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Poppa Out

Just don't feel confident now with images of the games in my head. I think our opponents will get around us and catch a brace. We're facing some good attackers even with our solid defence. We'll lose the midfield battle and get smothered up top.

I've got images of actually losing 4:0 to the USA and Australia just not turning up.
 
Just don't feel confident now with images of the games in my head. I think our opponents will get around us and catch a brace. We're facing some good attackers even with our solid defence. We'll lose the midfield battle and get smothered up top.

I've got images of actually losing 4:0 to the USA and Australia just not turning up.
The key is to keep defensively solid but be explosive in attack.

Richards is actually who you need to target. He is very right footed and will often transition from his left to right to clear. He also has positional lapses when attacked with speed and can have discipline problems against speedy opponents.

A front three of Irankunda, Kuol and Toure, free to roam at speed is a recipe for making him look silly, either through mistakes or fouls. Then a late arriving Bos or Irvine adds to the chaos.

I would start this way using a 3-4-3 targeting richards weak left foot, discipline and positional frailty against speed
-------------Ryan-----------------
---Soutar---Circati---Burgess
Miller----Irvine---Balard---Farrell (over Bos to force Richards to clear into midfield as he stays wide and Bos cuts in)
Irankunda----Toure ----Kuol (Kuol and Irankunda to play as inside forwards and all three free to swap and roam)

Chris Richards’ specific weaknesses to exploit:
very uncomfortable when forced wide to the touchline and made to defend 1v1 with his weaker left foot.
Slow to turn and recover against speed once beaten to the outside.
Positional frailty when dragged out of the central zone – he loses discipline and leaves huge gaps between RCB and RWB (Scally or sometimes Dest if he’s fit).

How?

Force him to the touchline with his left foot
Farrell instructed to stay extremely wide and overlap Kuol on the left every single time Australia win the ball.
Kuol starts as the left-sided “9” but immediately drags Richards toward the sideline, then spins outside or checks back – either way Richards now has to defend open space with his left foot. He panics and either fouls or slices clearances.

Kuol & Irankunda as inside forwards who swap constantly Kuol starts left but drifts in, Irankunda starts right but roams left into the channel between Richards and Ream/Tim Ream (old and slow).
The moment Richards steps up to press Toure or follow a runner, Irankunda or Kuol explodes in behind into the gap Richards just vacated. Scally can’t cover both the overlap and the inside run.

Toure’s role – drop deep and isolate Richards Toure comes short to receive between the lines. If Richards follows (he often does – lacks discipline), the entire right half-space opens for Kuol/Irankunda to run into off Irvine or Balard’s vertical passes.

Farrell over Bos is because Bos would cut inside and allow Richards to step into midfield comfortably. Farrell staying glued to the touchline forces Richards to keep turning and sprinting back toward his own corner flag with his wrong foot. After 60 minutes he’ll be gassed.

Key triggers

USA build through Musah/McKennie - Balard challenges - instant switch wide left to Farrell + Kuol 2v1 vs Richards.
Richards steps high to win headers - immediate lob over the top for Irankunda/Kuol to chase (Richards is fast in a straight line but slow to turn).
On transitions: never pass square in midfield – always diagonal or vertical the moment Balard/Irvine win it, straight into the path of the front three running at Richards/Ream.
Key subs


New shape after the sub
-----------------Ryan
---Souttar – Circati – Burgess
------------Balard---------------
Miller – Irvine – – Nisbet – Farrell (both wing-backs still high & wide)

----Irankunda – Toure

Nisbet effectively becomes a left-sided 8/10 who shuttles between the left half-space and dropping next to Irvine.
Farrell keeps hugging the touchline, so Richards is still forced wide onto his left foot every time Australia regain possession.
Toure now has a proper partner who finds his feet in pockets instead of just long diagonals – more sustained pressure.
Balard drops as the single pivot → Australia go from counter-attack mode to “suffocate and pick-off” mode.

Richards is already gassed from chasing Kuol’s explosive runs for an hour.
Now he faces constant short combination play around him (Nisbet-Irvine-Farrell triangles).
Repeated decisions - step out and risk the ball over the top for Irankunda, or stay and watch Nisbet turn and thread passes.
Zero recovery time because the ball is recycled quickly instead of booming clearances.

Richards either picks up a second yellow trying to stop a Nisbet/Farrell overlap or gets caught flat-footed.

Second sub
Metcalfe ON for Balard (or Irvine if he’s cramping)
(fresh legs in the engine room, zero drop in intelligence or discipline)
Keep both wing-backs (Miller & Farrell) on as long as possible – they’re the ones still forcing Richards to sprint to the touchline

Why Metcalfe

Metcalfe is slighty less destructive to Balard but better on the ball, quicker short passing, braver in possession under pressure
Metcalfe receives from Circati/Burgess and instantly finds Nisbet/Farrell in the left half-space instead of going long - Richards has to keep making those tiring 10–20 yard adjustment runs right until the 95th minute

If for Irvine
Very similar profile to Irvine: tenacious, excellent positioning, but 15–20 minutes fresher and even calmer in tight areas. Richards now has to deal with a fresh Irvine-clone who will step in aggressively the moment Richards tries to step out with the ball → forces another weak left-footed clearance or turnover

End-game shape (last 10–15 minutes)

Ryan
Souttar – Circati – Burgess
Miller – Irvine/Metcalfe – Metcalfe/Balard – Nisbet – Farrell
Irankunda – Toure

That is an absurdly disciplined, intelligent, and still quick Australian XI for the final stretch.

USA will be throwing on Pepi/Sargent and going direct, but with Metcalfe + Nisbet in midfield alongside either a fresh Metcalfe or a still-running Irvine, Australia will just mop up second balls and spring Irankunda/Toure one last time.Richards will finish the game either:on his backside after one final Nisbet/Farrell combination, or walking down the tunnel after a second yellow for hauling down Irankunda on the counter.

Area of concern is Irankunda's reaction to being constantly fouled. Poppa needs to get it into his head that that is what he is looking for, The plan is working. If on a yellow - bring on Tilio
 
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Just don't feel confident now with images of the games in my head. I think our opponents will get around us and catch a brace. We're facing some good attackers even with our solid defence. We'll lose the midfield battle and get smothered up top.

I've got images of actually losing 4:0 to the USA and Australia just not turning up.
With all the data of the last 4 games, still not completed, Aus did a lot better against the USA than I expected. I think the USA were lucky to win, like we were against Canada.
 
The key is to keep defensively solid but be explosive in attack.

Richards is actually who you need to target. He is very right footed and will often transition from his left to right to clear. He also has positional lapses when attacked with speed and can have discipline problems against speedy opponents.

A front three of Irankunda, Kuol and Toure, free to roam at speed is a recipe for making him look silly, either through mistakes or fouls. Then a late arriving Bos or Irvine adds to the chaos.

I would start this way using a 3-4-3 targeting richards weak left foot, discipline and positional frailty against speed
-------------Ryan-----------------
---Soutar---Circati---Burgess
Miller----Irvine---Balard---Farrell (over Bos to force Richards to clear into midfield as he stays wide and Bos cuts in)
Irankunda----Toure ----Kuol (Kuol and Irankunda to play as inside forwards and all three free to swap and roam)

Chris Richards’ specific weaknesses to exploit:
very uncomfortable when forced wide to the touchline and made to defend 1v1 with his weaker left foot.
Slow to turn and recover against speed once beaten to the outside.
Positional frailty when dragged out of the central zone – he loses discipline and leaves huge gaps between RCB and RWB (Scally or sometimes Dest if he’s fit).

How?

Force him to the touchline with his left foot
Farrell instructed to stay extremely wide and overlap Kuol on the left every single time Australia win the ball.
Kuol starts as the left-sided “9” but immediately drags Richards toward the sideline, then spins outside or checks back – either way Richards now has to defend open space with his left foot. He panics and either fouls or slices clearances.

Kuol & Irankunda as inside forwards who swap constantly Kuol starts left but drifts in, Irankunda starts right but roams left into the channel between Richards and Ream/Tim Ream (old and slow).
The moment Richards steps up to press Toure or follow a runner, Irankunda or Kuol explodes in behind into the gap Richards just vacated. Scally can’t cover both the overlap and the inside run.

Toure’s role – drop deep and isolate Richards Toure comes short to receive between the lines. If Richards follows (he often does – lacks discipline), the entire right half-space opens for Kuol/Irankunda to run into off Irvine or Balard’s vertical passes.

Farrell over Bos is because Bos would cut inside and allow Richards to step into midfield comfortably. Farrell staying glued to the touchline forces Richards to keep turning and sprinting back toward his own corner flag with his wrong foot. After 60 minutes he’ll be gassed.

Key triggers

USA build through Musah/McKennie - Balard challenges - instant switch wide left to Farrell + Kuol 2v1 vs Richards.
Richards steps high to win headers - immediate lob over the top for Irankunda/Kuol to chase (Richards is fast in a straight line but slow to turn).
On transitions: never pass square in midfield – always diagonal or vertical the moment Balard/Irvine win it, straight into the path of the front three running at Richards/Ream.
Key subs


New shape after the sub
-----------------Ryan
---Souttar – Circati – Burgess
------------Balard---------------
Miller – Irvine – – Nisbet – Farrell (both wing-backs still high & wide)

----Irankunda – Toure

Nisbet effectively becomes a left-sided 8/10 who shuttles between the left half-space and dropping next to Irvine.
Farrell keeps hugging the touchline, so Richards is still forced wide onto his left foot every time Australia regain possession.
Toure now has a proper partner who finds his feet in pockets instead of just long diagonals – more sustained pressure.
Balard drops as the single pivot → Australia go from counter-attack mode to “suffocate and pick-off” mode.

Richards is already gassed from chasing Kuol’s explosive runs for an hour.
Now he faces constant short combination play around him (Nisbet-Irvine-Farrell triangles).
Repeated decisions - step out and risk the ball over the top for Irankunda, or stay and watch Nisbet turn and thread passes.
Zero recovery time because the ball is recycled quickly instead of booming clearances.

Richards either picks up a second yellow trying to stop a Nisbet/Farrell overlap or gets caught flat-footed.

Second sub
Metcalfe ON for Balard (or Irvine if he’s cramping)
(fresh legs in the engine room, zero drop in intelligence or discipline)
Keep both wing-backs (Miller & Farrell) on as long as possible – they’re the ones still forcing Richards to sprint to the touchline

Why Metcalfe

Metcalfe is slighty less destructive to Balard but better on the ball, quicker short passing, braver in possession under pressure
Metcalfe receives from Circati/Burgess and instantly finds Nisbet/Farrell in the left half-space instead of going long - Richards has to keep making those tiring 10–20 yard adjustment runs right until the 95th minute

If for Irvine
Very similar profile to Irvine: tenacious, excellent positioning, but 15–20 minutes fresher and even calmer in tight areas. Richards now has to deal with a fresh Irvine-clone who will step in aggressively the moment Richards tries to step out with the ball → forces another weak left-footed clearance or turnover

End-game shape (last 10–15 minutes)

Ryan
Souttar – Circati – Burgess
Miller – Irvine/Metcalfe – Metcalfe/Balard – Nisbet – Farrell
Irankunda – Toure

That is an absurdly disciplined, intelligent, and still quick Australian XI for the final stretch.

USA will be throwing on Pepi/Sargent and going direct, but with Metcalfe + Nisbet in midfield alongside either a fresh Metcalfe or a still-running Irvine, Australia will just mop up second balls and spring Irankunda/Toure one last time.Richards will finish the game either:on his backside after one final Nisbet/Farrell combination, or walking down the tunnel after a second yellow for hauling down Irankunda on the counter.

Area of concern is Irankunda's reaction to being constantly fouled. Poppa needs to get it into his head that that is what he is looking for, The plan is working. If on a yellow - bring on Tilio
Impressive analysis and tactical plan there. Couple of big personnel calls however, with Farrell who pretty much hasn't played for 18 months (and who knows when he will play again), and Kuol who plays 15 minutes off the bench once a month in the Czech league, after hardly playing at all in the previous two seasons.
 
Impressive analysis and tactical plan there. Couple of big personnel calls however, with Farrell who pretty much hasn't played for 18 months (and who knows when he will play again), and Kuol who plays 15 minutes off the bench once a month in the Czech league, after hardly playing at all in the previous two seasons.
Kuol is playing more now - admittedly often off the bench. However, they is an important component at Sparta. His U21 manager from Newcastle is now assistant at Sparta Prague. He used Kuol the same way as Monty, nominally as a RW but in reality more of an inside- right come false nine. His new manager is probably listening to the assistant that came from Newcastle and his manager is using him off the bench in much the same way.

Crucially when he plays centrally rather than sticking on the wings his xG is much better. They have also moved him from left to right - his CCM position.

Yes he needs to play longer and hopefully become a regular starter but he has played some part in the last 5 matches since early November, starting twice. 204 minutes our of 450.

As for Farrell - I suspect Portsmouth's medical did not pick up an existing MCL problem and trying to prove himself there he exacerbated the problem. It seems the MCL is right now but he has now suffered a groin strain. Hopefully back and firing by January though Pompey have not put a date on return. I hope he recovers properly because Bos and Farrell should be our LWB not only for the world cup but for the next 10 years. Bos more silky going forward, Farrell adding a bit more defensive starch against better opposition. Possible to play them both.
 
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I've never been less excited about a world cup campaign.

10 behind the ball, 30% possession and hope to jag a goal from a corner or set piece.

I'll watch every game of course but I'm looking forward to the games like a hole in the head.

#popaout
our 2 pods where Alex and I were particularly critical of poppa got deleted by riverside :D

but we had an interesting discussion on how much style matters

I enjoyed the wins in qatar as much as I enjoyed the wins in 2006

the difference is I watch the replays of the proactive wins in 2006 maybe 20 times compared to struggling to watch the replay once for the qatar games

the other point is that the socceroos advertise the game. Winning is more important, but if you can entertain as well you win converts to the code
 
I've never been less excited about a world cup campaign.

10 behind the ball, 30% possession and hope to jag a goal from a corner or set piece.

I'll watch every game of course but I'm looking forward to the games like a hole in the head.

#popaout
Yeah the NZ games were a red herring and now coach and tea are back in a hole. Full of easy excuses. Let the attackers loose!
 
Have you seen the Portugal side beside CR7?
They have a quality team, it's about temperament, whether they have it to last 7 games.

Spain know how to beat Portugal.

Use a hiigh 4-3-3 press to force force Portugal long & win second balls

Spain press in a 4-3-3 / 4-1-4-1 hybrid:Lamine Yamal & Nico Williams stay extremely high and wide, pinning Dalot & Nuno Mendes.
Morata/Oyarzabal jumps on Rúben Dias the moment he receives from Diogo Costa.
Pedri & Fabián man-mark Vitinha & João Neves forcing Portugal’s double pivot to play wide.
Rodri sits just in front of the centre-backs, sweeping any long balls to Ronaldo.

Portugal’s possession drops when they play against Spain. They are forced into 50+ long balls per game which Spain dominate with Gavi/Pedri's energy.

They then overload Portugal’s right side Dalot is excellent going forward but vulnerable 1v1 against elite dribblers.

:Rodri or Fabián drifts right to drag João Neves out of position.
Carvajal overlaps at speed.
Yamal receives 1v1 vs Dalot.
then a cut-back for Morata or late Pedri arrival.

This pattern has been used repeatedly by Spain vs Portugal who are yet to devise a tactic to neutralise it.
 
The key is to keep defensively solid but be explosive in attack.

Richards is actually who you need to target. He is very right footed and will often transition from his left to right to clear. He also has positional lapses when attacked with speed and can have discipline problems against speedy opponents.

A front three of Irankunda, Kuol and Toure, free to roam at speed is a recipe for making him look silly, either through mistakes or fouls. Then a late arriving Bos or Irvine adds to the chaos.

I would start this way using a 3-4-3 targeting richards weak left foot, discipline and positional frailty against speed
-------------Ryan-----------------
---Soutar---Circati---Burgess
Miller----Irvine---Balard---Farrell (over Bos to force Richards to clear into midfield as he stays wide and Bos cuts in)
Irankunda----Toure ----Kuol (Kuol and Irankunda to play as inside forwards and all three free to swap and roam)

Chris Richards’ specific weaknesses to exploit:
very uncomfortable when forced wide to the touchline and made to defend 1v1 with his weaker left foot.
Slow to turn and recover against speed once beaten to the outside.
Positional frailty when dragged out of the central zone – he loses discipline and leaves huge gaps between RCB and RWB (Scally or sometimes Dest if he’s fit).

How?

Force him to the touchline with his left foot
Farrell instructed to stay extremely wide and overlap Kuol on the left every single time Australia win the ball.
Kuol starts as the left-sided “9” but immediately drags Richards toward the sideline, then spins outside or checks back – either way Richards now has to defend open space with his left foot. He panics and either fouls or slices clearances.

Kuol & Irankunda as inside forwards who swap constantly Kuol starts left but drifts in, Irankunda starts right but roams left into the channel between Richards and Ream/Tim Ream (old and slow).
The moment Richards steps up to press Toure or follow a runner, Irankunda or Kuol explodes in behind into the gap Richards just vacated. Scally can’t cover both the overlap and the inside run.

Toure’s role – drop deep and isolate Richards Toure comes short to receive between the lines. If Richards follows (he often does – lacks discipline), the entire right half-space opens for Kuol/Irankunda to run into off Irvine or Balard’s vertical passes.

Farrell over Bos is because Bos would cut inside and allow Richards to step into midfield comfortably. Farrell staying glued to the touchline forces Richards to keep turning and sprinting back toward his own corner flag with his wrong foot. After 60 minutes he’ll be gassed.

Key triggers

USA build through Musah/McKennie - Balard challenges - instant switch wide left to Farrell + Kuol 2v1 vs Richards.
Richards steps high to win headers - immediate lob over the top for Irankunda/Kuol to chase (Richards is fast in a straight line but slow to turn).
On transitions: never pass square in midfield – always diagonal or vertical the moment Balard/Irvine win it, straight into the path of the front three running at Richards/Ream.
Key subs


New shape after the sub
-----------------Ryan
---Souttar – Circati – Burgess
------------Balard---------------
Miller – Irvine – – Nisbet – Farrell (both wing-backs still high & wide)

----Irankunda – Toure

Nisbet effectively becomes a left-sided 8/10 who shuttles between the left half-space and dropping next to Irvine.
Farrell keeps hugging the touchline, so Richards is still forced wide onto his left foot every time Australia regain possession.
Toure now has a proper partner who finds his feet in pockets instead of just long diagonals – more sustained pressure.
Balard drops as the single pivot → Australia go from counter-attack mode to “suffocate and pick-off” mode.

Richards is already gassed from chasing Kuol’s explosive runs for an hour.
Now he faces constant short combination play around him (Nisbet-Irvine-Farrell triangles).
Repeated decisions - step out and risk the ball over the top for Irankunda, or stay and watch Nisbet turn and thread passes.
Zero recovery time because the ball is recycled quickly instead of booming clearances.

Richards either picks up a second yellow trying to stop a Nisbet/Farrell overlap or gets caught flat-footed.

Second sub
Metcalfe ON for Balard (or Irvine if he’s cramping)
(fresh legs in the engine room, zero drop in intelligence or discipline)
Keep both wing-backs (Miller & Farrell) on as long as possible – they’re the ones still forcing Richards to sprint to the touchline

Why Metcalfe

Metcalfe is slighty less destructive to Balard but better on the ball, quicker short passing, braver in possession under pressure
Metcalfe receives from Circati/Burgess and instantly finds Nisbet/Farrell in the left half-space instead of going long - Richards has to keep making those tiring 10–20 yard adjustment runs right until the 95th minute

If for Irvine
Very similar profile to Irvine: tenacious, excellent positioning, but 15–20 minutes fresher and even calmer in tight areas. Richards now has to deal with a fresh Irvine-clone who will step in aggressively the moment Richards tries to step out with the ball → forces another weak left-footed clearance or turnover

End-game shape (last 10–15 minutes)

Ryan
Souttar – Circati – Burgess
Miller – Irvine/Metcalfe – Metcalfe/Balard – Nisbet – Farrell
Irankunda – Toure

That is an absurdly disciplined, intelligent, and still quick Australian XI for the final stretch.

USA will be throwing on Pepi/Sargent and going direct, but with Metcalfe + Nisbet in midfield alongside either a fresh Metcalfe or a still-running Irvine, Australia will just mop up second balls and spring Irankunda/Toure one last time.Richards will finish the game either:on his backside after one final Nisbet/Farrell combination, or walking down the tunnel after a second yellow for hauling down Irankunda on the counter.

Area of concern is Irankunda's reaction to being constantly fouled. Poppa needs to get it into his head that that is what he is looking for, The plan is working. If on a yellow - bring on Tilio

I really love the analysis in this post but the XI's feel a lot like you're selecting the Mariner-roos.
 
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I really love the analysis in this post but the XI's feels a lot you're selecting the Mariner-roos.

Part of that is deliberate but maybe a little bias as well. The deliberate part is that we need to move forward quickly. Instinctive reactions make that easier and playing together through the academy and seniors make that instinct come to life.

LWB/LM would normally be Bos - but for this assignment Farrell is the right person for the job.
 
Part of that is deliberate but maybe a little bias as well. The deliberate part is that we need to move forward quickly. Instinctive reactions make that easier and playing together through the academy and seniors make that instinct come to life.

LWB/LM would normally be Bos - but for this assignment Farrell is the right person for the job.
I really like Farrell and he'd be my preference as a defensive minded LWB. It ignores his injuries and the fact he isn't playing. I think its now unlikely he makes the WC squad. Unless he has an exceptional turn around in fortune. In terms of playing qualities Rowles is the obvious choice for that kind of role.

The XI after subs has Nisbet. Nisbet won't make the WC squad. He hasn't been looked at by Popovic yet, and given how many players he's rotated into the squad thats telling. There aren't many intuitive options there but of the guys that have been in the squad, Robertson is the one that fits the profile. Not sure we'll see it though.
 
I really like Farrell and he'd be my preference as a defensive minded LWB. It ignores his injuries and the fact he isn't playing. I think its now unlikely he makes the WC squad. Unless he has an exceptional turn around in fortune. In terms of playing qualities Rowles is the obvious choice for that kind of role.

The XI after subs has Nisbet. Nisbet won't make the WC squad. He hasn't been looked at by Popovic yet, and given how many players he's rotated into the squad thats telling. There aren't many intuitive options there but of the guys that have been in the squad, Robertson is the one that fits the profile. Not sure we'll see it though.

If anything I tempered my bias by not having Nisbet start. But Irvine and Metcalfe are both very intelligent footballers that should fit in seamlessly whether as starters or subs.

Farrell has been pushed in training by the Portsmouth medical staff. He had a MCL strain but they passed him as fit and he broke down a couple of times because he came back early. They then realised their mistake and operated (rare for an MCL). He has since had a groin strain in rehab and they are being super cautious in his rehab now. The 3rd round FA Cup game Arsenal. If Saka plays (only 3rd round) he will have his work cut out. If he is successful there (with or without Saka) then I'm really looking toward the Watford game on Jan 22 to form a view whether he is back properly. Hopefully both he and Irankunda play. If he is not fit for the World Cup then Rowles can do a job. He and Farrell are both intelligent readers of the game, Farrell quicker but Rowles reading of the game helps him out.

I can see your reasoning with Nisbet but that 4 man midfield 'cheat code' is what gets Australia away from playing haram ball. Hence my preference for Farrell. They all played and trained together from about 2018 until Miller left in June 2022. The other 3 played together until after the 2024 Grand Final
 
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come on Farrell lacks experience despite him being a good player that I agree - Bos smokes LWB especially quoting to be explosive in attack.
If were looking to be defensively and that we will as we know got to have Bos on the pitch full stop.
 
come on Farrell lacks experience despite him being a good player that I agree - Bos smokes LWB especially quoting to be explosive in attack.
If were looking to be defensively and that we will as we know got to have Bos on the pitch full stop.
Look at the game analysis I gave before. Bos is all maisy runs - great for the unexpected but we need to flip the script. I'm not looking to sit deep - I'm looking to break quickly and target Richards with pace and specific tactics. We play defensively and we will lose -even with Bos playing. We need to play to our strengths. assuming injury recoveries that means a very solid back three, a speedy and versatile front three and a midfield that can connect the two - something we have been sorely missing.

We do this right and we win and the US will lose the next game because the UEFA team would have seen the template we used.
 
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