No. 19--Roma vs. Cagliari Italian Soccer: A Non Aggressive Cagliari, But a Clean Game along with Good Refereeing

by Soccer Coach Albert M. Luongo

Roma won the match on December 5, 2007 against Cagliari 2 to 0. It was a clean game with good refereeing; however, there were still a few yellow cards given out for serious offenses. It seems to me that a soccer match with relatively few fouls was the norm a few years ago. Back then, I can remember when players played the ball and not the man for most of the game, while today the opposite seems to be true. And pulling an opponent’s shirt now seems to be acceptable. So it is a pleasure to see a relatively clean game now and then.

Anyway Roma dominated their opponents with excellent passes while utilizing the whole team. Also, their defense was strong and well played. On the other hand Cagliari at times had sporadic passing sprees, but could not seem work their way into Roma’s goal area too often. Instead, it became necessary to take many of their shots on goal from a long way out. This is a credit to the Roma Defense.

Cagliari did have a few opportunities to score, but just couldn’t put the ball in the back of the net. They did not seem to play together as a full team either. Take this example: On one occasion, one of the forwards (I could not catch his name) made a super run with the ball up the right wing to the point where he was alone with the Roma goalkeeper, except for teammate Acquafresca—Roma’s forward. Acquafresca ran upfield staying even with the ball and to a point where he was unopposed by any defenders at the center of the goal. Had the ball been passed to him, it would have been a sure goal. Instead the ball was kicked directly at the keeper and no goal was scored. This is an example of this teams reliance on an individual’s performance rather than on teamwork. Furthermore, it was evident that Cagliari players were backing away from Roma Players on many occasions and did not seem to have sufficient stamina to play aggressively throughout the whole game.

Here are a few facts for developing personal skills that can help young players and or coaches:
1. Each player must challenge an opposing player for the ball when the opposition is on the attack
2. Each player must endeavor to win the loose ball
3. Playing as a team is always better then depending upon certain players to win the day
4. Last but not least is that all players must be in top physical condition via rigorous team and personal 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.