tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198732413882406269.post1760888610644359155..comments2023-10-14T19:01:03.490-04:00Comments on The Fullback Files: Sacha to the Rescue | a USA Match ReactionAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14548145598767127627noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198732413882406269.post-64799278213779408532010-02-25T21:49:05.854-05:002010-02-25T21:49:05.854-05:00Excuse me, Fullback. I guess every time I read a ...Excuse me, Fullback. I guess every time I read a well thought out post, Chest_Rockwell automatically comes to my mind. Apologies. ;)<br /><br />I think it comes down to a willingness to change. BB does have an unfortunate and sometimes destructive tendency to stick to his original game plan regardless of the match tempo and style. If the opposing team makes a shift in their formation, BB fails to make the necessary adjustments. <br /><br />And I think BB's conservative attitude is contagious to the players. If there happens to be a subtle change in the tempo or pattern in the attacking strategy or style by the opposing team, our player's might be more reluctant to adapt as necessary throughout the match. This can be a death toll in the World Cup when we play teams of a high caliber and some will undoubtedly have a few tricks up their sleeve when it comes to formations and strategy. They'll change it up and burn us. I'm anxious to see how we come out against a formidable opponent of The Netherlands next week.<br /><br />In short, I think there is a correlation and relationship between fluidity and patterns or rhythm. If a team is not fluid, it is usually because the team fails to recognize the patterns and rhythm of the opposing team during the match.redskinsuxhttp://dcunited.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198732413882406269.post-46879241223889063402010-02-25T19:48:41.236-05:002010-02-25T19:48:41.236-05:00Chest?
I think you mistake me for another long-wi...Chest?<br /><br />I think you mistake me for another long-winded United/USA observer ;-). <br /><br />Obviously, there is going to be less "flow" in the international game by virtue of the fact that these guys aren't playing together day in and day out as they would be at their clubs. That said, my comment was less about fluidity than it was about having a feeling for the patterns and rhythm of the game and the ability to both adapt and make rapid changes to these patterns.<br /><br />Subjective? Probably overly so. And I'm likewise certain that my own bias as a fan of the team makes me more disposed to be critical of them.<br /><br />This is also a problem that I don't think you can lay completely at Bob's feet, as I think it's part of the growth of understanding the game here in the States. Still, his approach does lend itself less to subtle shifts and reacting in-game than it does to having a game plan and sticking to it at all costs.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198732413882406269.post-38840615406188086452010-02-25T18:26:18.744-05:002010-02-25T18:26:18.744-05:00I like your assessment, Chest.
"It's ...I like your assessment, Chest. <br /><br />"It's the transitions and the timing that never seem to quite be right. Too mechanical. Too studied. Not natural. Is it just me?"<br /><br />No, it's not just you. I think this reflects, partly, on the coach. The players are too focused on the status-quo of what they're "supposed" to do and their positioning. I noticed Beckerman trying to stir up the movement in the midfield but other players wouldn't compensate for him. Casey looked lost in his positioning at times, too. Very little harmony and fluidity in our play last night, which caused me to fall asleep before halftime. Not a good sign. Barcelona's style is so attractive and fluid because the players positions are interchangable. <br /><br />This is what I like about Peter Nowak. He advocates a quick and harmonious style of play. I really hope he gets a shot because he will bring something needed to this American team.redskinsuxhttp://dcunited.comnoreply@blogger.com