NFR World Cup

Non-fishing related
The USA experience at the world cup showed how far the teams has come and the foundation for the next cycle is solid. This young squad has a number of solid pieces for the future, but the past 4 games also highlighted where they need the most improvement.

There was lack of depth that hurt player rotations and how potentially over-axed some players were as the tournament wore on. Difference in Adams play (who was a demon the first 3 games) in Netherland's game is an example of the toil that lack of depth took.


That lack of a turn number 9 (an assassin that can finish the chances created) is a glaring obvious needed. In fact, in a perfect world the USA needs both an upgrade and depth at the "striker" position. The lack of a true 9 is puzzling as traditional this has been a squad strength.

The back line played well but again the lack of depth hurt. Need several young talented players will be needed.

For a long time, the American squad has lack mid-field talent. Especially in center where the transition from Offense to defense is so critical. Adams is one of the pieces needed but a second mid-fielder to partner with him to quarterback that transition. Those players need to win and hold balls, jump start the offense, and help provide defensive cover when the other team is transitioning to offense. This is critical when the outside defenders are pushing the attack down the sidelines. Those over lapping center mid-fielders has been a long time needed and the most difficult to fill. Bottom line that position has to content the offense and defense, sense where there team-mates are, and anticipate the holes they need to fill. This is the position where the greatest "soccer sense" is needed.

On the whole very pleased with the team growth over the last 3 years and hopeful that some of those key pieces will be found.

Curt
 
Chucker said:
Exactly. They had been leaving that sort of space in the other games too, the Dutch were looking for it.

Overall though, good performance from the USA.
Click to expand...
Running to space…passing to space…basic soccer fundamentals…a winning combination. 😉
 
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v Russia in the 2018 World Cup
v Italy in Euro 2020
v Morocco in the 2022 World Cup

A third-successive penalty shootout defeat for Spain at a major tournament.
 
Wait gets better. He gets subbed in scores on a breakaway only to be disallowed for being offsides.
 
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