Match stats/analysis for recent Socceroo games

[Decentric]

One thing that interested me is pausing at the split second of a turnover when we are deep in a 541. In previous games i saw we actually saw players sometimes move to open a passing game a split second before we won the ball. This time i sometimes saw everyone stand for 3 seconds and not move. Since 4 V players eventually swarm in the counter press there was nothing they could do

Astute observations, G.

I wonder if the Roo personnel was a bit different in those games where the players off the ball moved more proactively in anticipation?

The Roo team shape appears to be held most of the time and evolving between 3-4-3, 5-2-3 and 5-4-1, and I think the moving between them seems smooth enough, but whereas Ven must lose and sacrifice team shape in their attacking half, sometimes even with 7 players within close proximity of 15- 20 metres around an Aussie on the ball, it i s working very well for Ven.

This 9 mins 20 secs, from 10 mins of the match to 19 mins 20secs, is the worst spell of football by Aus in Popa's tenure.

Also, they've had 3 shots in this period of play. 1 was close and Beach pulled off 2 big saves.

We've played 5 balls into their box, compared to Ven's 4 into ours, but all ours occurred in about the first 8 mins.

We've also had 3 shots - all in this early phase of play too.

From 10 mins to 19 mins, only Beach is playing really well in his keeping role - and- Metcalfe has again done a lot of really good work that is hard to see live.

1 intercept.
9 passes made under time and space pressure, only 1 unsuccessful.
Won 2 out of 3 unique 1v1s.
1 shot on target.
2 superb instances of skill/first touch.
1 ball carry of 15 metre made under pressure.
1 awful unforced error pass meant for Goodwin.

80 % pass completion by Metcalfe in an attacking position, with 6 out of 9 made in the attacking half, and nearly every pass made under pressure, is outstanding.

Mo Toure has won 4 out of 6 unique 1v1 duels - which is also good.
Plus he has made 3 out 3 passes under extreme pressure.

But as for the whole team play, it is like watching Aus play Bangladesh using a Deep Defensive Block, under Arnie, except Ven are doing it to Aus.

Grazor and JS will have noted this too - Ven are sometimes passing the ball in our attacking half 9-10 times, before a pass is attempted to be closed down by a Roo.

In Pressing and Squeezing, a team has to have other players covering opponents near the teammate closing down space to stifle an opponent, otherwise it is easy for them to pass the ball to an unmarked teammate.

There is a lot of work needed on the training ground for effective Full Pressing and intensive Squeezing to work well in games.

 

[Decentric]

JS96, I think you said Aus’ possession improved at about 25 mins. You are bang on the money there!

From 23 mins, Ven have backed off their Squeezing intensity, and have stopped Full Pressing. Now they are only Half Pressing trying to win the ball in their own half.

Every time a Socceroo currently has the ball, there are 2-5 passing lanes available - because Ven have stopped their intense team Squeezing.

Not sure if Ven are trying to conserve energy for a short period in the game?

Socceroos are looking a million dollars for a few mins after 13 mins of being totally dominated by Venezuela.

 

[Decentric]

Early days yet, but Trewin might be making an auspicious start?

Has won 3 unique 1v1s out of 3 contested ( 2 heading duels and 1 stealing the ball from a well judged sprint at an opponent and taking it off him).

Made 13 passes, only 1 mishit, with 5 being made under pressure.

We are at 26 mins.

O’Neill has made 13 passes, nearly all under pressure, at 100 percent passing accuracy. Very steady on the ball.

O’N won 3 unique 1v1s, losing 0.

A weakness might be O’N not being proactive enough supporting his Roo teammates on the ball, particularly in intense Ven Squeezing.

Not much else is good about Roos though.

 

[grazorblade]

Astute observations, G.

I wonder if the Roo personnel was a bit different in those games where the players off the ball moved more proactively in anticipation?

The Roo team shape appears to be held most of the time and evolving between 3-4-3, 5-2-3 and 5-4-1, and I think the moving between them seems smooth enough, but whereas Ven must lose and sacrifice team shape in their attacking half, sometimes even with 7 players within close proximity of 15- 20 metres around an Aussie on the ball, it i s working very well for Ven.

This 9 mins 20 secs, from 10 mins of the match to 19 mins 20secs, is the worst spell of football by Aus in Popa's tenure.

Also, they've had 3 shots in this period of play. 1 was close and Beach pulled off 2 big saves.

We've played 5 balls into their box, compared to Ven's 4 into ours, but all ours occurred in about the first 8 mins.

We've also had 3 shots - all in this early phase of play too.

From 10 mins to 19 mins, only Beach is playing really well in his keeping role - and- Metcalfe has again done a lot of really good work that is hard to see live.

1 intercept.
9 passes made under time and space pressure, only 1 unsuccessful.
Won 2 out of 3 unique 1v1s.
1 shot on target.
2 superb instances of skill/first touch.
1 ball carry of 15 metre made under pressure.
1 awful unforced error pass meant for Goodwin.

80 % pass completion by Metcalfe in an attacking position, with 6 out of 9 made in the attacking half, and nearly every pass made under pressure, is outstanding.

Mo Toure has won 4 out of 6 unique 1v1 duels - which is also good.
Plus he has made 3 out 3 passes under extreme pressure.

But as for the whole team play, it is like watching Aus play Bangladesh using a Deep Defensive Block, under Arnie, except Ven are doing it to Aus.

Grazor and JS will have noted this too - Ven are sometimes passing the ball in our attacking half 9-10 times, before a pass is attempted to be closed down by a Roo.

In Pressing and Squeezing, a team has to have other players covering opponents near the teammate closing down space to stifle an opponent, otherwise it is easy for them to pass the ball to an unmarked teammate.

There is a lot of work needed on the training ground for effective Full Pressing and intensive Squeezing to work well in games.

I actually think it was closer to the midblock. Even when the back two lines were close together in a 5-4-1 shape the back line was sometimes 10 meters higher than the penalty box unless V advanced deep and we retreated to the edge of our area

 

[grazorblade]

Early days yet, but Trewin might be making an auspicious start?

Has won 3 unique 1v1s out of 3 contested ( 2 heading duels and 1 stealing the ball from a well judged sprint at an opponent and taking it off him).

Made 13 passes, only 1 mishit, with 5 being made under pressure.

We are at 26 mins.

O’Neill has made 13 passes, nearly all under pressure, at 100 percent passing accuracy. Very steady on the ball.

O’N won 3 unique 1v1s, losing 0.

A weakness might be O’N not being proactive enough supporting his Roo teammates on the ball, particularly in intense Ven Squeezing.

Not much else is good about Roos though.

I was pretty critical of Trewin's defense seeing him as partially at fault for all three dangerous moments V had including the goal

 

[Decentric]

I was pretty critical of Trewin's defense seeing him as partially at fault for all three dangerous moments V had including the goal

At the 28 min mark he has done little wrong.

I have not gone back to the 4 chances Ven have created to analyse which Roos are culpable, (Miller was skinned for the last) , but most were on the other side of the pitch from where Trewin is playing ATM.

Of course he swapped sides with Burgess when he came on.

 

[Decentric]

I was pretty critical of Trewin's defense seeing him as partially at fault for all three dangerous moments V had including the goal

31 mins 38 secs.

Degenek in close proximity to Trewin, who contests and wins a 1v1 long Ven ball, with better body position than a Ven forward.

The loose ball eventually saw another Ven forward reach the second ball. It wasn’t really Trewin’s fault, as his body shape dictated where he played the ball, but arguably Roo team unit defensive shape was culpable.

The resulting Ven pass and shot forced a Beach save.

 

[Decentric]

I actually think it was closer to the midblock. Even when the back two lines were close together in a 5-4-1 shape the back line was sometimes 10 meters higher than the penalty box unless V advanced deep and we retreated to the edge of our area

As I’ve hit 36th min, the Aus shape in BPO seems to include the occasional Full Press with some intensive Squeezing, high up the pitch.

Or deeper defending for the most part, manifesting in a Half Press, or Partial Press ( also known as a Fake Press), with minimal Squeezing.

All this theory was established by progenitors Viktor Maslov, Valery Lobanovski (Ukraine) and Rinus Michels, the latter from the KNVB.

 

[grazorblade]

31 mins 38 secs.

Degenek in close proximity to Trewin, who contests and wins a 1v1 long Ven ball, with better body position than a Ven forward.

The loose ball eventually saw another Ven forward reach the second ball. It wasn’t really Trewin’s fault, as his body shape dictated where he played the ball, but arguably Roo team unit defensive shape was culpable.

The resulting Ven pass and shot forced a Beach save.

The three big chances I mean were the header at 16:39, the goal and a header that forced a diving save early in the second half. The first header his first motion he shoves the V player goalwards and steps forward as the cross is delivered which means he has no chance to get to the cross. 2nd goal goodwin steps forward as the pass is given so he can't get back which puts pressure on trewin, who unfortunitely is weak in the 1v1. The third at around 46 minutes is a bit harsh to criticize, but at a high level I'd like the reactions to be quick enough so his first step towards the attack happens a fraction of a second soon which would put more pressure on. Not his fault, but being a short cb also makes it harder to put pressure on the shot

 

[JS96]

41:38. Irvine gets it. Miller in ages of space for a diagonal ball but Irvine just passes to our defenders. Massive issue this.

 

[jas88]

Pressing starts from the front, I love Nestory but he has alot of work to do improving his pressing game. Really hope Watford is working on this with him. He actually reminds me alot of Savinho at Man City, he really struggled last year with learning to press properly. Struggled to be a starter but had a little break out of the team and this year his pressing has improved dramatically.

Mo looks like he can do some intelligent pressing. Same with Boyle which is why I suppose he's still getting picked.

Gotta sort out that forward line press it will be one of our only real avenue's to score.

 

[JS96]

1:20: Metcalfe has it in our own half. Just a firm outside boot roll can make it to McGree in miles of space. Instead we go back.

1:49: We miss the ball and Colombia stumbles. Free shot otherwise.

2:06: First time ball by O'Neill is deflected through to Miller is miles of space. Exactly what we need.

2:45: Firm Miller ball goes through defensive line. Metcalfe couldn't connect. McGree in the middle so free and a firm square ball gets to him then the play opens up. Rowles nice and high. If it's Bos McGree probably puts him through.

Watching McGree shows he's great at lingering alone. We need to make an effort to get the ball to him as often as possible.

 

[Decentric]

The three big chances I mean were the header at 16:39, the goal and a header that forced a diving save early in the second half. The first header his first motion he shoves the V player goalwards and steps forward as the cross is delivered which means he has no chance to get to the cross. 2nd goal goodwin steps forward as the pass is given so he can't get back which puts pressure on trewin, who unfortunitely is weak in the 1v1. The third at around 46 minutes is a bit harsh to criticize, but at a high level I'd like the reactions to be quick enough so his first step towards the attack happens a fraction of a second soon which would put more pressure on. Not his fault, but being a short cb also makes it harder to put pressure on the shot

Haven’t got to the last of those 3 big Ven chances against us that you’ve set out, G.

 

[grazorblade]

Haven’t got to the last of those 3 big Ven chances against us that you’ve set out, G.

Last one was the harshest to be fair. But u only have to react a fraction of a second slower than the attacker to give yourself no chance

Curious what u thought of okons 2nd half when u get to it. I saw some positive signs there

 

[JS96]

Not the most puzzling game really. Massive space afforded by Colombia. We arguably picked some of the wrong player but more so set up wrong and didnt have any plan to exploit the gaps and go forward.

We've wasted these friendlies with caution. Why can't we set the team a challenge that we need 4 shots in the firm 10min or something? If we're going to waste the bloody game we should at least experiment.

Popovic still coming across as rational but the onus is on the staff to get things clarified. Really wonder what the players are thinking.

 

[Decentric]

I could only access full Colombia game this morning, being at a social event when match took place.

Saw 25 min highlight /mini- match package to see the 3 late goals conceded.

14 mins in with a pretty experienced Roo line up apart from Mo Toure, Trewin and Izzo, with Colombia only Squeezing moderately most of the time, it is the best I’ve seen the Socceroos play with the ball for some time.

Once again international experience is paramount.

I’m really liking the look of Trewin as a CB on the ball - fast handling speed, two footed, slick passer and mover in tight spaces. As Grazor mentions a shorter CB, quite slightly built.

Rowles effective defensively at Left Wing Back too.

With Irvine replacing Okon Jr, Rowles more defensive capability than Goodwin at Left WB, McGree at Left Wing instead of Iran, this Socceroo manifestation is quite a compact unit in Ball Possession Opposition.

I’m suspecting a few subs will be on by 75 mins when the Col goals start going in.

 

[Decentric]

At 18 min 38 seconds just watched a Roo receive a hard ball with his thigh, stop it dead with a neat cushion, quickly on to his other foot and passing to a fellow Roo - quick handling speed.

It was Trewin!

Whether he plays CB or DM he is part of a new Gen of Roos aged 24 and under, with a higher skill level than previous gens.

 

[Decentric]

More observations re specific players.

Against Ven O’Neill’s off the ball movement against more intense Squeezing by them, he needed to move more proactively to support ball Aus carriers.

At 22 min mark against Col, his teammates have more time on the ball and more space to pass to him. He is good on the ball though. Plus a rugged ball winner too.

Against Ven the inexperienced Iran worked poorly with the very experienced Goodwin at Left WB.

Craig G’s defensive contrib was not as good as Rowles, but at about the 38 min of the Ven game had played 4 of Aus’s 8 balls into the pen box - most which Toure and Iran failed to read.

I’ve overly criticized Irvine for slow 2 touch handling speed.

His 1 touch passing is good. Plus he is proactive at supporting the ball carrier at opening viable passing lanes early.

 

[Decentric]

Not the most puzzling game really. Massive space afforded by Colombia. We arguably picked some of the wrong player but more so set up wrong and didnt have any plan to exploit the gaps and go forward.

We've wasted these friendlies with caution. Why can't we set the team a challenge that we need 4 shots in the firm 10min or something? If we're going to waste the bloody game we should at least experiment.

Popovic still coming across as rational but the onus is on the staff to get things clarified. Really wonder what the players are thinking.

Interesting points, JS.

At the 22 min mark against Col, Aus are looking really good!

Of course as you suggest, Col are giving more time for Aus on the ball than Ven did.

 

[Decentric]

Last one was the harshest to be fair. But u only have to react a fraction of a second slower than the attacker to give yourself no chance

Curious what u thought of okons 2nd half when u get to it. I saw some positive signs there

I’ve seen plenty of positive signs in Okon in first half, G!

Can’t believe he has only played 3 senior pro games with SFC in AL?