent out a conservative back-four. Mullen and Foschini are nominal
defenders, and so were naturally more conservative in the fullback
roles, advancing but not overlapping.
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This is the second match in a row where the absence of Aziz Behich was more of an influence than his actual presence, following van't Schip's tactics in the 3-1 loss to Central Coast. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u><b>Bozanic
deepest:</b></u></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Behich's absence and the consequent flat back-four allowed Vidmar to field Bozanic as the deepest of his midfield trio.
In the <a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/09/olyroos-0-0-uae-ht-match-impressions.html">previous Olyroos fixture against the UAE</a>, Nichols and Bozanic
were paired in attacking midfield and Behich was very aggressive at left
fullback, so to compensate, Vidmar deployed Diogo Ferraira, a tough
tackling and energetic defender, as the holding midfielder. This
worked quite effectively; Ferreira was barely involved in build-up
play and he was only passed to virtually as a last result, but he was
active in defusing and disrupting opposition attacks, which gave the
trio of Behich, Bozanic and Nichols license to attack.
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In
this instance, Vidmar didn't need a tough tackling holder, as his two
fullbacks weren't inclined to attack. He could afford to deploy
Bozanic as an extra passer, increasing the fluidity of his midfield,
without compromising the security of his backline, as Mullen and
Foschini could be relied upon to defend.
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This
resulted in a change in Bozanic's role. <a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/09/olyroos-0-0-uae-ht-match-impressions.html">Against the UAE</a>, Bozanic's role was remarkably similar to his <a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/11/sydney-2-3-central-coast-match-analysis.html">role atCentral Coast</a>; as the left central midfielder, he is tasked with
providing support on the left for Rose and attacking central areas. As the deepest in the
midfield trio against Uzbekistan, his role was very different, and
revolved around patiently distributing possession.
Bozanic was very effective in this role, and although I don't have
access to statistics, I'm guessing his first half pass completion
rate would be somewhere in the 90's.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDdQ5QmDmI7B0uuPyMTy8J3dYAVOauU6BB3jb1xoWvBzQDUDlQhrXuoYcJJhMAexTxgRoJpP7YG6reQJYvLJ7VGtsDhJrHnVOAnklAxbdIJdpTy_zdAyqg-WXrkrH9CwDitAggJllBh38/s1600/Mitch%252BNichols%252BAustralia%252Bv%252BUAE%252B2012%252BOlympic%252Bq6hPr66QrwTl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDdQ5QmDmI7B0uuPyMTy8J3dYAVOauU6BB3jb1xoWvBzQDUDlQhrXuoYcJJhMAexTxgRoJpP7YG6reQJYvLJ7VGtsDhJrHnVOAnklAxbdIJdpTy_zdAyqg-WXrkrH9CwDitAggJllBh38/s640/Mitch%252BNichols%252BAustralia%252Bv%252BUAE%252B2012%252BOlympic%252Bq6hPr66QrwTl.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>The
case against Mitch Nichols:</b></u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Hold
your horses there Brisbane fans, yes that was a deliberately
provocative subtitle. Mitch Nichols is a fine player, who has
excellent technical quality, passing ability and creative vision; his
call-up to the Socceroos squad was well deserved, if a little
unexpected.
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Although
he was wearing the No 10, if, or more likely when, he moves overseas,
he probably won't succeed as an advanced playmaker or trequartista,
the position associated with that number. The mark against him is his
lack of pace. By no means a slow player, he lacks the devastating
acceleration of speedsters like James Brown or Mate Dugandzic. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">As
outlined by Michael Cox, pace has become arguably the most important
attribute for young players, because of the increasing tendency for
counter-attacking football. Because teams are much more organised and
compact defensively in contemporary football, playing on the
counter-attack has become the predominant strategy. Because of this
prevalence, pace has become the most valuable quality. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Players such
as Gareth Bale, Aaron Lennon and Theo Walcott embody this principle;
all three are blessed with incredible speed and acceleration, and yet despite lacking in technical quality in their earlier years, were able to progress their careers due to their remarkable physical capabilities. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Think back to Gareth Bale's phenomenal San Siro hat-trick, which came courtesy of rapid counter-attacking through a sluggish high
defensive line, and wouldn't have been possible without Bale's
incredible speed. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There is also the consideration that modern day
creative players, because of the tendency for teams to use holding
midfielders to patrol the space between the lines, have been shifted out onto the flanks. This is why the fantasistas of the modern day, like Leo
Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney, started their careers as
wide players cutting-inside as opposed to advanced players, drifting
'in the hole'. Even Vidmar tacitly acknowledged Nichols' lack of the
ability to cover ground; he was nominally deployed as the middle
midfielder, with James Brown, and his searing pace, providing close
support for the lone striker Hoffman as the most advanced attacking
midfielder.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Another relevant comparison can be applied to the man who currently occupies the No 10 for the Socceroos, Harry Kewell. If you go back to his days as a marauding left winger for Leeds, you'll notice just how dependent Kewell used to be on his speed. That stunning left footed 40-yard volley against Arsenal was made possible by his pace, taking him away from his immediate marker and springing the Gunners' high line.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So
what is left for Nichols, who as noted above, possesses exceptional
technical quality, creative vision and passing ability? Look no
further than another member of the Golden Generation, who possessed
the exact same qualities as Nichols, but was similarly hampered by a
lack of speed. I'm talking of course about Jason Culina. He was
similarly deployed as an advanced playmaker in the NSL, but under
Guus Hiddink at PSV, was converted to a No 4, a deep lying regista or
passing midfielder.
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><u>A word on the selection:</u></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Although Vidmar's squad was restricted to A-League players, there was plenty of experience present. Of the starting XI, Ryan, Jurman, Bozanic, Nichols and Dugandzic can be considered crucial contributors to their respective club sides, and 'first choice' players. They were naturally the more effective presences in the team. Of the ten A-League clubs, Wellington, Perth and Newcastle did not have representatives in the XI.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There was a decent level of consistency between the Olyroos XI against Uzbekistan, and the fixture previously covered by PM, <a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/09/olyroos-0-0-uae-ht-match-impressions.html">against the UAE</a>. Jurman and Ryall were still in central defence, Foschini remained as a defensive rightback, Nichols and Bozanic were still in central midfield trios though with slightly different roles, Hoffman still led the line and Brown started both matches, but as a right winger in the former and as an attacking midfielder in the latter.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaqQI3bcaZg177K0QuXt5gBLHMgBn__iLpKYSxQzXxRpq95f2H6Uw4T92ZLX0IaiwSmiKWpmQ1raiooS3RziVLVntquQyY2pi4CFEVqtj_qIFbA-E5CRkPuq4OrAFhKBgUg-Vk5ZiZgww/s1600/Oliver%252BBozanic%252BAustralia%252BU23%252Bv%252BUzbekistan%252BMa-JCHouV5hl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaqQI3bcaZg177K0QuXt5gBLHMgBn__iLpKYSxQzXxRpq95f2H6Uw4T92ZLX0IaiwSmiKWpmQ1raiooS3RziVLVntquQyY2pi4CFEVqtj_qIFbA-E5CRkPuq4OrAFhKBgUg-Vk5ZiZgww/s640/Oliver%252BBozanic%252BAustralia%252BU23%252Bv%252BUzbekistan%252BMa-JCHouV5hl.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u>Revenge
of the Sith...I mean Abramov:</u></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Vadim
Abramov is back. With a vengeance. The man with a moustache who puts
Movember and hipsters to shame, and who helmed Uzbekistan to a
remarkable semi-final appearance at January's Asian Cup, only to
preside over the unmitigated disaster that was a catastrophic six-nil
defeat to a rampant Australia, also doubles up as the Olympic coach. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">As Michael Cox noted, that 6-0 match was remarkable for the discrepancy
between the possession stats and goals; in the first half, Uzbekistan
had 67% of possession, yet barely threatened. With a naïve
backline, Australia were able to launch ruthless and simple
counter-attacks to overwhelm the Uzbek defence. One of the
interesting tactical features of that game was Abramov's use of Odil
Akhmedov, the main playmaker, as a centre back. Played out of
position, Akhmedov acted as an old-style libero, charging out of the
defence to initiate the attack.
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u><b>Formation
clash and role reversal:</b></u></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">With
Australia set out in a fluid 4-3-3, and Uzbekistan deployed in an
old-style 4-4-2, the match settled into a predictable pattern.
Australia would patiently work the ball in midfield, using their
extra man to create passing triangles, as the two Uzbek strikers both
stayed high occupying Jurman and Ryalll. Attacks would eventually
break down in the Uzbekistan defensive third, allowing them to
initiate quick and direct counter-attacks. The Uzbeks looked to work
the ball wide to the wingers, and then use their two strikers to
present a goal threat.
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It
must be said that Australia were quite proficient at keeping
possession; as noted above Bozanic was impressive in his
distribution.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Ironically
enough, the roles of Australia and Uzbekistan were reversed from that
6-0 thrashing, with Australia the team trying to keep possession and
Uzbekistan sitting deep and counter-attacking through the wide players. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Ultimately, both teams were unable to establish rhythms in the first half, with the match regularly interrupted by corners and free kicks. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">If you've enjoyed reading, please remember to tell your friends and spread the word about Pass and Move. </span></div>
</div>Pass and Movehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17743035847207063959noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8987180767773852035.post-4702017494314171152011-11-26T19:57:00.001+11:002011-12-15T14:12:44.235+11:00Central Coast 3-1 Heart: Match Analysis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0RfOkM6uAjCbV0Ul6Yw_H5-BjleR6Y8ijJUi11UbNmht0_eNGpVOrOFxPlRELK_I3IP1nDDD9bX_X8eRlFm_ngBhwyTElpPBwSiAUarrrGw0_NKzKJK5nlg8wyxb8n6K88Uh7Y3yIPUs/s1600/Central_Coast_Mariners_logo_svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0RfOkM6uAjCbV0Ul6Yw_H5-BjleR6Y8ijJUi11UbNmht0_eNGpVOrOFxPlRELK_I3IP1nDDD9bX_X8eRlFm_ngBhwyTElpPBwSiAUarrrGw0_NKzKJK5nlg8wyxb8n6K88Uh7Y3yIPUs/s200/Central_Coast_Mariners_logo_svg.png" width="166" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8KcZha5tWQ39uHGmM6uR5MzmfZk1JkdieN371y7fbs2VCDiEnRV8o4upS80G0oIAuoVbg71cDkCwUiPDXkv_zPu79mxn2pW-oYcY1CEsPca24p_ji4DZ93xJCBsv7qvLyGpsNKbL2q2o/s1600/rd+8+ccm+v+mht.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8KcZha5tWQ39uHGmM6uR5MzmfZk1JkdieN371y7fbs2VCDiEnRV8o4upS80G0oIAuoVbg71cDkCwUiPDXkv_zPu79mxn2pW-oYcY1CEsPca24p_ji4DZ93xJCBsv7qvLyGpsNKbL2q2o/s640/rd+8+ccm+v+mht.png" width="488" /></a></div>
<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u>Central Coast System:</u></b></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Arnold deployed the Mariners in their customary 4-3-1-2, with modifications to the backline. Pasfield continued to deputise for the absent Ryan in goal, Zwaanswijk and Wilkinson were partnered in central defence, Bojic and Rose were advanced at right and left fullback. Griffiths, McGlinchey and Hutchinson formed a conservative trio in midfield. Ibini led the line as the No 9, Simon dropped off to the right flank as the seconda punta and Amini received his first start of the season as the trequartista.</span><br />
<br />
<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u>Heart System:</u></b></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Van't Schip reverted to his 3-4-3 diamond shape, but with significant differences in personnel and function from his <a href="http://www.zonalmarking.net/2010/06/08/marcelo-bielsa-chile-world-cup-2010-tactics/">Bielsa-esque</a> <a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/11/adelaide-1-1-heart-match-analysis.html">3-3-1-3</a>. The 3-4-3 in general works best against 4-4-2; the side using the 3-4-3 retains a spare man at the back, matches the opposition in midfield, and has 3v4 in the forward line. </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Bolton remained between the sticks, while Good, Madaschi and Hamill formed a very cultured three-man pivoting backline. Shroj was the deepest man in the diamond, looking to mark Amini. Thompson and Germano were the left and right carilleros (shuttling or side midfielders in diamond midfields) while Fred was the trequartista. Maycon operated as a genuine striker, Worm stretched the play at left wing, while Marrone was shifted up to right wing from fullback, and was utilised as a defensive forward, looking to restrict the surges of Rose. </span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibKe9XTc3Aw-Pg3ChjIGtt5Aj8eqwe4m9dMTqBtE-DeWT9Wlk_e3Kysmn8y0ovy3wK6a1U0ctQsbdecarB1i7YAMnOCaWYDXk9KZlxVbxazGfQwYlHmBYpb1mrW2zeoBHIYMVQRGQmCps/s1600/Michael%252BMarrone%252BLeague%252BRd%252B8%252BCentral%252BCoast%252B6SjMbyqRP7al.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibKe9XTc3Aw-Pg3ChjIGtt5Aj8eqwe4m9dMTqBtE-DeWT9Wlk_e3Kysmn8y0ovy3wK6a1U0ctQsbdecarB1i7YAMnOCaWYDXk9KZlxVbxazGfQwYlHmBYpb1mrW2zeoBHIYMVQRGQmCps/s640/Michael%252BMarrone%252BLeague%252BRd%252B8%252BCentral%252BCoast%252B6SjMbyqRP7al.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u>Heart Modifications:</u></b></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">To an extent, van't Schip was restricted due to injury and national duty. Probably the most important considerations were the unavailability of Behich and the presences of Thompson and Fred, who weren't available for the <a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/11/adelaide-1-1-heart-match-analysis.html">match against Adelaide</a>, when van't Schip revealed his 3-3-1-3. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Van't Schip then was forced to tinker with his line-up. The shape of his 3-3-1-3 and 3-4-3 are identical, but the application is very different, due to the differences in personnel. Essentially, van't Schip altered three aspects; A) he switched from a <a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/10/victory-0-0-heart-match-analysis.html">False Nine</a>, which had been present for the past four matches, to a true striker, B) he changed from inverted wingers to one genuine winger in Worm, and one defensive forward in Marrone, and C) which was the most drastic change, he switched from the wingbacks Behich and Marrone to the central midfielders Thompson and Germano in the carilleros slots (side midfielders) in the diamond. </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The cumulative effect of these three changes was two-fold; firstly, Heart were much less fluid. Operating with a static striker and trequartista combination, there was less inter-change between players, meaning they were easier to mark. This was compounded by the fact that Marrone and Worm were instructed to, and naturally preferred to, stay wide, leaving Maycon and Fred relatively isolated. </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Secondly, Heart played with much less width. But the method in which the width was absent differs from the 3-3-1-3. In the <a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/11/adelaide-1-1-heart-match-analysis.html">3-3-1-3</a>, the wingbacks and inverted wingers generally started from wide positions and cut-inside; even if they all looked to come central, they started from wide areas which initially stretched the play. In the 3-4-3, the carilleros Thompson and Germano are central midfielders; they stayed central and relatively static. Additionally, Worm at left wing did not look to come inside. He operated as an orthodox winger, tasked with stretching the play, but this prevented fluidity. Marrone was stationed as a defensive forward on the opposite flank. His main job was to restrict the surges of Josh Rose, the only source of width on the Mariners' left flank.</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">On a related note, it's fascinating to see van't Schip and Heart operate the only true squad rotation system in the league. Even Brisbane, for all their strength in depth, don't have access to the variation that van't Schip has carefully cultivated. For instance, van't Schip can now vary from a set 3-4-3 to 4-3-3, opt between Colosimo, Madaschi, Good, Hamill and Thompson across the backline, Williams, Terra, Dugandizc, Maycon, Babalj, Hoffman and Worm across the front line and Fred, Shroj, Germano, Thompson, Sarkies and Kalmar in midfield, combinations of which can yield vastly different results. Van't Schip deliberately switches between formations depending on whether the opposition are deployed in 4-3-3 or 4-4-2 variants.</span></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdzB_8XrUq4cAf_WhA2lnEzjdtjFdD3jvCYDn3XII8qQcEBGEeLKPAf_6ZnzTQdJZTuMFyypKMDfcLMyeeGKOvv3jh8AYptcadS9pbydSjsBMPHTaDm1YfxROx7Iq9GdUAP248slHHp9A/s1600/Mustafa%252BAmini%252BLeague%252BRd%252B8%252BCentral%252BCoast%252Bv%252BPTOmSYTxDUol.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdzB_8XrUq4cAf_WhA2lnEzjdtjFdD3jvCYDn3XII8qQcEBGEeLKPAf_6ZnzTQdJZTuMFyypKMDfcLMyeeGKOvv3jh8AYptcadS9pbydSjsBMPHTaDm1YfxROx7Iq9GdUAP248slHHp9A/s640/Mustafa%252BAmini%252BLeague%252BRd%252B8%252BCentral%252BCoast%252Bv%252BPTOmSYTxDUol.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<u style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Mariners Modifications:</b></u></div>
<div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Conversely, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">the real feature of interest for the hosts, was how Arnold addressed his side's lack of width on the left. In their <a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/11/sydney-2-3-central-coast-match-analysis.html">3-2 derby win over Sydney</a>, with the absence of left-sided midfielder Bozanic, Rose became too isolated. Bozanic usually makes darting runs from inside to out in support of Rose's surges up the flank. With Hutchinson as the left-most central midfielder, Rose was deprived of support, as Hutchinson was constantly cutting inside on his stronger right foot. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">But there was a second consideration pertaining to Rose. Van't Schip pushed Marrone, an energetic and technical fullback, up to right wing. Van't Schip sought to obfuscate Rose as an attacking threat by deploying a defensive forward to pin him back and force the fullback further away from Heart's backline. Marrone's utilisation as a defensive forward has parallels to the deployment of Dirk Kuyt at Liverpool and Park Ji-Sung at Manchester United, as they are usually tasked with restricting the forays of attacking fullbacks such as Ashely Cole or Maicon. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Arnold's solution was to reshuffle his backline. As noted in the tactical diagram above, he pushed Rose further up the flank, asked Griffiths to shuttle into the leftback berth and tasked Hutchinson to drop into the deepest holding role. With Rose absolved of defensive duties, he had more license to attack and push Marrone back. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">LATER ADDITION: </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Hutchinson was able to drop deeper because Germano, as a nominal defensive midfielder, was not a consistent attacking threat. Had Arnold tasked McGlinchey with this role, it would have allowed Thompson free reign to attack with his driving runs from midfield. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Unfortunately Arnold's gambit to release Rose did not work consistently. The largest factor against it was the players' lack of familiarity with this particular tactic; they were unable to synchronise their movements. It could be argued that Arnold should have asked Griffiths to drop between the central defensive pair and form a make-shift back three, but this would have left Central Coast undermanned in midfield. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u><b>Pressing:</b></u></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">After the match settled down, the first half became a very cagey affair. Both sides were closing down in midfield energetically. The two trequartistas, Fred and Amini, were denied time on the ball, and had to drop even deeper into midfield to receive possession, which lessened their threat to goal. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk1QZzMNZd8nD4sxjY3xEFDO8_1TUf9YHFUMnzoqYi3VGRP8cGWwkdUV_uQRrBww7jNc3NU8RYQgzNqhndsExSKI1WgtSNzrLy7wIaOOMjgF19Oi-dMnclQJXWFVK5PXL08P5hZSXuHkA/s1600/Fred%252BLeague%252BRd%252B8%252BCentral%252BCoast%252Bv%252BHeart%252B9myZQ_FB4Lhl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk1QZzMNZd8nD4sxjY3xEFDO8_1TUf9YHFUMnzoqYi3VGRP8cGWwkdUV_uQRrBww7jNc3NU8RYQgzNqhndsExSKI1WgtSNzrLy7wIaOOMjgF19Oi-dMnclQJXWFVK5PXL08P5hZSXuHkA/s640/Fred%252BLeague%252BRd%252B8%252BCentral%252BCoast%252Bv%252BHeart%252B9myZQ_FB4Lhl.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<u style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Sucker punch:</b></u><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Central Coast's goal, just before half time, was the turning point of this match. On the resumption of play for the second period, the attitudes of both teams changed markedly. Central Coast reverted to type, sitting very deep in their own half, leaving only pacey striker Ibini over the half way line. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">On the other hand, Heart started the half intent on attacking. They pushed men forward looking for an equaliser. Essentially both teams were gambling on their respective strengths; Heart were relying on their ability to retain possession and gain it back in Coast's defensive half through pressing, as well as the athleticism of their three central defenders in the event the Mariners' counter-attacked, while the Mariner's were trusting to their ability to retain their defensive shape through discipline and effort, with only the pace of Ibini providing a goal threat.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u><b>Aggressive substitutions by Heart:</b></u></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In an attempt to get back into the game, van't Schip made a trio of very aggressive substitutions, that opened up both midfields. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">First, on 56', he exchanged David Williams for Wayne Shroj. Germano dropped back into the holding role, Marrone dropped back into the right carillero slot as a wingback, and Williams slotted in at right wing. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Second, on 63', he exchanged Worm, who had faded, for target man Babalj. Maycon shifted to left wing. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Third, on 77', he exchanged Thompson for Behich in a straight swap, but Behich obviously operated more as a wingback than a midfielder in that carillero berth.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The forward line Heart started with, consisted of a winger, striker and fullback. After van't Schip's substitutions, Heart had two strikers and a forward in their attacking trio. Now while this obviously made Heart more potent and direct from the flanks, the consequence was that the Mariners' fullbacks Rose and Bojic were less restricted, with Williams and Maycon not as adept at pinning them back compared to Worm and Marrone; Coast became more dangerous on the counter down the flanks. The change in the carilleros positions, from central midfielders Thompson and Germano to aggressive wingbacks Behich and Marrone further opened up the midfield. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><u>Refereeing decisive:</u></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Ultimately, it is extremely unfortunate that this exciting contest was decided by refereeing decisions, set pieces and gamesmanship rather than tactics or scintillating play. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdx5KxQ23TTEqYjXZ3UkAMYX9BlbTXn05pFtLbm8WzDJufoAyoBD6ulgXfsDJD7i7d_TlXTkAwuFcJ43nbt7ktv0pa_dos9FF6wtixbWHVoIYPk4xSZeq51ZzNRemtj4TEYasbwgWmm0s/s1600/Patrick%252BZwaanswijk%252BLeague%252BRd%252B8%252BCentral%252BCoast%252Bdp1ulbhxtGMl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdx5KxQ23TTEqYjXZ3UkAMYX9BlbTXn05pFtLbm8WzDJufoAyoBD6ulgXfsDJD7i7d_TlXTkAwuFcJ43nbt7ktv0pa_dos9FF6wtixbWHVoIYPk4xSZeq51ZzNRemtj4TEYasbwgWmm0s/s640/Patrick%252BZwaanswijk%252BLeague%252BRd%252B8%252BCentral%252BCoast%252Bdp1ulbhxtGMl.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"You can stop running Maycon, I already got the ball"</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Goal Analysis:</b></u></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">45' Simon - Coast corner, lofted high. Simon cleverly obstructed Bolton from retrieving, and then unleashed a stunning overhead kick.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">77' Babalj - Hutchinson fouled Hamill. Behich curved the free kick high, Babalj displayed his physicality by finishing with a powerful header. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">81' McBreen - Coast corner, deflection hits Germano on his shoulder. Referee decided it counts as a handball, harsh call. McBreen stepped up, exorcises his Grand Final demons. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">86' Zwaanswijk - Imposing Dutchmen puts away corner. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u><b>Conclusion:</b></u></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">All in all, a very flattering score line for the hosts after a relatively even encounter, where both sides had spells of dominance. Credit to van't Schip for aggressive substitutions in the second half, and to Arnold for his gambit to liberate Rose. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Ultimately, Heart and the Mariners have again proven their quality relative to the rest of the league. As noted above, expect both to duke it out for the silver and bronze medals come the end of the season. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Congratulations to Alex Wilkinson, the first A-League player to reach 150 appearances, all for Central Coast - does that make him the only Australian one-club man?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u><b>Player Rankings:</b></u></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Central Coast | Heart</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">10) Hutchinson | Good</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">9) Griffiths | Hamill</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">8) McGlinchey | Madaschi</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">7) Wilkinson | Germano</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">6) Ibini | Maycon</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">5) Bojic | Marrone</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">4) Zwaansijk, McBreen | Worm</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">3) Rose | Thompson, Williams</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2) Amini, Hearfield | Shroj, Babalj</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1) Simon | Fred, Behich</span></div>
</div>Pass and Movehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17743035847207063959noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8987180767773852035.post-86193644355997508472011-11-25T23:22:00.001+11:002011-11-26T00:21:33.920+11:006 points on Adelaide 0-0 Newcastle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU9r6VYb2upgIRRZb9pFJHd3zu8m_FNvxv6J2OG_bzW52_EgiOXaIOco5S2PxB7p7VTY35Jd8jyXgkRhul7Iw3_jtNf2qgGcIvg1JcVwu-5mAS53I7gxMLOGwMc6hRtxA7nr7Piu7JM-4/s1600/Adelaide+logo_transparent.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU9r6VYb2upgIRRZb9pFJHd3zu8m_FNvxv6J2OG_bzW52_EgiOXaIOco5S2PxB7p7VTY35Jd8jyXgkRhul7Iw3_jtNf2qgGcIvg1JcVwu-5mAS53I7gxMLOGwMc6hRtxA7nr7Piu7JM-4/s200/Adelaide+logo_transparent.png" width="169" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">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. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1) Both sides set out in genuine </span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>4-3-3 variants</i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">, with a trio of nominal central midfielders. The difference lay in how each side deployed their midfield trio. Newcastle had a deep holder in Wehrman behind Zadkovich and Wheelhouse whereas Adelaide had a double pivot of Dilevski the destroyer and Usucar the passer, with Caravella, another passer, nominally in the attacking midfield role, though he switched berths with Vidosic, nominally the right winger, throughout the match. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2) Both sides used <b><i>high lines</i></b>, seeking to compress the field of play. Newcastle's high line became more vulnerable than Adelaide because of the pace of Ramsay, who was adept at latching onto simple balls over the top. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">3) With <b><i>Cassio</i></b> out with <b><i>injury</i></b>, Adelaide lacked a single nominal fullback in their backline. This would become a significant weakness. Cassio is a vital contributor to Adelaide's style of play, providing creativity and width on the left flank. Underlining his importance to the Red's cause, not only is he one of two left footers, he is also the only nominal attacking fullback in the entire Adelaide squad. Cassio is literally irreplaceable. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">4) Both sides also started the match <b><i>pressing</i></b> very <b><i>energetically</i></b>. With the midfield trios matched up, the ball possessor was very quickly closed down, which meant play was shoved out to the flanks. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">5) Adelaide's </span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>lack of genuine fullbacks</i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">, capable of supporting the attack and providing width, was the most decisive factor in this match. Fullbacks, as the only players with space in front of them, have become the most influential positions on the pitch. </span><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2009/mar/25/the-question-full-backs-football" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Jonathan Wilson</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> is of the belief that matches are now decided mostly by which side wins the battle of the fullbacks. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In this instance, with the midfields closing each other down, and the wide forwards eager to stay in advanced positions, the flanks were left entirely to both pairs of fullbacks; Susak, a nominal centre back and Watson, a versatile utility player for Adelaide, and Byun and Elrich, genuine fullbacks, for Newcastle. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Adelaide's weakness was that their fullbacks were incapable of effectively advancing. Susak in particular is a physical stopper, not a technical distributor, and he offered very little. His situation was neatly summed up by his best contribution of the night; on the 23rd minute, Susak cut inside, advanced with the ball to the centre circle, and lofted the ball over the top for Ramsay to latch onto. This attack was one of the best chances Adelaide created all night, but it also displayed Susak's weakness on the left, in that he had to cut inside from fullback to use his preferred right foot. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Watson's situation fulfilled the theory of legendary Italian manager Gianluca Zambrotta. Zambrotta was of the opinion that right fullbacks were always the worst players on any given team. According to Zambrotta, were he taller and better defensively, he would have been shifted to central defence, and if he were better on the ball, he would have been shifted to central midfield. Now obviously that theory has little weight at the elite level of contemporary football, but it holds true for Watson. He is a very versatile player, which is in no way a negative point, but he is something of a 'jack of all trades, master of none', and is not considered first choice for any position. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Now, Elrich and Byun are hardly the finest fullbacks in the league (that accolade goes to Franjic, Marrone, Behich and Rose) but they were never really forced to defend against overlaps because of Susak's and Watson's ineffectiveness at advancing. This meant they both spent the majority of the match running at their counterparts, and Newcastle always had extra men in the attacking third, while Adelaide's fullbacks were always conservative. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It is perhaps best, and easiest, to think of it like this; in every other aspect, Newcastle and Adelaide were equal; 3v3 central midfield, 3v4 in attack/defence, and the positions were all very static; there was minimal interchange. Newcastle held the advantage in fullbacks, and this was the decisive aspect. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">6) Newcastle </span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>failed to exploit</i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> their numerical advantage after Boogard received a </span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>red card</i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> at 64'. The theory for a team playing against ten men is simple; a) keep possession, b) widen the active playing area, and c) drag the defence out of shape with clever movement. Put simply, Newcastle were unable to accomplish A or C.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Player Rankings:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Adelaide | Newcastle</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">10) Boogard | Tiago</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">9) Susak | Topor-Stanley</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">8) McKain | Zadkovich</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">7) Usucar | Wheelhouse</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">6) Watson | Brockie</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">5) Dilevski | Elrich</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">4) Caravella | Byun</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">3) Vidosic | Jeffers</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2) Djite | Wehrman</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1) Ramsay | Griffiths</span>Pass and Movehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17743035847207063959noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8987180767773852035.post-26334029092024140212011-11-23T23:23:00.001+11:002011-11-24T15:11:06.587+11:00Sydney 2-3 Central Coast: Match Analysis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG-f4XbPrkHrbEwGC0jv2052u4IxO7Aur4BlEMecv1wlGYkvyiAZKE_s6cHYsq7bNGoA_AZq4HxagLr8nEoOmpSa1Q9nJwfNXEhKiA8P9dPzfy8qnYnwhU9OXDjPwWgLEXF44eoiXbchk/s1600/Central_Coast_Mariners_logo_svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG-f4XbPrkHrbEwGC0jv2052u4IxO7Aur4BlEMecv1wlGYkvyiAZKE_s6cHYsq7bNGoA_AZq4HxagLr8nEoOmpSa1Q9nJwfNXEhKiA8P9dPzfy8qnYnwhU9OXDjPwWgLEXF44eoiXbchk/s200/Central_Coast_Mariners_logo_svg.png" width="166" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">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. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">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. </span><br />
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u>Sydney's System:</u></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Lavicka sent out the Sky Blues in a fluid and compact 4-1-4-1 formation. Reddy remained as custodian, Beauchamp and Bosschart were partnered in central defence, with Jamieson and Coyne at left and right fullback, the former advanced. McFlynn was deep in the holding role in midfield, screening the back-four, Kisel was theoretically along side his captain but with license to join the attack. Emerton, Carle and Antonis formed the attacking trio - Emerton was inverted on the left, Antonis was narrow on the right but both switched flanks throughout the match. Bridge led the line as the No 9, with close support from Carle, as the trequartista. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><u>Central Coast's System:</u></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Arnold deployed the Mariners in their usual 4-3-1-2 or 4-4-2 diamond. Pasfield was deputising for Ryan between the sticks, Wilkinson and Zwaanswijk were partnered in central defence. Griffiths, McGlinchey and Hutchinson formed the defensive midfield trio, with the latter deputising for the usual left carillero, Bozanic. Rose and Bojic were advanced at left and right fullback. McBreen was fielded in the trequartista role, Simon was deployed as the seconda punta, drifting off to the right wing, and Ibini was fielded as the central striker.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Nominally, Arnold was operating with three out-and-out central strikers, resembling an old-style 4-3-3.</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u>Pro-active versus reactive:</u></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Ultimately this match was decided by the overall strategies preferred by both managers, or more specifically, the <i>ability</i> of both sides to implement those preferred styles. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Arnold favoured his usual reactive approach; Central Coast sat deep in their own half, restricting space behind and between the lines, looking to hit Sydney on the counter-attack with direct balls. They were able to afford a conservative approach because of the hard work and defensive awareness of their midfield trio of Griffiths, Hutchinson and McGlinchey. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Lavicka on the other hand, favoured an ill-fitting, positive approach. He instructed Sydney to press the Mariners, to force turnovers in dangerous areas, and retain the initiative. Sydney have shown a marked determination to incorporate intense pressing into their style; the Sky Blues have now utilised a high press against both the <a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/10/sydney-0-2-brisbane-match-analysis.html">possession oriented Brisbane</a> and the counter-attacking Central Coast. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The problem, simply enough, is that Sydney suck at it. In both matches, the Sky Blues have been unable to sustain the high press beyond the 60-70 minute mark. They become exhausted midway through the second half, which enabled</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> both Brisbane and Central Coast to land knock out blows late in the game. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This inability to press high raises larger questions. First - why does Lavicka instruct his players to press high, if they are unable to sustain it? Second - why aren't Sydney fit enough to sustain a high press? This off-season was probably the longest in A-League history; there is no excuse for lacking in peak fitness one third of the way into the season. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><u>A Rose by any other name:</u></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It's no secret how crucial a player Josh Rose is to the Mariners. In Arnold's narrow 4-3-1-2 system, the marauding fullback is the greatest source of width on the left flank. With the security of three conservative holders in midfield, Rose has the license to operate extremely high, almost as an auxiliary winger, slinging in crosses and making late runs to the far post. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">But against Sydney, the burden to provide width on the left was placed <i>solely</i> on Rose, a consequence of the absence of the regular left carillero, Bozanic. On this occasion, Hutchinson deputised in the left berth of the midfield trio. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">While Rose usually provides the majority of the left sided width, Bozanic makes darting runs from inside to out in support, so that Rose isn't left isolated. In this instance, Hutchinson was not comfortable advancing with his weaker left foot; he constantly turned inside, leaving Rose isolated and less effective on the left. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In this way, the role of Bozanic, a nominal left winger, resembles that of Flourent Malouda, when he was fielded as the left carrillero by Ancelotti, in a midfield diamond. Similar to Bozanic, Malouda would make darting runs from inside to out in support of Ashley Cole. </span><br />
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u>Too narrow:</u></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Lavicka persisted in inverting Emerton to his non-preferred left side. Whether or not that is a worthwhile pursuit is a question for another day, but against Central Coast</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">, it was the wrong move to make. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The weakness of the 4-4-2 diamond/4-3-1-2 lies in the lack of natural width, and it's an issue that defeats Italian clubs in the Champions League time and time again. Refer to the tactical diagram above; instead of asking his wide players to come inside, Lavicka would have been better off opting for an expansive 4-3-3, by-passing the midfield battle, and doubling up on Bojic and Rose with orthodox wingers and attacking fullbacks. With 2v1 duels occurring along both flanks, the Mariners would have found themselves undermanned and pinned back. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This was the route <a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/10/brisbane-roar-1-0-central-coast.html">Postecoglou opted for in the Round 1 repeat of last season's Grand Final</a> - Brisbane accepted a numerical inferiority in central midfield, trusting to their technical quality, and doubled up on Rose with Meyer and Franjic, and on Bojic with Issey and Stefanutto. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u><b>The target man cometh:</b></u></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I've got a personal theory about Bruno Cazarine - his peculiar Friar Tuck bald patch isn't genetic; it's the result of a career spent as an excellent target man, winning aerial duels and efficiently finishing crosses. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So why was Mark Bridge preferred to lead the line? The versatile forward never looks entirely comfortable leading the line solo, and clearly seems more effective either out wide or as a support striker in a partnership. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Emerton possesses a superb delivery; the few times he has slung in crosses from the right, or launched corners into the penalty area, have been among the most beautiful and dangerous movements by the Sky Blues. Poor old Bruno has only scored one goal this term, but guess where it came from; header from a cross. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A more effective offensive strategy, that makes best use of the talents at Sydney's disposal would be this; stick Cazarine up-front to win balls in the air and hold-it up for midfield runners like Carle or Bridge, slot Emerton in on his preferred flank, either at wing, wide midfield, wingback or fullback, and tell him to sling crosses into Cazarine's glorious bald patch. This strategy best utilises Cazarine's aerial prowess, Emerton's delicious delivery and Carle and Bridge's movement and incisiveness. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY899rqE9A5wkleSvPKCQ-OZt_4UNih2t7nTqIRBRUUhvLxaSXy_CE2jmFyW0cLsAX0z3vS4MbkW-HkpIvU5PefQehyphenhyphenbvg9jykhrvEfx9GWK6Jf0CTofH-r1ISYhYE4rwuWark4GN4ovU/s1600/Bruno%252BCazarine%252BLeague%252BRd%252B7%252BSydney%252Bv%252BCentral%252BOBDxOn5rE87l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY899rqE9A5wkleSvPKCQ-OZt_4UNih2t7nTqIRBRUUhvLxaSXy_CE2jmFyW0cLsAX0z3vS4MbkW-HkpIvU5PefQehyphenhyphenbvg9jykhrvEfx9GWK6Jf0CTofH-r1ISYhYE4rwuWark4GN4ovU/s1600/Bruno%252BCazarine%252BLeague%252BRd%252B7%252BSydney%252Bv%252BCentral%252BOBDxOn5rE87l.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u>Overly aggressive substitutions:</u></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Finding themselves a goal down after half time, Lavicka made two incredibly aggressive substitutions, that jeopardised the numerical balance of attacking and defensive players, and left Sydney too vulnerable on the counter. Frankly, these substitutions were the nails in the Sky Blues coffin. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">McFlynn, the sole holding midfielder, came off injured, to be replaced by target man Bruno Cazarine. Sydney shifted to all-out attacking 4-1-3-2 system; Cazarine and Bridge paired up-front, Carle, Emerton and Kisel the attacking trio behind, but the important point is that Antonis, the young tricky forward, was asked to fill-in as the holding midfielder. As to be expected, his inexperience and unfamiliarity showed.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This was clearly a case of Lavicka rolling the dice. Sydney came out of the blocks with more intent, their pressing effort were doubled, and they put Central Coast under a sustained 15 minute spell of pressure. Without any defensive presence in midfield, Lavicka was gambling on two things; Sydney's ability to sustain a high press for a further 45 minutes, and Central Coast's reluctant to push forward. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">As noted above, Sydney were found wanting. They became exhausted, and this fatigue was directly responsible for Coast's second goal. At 65', Cazarine was dispossessedd, with Kisel, Emerton and Carle in front of him. Central Coast started a counter, with only the Sydney back-four + Antonis in position. Amini dodged Antonis, laid off to Bojic making a run on the right, and cut-back to McGlinchey who finished, but the important point is that the Sydney players were too exhausted to continue pressing, which Lavicka trusted too in the absence of a genuine defensive presence in midfield. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This trend carried on with the exchange of Coyne, a robust defender, for Cole, an aggressive attacking fullback. It wasn't until after the second goal that Lavicka brought on Moriyasu, the only player on his bench comfortable in central midfield. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><u>Goal Analysis:</u></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">40' Zwaanswijk - McBreen was fouled by Antonis on the edge of the box, the dominant centre back drove the ball across Reddy. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">65' McGlinchey - As noted above, Cazarine dispossessed, Mariners counter-attack, Amini lay off to Bojic, cut back to McGlinchey. But the important factor was that the Sky Blues were exhausted an unable to sustain the press to which they had entrusted their defensive security. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">76' Carle - Perfect illustration of PM's proposed tactic, Cazarine up front with Carle and Bridge for support. Moriyasu launched an incisive pass to Cazarine, who held-up the ball and flicked over for Bridge, running through. Bridge's shot was deflected by put away by Carle's header. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">81' Hearfield - Bojic free kick, lofted to Simon, holds off Beauchamp, cuts across goal. Hearfield gets in front of Cole, the substitute aggressive fullback, to score. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">88' Emerton - Negligible contact, superb free kick by Emmo. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB3mwGoPOJcQnYyQc0AZ-rDRNsCs5t8J59Djojk-_Djq3SLXnLMlC-K6DBZmqUoSXgajDdHWmq989W4oBGV5xg2_W6yh_rN_I4aSPpl0XT4WRsC2udF0QBNK0KpFgOlhRSiLD_UpdZRwE/s1600/Terry%252BMcFlynn%252BLeague%252BRd%252B6%252BPerth%252Bv%252BSydney%252BLt1k9RVTiIpl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB3mwGoPOJcQnYyQc0AZ-rDRNsCs5t8J59Djojk-_Djq3SLXnLMlC-K6DBZmqUoSXgajDdHWmq989W4oBGV5xg2_W6yh_rN_I4aSPpl0XT4WRsC2udF0QBNK0KpFgOlhRSiLD_UpdZRwE/s640/Terry%252BMcFlynn%252BLeague%252BRd%252B6%252BPerth%252Bv%252BSydney%252BLt1k9RVTiIpl.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<u style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Conclusion:</b></u><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A fairly stereotypical tactical battle, between a conservative and counter-attacking 4-3-1-2 and a pressing 4-1-4-1. Lavicka was at fault, for his insistence on pressing which his players are unable to implement, and for his substitutions which left Sydney vulnerable on the break. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Lavicka would have been better off opting for a 4-3-3, by-passing the midfield battle, and doubling up on the Coast fullbacks Rose and Bojic, with orthodox wingers and attacking fullbacks, similar to how Postecoglou dealt with the Mariners back in Round 1. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Lavicka should re-examine the deployment of his players. Emerton does not look comfortable inverted, and his deliveries coupled with Cazarine's strength in the air could be devastating. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u><b>Player Rankings:</b></u></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Sydney | Central Coast</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">10) Bosschart | Griffiths</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">9) Beauchamp | McGlinchey</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">8) Bridge | Hutchinson</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">7) Antonis | Bojic</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">6) Coyne | Wilkinson</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">5) Jamieson | Zwaanswijk</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">4) Emerton | Ibini</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">3) McFlynn, Moriyasu | Rose, Hearfield</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2) Kisel | McBreen, Amini</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1) Carle, Cazarine | Simon</span>Pass and Movehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17743035847207063959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8987180767773852035.post-81165566330310945042011-11-22T12:38:00.001+11:002011-12-15T14:12:44.243+11:00Gold Coast 1-2 Heart: Match Analysis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5JdoGPRpwU3zsiWhMn-yiXuKyQPm4Q4Uk50g0Wn4jqX6iXqgfKeMd3Q0fhb802KJ_GdKBh-itpLdUmnl2aOMf1kvtS4r8DOLobDN2iAYj-zTp6vaFM_qs212HEieq0SR8xezxNH1MPZA/s1600/MelbourneHeartLogo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5JdoGPRpwU3zsiWhMn-yiXuKyQPm4Q4Uk50g0Wn4jqX6iXqgfKeMd3Q0fhb802KJ_GdKBh-itpLdUmnl2aOMf1kvtS4r8DOLobDN2iAYj-zTp6vaFM_qs212HEieq0SR8xezxNH1MPZA/s200/MelbourneHeartLogo.png" width="130" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">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<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b><i>four</i></b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>players in central midfield, yet still
field<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b><i>two</i></b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>wingers, by ditching a central
striker. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">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. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB7-rj-Mo6VvFcO74M4Km9ahZ24QtMSNzPM1IuI4wEqBiSi0NbmAjWkh9Kl9Uuu71BEDYPvMOMSrcHcv7GJCZCnhHlZFXD7wVFYRMIczRbOcwYaQdxDOViLggdPejHz5Y6gVz4R9Ma4lk/s1600/rd+7+gcu+v+mht.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB7-rj-Mo6VvFcO74M4Km9ahZ24QtMSNzPM1IuI4wEqBiSi0NbmAjWkh9Kl9Uuu71BEDYPvMOMSrcHcv7GJCZCnhHlZFXD7wVFYRMIczRbOcwYaQdxDOViLggdPejHz5Y6gVz4R9Ma4lk/s640/rd+7+gcu+v+mht.png" width="488" /></a></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Gold Coast System:</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Bleiburg deployed Gold Coast in a
4-4-2. Moss remained as custodian, Rees and Thwaite were paired in central
defence, with Traore advanced and Brillante withdrawn at left and right
fullback. Beekmans and Jungschalger were partnered in midfield, Mehbrahtu and
Bevan were at right and left wing, with Rigters and Macallister in a strike
partnership. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Bleiburg is usually quite adept at the
tactical side of management, so it was strange for him to opt for a 4-4-2
shape. Even without van't Schip's exotic modifications, Heart were always
going to set out in a 4-3-3, and have an extra man in central midfield. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">LATER ADDITION: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Bleiburg would have been better served dropping target man Macallister, who was relatively ineffectual, pushing Rigters up to the No 9 role, and fielding an extra midfielder, likely Robson. </span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Heart System:</span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Van't Schip deployed Heart in a 4-3-3
shape, with extensive modifications rendering it, in effect, a striker-less
4-6-0. Bolton was between the sticks, Madaschi and Hamill were paired in a
makeshift central defence, Good was deputising at left fullback with Marrone in
his usual right fullback berth. Shroj, Germano and Thompson formed a fluid
midfield trio, with Germano shuttling to the right. Worm made his season debut, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">stretching the play </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">at left wing , while
Maycon was shifted to the right wing as a narrow inside forward. Fred was
deployed as a False Nine, dropping deep into midfield. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The most significant point regarding
van't Schip's tactics was the lack of a conventional front man; Heart were
essentially playing the mythical 4-6-0 'striker-less' formation predicted by<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/jun/08/euro2008"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Carlos
Alberto Parreira</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">, Brazil's World Cup winning coach. As
PM have elucidated previously, only the greatest of Champions League sides have
dared to implement striker-less formations, most commonly by using a False
Nine. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><u>Numerical advantage in midfield:</u></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This match was a fairly stereotypical tactical battle, between a possession oriented 4-3-3 and a direct and counter-attacking 4-4-2. Even for now disregarding Heart's False Nine, the visitors always had an extra man in central midfield; with Beekmans and Jungschlager occupied by direct opponents and Rigters eager to stay in attacking positions instead of tracking his direct opponent, Shroj was always free, and he made good use of his freedom, making intelligent passes to the wide players and offering himself as a passing option. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u><b>Lethal on the break and at set-pieces:</b></u></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Now while Heart generally held into possession rather well, Gold Coast were still dangerous on the break, thanks to the efforts of one Maceo Rigters. The former Blackburn striker was intent on picking up the ball and running at the defence at pace. He created worrying situations for Madaschi, and looked like Gold Coast's best goal threat in open play. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">His direct running forced Heart into last-ditch fouls, which resulted in free kicks in likely areas. Jungschlager displayed his quality at dead ball situations, drawing desperate saves from Bolton. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><u>Why was ten scared?:</u></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">For the past four matches, John van't Schip has displayed a penchant for tactical innovation, in deploying Alex Terra, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">a versatile forward/trequartista,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> as a False Nine. In this match, Terra was unavailable, with the role of the False Nine performed by Fred, a classic trequartista/regista. This changed the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">characterisation</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> of the False Nine from a more mobile incarnation, similar to the interpretation of Messi, Rooney or Van Persie, who are all natural withdrawn forwards, to a more static incarnation, similar to the displays of the original False Nine, Francesco Totti, Roma's classic playmaker. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This resulted in a shape that <i>looked</i> like a 4-3-1-2 when Heart was in possession; Fred frequently dropped even deeper than Terra, with Maycon cutting inside from right. Maycon's deployment also hearkened back to Roma, where nominal quick striker Mirko Vucinic was shifted out wide to present a goal threat when Totti dropped deep. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">But with no forward performing hold-up play or stretching the defence by sitting on the shoulder of the last defender, Heart were effectively playing without a striker, in a 4-6-0.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It would be instructive to examine the general theory behind the False Nine, which is explored in more detail by </span><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/blog/2009/oct/27/the-question-false-nines-jonathan-wilson" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Michael Cox</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> and </span><a href="http://www.zonalmarking.net/2010/03/05/teams-of-the-decade-5-roma-2007/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Jonathan Wilson</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">. The False Nine can basically be conceived of as a 'No 10' fielded as the most advanced forward, in lieu of a true striker.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In possession, the False Nine drops
deep, looking to dictate play between the opposition lines of defence and
midfield. With an extra player in midfield, the side using a False Nine is
extremely fluid and possesses an enhanced ability to retain possession. The
space vacated by the False Nine can be exploited by counter-attacking runners.
The False Nine also leaves the opposition centre backs with a dilemma; if
they stay in position, they become redundant, with no striker to mark leaving a
shortfall in midfield. But if one of the central defenders decides to advance
to track the False Nine, they might leave the defensive line undermanned and
vulnerable to runners from deep. This is the essential advantage of a False Nine; it can severely disrupt the marking scheme of the opposition. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The False Nine is a tactic that only a
handful of Champions League clubs have dared to employ; Francesco Totti at
Roma, Robin van Persie at Arsenal, Carlos Tevez at Manchester City, Wayne
Rooney at Manchester United, and of course Leo Messi at Barcelona are really
the only examples.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">To summarise; against Gold Coast, van't Schip fielded Fred as the False Nine, nominally the most advanced player. But Fred did not play as a true striker, dropping deep between the lines into his usual trequartista role. Maycon, stationed wide on the right, exploited the space vacated by Fred with direct runs. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSSjDec1KUpsVfyS12NFtTae1f9V3-Q7AuYOa-xgcAY5Vip15t9q6WKuSrUMriQhWy-Tyjz01P8M1Hd6K6Oe4woqmxNornIA0XKbpgaU-UvxoJVJypMm7TN-3C8XZPh4He4_gPeIi5fFA/s1600/Fred%252BLeague%252BRd%252B7%252BGold%252BCoast%252Bv%252BHeart%252BaMjLobQxjBal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSSjDec1KUpsVfyS12NFtTae1f9V3-Q7AuYOa-xgcAY5Vip15t9q6WKuSrUMriQhWy-Tyjz01P8M1Hd6K6Oe4woqmxNornIA0XKbpgaU-UvxoJVJypMm7TN-3C8XZPh4He4_gPeIi5fFA/s640/Fred%252BLeague%252BRd%252B7%252BGold%252BCoast%252Bv%252BHeart%252BaMjLobQxjBal.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Because seven ate nine</span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">But van’t Schip also borrowed from the example of Arsenal, and the
recent alterations at Barcelona. As outlined by </span><a href="http://www.tomwfootball.com/2010/06/16/world-cup-tactics-after-the-false-nine-the-false-10/"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Tom Williams of Football
Further</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">, the False Ten is a logical extension of the False Nine. Whereas
the False Nine is a creative player fielded in the striker’s usual berth, whose
primary role is to dictate play and vacate space, the False Ten is the
inversion. A creative player, fielded in the playmaker’s/withdrawn striker’s/No
10’s usual berth, who primary role ISN’T creative, but attacking; to directly
exploit the space vacated by the False Nine. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There are only a handful of genuine False Nines in elite European
football; even so, the number of False Tens is minuscule, with the most common method of exploiting the False Nine role through inverted wingers.
In fact there are really only three players who have regularly been utilised in
this role; one exclusively at club level and two exclusively at international level.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Cesc Fabregas is the premier example, and like Totti, was the original pioneer of his 'False' role. At Arsenal, and now at Barcelona, even though he was fielded in the advanced playmaker role, a larger proportion of his duties were/are 'overtly' attacking, in making driving runs from deep to exploit the space vacated by Van Persie and Messi as False Nines. Wesley Sneijder and Mesut Ozil fulfil similar identical roles for Holland and Germany respectively, exploiting the space vacated by Van Persie and Klose. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Against Gold Coast, Matt Thompson, a versatile and intelligent midfielder, was fielded in the 'Fabregas' role, and it is one Thompson is able to play to perfection, having demonstrated his aptitude as a False Ten behind Alex Terra's False Nine in the <a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/10/victory-0-0-heart-match-analysis.html">Melbourne Derby</a>. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">His excellent performances in attacking midfield raises questions </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">about
his positional future. Thompson has demonstrated a remarkable versatility and intelligence,
and clearly van’t Schip regards him as an integral player. He has now been
prioritised in midfield over the likes of Sarkies and Kalmar and in central
defence over Beauchamp, Colosimo, Hamill and Good. So why has van’t Schip
seemed reluctant to field Thompson in the most logical compromise between the
two extremes – defensive midfield. As the holder, Thompson would still utilise
his passing ability to distribute possession out of the backline, he would
still have license to perform driving runs in support of the attack with
central defenders behind him, and his defensive awareness would be an asset in
tracking runners from deep. It’s fair to say of his myriad positions, central
defence is where he has looked most vulnerable, despite the improved
circulation he offers. This is something evident at Barcelona; Guardiola wanted
to field Mascherano and Busquets in central defence to improve circulation of
possession, but when caught on the counter, both have looked hesitant and
uncertain.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Because of the subtle distinction, it can be difficult to discern the difference between a False Ten, and the trademark late runs of attacking midfielders like Tim Cahill or Frank Lampard. Well quite simply, Cahill and Lampard always play behind orthodox strikers, and neither are trequartistas by any stretch of the imagination; with the False Ten, there is an element of deception in regards to the role.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><u>Return of the Worm:</u></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Rutger Worm made his season debut, after being a regular if not spectacular presence last year. As a conventional left winger deployed wide on the left, Worm raises questions about van't Schip's False Nine. When Terra was fielded as the False Nine, van't Schip inverted Williams and Dugandzic, stationing them on their non-preferred wings to enhance their ability to cut-in central. So why didn't van't Schip do the same with Maycon and Worm?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Van't Schip asked Worm to stretch the play on the left because of the absence of marauding left wingback Aziz Behich. In Heart's normal 4-3-3, the wingers cut inside with the fullbacks overlapping to provide the genuine width. Behich's absence forced van't Schip to field Good, a nominal central defender, at left back. Had Maycon switched flanks with Worm, Heart would have suffered from a lack of width. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><u>Bleiburg the Magician:</u></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Bleiburg realised his side were being overrun in midfield. Jungschlager and Beekmans were up against four midfielders, with Fred dropping deep. After the break, realising there was no striker for Thwaite or Rees to mark, he instructed his centre back captain to advance into further into midfield. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Thwaite is far better technically than he is given credit for, especially in his tackling. So far this season, he has showcased a remarkably aptitude for pirouette tackles on multiple occasions. With Thwaite advancing into midfield, Gold Coast were able to gain more possession. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZGnCESKbFo2DA_T1abAb3OcuyFS2RVfkbTd8Liv9uQucY_JSx0XPKUs6ShyphenhyphenPwy6qB0ntXs1KwbxpPYp7UYzpbj9IymDm9-qhbZ_OXdFFRAA_z0QNDrwGWOZ6oUJ9PqjvRrhLHxe037rw/s1600/Maceo%252BRigters%252BLeague%252BRd%252B7%252BGold%252BCoast%252Bv%252BHeart%252BWHrOOoiIqiHl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZGnCESKbFo2DA_T1abAb3OcuyFS2RVfkbTd8Liv9uQucY_JSx0XPKUs6ShyphenhyphenPwy6qB0ntXs1KwbxpPYp7UYzpbj9IymDm9-qhbZ_OXdFFRAA_z0QNDrwGWOZ6oUJ9PqjvRrhLHxe037rw/s640/Maceo%252BRigters%252BLeague%252BRd%252B7%252BGold%252BCoast%252Bv%252BHeart%252BWHrOOoiIqiHl.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><u>Goal Analysis:</u></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Thompson 3' - Bolton's goal kick was partially cleared by Thwaite, but to Shroj. Shroj flicked it over the top for Worm to chase, with only Brillante near to cover. Thompson made a run from deep to the left, Worm laid off and Thompson finished. This showed Thompson's best attributes as the False Ten, in making those driving runs deep from midfield, which are hard to track. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">62' Jungschlager - Hamill fouled Rigters on the edge of the area. Jungschlager took the free kick, drove it through the wall. The Dutch journey man looks like a dead ball specialist, which is very useful when Coast can call upon Rigters, a striker who draws fouls with his direct running, a la Luis Suarez. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">67' Germano - This was a few minutes after an orthodox striker, Eli Babalj, was substituted on, and he displayed his ability in the air. Germano lofted the ball into the box, Babalj knocked back to Thompson, who played a 1-2 with Germano making a run, who finished past Moss. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The remarkable thing about all three goals, were that they were all the result of deliberate tactical strategies; Thompson as a False Ten, Jungschlager's deliveries from Rigters winning free kicks, and Babalj's aerial ability. On that last point, if Heart are failing to retain possession, van't Schip has the ability to call upon the gigantic striker to win balls in the air. This bears similarity to Fernando Llorente, who is an alternative target man option for Spain, or Ibrahimovic, who was supposed to fulfil this Plan B role at Barcelona. </span><br />
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u>Conclusion:</u></b></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Again, a fascinating tactical plan by van't Schip. As </span><a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/11/adelaide-1-1-heart-match-analysis.html" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">PM has noted previously</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">, "he continues to exploit the qualities and abilities of his players in unconventional and unexpected ways, inverting and converting positions, utilising new shapes and formations, but always in the pursuit of his purist philosophy of football". With Bolton back, and a central defence with more depth, Heart look like making a concerted title challenge, always offering excitement; what other A-League club fields inverted wingers, False Nines or False Tens.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Initially a naive formation by Bleiburg, but his corrections enabled Gold Coast to compete better in the second half. Rigters looks like a predatory striker, and Jungschlager's delivery from dead ball situations was impressively lethal. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u><b>Player Rankings:</b></u></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Gold Coast | Heart</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">10) Brillante |Madaschi</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">9) Rees | Marrone</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">8) Beekmans | Hamill</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">7) Jungschlager | Good</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">6) Bevan | Germano</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">5) Macallister | Shroj</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">4) Mebrahtu| Worm</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">3) Traore| Maycon</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2) Thwaite| Fred</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1) Rigters | Thompson</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">LATER ADDITION:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This is the second game where Rigters failure to track back has turned into a significant weakness for Gold Coast. <a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/10/brisbane-3-0-gold-coast-match-analysis.html">Against Brisbane</a>, Rigters was deployed on the left, but his coming central meant that Brisbane's left flank was vacant, allowing Broich and Stefanutto to run riot. </span></div>Pass and Movehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17743035847207063959noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8987180767773852035.post-49308063749079635392011-11-18T14:44:00.001+11:002011-11-18T15:17:37.428+11:004 points on Brisbane 1-1 Wellington<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx4kC7sxwy5xHNdYuIIxEYnZy-tVTeJTuH8OgQexnGX6ZadTO7374xIm4LpDRbEEQKsnrA6OsVeqsPURtVctZ4cpMV-4Pi6lkAWIlsVib0cD3coUgVZeo4INVc5CPXpbhG7CJjLh4S72w/s1600/Brisbane_roar_svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx4kC7sxwy5xHNdYuIIxEYnZy-tVTeJTuH8OgQexnGX6ZadTO7374xIm4LpDRbEEQKsnrA6OsVeqsPURtVctZ4cpMV-4Pi6lkAWIlsVib0cD3coUgVZeo4INVc5CPXpbhG7CJjLh4S72w/s1600/Brisbane_roar_svg.png" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Here are 4+ tactical points on Brisbane's one-all draw with Wellington.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>1) Wellington are the Stoke City of the A-League. But in a good way, unlike Perth. </b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The Nix, like the Potters, rely on; </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">- <i>Fearsome target men</i> to provide an aerial threat and hold-up play; Chris Greenacre and Kenwyn Jones</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">- Tricky <i>conventional wingers</i> to stretch the play, provide creativity, cross the ball; Jermaine Pennant and Matthew Etheringon for Stoke, and Leo Bertos, Daniel and Paul Ifill for Wellington</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">- A generally <i>counter-attacking</i> style, sitting deep to restrict space behind and between the lines, then breaking with pace and aggression</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">- An extremely <i>well organised</i>, motivated and familiar defence; for instance </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Wellington's backline of Lockhead, Durante, Sigmund and Muscat</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">has been largely identical for the past two seasons, which is fairly unique in the A-League</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It was this highly organised and familiar relationship between the defenders which allowed them to restrict Brisbane so effectively.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>2) Brisbane could do with with a Plan B</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This is the second week in a row that a team with a highly defensive game plan, camping on the edge of the box, has drawn with the reigning Champions, who had previously dispatched four teams with various pressing strategies.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Sitting deep is so effective because it restricts the space behind and between the lines. With less space in midfield to operate, it becomes harder for Brisbane to maintain a passing rhythm. With less space between the opposition's goal line and the defence, Berisha and Danning are restricted from unleashing their fearsome acceleration. It also increases the chance that vertical through balls behind the defence will run too close to the opposition keeper. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Berisha's and Danning's best chances against the Nix came when the opposition backline advanced high. Early in the first half, Paartalu was able to split Durante and Sigmund with a magnificent pass that Berisha latched onto, but he was called offside. Late on, Danning was able to accelerate past Lockhead with Berisha for support, but his heavy touch squandered the opportunity. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So what can Brisbane do about it? They could try signing a physical target man, like Ibrahimovic for Barcelona or Llorente for Spain. Or they could try using Broich as a False Nine on a more permanent basis, foregoing the central striker. His flair and technical ability in close quarters, deployed close to the opposition central defence, could become the keys to every stubborn defence in the league. Think about it; when Barcelona are presented with a massed defence, it is Messi as a False Nine Guardiola turns to, to tip the balance.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>3) Broich is undoubtedly one of the most intelligent footballers in the league. </b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Take for example his free kicks; against Victory, he anticipated the jump, so went for a low free kick that scored. Anticipating Wellington's wall wouldn't jump, he flicked the ball over for Berisha to finish. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">An apt metaphor for Brisbane's style; you can literally put a wall in their path, but they'll find a way around. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>4) Fullbacks as wingers; seems legit</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Late on, Daniel was substituted for injury, with new signing Tsattalio, a nominal fullback, deployed on the wing. Although his impact as such was fairly minor, deploying an attacking fullback as a conventional winger has become a popular trend in Europe, and was reminiscent of Gareth Bale for Tottenham, Seamus Coleman for Everton and Matthieu for Valencia.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The obvious advantages are that a modern fullback is more like an old-style winger anyway; with the wingers cutting-in, the fullback is expected to advance and provide width. But attacking fullbacks are able to provide that same aggressive intent with defensive awareness, which means they are able to restrict the advances of the opposition's own attacking fullback. </span>Pass and Movehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17743035847207063959noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8987180767773852035.post-32513617854828363042011-11-18T01:26:00.001+11:002011-11-18T02:34:18.144+11:0012 points on Heart 3-0 Newcastle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmoRBFBr0FsAJYfx6fZlNMOeskyLXfOT9FyCyW1u-yCZZK9PMT6jdSWXR5njhzHTznhPxZ9RYY_n3sbuZUZ3K3ePo3VhNLn9nj2yBbnUmzuiRU7hDWZgaDA_KgK3l5cw70Lc08XUs4N44/s1600/MelbourneHeartLogo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmoRBFBr0FsAJYfx6fZlNMOeskyLXfOT9FyCyW1u-yCZZK9PMT6jdSWXR5njhzHTznhPxZ9RYY_n3sbuZUZ3K3ePo3VhNLn9nj2yBbnUmzuiRU7hDWZgaDA_KgK3l5cw70Lc08XUs4N44/s200/MelbourneHeartLogo.png" width="130" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Here are 12 tactical points on Heart's three-nil victory against Newcastle. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1) With both teams playing similar 4-3-3 formations, the match tended to revolve around individual battles. Simply put, wingers vs fullbacks, strikers vs central defenders, midfielders marking each other. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2) Heart, with more technical players, were better at retaining possession. Refer to the tactical diagram; with similar formations cancelling each other out, the only players without direct opponents shutting them down was the spare centre back; Topor-Stanley for Newcastle and Thompson OR Hamill for Heart. Both Heart central defenders were very comfortable advancing into midfield, creating an extra man, ensuring that the home team always had an free option to retain possession. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">3) Heart's fullbacks Behich and Marrone were very aggressive in advancing to provide width. As a consequence, the Newcastle wide men Griffiths and Brockie were dragged backwards, leaving Jeffers isolated up front. The inside forwards Dugandzic and Maycon/Terra were able to cut-inside, with the knowledge that the fullbacks would provide width. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">4) In Round 1, <a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/10/newcastle-3-2-heart-match-analysis.html">Newcastle were able to successfully press Heart</a> high up the pitch, disrupting their build-up play. This time around, Newcastle sat a little deeper, probably to compensate for Jeffers, who lacked match fitness. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">5) Terra often switched flanks with Maycon, so that both spent large periods of the game as the central striker and as the left inside forward. When Terra was used as the central striker, he re-interpreted his False Nine role. Because of his right-sidedness, when used as a false nine, Terra usually drifted to the right flank. In this match, he drifted left to create space for Maycon to exploit. This particular switch was reminiscent of Vucinic being converted to left inside forward to exploit the space created by Totti, a trequartista deployed as the most advanced forward for Roma, the very first incarnation of the False Nine. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">6) With Fred as the regista, Terra as the false nine or narrow trequartista and Dugandzic creative cutting-in, Heart were playing with three creative hubs, meaning that it was very hard to shut down their play. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">7) Jeffers is a class apart, and an excellent signing for Newcastle. Though clearly struggling for match fitness, he is clearly a superior reader of the game, and his technique in close quarters, bringing his team mates into play, is very impressive. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">8) Eli Babalj was the game changer. Brought on for Maycon ten minutes into the second period, the imposing striker was able to offer a new, totally different and conspicuously absent dimension to Heart's forward line; excellent hold-up play. With Babalj acting, not as a spearhead as such, but more of an advanced fulcrum, Heart's other forwards are now able to rely on Babalj to hold onto the ball, affording them crucial extra seconds to measure passes and contemplate runs. He also provides a considerable aerial presence, not so much as a goal threat, but as a way of relieving pressure on the back-line. In a way, Babalj's role was similar to that of Emile Heskey's for England; more about creating space and bringing other attackers into play than presenting a goal threat in and of himself. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">9) After a few substitutions, which allowed JVS to try Thompson as leftback with the impending absence of Behich and give Madaschi his debut in central defence, he also pushed Behich up to conventional left wing. JVS recognised that in using a physical target man to provide a fixed point of reference for the attack, there was less merit in using inverted wingers. Behich was able to move forward into left wing and provide width from the front, stretching the Newcastle defence and increasing the space for Babalj to utilise his already considerable physical advantage.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">10) Commentators made the point that all of Heart's goal scorers were ex-Victory players. That does make you think, especially when you consider JVS hasn't fielded a single one in the positions they regularly occupied in Navy Blue. Fred has been withdrawn from trequartista to regista, Dugandzic has been inverted from left to right wing and Behich has been converted from wing to fullback. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">11) Momentum was a key factor late in the game, especially after Newcastle conceded a soft goal from a mis-cued back pass. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">12) Sheer pace is a significant fillip for Heart. Just as stamina underpins Brisbane's dominance, and their use of the high press, Heart's speed enables them to deploy aggressive players at wing and fullback, safe in the knowledge the wide players will get forward to press and get back to cover. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Goal Analysis:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Fred 65' - Fred goes on a slalom run from the left touch line to the edge of the box, dodging Haliti, Griffiths and drawing Topor-Stanley out of the backline. Ball slipped to Babalj, who holds of the challenges of Regan, Topor-Stanley and Wehrman, showcasing technique and physicality. Ball slipped back to Fred, who finishes. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Dugandzic 72' - Elrich mis-cused back pass to Kennedy, Dugandzic intercepts. Behich on the left for support, Dugandzic calmly finishes at the near post. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Behich 83' - Thompson at leftback, ball over the top for Behich to chase. Behich turns pursuing Kantarovski inside and out, before finishing across Kennedy. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Bonus Point:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I bet the Squadron are happy that Tinkler changed the kits now; Newcastle don two of the sexier kits in the A-League. A far cry from their old muddy gold jerseys which made even the defunct Fury look respectable. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">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 <a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/09/how-would-opposing-team-dismantle.html">'How to dismantle Australia'</a>. The scoreboard may have read one-nil to the visitors, but it was the Thais who escaped with greater credit. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">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. </span><br />
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<u style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Australia's System:</b></u><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Osieck re-deployed the Socceroos in a 4-4-2/4-3-3 hybrid, with Schwarzer between the sticks, Neill and Spiranovic partnered in central defence</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">, with Wilkshire and Zullo at fullback. Jedinak and Valeri were paired in a conservative double pivot. McKay was narrow at left midfield with Emerton advanced at right wing. Holman was the withdrawn striker with Kennedy leading the line.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u><b>Thailand's System:</b></u></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Schafer deployed Thailand in a 4-4-1-1 system. The Thais sought to maintain their defensive shape and only pressed Australia past the half-way line. The most important points however was Datsakorn Thonglao as the playmaker in midfield, and Suree Sukha, a nominal fullback at right wing. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><u>Vulnerable down the left:</u></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Schafer's offensive strategy was very effective against Australia. Simply put, he instructed Thailand to target the Socceroos left flank, with Thonglao playing through passes behind the Australian defence, into the space vacated by the advanced Zullo, for Sukha to latch onto. And although Thai attacks foundered, largely due to hesitancy and heavy first touches, Thailand was able to penetrate in behind the Socceroo's defensive line time and again. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">To understand how, we must refer back to the theoretical operation of McKay and Zullo on the left flank. When Australia is in possession, McKay drifts central, looking to link up with double pivot, retain possession and dictate play, while Zullo overlaps, providing the width and pace out-wide that McKay is unable to, secure in the knowledge that McKay provides an extra presence in midfield in the event of am opposition counter-attack.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">However, with McKay tucked-in narrow and Zullo advanced, there is a window of time when Australia are very vulnerable down the left, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">during the transition between an offensive and defensive posture. The space behind the left fullback and next to the centre back is left vacant,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> which is the inevitable downside of using an advanced fullback.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This is the weakness Schafer sought to exploit, by stationing Sukha fairly high up against Zullo. When the ball was turned over and Thailand gained possession, Thonglao launched well weighted through balls into the space vacated by Zullo, which Sukha raced forward to latch onto. Around the twentieth minute mark, the Thonglao/Sukha combination was able to beat Zullo three times in quick succession.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">From then on, Zullo became more cautious and noticeably reluctant to advance, mindful of Thailand targeting his area of responsibility. But his absence in the forward areas disrupted Australia's construction of attacks; as noted above, the width, pace and penetration he provides is vital, as he is the only source for these qualities on the left. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Zullo, forced back and compelled defend, was the worst possible outcome for Australia. Being deprived of his attacking qualities was bad enough, but even with his new-found caution, the Socceroos were still vulnerable to attacks down the left flank because of Zullo's relative naivety in defence. As a winger converted to fullback, his best defensive work is pre-emptive; by pinning back the opposition right winger. But Sukha wasn't cowed; as a fullback himself, Sukha was confident in his ability to defuse attacks higher up the pitch. So basically Australia got the worst of both worlds; Zullo was restricted, but still defensively vulnerable. Australia's left flank was left impotent AND vulnerable, by the same measure. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuEVpHq_bdJVodqq6gyWhcm7-8BUY19ez8pYSNHWFSPK-98n7ZILy_V7WEGNIdiqBlaafnWZIDdaaZg89t9cfzmK3XOSe29yg6mQcTUXA-GvhacOVg4B5CQCrgUUxsDIgOxsQcX_RL_Fs/s1600/A0l6i.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuEVpHq_bdJVodqq6gyWhcm7-8BUY19ez8pYSNHWFSPK-98n7ZILy_V7WEGNIdiqBlaafnWZIDdaaZg89t9cfzmK3XOSe29yg6mQcTUXA-GvhacOVg4B5CQCrgUUxsDIgOxsQcX_RL_Fs/s320/A0l6i.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">Diagram courtesy of Zonal Marking, Valenica v Baines</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Schafer's gambit to exploit the space behind Zullo bears similarity to how Sir Alex Ferguson dealt with both </span><a href="http://www.zonalmarking.net/2011/04/23/manchester-united-1-0-everton-tactics/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Leighton Baines</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> and </span><a href="http://www.zonalmarking.net/2011/05/08/manchester-united-2-1-chelsea-united-take-huge-step-towards-19th-league-title/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Ashley Cole</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">; by stationing Antonio Valencia, an aggresive wide player comfortable on the wing or at fullback high on the right, to exploit the vacant space behind. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgdaSlaBThBO7u3JfXHqhe2G3HIY23Hswecg1qLmkiRi8oChLvH2-R23eFkM5wjkDqyBcWht-Jbt42GOduZEk0JOpA_qcVZC4dZk1VOwip6lYa6UbwA_UkydQht8Og6_skAP7P5PwDrVA/s1600/Michael%252BZullo%252BThailand%252Bv%252BAustralia%252BczoQTLpD4Tfl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgdaSlaBThBO7u3JfXHqhe2G3HIY23Hswecg1qLmkiRi8oChLvH2-R23eFkM5wjkDqyBcWht-Jbt42GOduZEk0JOpA_qcVZC4dZk1VOwip6lYa6UbwA_UkydQht8Og6_skAP7P5PwDrVA/s640/Michael%252BZullo%252BThailand%252Bv%252BAustralia%252BczoQTLpD4Tfl.jpg" width="477" /></a></div>
<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u>Failure to retain possession:</u></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The Australian midfield axis of Jedinak, Valeri and McKay was uncharacteristically porous in retaining possession. Part of this was undoubtedly psychological; finding themselves in a hostile environment and with their fellow team mates playing poorly is hardly conducive to confidence. But Thailand were also efficient in pressing Australia when the ball was carried over the half-way line, preventing effective build-up play. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">But most importantly, Australia were lacking creativity in central midfield. As <a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/11/oman-1-0-australia-match-analysis.html">PM has noted previously</a>, Osieck is able to call upon a degree of tactical variation when it comes to selecting his preferred double pivot. There is Kilkenny the elegant passer, Jedinak the robust destroyer, and Valeri the energetic runner who is able to complement either. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The combination of Jedinak and Valeri is most effective when Australia require a defensive shield in midfield, ideally to break up opposition attacks. Against Thailand however, Australia did not require two holding midfielders. With Scafer keen to keep nine players behind the ball, and Neill and Spiranovic ably marshalling the lone striker, one of the holders was left redundant.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Moreover, presented with such a massed and organised defence, the lack of creative passing from Jedinak or Valeri became a real impairment. Neither was able to offer penetration through the middle, and Australian attacks were funnelled down the flanks. <a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/11/oman-1-0-australia-match-analysis.html">As noted in PM's analysis of the match against Oman</a>, the Socceroos seem to have lost the ability to play an effective aerial game. So shoving Australia out to the flanks largely obfuscated the attacking threat. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In such a situation, the Socceroos would have undoubtedly benefited from the presence of Neil Kilkenny, a superb creative passer, in midfield. It seems Kilkenny is now the favoured punching bag for overeager TWG commenters, the very same ones who wrote off Lucas Neill as over-the-hill and dismissed Brett Holman as not being an actual football player. The oft-repeated criticism of the Bristol City player (granted not the best of career decisions) is that he plays 'too many sideways passes'. This is overlooking his very vital function; to retain and then distribute possession. Criticising Kilkenny for too many sideways passes is tantamount to criticising Xavi Hernandez, Xabi Alonso or Michael Carrick for exhibiting the talents that made them world class. Kilkenny is also the only Socceroos player with excellent long-range passing ability. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Had he been present, Australia would have benefited from faster circulation of the ball, which would have pulled apart Thailand's half-press, and higher distribution, which might have reached Holman more effectively, pulling the playmaker into the game. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It bears remembering that the best performance by the Socceroos for many years, in which the Green and Gold produced their most fluent, fluid and attacking performance ever, was against Wales, and was facilitated by the short passing, intelligent movement and positional interchange of Matt McKay and Neil Kilkenny. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy9146dflrigZmkL0WftozD3No1lynwL-8gzH4jzP5pjZMZ9dh3vBuZ-Kd5fJcjBAVxXTLzcEhvnwCSRFLYJmgBJGAm1zRtMO8bFPypYEuUs6nPU5M9t-XtTS_zYHQIFaNYsM9pfNQ5s8/s1600/Neil%252BKilkenny%252BAustralia%252Bv%252BThailand%252BVNitOcxpVdvl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy9146dflrigZmkL0WftozD3No1lynwL-8gzH4jzP5pjZMZ9dh3vBuZ-Kd5fJcjBAVxXTLzcEhvnwCSRFLYJmgBJGAm1zRtMO8bFPypYEuUs6nPU5M9t-XtTS_zYHQIFaNYsM9pfNQ5s8/s640/Neil%252BKilkenny%252BAustralia%252Bv%252BThailand%252BVNitOcxpVdvl.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u>Lack of mobility:</u></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">If Kilkenny is the <a href="http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/twg-deputy-editor/blog/1081461/Jedinak's-time-is-up">favoured punching bag for TWG commenters</a>, then Kennedy should be the favoured punching bag for PM Readers. PM has criticised the messianic target man rather harshly in the past, but against Thailand, the Nagoya man earned every barb. His atrocious movement has been remarked upon in the past, but his performance reached new lows in that he actively prevented his team mates from playing effectively. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Holman is practically the textbook definition of mobility, such is the verve and fearlessness exhibited by the AZ attacker. But paired with Kennedy, who refused to budge, Holman was deprived of vacant space to exploit. Kennedy staying static prevented Holman from playing. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This links back to a point made by ZM, that</span><a href="http://passandmovetactics.blogspot.com/2011/11/oman-1-0-australia-match-analysis.html" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> it is simply not enough to just be a goal scorer anymore</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">. With football becoming ever increasingly more systematised, the ability to contribute and facilitate to the operation of the collective has become more valuable than individual quality. Put simply; stuff the goal scorers. The poachers of the past are finished; Fowler and Owen walked into the night a long time ago. It is the goal creators that are important.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Given Kennedy's poor performances, it is imperative that Osieck reconsider the situation of Scott McDonald, undoubtedly the most mobile of our prospective front-men. McDonald's selfless vacating of space and willingness to run off the ball has the potential to allow Brett Holman's bursting runs to become devastating for Australia, in a manner reminiscent of Tevez's displays for Manchester City, you know, before the whole Munich kerfuffle. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Goal Analysis:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">76' Holman - Best passage of play for the playmaker all night, and it was because he had SPACE to exploit. It was also the first time the theory of Kennedy and Holman up-front actually worked. The Thai back line pushed up ludicrously high. Jedinak intercept, pass to Kennedy on the half-way line. Kennedy shields the ball, holding it up, waiting. Holman makes a run, Kennedy slips the ball to him. Holman dribbles, lays off to Emerton on the right, who measures a chip, which is put away determinedly by Holman.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Take note; Holman is effective at exploiting space and Emerton is really good at delivering the ball. So ask him to do it in Sky Blue, Sydney. Cazarine can really put away the headers. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><u>Conclusion:</u></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">All of these failings are inter-dependent. Had Australia been able to retain possession, Zullo would not have been forced back. Were Zullo able to advance unencumbered, McKay would have been able to dictate play down the left. Had McKay been able to dictate play, we might have seen more mobility from the front-line. Were the front-line more mobile, PM would not have an axe to grind.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">What is Holger's culpability in this result? It is important to recognise the larger picture. Australia are through to the next round with games to spare, which is a relief considering McKay is suspended. This might allow Osieck the chance to re-call the Scoreless Wonder from his Middlesbrough exile.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">As in everything in life, hindsight is 20/20. On initial viewing, Holger's selected line-up was strong and robust, traits that he has fallen back on in tough situations. Hopefully these two trying matches will have reinforced the claims of Kilkenny, and re-energised McDonald's. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi0DvV4-QxNdojuN97aWomU0F5wN1Rhkxo3_WKDExbn3puVw_gwsEInyLBNMIwlr9DFoqctQU19pe6AwNQqG5CQ2a6evggURw6qH5U-Jjj006LSdLy4LYNB54YJuUren_JI0MAAuaiGPk/s1600/Scott%252BMcDonald%252BWales%252Bv%252BAustralia%252BInternational%252BrQ0pESFmVabl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi0DvV4-QxNdojuN97aWomU0F5wN1Rhkxo3_WKDExbn3puVw_gwsEInyLBNMIwlr9DFoqctQU19pe6AwNQqG5CQ2a6evggURw6qH5U-Jjj006LSdLy4LYNB54YJuUren_JI0MAAuaiGPk/s640/Scott%252BMcDonald%252BWales%252Bv%252BAustralia%252BInternational%252BrQ0pESFmVabl.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">Duh-doi! Open net! Seriously though, bring back the Mac Attack. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Pass and Movehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17743035847207063959noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8987180767773852035.post-63057522097227409652011-11-14T20:44:00.001+11:002011-11-14T20:51:01.744+11:00Match Day: Brisbane<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">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<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://downunderfootball.blogspot.com/">Hamish of Football Down Under and Beyond</a>,
a hardcore Brisbanite, put his hand up. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Now I wouldn't want to take away any of his audience by posting his
article in its entirety, so instead I've<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://downunderfootball.blogspot.com/">linked back to his original site</a>,
which any true Roar fans should have bookmarked already. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">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. </span></div>Pass and Movehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17743035847207063959noreply@blogger.com2