Saudi's tactics v Australia 🇸🇦

[Quicky]

It seemed like Popa recognised the right side was an issue and pulled Hrustic at half time. Nowhere functions in isolation, RB might be a weakness but the second half was a noticeable improvement with the introduction of Velupillay. Possible the more mobile right side of midfield forced Al Sharhrani into a difficult personal match up and relieved some pressure on Miller. As we know it's not like there is a stand out RB we could have brought on, so swapping Miller for Grant may not have achieved much.

I'd have liked to see Bos switched right.

 

[Quicky]

If we play irvine I'd be in favour of having cdm with a better first touch and handling speed but less work rate to balance the team, much like Jedi needed to be paired with a technical cdm

That's Luongo.

 

[Quicky]

I know where you are coming from, but we have had even worse players on the ball do well in europe (Jedinak!) These sort of workhorse mids who are generals off the ball can still find teams at a good level. It would be a very brave coach to drop a bundesliga captain rather than work around their pros and cons

I'd like to see a coach be brave.

 

[grazorblade]

I'd have liked to see Bos switched right.

with kasey bos coming through we might have to play one of them on the right (also farrell looks promising too on the left)

 

[grazorblade]

I'd like to see a coach be brave.

the coaches head on the pike if we drop irvine and there isn't enough defensive cover to cut out a counter attack!

 

[grazorblade]

That's Luongo.

yep luongo would balance oniell more than jedi

 

[Quicky]

with kasey bos coming through we might have to play one of them on the right (also farrell looks promising too on the left)

I'd have Farrell pegged more as a LCB in Popa's system. Like Geria on the right.

 

[Mr Cleansheets]

I'd have Farrell pegged more as a LCB in Popa's system. Like Geria on the right.

That would limit Farrell's effectiveness as a wide attacker.

 

[Quicky]

the coaches head on the pike if we drop irvine and there isn't enough defensive cover to cut out a counter attack!

Irvine needs to perform better. He hasn't been good lately.

 

[grazorblade]

I'd have Farrell pegged more as a LCB in Popa's system. Like Geria on the right.

shame he is competing with burgess then

 

[grazorblade]

I guess one challenge we face as a nation is that our most technical players aren't our best players til you get to those born 2003 and later. Even for those born in 1999 where you have arzani and nisbet they are way behind metcalf yet way better technically.

 

[Quicky]

That would limit Farrell's effectiveness as a wide attacker.

I'd say Farrell's offensive qualities are a work in progress. The Portsmouth coach has acknowledged that. He's better in a back four imo. The wing back role is responsible for most of our width in Popa's system. Bos is a better fit there.

 

[Quicky]

shame he is competing with burgess then

Rowles also. I'd have Farrell in the squad as depth for LWB and LCB which lets you squeeze in another mid or forward. When he's back and in form.

 

[Mr Cleansheets]

I'd say Farrell's offensive qualities are a work in progress. The Portsmouth coach has acknowledged that. He's better in a back four imo. The wing back role is responsible for most of our width in Popa's system. Bos is a better fit there.

Farrell's been injured and has played only one game for Portsmouth - and the fan forum went off about him and his attacking prowess (except for hitting a free header over from point blank). That doesn't mean you're not correct - he's only 22 so of course his game generally is a work in progress.

Mousinho, on the other hand, has certainly talked about how Yengi needs to improve in the final third.

 

[grazorblade]

Farrell's been injured and has played only one game for Portsmouth - and the fan forum went off about him and his attacking prowess (except for hitting a free header over from point blank). That doesn't mean you're not correct - he's only 22 so of course his game generally is a work in progress.

Mousinho, on the other hand, has certainly talked about how Yengi needs to improve in the final third.

watched the game
was shocked it was his offense that stood out and his defense that lacked a bit

probably training him purely in defence and overcompensated?

 

[LFC]

Really good points made, LFC. What have you been smoking? LOL!

Didn't know Renard had done that much work on us? He coached Saudi to beat Argentina at the Qatar WC.

We are short of experienced quality RBs ATM, who are not injured. Weirdly, Talbot is playing RB at City, doing a decent job, whilst recent Socceroo RB, Atkinson, is playing DM and LB for City and appears to be a utility. They took Talbot off in one game and moved Atko to RB. We need Atko playing RB, for national team purposes.

How could Popa have changed Miller's role with the cattle he had? Good question? Popa dropped sometime RB, Baccus. I'm pleased he has dropped Smith, who Arnie loved, but was surprised Arnie rated him so highly?

Miller was really impressive against China , struggled against Japan, and also had quite a few average moments against Saudi. Hrustic was worse, but with a few classy moments that stood out.

who wouldn't in Renards position let alone any game your coming up against.
Sitting on videos for hours, anyway he's no newby as we know and to get that Argie win in the WC is a massive badge of honour for any gaffa thats for sure.
Got them at the right time, Argies probably didn't give the respect that early in the tournament but the wake up call they got ending as winners.

Maybe Grant/Rowles could have been thrown on replace Miller ? Degenek yes not match fit but ? nothing ventured nothing gained 60/70min mark for either these 3.
Miller was ok earlier games but he does suffer many brain farts or jog that intended cross to a deflected goal.
Thats what you get with Miller at this stgae, a box of chocolates.

Anyway water under the bridge.

 

[vo2Max]

Get the big Scotsman in the box and hoof it into the mixer.

Pick up the 50/50 balls and leather it.

We're incapable of playing clever football.

 

[booney52]

Get the big Scotsman in the box and hoof it into the mixer.

Pick up the 50/50 balls and leather it.

We're incapable of playing clever football.

But cleverer than Denmark and Tunisia in the last WC and nearly as clever as Argentina.Basically have the same team as then

 

[Keeper66]

Get the big Scotsman in the box and hoof it into the mixer.

Pick up the 50/50 balls and leather it.

We're incapable of playing clever football.

During the first half of the Saudi game last week I was thinking that we need to mix it up a bit. Sling a few high balls into the box every now and then to keep the defenders guessing. Our attacking play is too predictable, with the slow buildups and trying to play on the gorund into the box. Nothing wrong with changing it up, try to win the headers and look for second balls in the box.

Not saying to exclusively do this, but we need to gave some variation.

 

[melbcityguy]

This is great stuff thx for writing it all