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.