By Soccer Coach Albert M. Luongo
Premier League Soccer/football: The FA Cup game was played on January 29, 2008. The final score was Arsenal 3, New Castle United 0. New Castle United could not compete effectively against Arsenal, as they frequently could not get out of the midfield to launch concerted attacks. Both teams used an identical formation of 4-4-2. Only one goal was scored in the first half. At 39 minutes into play, Arsenal’s Emmanuel Adebayor headed a cross past the United’s goalkeeper Given, making the score 1-0.
At the beginning of the second half, New Castle United got off to a good start and held their own for about ten minutes. After that they had difficulty mounting concerted attacks. Some long balls and flicks up field indicated that they were getting desperate. For the most part, they were enervated and their defense seemed to be scrambling in disorder. At minute 71, Arsenal’s Mathieu Flamine put in a long shot taken about 10 yards outside the penalty area. This was a fantastic long shot. At the 79th minute, Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas was unimpeded by United’s defense—they were scrambling as Fabergas got the third goal.
Review
The outcome of the match was predictable since Arsenal had good effective passing, they were more aggressive than United for winning the loose ball and overall they appeared to have more energy. This was apparent from the middle of the second half on. They played a good short ball game and their strong defense generally prevented coordinated New Castle’s attack buildups.
Except for a short period at the beginning of the second half, it was apparent that the the coaching of Arsene Wegner was showing its merit. In order to compete against strong teams, all players need to be in peak physical form. This is needed to prevent mistakes in everything—dribbling, passing, applying pressure to force the opponents to make passing mistakes. When a team has superior endurance, with matching skills of the opponent, they are most often the winners.
All of the above information is the author's opinion. This article in no way is meant to degrade, discredit or defame any team or person. Its sole purpose is to improve the skills of young soccer players, coaches and the game itself.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
No. 45—Italian Soccer—Inter Milan vs. Roma for the Coppa Italia—Roma’s had a Superior Passing Game
by Soccer Coach Albert M. Luongo
The final score of the game played in Rome on May 24, 2008 was Roma 2 to Inter Milan 1. Roma’s superior passing and aggressive play allowed them to maintain possession and control of the ball for a greater percentage of the game while Milan had difficulty in maintaining accurate constructive passes. Often Inter sent long balls or head flicks up-field (Hail Mary passes) that only amounted to ball recovery by Roma.
The first half was a clean game played mostly in the midfield with few good chances for scoring for either side. However at minute 35, Roma’s Mexes received the ball from a corner kick and kicked it passed Inter’s goalkeeper Toldo, who had no chance to save the shot. Mexes was completely unmarked, showing a problem with Inter’s defense. The score at the half was Rome 1 Inter Milan 0.
The second half got progressively rougher as time went on. Near the end of the match, players were going down left and right. At minute 9, Roma’s Perrotta passed the ball to a teammate at the left side of the goal. The ball was returned to Perrotta who scored with no chance for Milan’s goalkeeper Doni to save the shot. This gave Rome the lead of 2-0. However, several seconds before the goal, Roma’s Cassetti appeared to foul Milan’s Cesar. It is my opinion that this was a foul, but the referee allowed the play to continue.
At minute 15, Pele` (Vitor Hugh Gomes Passos) took a long shot from over 30 yards and off to the right of the goal. He scored with this amazing shot making the score 2 to 1.
Discussion
Roma certainly deserved to win the match. Their passing skills were accurate and they pressured Milan to get repossession of the ball. It seems to me that Milan’s endurance training could be increased to give them better timing and control of the ball.
Not discussed above, but worth mentioning was the positioning of Roma’s players near the end of the match. At around the time of 35 minutes into the second half, Roma appeared to retain all players on defense to hold their lead. While defensive play is the best strategy, playing all players in defense can upset the defensive team, be an overkill and a mistake. A few minutes later however, Roma went back to normal offensive and defensive play and held their lead.
All of the above information is the author's opinion. This article in no way is meant to degrade, discredit or defame any team or person. Its sole purpose is to improve the skills of young soccer players, coaches and the game itself.
The final score of the game played in Rome on May 24, 2008 was Roma 2 to Inter Milan 1. Roma’s superior passing and aggressive play allowed them to maintain possession and control of the ball for a greater percentage of the game while Milan had difficulty in maintaining accurate constructive passes. Often Inter sent long balls or head flicks up-field (Hail Mary passes) that only amounted to ball recovery by Roma.
The first half was a clean game played mostly in the midfield with few good chances for scoring for either side. However at minute 35, Roma’s Mexes received the ball from a corner kick and kicked it passed Inter’s goalkeeper Toldo, who had no chance to save the shot. Mexes was completely unmarked, showing a problem with Inter’s defense. The score at the half was Rome 1 Inter Milan 0.
The second half got progressively rougher as time went on. Near the end of the match, players were going down left and right. At minute 9, Roma’s Perrotta passed the ball to a teammate at the left side of the goal. The ball was returned to Perrotta who scored with no chance for Milan’s goalkeeper Doni to save the shot. This gave Rome the lead of 2-0. However, several seconds before the goal, Roma’s Cassetti appeared to foul Milan’s Cesar. It is my opinion that this was a foul, but the referee allowed the play to continue.
At minute 15, Pele` (Vitor Hugh Gomes Passos) took a long shot from over 30 yards and off to the right of the goal. He scored with this amazing shot making the score 2 to 1.
Discussion
Roma certainly deserved to win the match. Their passing skills were accurate and they pressured Milan to get repossession of the ball. It seems to me that Milan’s endurance training could be increased to give them better timing and control of the ball.
Not discussed above, but worth mentioning was the positioning of Roma’s players near the end of the match. At around the time of 35 minutes into the second half, Roma appeared to retain all players on defense to hold their lead. While defensive play is the best strategy, playing all players in defense can upset the defensive team, be an overkill and a mistake. A few minutes later however, Roma went back to normal offensive and defensive play and held their lead.
All of the above information is the author's opinion. This article in no way is meant to degrade, discredit or defame any team or person. Its sole purpose is to improve the skills of young soccer players, coaches and the game itself.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
No. 44—Soccer—Huston Dynamo vs. Colorado Rapids: Teams Where Skills Could be Improved Upon
by Soccer Coach Albert M. Luongo
The final score of the game played in Houston on May 6, 2008 was 2 to 1. The game in the first half started off poorly as there was little control of the ball most of the time. Colorado in particular had poor trapping, very little continuity in passing and teamwork, and sent up field long balls that went essentially to no one. It seemed that they did not know what to do with the ball when they got possession of it. Furthermore, the ball was constantly going over the touchline for one reason or another making it uncomfortable to watch. However, toward the end of the game, Colorado began to look more professional.
The first half was also dominated by Houston. At Minute 17, Houston's Brian Ching had a breakaway (high school style). He approached the goalkeeper and chipped the ball over the Colorado goalkeeper Coundoul and also over the goal. A good effort on Ching’s part, but where was the Colorado defense? At minute 39 Ching had another similar breakaway. This time he passed the goalkeeper and easily pushed the ball into the net making the score 1 to 0. The Colorado defense was way up field.
The second half allowed for better and more professional play. As the half went on, both teams seemed to get the rhythm of the game and played a more settled game. But Houston still dominated much of this half. The major part of the game in this half was played in the midfield and so the defensive teams were not on display too often until the remaining part of the game where more action occurred near the goals.
At minute 68 Colorado’s Christian Gomez sent the ball to Cummings. Cummings was flanked on both sides by Houston defenders giving chase, but had a clear shot on goal while dribbling. His shot made the score 1 to 1. At minute 85, Colorado’s Ugo Ihemelu’s handball in the penalty area allowed for a penalty kick for Houston. DeRosario took the kick and scored making the final score 2 to 1.
Finally, in the last ten minutes of play, Colorado came alive, as they became more soccer-aggressive and looked more professional. They could not score however.
Discussion
Both teams , but especially Colorado, need more practice at the basics of trapping long balls, shielding, passing and team work. At times they looked good, but at other times they were sloppy with kicking the ball constantly over the touchline to save it from being in a dangerous situation. Several times the ball was flicked upfield, headed with no receiver in mind and also kept in the air for many touches to the ball with no attempt at settling it.
I liked DeRosario’s demeanor after scoring: He showed no victory display as is so often the case today when a player scores.
All of the above information is the author's opinion. This article in no way is meant to degrade, discredit or defame any team or person. Its sole purpose is to improve the skills of young soccer players, coaches and the game itself.
The final score of the game played in Houston on May 6, 2008 was 2 to 1. The game in the first half started off poorly as there was little control of the ball most of the time. Colorado in particular had poor trapping, very little continuity in passing and teamwork, and sent up field long balls that went essentially to no one. It seemed that they did not know what to do with the ball when they got possession of it. Furthermore, the ball was constantly going over the touchline for one reason or another making it uncomfortable to watch. However, toward the end of the game, Colorado began to look more professional.
The first half was also dominated by Houston. At Minute 17, Houston's Brian Ching had a breakaway (high school style). He approached the goalkeeper and chipped the ball over the Colorado goalkeeper Coundoul and also over the goal. A good effort on Ching’s part, but where was the Colorado defense? At minute 39 Ching had another similar breakaway. This time he passed the goalkeeper and easily pushed the ball into the net making the score 1 to 0. The Colorado defense was way up field.
The second half allowed for better and more professional play. As the half went on, both teams seemed to get the rhythm of the game and played a more settled game. But Houston still dominated much of this half. The major part of the game in this half was played in the midfield and so the defensive teams were not on display too often until the remaining part of the game where more action occurred near the goals.
At minute 68 Colorado’s Christian Gomez sent the ball to Cummings. Cummings was flanked on both sides by Houston defenders giving chase, but had a clear shot on goal while dribbling. His shot made the score 1 to 1. At minute 85, Colorado’s Ugo Ihemelu’s handball in the penalty area allowed for a penalty kick for Houston. DeRosario took the kick and scored making the final score 2 to 1.
Finally, in the last ten minutes of play, Colorado came alive, as they became more soccer-aggressive and looked more professional. They could not score however.
Discussion
Both teams , but especially Colorado, need more practice at the basics of trapping long balls, shielding, passing and team work. At times they looked good, but at other times they were sloppy with kicking the ball constantly over the touchline to save it from being in a dangerous situation. Several times the ball was flicked upfield, headed with no receiver in mind and also kept in the air for many touches to the ball with no attempt at settling it.
I liked DeRosario’s demeanor after scoring: He showed no victory display as is so often the case today when a player scores.
All of the above information is the author's opinion. This article in no way is meant to degrade, discredit or defame any team or person. Its sole purpose is to improve the skills of young soccer players, coaches and the game itself.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
No. 43—Scotish, Italian Soccer—Glasgow Rangers vs. Fiorentina—The Rangers Strong Defense kept them from Losing
by Soccer Coach Albert M. Luongo
The final score of the game played on April 24, 2008 was 0 to 0 with both teams employing many players to help out in defense. It was an excellent game as both teams' strong defenses made few or no errors. While both teams prevented goals from scoring, Fiorentina (being the stronger team) played a good ground short-ball passing game, thus giving them excellent offensive play.
For the first 9 minutes however, Fiorentina was unsettled until about the time that Jorgensen sent a long shot sailing well over the Ranger’s goal. Following that, they settled down and began to put together offensive tactics and plays that lasted throughout the game: Their midfield offence and defense was excellent. The Italian team’s shielding skills were obvious, especially demonstrated by Argentina native Mario Santana. Their passing and trapping skills were superior to that of the Rangers.
As for the Scots, their best attack came when powerful and fast Darcherville dribbled past defenders on the left wing at 16 minutes into the game. He brought the ball in near the goal then placed it dangerously in front of it, but a teammate just missed getting to the ball. Why he was substituted-out about 5 minutes into the second half is beyond me?
The Rangers did not have the precise attacking skills of their opponents, but their defensive skills prevented them from losing: They managed to keep most of their team back in times of opponent attacks. As for offense, their long passes (made frequently from their goalkeeper) usually ended in interceptions.
Discussion
At times the Rangers, often seemed hold on to the traditional long-ball passing game when on the offense. They appeared to be in a transition--going from their traditional long-ball soccer style to the short-ball, ball-possession game. If so, they need to concentrate on better passing, trapping and shielding under pressure. Read my soccer books for a thorough understanding of these skills.
Fiorentina had excellent skills, but I believe that their endurance could have been better. Despite the excellent defense of the Rangers, a higher endurance could have won the day for Fiorentina as they dominated the midfield.
I found it interesting however, that in the last ten minutes or so, each team maintained their stride and did not try to force the ball into the net: This (over anxiety to score) can be a common occurrence with tie score games and generally does not produce a goal. So, both teams maintained self-control--the mark of excellent teams.
I was pleased to see a clean game. Both teams should be complemented for this play. Even the announcer commented about the lack of rough playing from the Scottish team. He apparently expected this type of play. The referee was excellent. He was firm and most likely the reason that the game had few serious fouls.
Here is a little story from my past. Years ago, I had refereed a game in Canada. About 10 minutes into play I stopped the game and exerted my authority. Players from one team were fiercely roughing-up their opponents with a high frequency: Their general tactics were to go for the legs and not the ball. These tactics was the roughest that I had experienced up to that time. I called that team’s coach onto the edge of the field and spoke to him so everyone could hear. Knowing well that the coach was behind these maneuvers, I told him, "I do not know what is going on here with your team, but if this type of rough play continues, I will discontinue the game."
The coach responded to me in a thick brogue, " That’s the way we play in Scotland". I responded with, "Well that is not the way we play in Canada", and restarted the game.
From that point on moreover, the excessive rough playing ceased and we enjoyed a nice soccer match--the way it is supposed to be played and the way I like to see it.
All of the above information is the author's opinion. This article in no way is meant to degrade, discredit or defame any team or person. Its sole purpose is to improve the skills of young soccer players, coaches and the game itself.
The final score of the game played on April 24, 2008 was 0 to 0 with both teams employing many players to help out in defense. It was an excellent game as both teams' strong defenses made few or no errors. While both teams prevented goals from scoring, Fiorentina (being the stronger team) played a good ground short-ball passing game, thus giving them excellent offensive play.
For the first 9 minutes however, Fiorentina was unsettled until about the time that Jorgensen sent a long shot sailing well over the Ranger’s goal. Following that, they settled down and began to put together offensive tactics and plays that lasted throughout the game: Their midfield offence and defense was excellent. The Italian team’s shielding skills were obvious, especially demonstrated by Argentina native Mario Santana. Their passing and trapping skills were superior to that of the Rangers.
As for the Scots, their best attack came when powerful and fast Darcherville dribbled past defenders on the left wing at 16 minutes into the game. He brought the ball in near the goal then placed it dangerously in front of it, but a teammate just missed getting to the ball. Why he was substituted-out about 5 minutes into the second half is beyond me?
The Rangers did not have the precise attacking skills of their opponents, but their defensive skills prevented them from losing: They managed to keep most of their team back in times of opponent attacks. As for offense, their long passes (made frequently from their goalkeeper) usually ended in interceptions.
Discussion
At times the Rangers, often seemed hold on to the traditional long-ball passing game when on the offense. They appeared to be in a transition--going from their traditional long-ball soccer style to the short-ball, ball-possession game. If so, they need to concentrate on better passing, trapping and shielding under pressure. Read my soccer books for a thorough understanding of these skills.
Fiorentina had excellent skills, but I believe that their endurance could have been better. Despite the excellent defense of the Rangers, a higher endurance could have won the day for Fiorentina as they dominated the midfield.
I found it interesting however, that in the last ten minutes or so, each team maintained their stride and did not try to force the ball into the net: This (over anxiety to score) can be a common occurrence with tie score games and generally does not produce a goal. So, both teams maintained self-control--the mark of excellent teams.
I was pleased to see a clean game. Both teams should be complemented for this play. Even the announcer commented about the lack of rough playing from the Scottish team. He apparently expected this type of play. The referee was excellent. He was firm and most likely the reason that the game had few serious fouls.
Here is a little story from my past. Years ago, I had refereed a game in Canada. About 10 minutes into play I stopped the game and exerted my authority. Players from one team were fiercely roughing-up their opponents with a high frequency: Their general tactics were to go for the legs and not the ball. These tactics was the roughest that I had experienced up to that time. I called that team’s coach onto the edge of the field and spoke to him so everyone could hear. Knowing well that the coach was behind these maneuvers, I told him, "I do not know what is going on here with your team, but if this type of rough play continues, I will discontinue the game."
The coach responded to me in a thick brogue, " That’s the way we play in Scotland". I responded with, "Well that is not the way we play in Canada", and restarted the game.
From that point on moreover, the excessive rough playing ceased and we enjoyed a nice soccer match--the way it is supposed to be played and the way I like to see it.
All of the above information is the author's opinion. This article in no way is meant to degrade, discredit or defame any team or person. Its sole purpose is to improve the skills of young soccer players, coaches and the game itself.
Friday, April 25, 2008
No. 42—German Soccer, Bundeslige—FC Nuremberg vs. FC Bayern Munich: A Good Defensive Game to Watch, but Ended Sloppy
by Soccer Coach Albert M. Luongo
The final score of the Bundeslige game, FC Nuremberg vs. FC Bayern Munich, played on March 29, 2008 was 1 to 1. It was a great spectator game as both teams played a good ground passing game with excellent defense except on both occasions when goals were scored.
Nuremberg dominated this half. At minute 44 Nurenberg’s Zvjezdan Misimovic was unmarked and kicked a long shot from the left side of the goal into the upper right hand corner of the net. This shot just missed the cross bar and the upright. There was no chance for Bayern Munich’s goalkeeper Kahn to save this shot. However, Misimovic should have been marked.
During the middle of second half, Munich seemed to come alive. And at minute 81, substitute Podolski became open in front of the goal. Luca Toni sent a nice pass to unmarked Podolski, who scored making the score 1-1. There was no chance for Nuremberg goalkeeper Blazek to stop this shot.
Discussion
Both teams defenses (see the author's books) kept the score down, but on two occasions (once for each team) a goal was let in due to players caught watching the ball and not marking strikers. At about the last 8 to 10 minutes, the play and players became undone as both teams tried frantically to sent the ball up to the opponents goal--they seemed to have thrown caution to the wind. Had one of these teams played aggressively, yet with care as earlier in the game, they may have scored a winning point. However, it seems that each team ran out of steam, making aggressive offensive play difficult—the probable cause for the lack of each team's energy at the end of the game is not enough endurance training.
All of the above information is the author's opinion. This article in no way is meant to degrade, discredit or defame any team or person. Its sole purpose is to improve the skills of young soccer players, coaches and the game itself.
The final score of the Bundeslige game, FC Nuremberg vs. FC Bayern Munich, played on March 29, 2008 was 1 to 1. It was a great spectator game as both teams played a good ground passing game with excellent defense except on both occasions when goals were scored.
Nuremberg dominated this half. At minute 44 Nurenberg’s Zvjezdan Misimovic was unmarked and kicked a long shot from the left side of the goal into the upper right hand corner of the net. This shot just missed the cross bar and the upright. There was no chance for Bayern Munich’s goalkeeper Kahn to save this shot. However, Misimovic should have been marked.
During the middle of second half, Munich seemed to come alive. And at minute 81, substitute Podolski became open in front of the goal. Luca Toni sent a nice pass to unmarked Podolski, who scored making the score 1-1. There was no chance for Nuremberg goalkeeper Blazek to stop this shot.
Discussion
Both teams defenses (see the author's books) kept the score down, but on two occasions (once for each team) a goal was let in due to players caught watching the ball and not marking strikers. At about the last 8 to 10 minutes, the play and players became undone as both teams tried frantically to sent the ball up to the opponents goal--they seemed to have thrown caution to the wind. Had one of these teams played aggressively, yet with care as earlier in the game, they may have scored a winning point. However, it seems that each team ran out of steam, making aggressive offensive play difficult—the probable cause for the lack of each team's energy at the end of the game is not enough endurance training.
All of the above information is the author's opinion. This article in no way is meant to degrade, discredit or defame any team or person. Its sole purpose is to improve the skills of young soccer players, coaches and the game itself.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
No. 32—Soccer, Spanish: Villarreal vs. Barcelona: Barcelona Dominated the Mid Field but Could Not Penetrate Villarreal’s Strong Defense
By Soccer Coach Albert M. Luongo
The match was held on January 24, 2008 and ended in a scoreless tie. Villarreal, in very bright yellow uniforms, could not seem put together cohesive attacks from the midfield, which Barcelona dominated. Barcelona’s midfield was strong and their passing attacks were excellent, except when near Villarreal’s defended goal. Villarreal had a strong defense and required that most of Barcelona’s shots at the goal be taken from well outside the penalty area. They did make one defensive mistake however, they allowed Iniesta to be unmarked at the 77th minute. Iniesta, all alone in front of the net, could have scored wining goal, but he missed.
Barcelona's Leo Messi was installed into the game at the start of the halftime. He had been out on about 5 weeks on an injury. He played well as he set up a few chances for his team to score, but the team could not make the right connection to score.
Barcelona also maintained a strong defense, but was less tested as many of Villarreal’s attacks were generally thwarted in the midfield. And most the shots on goal were from outside the penalty area. Barcelona outclassed them as they settled the ball from nearly all passes. Villerreal sent too many desperate long passes up field and most were intercepted as could be observed as the ball settled down. They also made some trapping mistakes. These mistakes could be related to their lack of optimum conditioning.
It was a clean game for the first three quarters, but it got a little rough in the last quarter.
Here is my analysis of the game.
Barcelona owned the midfield for most of the game with Villarreal’s disappointing passing.
This is what I believe went right and wrong for Barcelona.
Barcelona was aggressive to win the loose ball and had the energy to constantly make good passes and traps under pressure of nearby opponents. But, they met their match when they went against Villarreal’s defense. Their own defense disallowed any goals from being scored--there were only a few attempts at scoring by Villarreal.
This is what I believe went right and wrong for Villarreal.
Even though Villarreal could not develop many attacks on goal, they made a great showing with their defense. Goalkeeper Diego Lopez well defended the goal along with taking command of his defensive team as elaborated on in my books. On the attacking side, the team did not appear too aggressive to pressure their opponents into making passing mistakes, yet they made several passing mistakes of their own; but fortunately, their strong defense kept them from losing: This is commendable. However, I believe that they could improve offensively with better conditioning.
A further note: If I were the manager of this team, I would do something about the blaring color of the "phosphorescent" yellow uniforms. I could be wrong, but if I was playing against this team, one glance would immediately alert me as to where the opponents are located and aid in the distribution of passes to relatively unguarded teammates. Even though one might say that the bright color also helps Villarreal’s players easily identify their own teammates, my opinion is that it is more disadvantagous than advantagous.
All of the above information is the author's opinion. This article in no way is meant to degrade, discredit or defame any team or person. Its sole purpose is to improve the skills of young soccer players, coaches and the game itself.
The match was held on January 24, 2008 and ended in a scoreless tie. Villarreal, in very bright yellow uniforms, could not seem put together cohesive attacks from the midfield, which Barcelona dominated. Barcelona’s midfield was strong and their passing attacks were excellent, except when near Villarreal’s defended goal. Villarreal had a strong defense and required that most of Barcelona’s shots at the goal be taken from well outside the penalty area. They did make one defensive mistake however, they allowed Iniesta to be unmarked at the 77th minute. Iniesta, all alone in front of the net, could have scored wining goal, but he missed.
Barcelona's Leo Messi was installed into the game at the start of the halftime. He had been out on about 5 weeks on an injury. He played well as he set up a few chances for his team to score, but the team could not make the right connection to score.
Barcelona also maintained a strong defense, but was less tested as many of Villarreal’s attacks were generally thwarted in the midfield. And most the shots on goal were from outside the penalty area. Barcelona outclassed them as they settled the ball from nearly all passes. Villerreal sent too many desperate long passes up field and most were intercepted as could be observed as the ball settled down. They also made some trapping mistakes. These mistakes could be related to their lack of optimum conditioning.
It was a clean game for the first three quarters, but it got a little rough in the last quarter.
Here is my analysis of the game.
Barcelona owned the midfield for most of the game with Villarreal’s disappointing passing.
This is what I believe went right and wrong for Barcelona.
Barcelona was aggressive to win the loose ball and had the energy to constantly make good passes and traps under pressure of nearby opponents. But, they met their match when they went against Villarreal’s defense. Their own defense disallowed any goals from being scored--there were only a few attempts at scoring by Villarreal.
This is what I believe went right and wrong for Villarreal.
Even though Villarreal could not develop many attacks on goal, they made a great showing with their defense. Goalkeeper Diego Lopez well defended the goal along with taking command of his defensive team as elaborated on in my books. On the attacking side, the team did not appear too aggressive to pressure their opponents into making passing mistakes, yet they made several passing mistakes of their own; but fortunately, their strong defense kept them from losing: This is commendable. However, I believe that they could improve offensively with better conditioning.
A further note: If I were the manager of this team, I would do something about the blaring color of the "phosphorescent" yellow uniforms. I could be wrong, but if I was playing against this team, one glance would immediately alert me as to where the opponents are located and aid in the distribution of passes to relatively unguarded teammates. Even though one might say that the bright color also helps Villarreal’s players easily identify their own teammates, my opinion is that it is more disadvantagous than advantagous.
All of the above information is the author's opinion. This article in no way is meant to degrade, discredit or defame any team or person. Its sole purpose is to improve the skills of young soccer players, coaches and the game itself.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Blog 31--Soccer: Real Madrid vs. Athletico Madrid: Real Madrid Controlled the Game
by Soccer Coach Albert M. Luongo
On Jan. 20, 2008 Real Madrid had a victory over Athletico Madrid. The score ended Real Madrid 2 Athletico Madrid 0. While Athletico had several chances to score during the game, most were saved by Real Madrid’s goalkeeper Castillas. He had made many spectacular saves, giving an indication that his defense was somewhat wanting. But, Real Madrid out passed and preformed Athletico. Real Madrid also worked the ball up field with much better passing than the opponents. The results were that there were more coordinated attacks by the former and only sporadic attacks by the latter. The final score ended about right.
The first goal came when Robinho passed the ball to Raul from the left wing area. Raul unimpeded by any defenders scored at 40 seconds into the match: Just prior to the goal, a defensive error by an Athletico defender caused the ball to not clear properly enabling Robinho to place the ball in front of the net and to Raul. Their second goal came when Ruud Van Nestelrooy scored from a corner kick. He side volleyed it with his left foot with no chance for anyone to defend against it—making it 2 to 0. No further goals were scored.
The referee, in my opinion, made a serious bad call by giving a yellow card to an Athletico Madrid player who made a perfect legal slide tackle to Robinho at 35 minutes into play. Robinho went down after the tackle, but the tackle was perfectly legal. He should have also awarded a penalty kick against Athletico Madrid at 12 minutes into the second half when Atletico’s player took down Real Madrid’s Salgado--kicking the back of his leg in the penalty area. After that the game got quite rough. It was apparent to me that the referee lost control of the game.
Review:
It seemed obvious to me that Athletico needs to be in better physical condition in order to reduce mistakes on the field and to better compete with a team of the caliber of Real Madrid. Near the end of the match, Athletico made passing and trapping errors that could be generally attributed to exhausted players.
Both teams could use improvements in their defense.
Even though these two teams are rivals, there is no excuse for their fouling. Athletico’s roughness exceeded that of Madrid. The referee should have had better control of the game following the FIFA Laws of the Game.
Note 1. At the FIFA web site it is necessary to scroll down to read it.
Note 2 : I do not give out the referee's name for their own security.
All of the above information is the author's opinion. This article in no way is meant to degrade, discredit or defame any team or person. Its sole purpose is to improve the skills of young soccer players, coaches and the game itself.
On Jan. 20, 2008 Real Madrid had a victory over Athletico Madrid. The score ended Real Madrid 2 Athletico Madrid 0. While Athletico had several chances to score during the game, most were saved by Real Madrid’s goalkeeper Castillas. He had made many spectacular saves, giving an indication that his defense was somewhat wanting. But, Real Madrid out passed and preformed Athletico. Real Madrid also worked the ball up field with much better passing than the opponents. The results were that there were more coordinated attacks by the former and only sporadic attacks by the latter. The final score ended about right.
The first goal came when Robinho passed the ball to Raul from the left wing area. Raul unimpeded by any defenders scored at 40 seconds into the match: Just prior to the goal, a defensive error by an Athletico defender caused the ball to not clear properly enabling Robinho to place the ball in front of the net and to Raul. Their second goal came when Ruud Van Nestelrooy scored from a corner kick. He side volleyed it with his left foot with no chance for anyone to defend against it—making it 2 to 0. No further goals were scored.
The referee, in my opinion, made a serious bad call by giving a yellow card to an Athletico Madrid player who made a perfect legal slide tackle to Robinho at 35 minutes into play. Robinho went down after the tackle, but the tackle was perfectly legal. He should have also awarded a penalty kick against Athletico Madrid at 12 minutes into the second half when Atletico’s player took down Real Madrid’s Salgado--kicking the back of his leg in the penalty area. After that the game got quite rough. It was apparent to me that the referee lost control of the game.
Review:
It seemed obvious to me that Athletico needs to be in better physical condition in order to reduce mistakes on the field and to better compete with a team of the caliber of Real Madrid. Near the end of the match, Athletico made passing and trapping errors that could be generally attributed to exhausted players.
Both teams could use improvements in their defense.
Even though these two teams are rivals, there is no excuse for their fouling. Athletico’s roughness exceeded that of Madrid. The referee should have had better control of the game following the FIFA Laws of the Game.
Note 1. At the FIFA web site it is necessary to scroll down to read it.
Note 2 : I do not give out the referee's name for their own security.
All of the above information is the author's opinion. This article in no way is meant to degrade, discredit or defame any team or person. Its sole purpose is to improve the skills of young soccer players, coaches and the game itself.
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