Match stats/analysis for recent Socceroo games

[Decentric]

I've started recording the passing stats for the Canada game. I'm at the 11 min mark of the game.

I'm glad I've done it. New aspects of performance are showing up.

Already Rowles has made more attacking forays forward than most of us realised against Canada, and has played some good passes on the deck into the Canadian pen box.

Italiano - neat on the ball. Faster handling speed, more assured first touch, more two footed, more accurate passer and better, more nimble footwork than Miller. I'm quite impressed how well he has received under pressure, and maintained possession for the team.

Italiano's off the ball movement to open passing lanes for Circati has been impressive. This has compensated for his mediocre 1v1 ledger of 0 or neutral over the game. I had a 'feeling' he did well, but the passing stats are confirming it.

Notwithstanding, Miller came on against Canada, replacing Italiano, and started a real physical battle with a few of the rugged Canadian left sided players, which was needed. Miller is immensely strong for a RB. He upset the entitled Canadians!

Also, players like Balard ( who is showing considerable technique and composure on the ball, plus high workrate by opening passing lanes for teammates) O'Neill, and even the CBs and keeper, Izzo, are playing under so much pressure in less time and space from Canadian gegenpressing. Socceroo defenders and defensive mids are forced to think and act more quickly on the ball. It is a completely different scenario from the Asian Deep Defensive Blocks.

Circati has impressed with his composure on the ball in tight spaces. I think given his all round skill set, he is already our top player. He is shaping to be our best CB ever. Already he isn't far from it. He may already be better than Neill, Moore, Spira or Sains at their peaks.

 

[Decentric]

A further issue that arises is this.

* Scenario 1

Players like Hrustic and Boyle, the more I look at them and the more comprehensive the performance criteria, in last round of Asian WC Qualifiers, against probably the strongest group of Asian teams the Socceroos have ever played against, and the friendlies since, consistently struggle in most areas and aren't playing well enough to warrant places, or for the Socceroos to win games.

Ye they are excelling at club level. Boyle scored something like 42 goals in Scotland last year for Hibs.

Hrustic is doing well in the Eredivisie - the 6th best league in UEFA. He won 5 tackles in his last Erediv game. Yet for the Socceroos he has struggled to win 5 tackles in his entire Socceroo career!

I suspect both these guys are flat track bullies - where they look brilliant against the modest Asian teams in the previous round of Asian WCQs.

* Scenario 2

Balard has come out of the Eredivisie , and unlike Hrustic, has immediately excelled as a Socceroo against high calibre opposition.

As I understand it, Toure and Iran, may not even be starters for Randers in Den and in the Champ. Yet they are immediately stepping up for the Roos as big assets to the team. Over extensive performance criteria they are completely outperforming Hrustic and Boyle playing similar Socceroo roles.

Arzani, isn't playing much in Hungary, but as soon as he steps on the Socceroo pitch looks like he belongs.

Miller, also at Hibs, like Boyle, until his Blackburn move, has held his own with the Socceroos and is improving.

Teague looked good for the Socceroos playing for MV, but can't get a game in Belgium.

Duke, and possibly Geria, may not be starting in Japan, but perform a far more effective role for the Socceroos than Boyle and Hrustic against quality international opposition.

 

[Quicky]

A further issue that arises is this.

* Scenario 1

Players like Hrustic and Boyle, the more I look at them and the more comprehensive the performance criteria, in last round of Asian WC Qualifiers, against probably the strongest group of Asian teams the Socceroos have ever played against, and the friendlies since, consistently struggle in most areas and aren't playing well enough to warrant places, or for the Socceroos to win games.

Ye they are excelling at club level. Boyle scored something like 42 goals in Scotland last year for Hibs.

Hrustic is doing well in the Eredivisie - the 6th best league in UEFA. He won 5 tackles in his last Erediv game. Yet for the Socceroos he has struggled to win 5 tackles in his entire Socceroo career!

I suspect both these guys are flat track bullies - where they look brilliant against the modest Asian teams in the previous round of Asian WCQs.

* Scenario 2

Balard has come out of the Eredivisie , and unlike Hrustic, has immediately excelled as a Socceroo against high calibre opposition.

As I understand it, Toure and Iran, may not even be starters for Randers in Den and in the Champ. Yet they are immediately stepping up for the Roos as big assets to the team. Over extensive performance criteria they are completely outperforming Hrustic and Boyle playing similar Socceroo roles.

Arzani, isn't playing much in Hungary, but as soon as he steps on the Socceroo pitch looks like he belongs.

Miller, also at Hibs, like Boyle, until his Blackburn move, has held his own with the Socceroos and is improving.

Teague looked good for the Socceroos playing for MV, but can't get a game in Belgium.

Duke, and possibly Geria, may not be starting in Japan, but perform a far more effective role for the Socceroos than Boyle and Hrustic against quality international opposition.

Toures a starter in Denmark. So was Irankunda until he lost it, but is back starting again.

I suspect you're right about Boyle and Hrustic but two other thoughts there.

Our system doesn't suit Boyle and he's even been tried at 9 which is asking for failure. If he's wider he's better.

Hrustic is only now getting good club minutes. Some of his poor national team performances were while still in Italy, and were better after the Dutch move (surprise, surprise).

I reckon Yengi when he was knocking em' in for the national team benefitted from the quality of opposition in the early qual rounds and fits that category too.

 

[JS96]

Tone set from the kick off. Backs to goal playing out at the back. Warm ups for getting a feel for the ball.

0:34: The dumb football of Miller getting the ball and Metcalfe running away from him only for a soft pass to be intercepted. We need to be firmer and push the ball around, not float it.

0:55: Simple throw to Okon. O'Neill asks for it 2m away and Okon passes past him to opponent. Quick left foot to Geria the best option or with more awareness can turn 180 and thread it across to Trewin.

Opening 2 mins saw 2 good charge presses from our mids which forced passes and nearly caused opponent error. Ensuing moments Okon wandering too far from his man. Reminiscent of Smith's lack of tracking for first goal Saudi away in 2016.

2:25: Goal kick and we play up side. Okon with back to opponent and just gives it back to Goodwin who goes up the line and Toure nearly flicks and runs on. Opponents clearly know if they press we can't face forward.

2:50: First long ball down channel. Goodwin not deep enough and Trewin tracks. They pass back immediately with two players available. Shocking awareness and communication between Goodwin, Trewin and Okon in that they're all a good 10m away from the recipient and Irankunda is nearest to press. Miles of space afforded. Venezuela toy, cross, head down then half volley goes wide. Inviting them.

So in the first 3 min some core issues are present. Hiddink would've murdered them for this.

3:30: It rarely comes off but here Trewin goes diagonal to Metcalfe with something of a fortunate flick to Goodwin who threads it so naturally to Toure and his shot is saved by the foot. Ensuing play sees Okon with a nice lobbed pass by Goodwin puts it dead.

4:44: Albeit early and easing into the game, Venezuela a little asleep where Miller has space and Metcalfe could jag through with miles of space behind. It was wrongly tried in the opening minute and then not attempted when the opportunity presented itself better. Nice long ball by Geria to Toure who hits it wide. Did well to muscle off defender.

5:20: Their goal kick goes to Trewin and it ends up with Goodwin. 2 defenders not paying much attention and if Irankunda starts a run there's a lot of space for Goodwin's easy let boot to feed him there. They're just not looking for the spaces. If Irankunda just peels his pace has him ahead of everyone and we had 2 forwards facing their 2 centre backs there. Goodwin goes to Okon who should also see this opportunity then pass it back to Goodwin and the above mentioned sequence is still possible. Instead we end up back at Degenek who goes short to Okon who thinks it wise to shoot at O'Neill with 2 markers on him. Okon then hospital passes Irankunda for a free kick win.

6:05: Metcalfe with a poor scuff but the right idea to get the ball moving.

6:38: That silly tangle where the Venezuelan fakes pain sees Miller alone. Not the worse ground pass but lofting it over to a free Goodwin and Okon in mountains of space was on the cards.

8:00: Nice win by Toure who then feeds Irankunda and the pass attempt is woeful into the defender. Still, these transition moments are where we look at home. Venezuela get passing options back but here is where a Gegenpressing would've probably led to winning the ball back. We simply jog away from them and get into our shape affording them space.

11:30: Past few minutes with some good pressing. Taking half a minute to throw, Miller finally goes to Toure who takes too many touches and loses it. Need one touch to the floor and pass it on.

12:00 Goodwin and iranunda get skinned. Good tackle by Okon who gets smothered and loses it. No one to pass to. Miller has an easy intercept but stumbles over it and gives ball back.

13:45: Venezuela forced to shoot. Okon not goal side of a linger mid. Totally unaware of his surroundings.

15:20: Good turn and run by Metcalfe who tries too much which a cross field ball that is also deflected.

15:50: Right idea for Geria to feed Miller but the space is tight and it goes to an opponent.

16:38. Great Beach save. Goodwin probably kept him just on despite everyone immediately pushing up.

20:43: Good ball win by Trewin.

25:30: Really nice ball by Degenek sees Goodwin cross force a save.

26:35: After O'Neill notices a sticker on the ball. Goodwin tries another curved pass. Doesn't come off this time but it's definitely an asset. Irankunda gives a signal he wants it at his feet.

27:00 Good pressing sees Toure receive it on edge of box. Some asses and Goodwin stumbles but his cross causes awkwardness for the keeper.

28:30: Miller decides to just run backwards allowing a swift shot go just wide.

30:30: Long ball and Trewin with the riskiest of clearances inwards which then sees Venezuela get a weak shot away. Beach with excellent throw to Goodwin who feeds Toure to win a throw 80m away.

34:30. Two lofty balls see Miller not goal side each time

36:10: Irankunda with a silly foul and a yellow.

Venezuela goal. So much wrong. Goodwin too high, Degenek too deep and Trewin overruns his cover. Great through ball. Trewin has to run diagonal there. Running straight allows them to get much closer to goal. Geria with too many decisions to make and reat dumies by some opponents.

First half summary: Toure, Irankunda and Goodwin are fine footballers. Okon is off the pace and Miller shouldn't be there. O'Neill is just a distributor of the ball to little effect.

 

[grazorblade]

watching the replay as well for the pod...not my idea of fun

 

[grazorblade]

Tone set from the kick off. Backs to goal playing out at the back. Warm ups for getting a feel for the ball.

0:34: The dumb football of Miller getting the ball and Metcalfe running away from him only for a soft pass to be intercepted. We need to be firmer and push the ball around, not float it.

0:55: Simple throw to Okon. O'Neill asks for it 2m away and Okon passes past him to opponent. Quick left foot to Geria the best option or with more awareness can turn 180 and thread it across to Trewin.

Opening 2 mins saw 2 good charge presses from our mids which forced passes and nearly caused opponent error. Ensuing moments Okon wandering too far from his man. Reminiscent of Smith's lack of tracking for first goal Saudi away in 2016.

2:25: Goal kick and we play up side. Okon with back to opponent and just gives it back to Goodwin who goes up the line and Toure nearly flicks and runs on. Opponents clearly know if they press we can't face forward.

2:50: First long ball down channel. Goodwin not deep enough and Trewin tracks. They pass back immediately with two players available. Shocking awareness and communication between Goodwin, Trewin and Okon in that they're all a good 10m away from the recipient and Irankunda is nearest to press. Miles of space afforded. Venezuela toy, cross, head down then half volley goes wide. Inviting them.

So in the first 3 min some core issues are present. Hiddink would've murdered them for this.

3:30: It rarely comes off but here Trewin goes diagonal to Metcalfe with something of a fortunate flick to Goodwin who threads it so naturally to Toure and his shot is saved by the foot. Ensuing play sees Okon with a nice lobbed pass by Goodwin puts it dead.

4:44: Albeit early and easing into the game, Venezuela a little asleep where Miller has space and Metcalfe could jag through with miles of space behind. It was wrongly tried in the opening minute and then not attempted when the opportunity presented itself better. Nice long ball by Geria to Toure who hits it wide. Did well to muscle off defender.

5:20: Their goal kick goes to Trewin and it ends up with Goodwin. 2 defenders not paying much attention and if Irankunda starts a run there's a lot of space for Goodwin's easy let boot to feed him there. They're just not looking for the spaces. If Irankunda just peels his pace has him ahead of everyone and we had 2 forwards facing their 2 centre backs there. Goodwin goes to Okon who should also see this opportunity then pass it back to Goodwin and the above mentioned sequence is still possible. Instead we end up back at Degenek who goes short to Okon who thinks it wise to shoot at O'Neill with 2 markers on him. Okon then hospital passes Irankunda for a free kick win.

6:05: Metcalfe with a poor scuff but the right idea to get the ball moving.

6:38: That silly tangle where the Venezuelan fakes pain sees Miller alone. Not the worse ground pass but lofting it over to a free Goodwin and Okon in mountains of space was on the cards.

8:00: Nice win by Toure who then feeds Irankunda and the pass attempt is woeful into the defender. Still, these transition moments are where we look at home. Venezuela get passing options back but here is where a Gegenpressing would've probably led to winning the ball back. We simply jog away from them and get into our shape affording them space.

11:30: Past few minutes with some good pressing. Taking half a minute to throw, Miller finally goes to Toure who takes too many touches and loses it. Need one touch to the floor and pass it on.

12:00 Goodwin and iranunda get skinned. Good tackle by Okon who gets smothered and loses it. No one to pass to. Miller has an easy intercept but stumbles over it and gives ball back.

13:45: Venezuela forced to shoot. Okon not goal side of a linger mid. Totally unaware of his surroundings.

15:20: Good turn and run by Metcalfe who tries too much which a cross field ball that is also deflected.

15:50: Right idea for Geria to feed Miller but the space is tight and it goes to an opponent.

16:38. Great Beach save. Goodwin probably kept him just on despite everyone immediately pushing up.

20:43: Good ball win by Trewin.

25:30: Really nice ball by Degenek sees Goodwin cross force a save.

26:35: After O'Neill notices a sticker on the ball. Goodwin tries another curved pass. Doesn't come off this time but it's definitely an asset. Irankunda gives a signal he wants it at his feet.

27:00 Good pressing sees Toure receive it on edge of box. Some asses and Goodwin stumbles but his cross causes awkwardness for the keeper.

28:30: Miller decides to just run backwards allowing a swift shot go just wide.

30:30: Long ball and Trewin with the riskiest of clearances inwards which then sees Venezuela get a weak shot away. Beach with excellent throw to Goodwin who feeds Toure to win a throw 80m away.

34:30. Two lofty balls see Miller not goal side each time

36:10: Irankunda with a silly foul and a yellow.

Venezuela goal. So much wrong. Goodwin too high, Degenek too deep and Trewin overruns his cover. Great through ball. Trewin has to run diagonal there. Running straight allows them to get much closer to goal. Geria with too many decisions to make and reat dumies by some opponents.

First half summary: Toure, Irankunda and Goodwin are fine footballers. Okon is off the pace and Miller shouldn't be there. O'Neill is just a distributor of the ball to little effect.

I'm watching off the ball. First two minutes the back line is again higher like it was against usa when the ball enters our half. About 5-10 meters in front of the penalty box. In theory this should make things more compact and force more turnovers. Will be interesting to see why this didn't happen

2:16: goodwin on the wing and the only passing lane opened is okon who is short and offers a bounce pass. It is 5v3 there with Australia remarkably static off the ball and not opening passing lane despite having about 5 seconds waiting for someone to move. A switch to geria looks on but goodwin lumps the ball forward

2:50 there is a ball over the top from V which finds its mark against a higher line. Their long passes were pretty accurate from memory but we didn't seem to have anyone who could consistently land long passesto our pacy forwards

 

[JS96]

I'm watching off the ball. First two minutes the back line is again higher like it was against usa when the ball enters our half. About 5-10 meters in front of the penalty box. In theory this should make things more compact and force more turnovers. Will be interesting to see why this didn't happen

2:16: goodwin on the wing and the only passing lane opened is okon who is short and offers a bounce pass. It is 5v3 there with Australia remarkably static off the ball and not opening passing lane despite having about 5 seconds waiting for someone to move. A switch to geria looks on but goodwin lumps the ball forward

2:50 there is a ball over the top from V which finds its mark against a higher line. Their long passes were pretty accurate from memory but we didn't seem to have anyone who could consistently land long passesto our pacy forwards

I noticed a massive lack of movement too. A team of individuals. No one thinking what's next or supporting. I'll watch 2nd half tonight I think.

 

[grazorblade]

3:31, I don't really understand the off the ball movement by the aussies here. One cb provides a safe option but then okon and goodwin dont provide an option so his only choice is to fire it long. It nearly works mind you as we win the aerial dual and Toure nearly nutmegs the keeper. With Circati and Souttar out we don't have players that can hit long balls consistently and accurately. The stats actually show we hit 5 from 7. 7 is a low number if we are playing this style, but 5/7 is a good accuracy

5:00 Geria long ball for Toure is pretty decent and causes a 2nd chance
6:30 we press high and pretty effectively nearly setting up a toure chance
8:00 we don't press until they get to the edge of our half. Toure presses and releases irankunda. After losing possession we press with 5 people with a large distance between our front 5 and back 5 which seems dangerous...
9:23 we still take the opportunity for the back 5 to step up 10 yards in front of the 18yrd box so there is little space between them and the midfield 4. Similar to usa we are leaving space behind to compress the midfield. For the next 120 seconds 5 V players are in an umbrella around Australias block and can pass the ball between them uncontested. There hasn't been any threat from V having so much uncontested possession but it isnt fun to watch
12:05 the high-ish line midblock is doing its job (as much as I question the need for the tactic) as there isn't a single pass into our midfield but V is able to dribble past Goodwin but loses possession straight away. Problem is Australia take too long to transition from defense to possession. Okon dallies for 3 seconds but has no options and loses the ball. Then goodwin wins the ball and has time....but again there is no option because australia take too long to transition their positions from their out of possession shape to their in possession shape so again he boots it long straight back to V....then miller wins the ball and the loses it instantly, then goodwin heads the ball forward but we are too slow to provide options for Toure to nod to....5 possessions in a row are lost within 1 pass....We are too slow transitioning our shape for this new system to work....I'm not sure I can get through the replay .

 

[grazorblade]

15: 00 we win the ball back and it takes metcalf practically going through their team for us to get in our half because there is only one supporting player. Irankunda is too slow to lurch forward here and provide an option
16:34 no pressure on the cross which results in a dangerous moment. The space is created by a clever run which draws metcalf but now there are 2 socceroos gaurding no one and not filling the space. So far we have been too slow reacting to any changes in the match, whether that's winning possession or having a player pulled out of position. Trewin loses his man to allow the header. If I'm not mistaken Trewin was partially at fault for all 3 dangerous chances V had this game....probably not a great debut tbh....

 

[grazorblade]

20:39 we haven't had the ball for more than 2 conequetive passes since the 10th minute....Probably more enjoyable things to do with my time so will stop here but I think I understand the issue. If we are playing this style (and we Poppa won't change so no point worrying about changes in tactics) We are too slow to react off the ball when we win possession and V can counter press. In particular Irankunda needs to provide better options, seems to be having an off time. Trewin had a rough debut and his combination with goodwin in defense and buildup didn't work...oh well

 

[JS96]

Second half

45:53. Okon at sea following the ball direction rather than standing tight on the free opponents.

47:40: Good ball win by Metcalfe with a heavy pass wide to Miller. We're definitely good at forcing turnovers and feel alright in transition. Just need everyone to be on cue for those moments.

51:18: Long run Venezuela attack and they shoot over. Miller and Trewin get turned. O'Neill gesturing afterwards bemused.

54:08: Not sure why Elder didn't whip a cross in there.

56:00: Bit of a run on the ball and then passed out wide to Miller who gets tackled but not before stumbling himself.

62:30: After allowing the opponent plenty of time on the ball, Irankunda runs and gets a foul. Elder free kick alright but our players were deeper.

67:30: So disappointing McGree can't take the ball with Elder winding up on the left.

69:20: Firm ball by Elder sees passes across and McGree has a weak shot saved.

Tired of watching. Nice ball by O'Neill for Al Hassan to have his shot saved.

 

[Decentric]

Tone set from the kick off. Backs to goal playing out at the back. Warm ups for getting a feel for the ball.

0:34: The dumb football of Miller getting the ball and Metcalfe running away from him only for a soft pass to be intercepted. We need to be firmer and push the ball around, not float it.

0:55: Simple throw to Okon. O'Neill asks for it 2m away and Okon passes past him to opponent. Quick left foot to Geria the best option or with more awareness can turn 180 and thread it across to Trewin.

Opening 2 mins saw 2 good charge presses from our mids which forced passes and nearly caused opponent error. Ensuing moments Okon wandering too far from his man. Reminiscent of Smith's lack of tracking for first goal Saudi away in 2016.

2:25: Goal kick and we play up side. Okon with back to opponent and just gives it back to Goodwin who goes up the line and Toure nearly flicks and runs on. Opponents clearly know if they press we can't face forward.

2:50: First long ball down channel. Goodwin not deep enough and Trewin tracks. They pass back immediately with two players available. Shocking awareness and communication between Goodwin, Trewin and Okon in that they're all a good 10m away from the recipient and Irankunda is nearest to press. Miles of space afforded. Venezuela toy, cross, head down then half volley goes wide. Inviting them.

So in the first 3 min some core issues are present. Hiddink would've murdered them for this.

3:30: It rarely comes off but here Trewin goes diagonal to Metcalfe with something of a fortunate flick to Goodwin who threads it so naturally to Toure and his shot is saved by the foot. Ensuing play sees Okon with a nice lobbed pass by Goodwin puts it dead.

4:44: Albeit early and easing into the game, Venezuela a little asleep where Miller has space and Metcalfe could jag through with miles of space behind. It was wrongly tried in the opening minute and then not attempted when the opportunity presented itself better. Nice long ball by Geria to Toure who hits it wide. Did well to muscle off defender.

5:20: Their goal kick goes to Trewin and it ends up with Goodwin. 2 defenders not paying much attention and if Irankunda starts a run there's a lot of space for Goodwin's easy let boot to feed him there. They're just not looking for the spaces. If Irankunda just peels his pace has him ahead of everyone and we had 2 forwards facing their 2 centre backs there. Goodwin goes to Okon who should also see this opportunity then pass it back to Goodwin and the above mentioned sequence is still possible. Instead we end up back at Degenek who goes short to Okon who thinks it wise to shoot at O'Neill with 2 markers on him. Okon then hospital passes Irankunda for a free kick win.

6:05: Metcalfe with a poor scuff but the right idea to get the ball moving.

6:38: That silly tangle where the Venezuelan fakes pain sees Miller alone. Not the worse ground pass but lofting it over to a free Goodwin and Okon in mountains of space was on the cards.

8:00: Nice win by Toure who then feeds Irankunda and the pass attempt is woeful into the defender. Still, these transition moments are where we look at home. Venezuela get passing options back but here is where a Gegenpressing would've probably led to winning the ball back. We simply jog away from them and get into our shape affording them space.

11:30: Past few minutes with some good pressing. Taking half a minute to throw, Miller finally goes to Toure who takes too many touches and loses it. Need one touch to the floor and pass it on.

12:00 Goodwin and iranunda get skinned. Good tackle by Okon who gets smothered and loses it. No one to pass to. Miller has an easy intercept but stumbles over it and gives ball back.

13:45: Venezuela forced to shoot. Okon not goal side of a linger mid. Totally unaware of his surroundings.

15:20: Good turn and run by Metcalfe who tries too much which a cross field ball that is also deflected.

15:50: Right idea for Geria to feed Miller but the space is tight and it goes to an opponent.

16:38. Great Beach save. Goodwin probably kept him just on despite everyone immediately pushing up.

20:43: Good ball win by Trewin.

25:30: Really nice ball by Degenek sees Goodwin cross force a save.

26:35: After O'Neill notices a sticker on the ball. Goodwin tries another curved pass. Doesn't come off this time but it's definitely an asset. Irankunda gives a signal he wants it at his feet.

27:00 Good pressing sees Toure receive it on edge of box. Some asses and Goodwin stumbles but his cross causes awkwardness for the keeper.

28:30: Miller decides to just run backwards allowing a swift shot go just wide.

30:30: Long ball and Trewin with the riskiest of clearances inwards which then sees Venezuela get a weak shot away. Beach with excellent throw to Goodwin who feeds Toure to win a throw 80m away.

34:30. Two lofty balls see Miller not goal side each time

36:10: Irankunda with a silly foul and a yellow.

Venezuela goal. So much wrong. Goodwin too high, Degenek too deep and Trewin overruns his cover. Great through ball. Trewin has to run diagonal there. Running straight allows them to get much closer to goal. Geria with too many decisions to make and reat dumies by some opponents.

First half summary: Toure, Irankunda and Goodwin are fine footballers. Okon is off the pace and Miller shouldn't be there. O'Neill is just a distributor of the ball to little effect.

Good work, JS.

Will look at these times when I replay compiling 1v1s and indiv passing stats.

I've just done the first half of the Canada game, accruing passing stats per individual Socceroo. The good news in Rowles absolutely playing left WB dominated Buchanan the La Liga star!

The bad news is the Venezuela game! It looked awful live from a Roos perspective!

 

[Decentric]

20:39 we haven't had the ball for more than 2 conequetive passes since the 10th minute....Probably more enjoyable things to do with my time so will stop here but I think I understand the issue. If we are playing this style (and we Poppa won't change so no point worrying about changes in tactics) We are too slow to react off the ball when we win possession and V can counter press. In particular Irankunda needs to provide better options, seems to be having an off time. Trewin had a rough debut and his combination with goodwin in defense and buildup didn't work...oh well

The difference is that Ven was Squeezing quite intensively when we regained the ball in the Attacking Transition.

When they regained it our Squeezing was usually sitting right back off the ball. Ven had plenty of time and space on the ball.

A few times in his first Roo game, Okon Jr, failed to close the space anticipating a tackle, that the experienced Mark Milligan would have made in his Socceroo tenure.

Okon Jr failed to read a potential tackle, and close the space down a few times from a Ven pass to a teammate. He looked quite tidy on the ball though - live.

 

[Decentric]

Some really good analytical work done by Grazor and JS96 on the Ven game.

I’m glad Popa has tried so many players in his tenure. At least this debacle has occurred in a friendly.

 

[grazorblade]

this was an interesting tidbit

 

[grazorblade]

but we poppa probably doesn't want to send players forward in the first half haha

 

[JS96]

this was an interesting tidbit

Another thing that seems small on the surface but has an influence of play sequence. Stupid habit of people taking a throw which is simply on their wing. We don't even know what we want to do from throws.

 

[grazorblade]

Another thing that seems small on the surface but has an influence of play sequence. Stupid habit of people taking a throw which is simply on their wing. We don't even know what we want to do from throws.

I feel like new players focus so much on being in position if we lose posession they are reluctant to deviate from that position rather than fluently moving from their in posession position and out of possession spot. So we might just have to put up with some crap whenever there are new players

 

[Decentric]

I feel like new players focus so much on being in position if we lose posession they are reluctant to deviate from that position rather than fluently moving from their in posession position and out of possession spot. So we might just have to put up with some crap whenever there are new players

Or, is it Popa's insructions?

 

[grazorblade]

Or, is it Popa's insructions?

Ill have a careful look at older roo games under poppa but my impression is that when he played a lot of players who were familiar with his system they moved very quickly into a position to recieve the ball when there was a turnover. They also knew where their teamate would be when making that first pass after a turnover. I slowed it down whenever there was a turnover against V and we would sometimes have a player dallying on the ball and having no options because we hadnt yet mover out of our 541 position with 8 players behind the ball carrier. I suspect poppa would want his players to make the transitions between 541 and 343 quickly and learn his pressing triggers. Thats why i call it a complicated game plan on the pod, more remincent of club football than international football