The Internet will presently be deluged with innumerable narratives explaining or rationalizing England's destruction by Germany in their 2010 World Cup knockout tie.
There are a few that should remain more salient than the countless others, for posterity's sake, before history is revisited, revisioned, and rewritten over and over under the bias of regret and disappointment.
Width
Capello left Adam Johnson at home, meaning England had no natural left-winger—the same issue which plagued their attack in the last two, or even three World Cups.
The Italian manager opted for a midfield of James Milner, Frank Lampard, Gareth Barry, and Steven Gerrard across in England's last two games, essentially employing four central-midfielders across.
The result was a total disability to counterattack or play any meaningful attacking football. If Capello wanted to have a defensive midfield setup, he should have played 4-5-1, with Rooney alone up top, three central midfielders, and two natural wingers. At least then their attack could be released with true attacking, wide players.
Instead, he used a narrower 4-4-2 without any wingers, therefore without any width, and therefore without any flowing or attacking promise.
Defense
Perhaps Capello's first mistake was assigning Rio Ferdinand captain of the squad despite alarming injury concerns. Ferdinand featured only briefly for his club side this year with an omnipresent back issue dating back several seasons. He withdrew from the tournament just weeks before it started.
On form, Ferdinand is arguably England's best defender. And like him, off-form, John Terry is horrible. He was slow, detached, and thoughtless against Germany and was shaky throughout the tournament.
It's hard to begrudge Capello for choosing him and Matthew Upson, but unfortunately for everyone involved neither were good enough— individually or together—at all Sunday. Nor did anyone in England's backline, besides Glen Johnson, inspire confidence at any time in the tournament.
Speed
Terry, Upson, Barry, Lampard, Gerrard, and Wayne Rooney, especially, were plodding against Germany and throughout the tournament. England, as a whole, without Shaun Wright-Phillips and Aaron Lennon, relied almost completely on fullbacks Johnson and Ashley Cole to provide overlapping width and speed.
The English were neither particularly strong or fast. Germany's Miroslav Klose out-muscled and outran virtually every member of England's defense Sunday.
It's one thing to be a quick side that counterattacks through the wings and runs in behind defenses. It's another to be a physical side, winning headers, sticking in and controlling matches. England were neither and did none.
Cultivated arrogance
The attention England garners from the media, domestically and abroad, is significant. However, it's no different—in magnitude, at least—to that found in rabid South American countries, or France or Italy.
The stark difference in the attention and pressure applied by both media and fandom is in the receiver, not the sender.
England's players are largely overpaid by their clubs, the result of surfeit only now rearing its head back upon the owners, as debt piles throughout many Premier League outfits. As a result, the individual egos of the British are more sensitive and more predisposed to being affected by it, being generally coddled and overly revered from without, and overly complacent, self-indulgent, and vain within.
Their lack of chemistry compounded an evident dearth in skill and athleticism, exposing them as a second-rate national side once again.
Reliance upon an overrated Wayne Rooney
Being one of the most marketed players in the world, it's not totally Rooney's fault that he's one of the most overrated. Each time he touches the ball, casual fans around the globe bate their breath, expecting anything. But there was nothing in his replies in an England shirt in June.
Rooney, on any team, will retrieve the ball on the left side, but doesn't have either the skill or confidence to dribble in that direction. Instead he opts to cut back with his right foot almost invariably.
Without the ability to sell movement to the byline, or the balance to switch the ball between his feet naturally, his offense is completely predictable. His only meaningful moments against Germany were a few fouls that he was gifted with as he ran into German defenders standing in his premeditated path.
Rooney has a low center of gravity and above-average vision, passing skill, and shooting power. But he is not strong enough to out-muscle large central defenders, nor fast enough to (or having the inclination to) make darting runs in behind them.
Therefore he often finds the defender between him and the goal. But what can he do to get past them? He is a very unambitious dribbler. He doesn't even try to create for himself with the ball, opting instead to usually turn back (to his right) to play square or across.
It's disappointing to realize how little trickery the Englishman picked up from a former clubmate—ironically also one of few players vaunted as a world soccer superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo; although the Portuguese striker actually deserves it, and lives up to it.
At club level this year, Rooney scored 26 goals, the majority of which completed United counterattacks through close range headers or tap-ins.
Unfortunately, though, it's hard for a player to push himself to improve when he is constantly being trumpeted as already one of the worlds' best, which Rooney, in reality, is not.
He remains a good striker on a great team at Manchester United, and an average player on a mediocre team in England. In the 2010 World Cup, Rooney played like a grumpy ghost, visible but immaterial, haunting England's dreams instead of opposing backlines.
Epitaph 2010
For posterity, let it be known that Barry, Terry, and Rooney were England's worst players in the tournament. Barry's dribbling, passing, and forward play was wholly regrettable. Terry's frazzle, lack of composure and speed, and insecurity marred his declining reputation. Rooney didn't get sent off, but may as well have been, by the lack of effort and effect he had on any of England's matches again, still scoreless across two World Cups.
Capello was supposed to be the difference to take England to the 2010 World Cup finals. In the end, he was one of the many reasons they crashed out prematurely.
His tactical reversion to vertical attacking play, without natural width (especially on the left) hearkened back to 2006 and 2002. His inclusion of Heskey instead of Crouch was nostalgic at best.
Employing Gerrard on the left side was an egregious repeating of the same mistake of manager's past, despite it being well-documented and lamented then, and surely again now. Lampard and Barry consistently left huge gaps in front of their defense as they over-committed forward, and not just against Germany.
Without a doubt, Capello's dogmatic and conventional formations, selections, and use of substitutions—in other words, his managing of his side—detracted more than it added for England throughout the World Cup this year.
But he remained, as the last few English managers were, at the mercy of his personnel, a crutch the next manager won't share, as England's current generation will mostly be mercifully cycled out and replenished by 2014, after failing abjectly so far this millennium.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Sunday, June 20, 2010
England suffer from tactics and selection, not pressure, likeduhobviously
One day removed from another vacant performance, several English players sat down last night and had a beer with their manager, the Telegraph reported Sunday.
Understandably depressed, as most English fans are, after a numbing nil-nil draw with Algeria Friday, vice-captain John Terry and several other players reportedly expressed their opinions about England's best formation, over vino and pints, to Fabio Capello on his birthday.
Terry spoke of squad division and differing opinions—some red, some blue—regarding what must be done to ensure progression against Slovenia on Wednesday.
It is rumored that several members of the squad believe Gerrard must play closer to solitary striker Wayne Rooney. Another belief present in the squad is that Joe Cole must start. (Hopefully proponents of both realize that the two are mutually exclusive.)
He also implied some rebellion against their stalwart, cerebral manager, stating "When things don’t go too well it is important the lads stay together. That is what we had the other night when we expressed ourselves.’’
Oddly, with all the talk of unity and division, captains and responsibility, there are no quotables from David Beckham. But, if nothing else, the English are good at camaraderie. Ball-busting and banter are part of their footballing culture.
---
No, morale isn't much of an issue for the English players. They're mostly too simple to overthink their mateships. Nor is the real problem the media, their country's expectations, or any other arbitrary pressures that all participating sides are struggling to balance.
England's celebrated manager, who made the side appear so attractive leading up to the tournament, despite being a highly-touted tactician, has shifted his strategic paradigm nostalgically similar to his failed predecessors.
When Capello regrettably left Adam Johnson at home, he doomed his side to play like the same-old modern England: hoofing long balls forward, hoping they're nodded on to Rooney, because sadly, like other recent England managers come-and-gone, Capello doesn't have the balls to sit either Lampard or Gerrard in lieu of the other.
Relegating Gerrard or Lampard unnaturally to the left wing, and unimaginatively plopping Heskey next to worker-finisher Rooney, just as McClaren and Erickson did, will see Capello and England fall tragically out of the world's biggest sporting tournament, two years after the same squad failed to qualify for Euro 2008.
Yet against Algeria last Friday, Gerrard was shoe-horned by Capello into the left of midfield just as he, Lampard, or Scholes were in past major tournaments. The result? No width.
Though, it's true, over those several years—and the first game against the United States—Lampard and Gerrard proved they don't work together in the middle of the field, leaving huge gaps in front of their own defense as each of them naturally drifted forward or counter-attacked.
---
Therefore, either Gerrard or preferably Lampard must sit to allow the other to play with the holding Barry if England are to succeed Wednesday in a 4-4-2.
The Oggmonster Peter Crouch must replace Heskey if England continue to use this formation. He enables England's blunt attack by winning more headers, being more mobile, having better feet, trickery, and generally better at everything than Heskey. The lanky Spurs forward must replace him if Capello opts to use two forwards.
If, as Chelsea's Terry and Lampard wish, their former club teammate Joe Cole is drafted in against Slovenia, he can certainly help on the left side where England now lack a natural left-winger. But he doesn't offer the width that Shaun Wright-Phillips can on that side.
This makes Cole's best position the right side with SWP on the left. If Cole is in the form that Terry suggests, a flier on him out there couldn't hurt, as Aaron Lennon has failed to impress and seems to prefer impacting games as a substitute, anyway.
If Capello plays 4-5-1, with Rooney up front alone—overestimating, as everyone does, his ability—both Lampard and Gerrard could feature in a five-man midfield with two wingers while Barry holds.
But Rooney himself, it must be said, is more effective with a partner, at club level and beyond: Even while he was tapping in goal after goal for United in a 4-5-1 last season, his outfield play was usually quite mediocre.
Besides, England must win to ensure progression into the elimination rounds. Therefore, Capello must use their most attacking formation. Crouch must be drafted in instead of Heskey, and either Gerrard or Lampard must sit, instead of lampooning either uncomfortably on the left wing.
---
Hopefully this was all sorted out in a bevy of man-hugs and cheers as players and manager relaxed Sunday evening to rationalize over pints.
A source from Soccernet said Sunday that Capello's message to his side would be "Just play." Hopefully his desperate players find his terse imploration more profound than spurious.
Their manager's stern propensity for discipline and sense was indeed useful, if not crucial, to changing the failing atmosphere at the England camp post-McClaren. He led the Three Lions through friendlies and World Cup qualifiers with aplomb and authority, garnering respect, if not outright fear, from a usually domineering British media.
But now that the tournament proper is upon them, his side would likely perform better if they were allowed to relax more, by manager and country, heading into the make-or-break match against a stodgy Slovenian side. Their countenance got them here; they no longer need it.
But, any wide range of understandable pressures, egos, affiliations, or the timing of the team-sheet won't add or detract especially from England's performance if their gaffer dogmatically trots out the same uninspired line-up, employing the same dull, vertical attacking style only freshly inscribed on the tombstones of predecessors he once appeared so superior to.
“It does seem like two years’ work was for nothing,” Capello told The Mirror Monday. Hopefully it isn't any more apparent come Thursday morning.
Understandably depressed, as most English fans are, after a numbing nil-nil draw with Algeria Friday, vice-captain John Terry and several other players reportedly expressed their opinions about England's best formation, over vino and pints, to Fabio Capello on his birthday.
Terry spoke of squad division and differing opinions—some red, some blue—regarding what must be done to ensure progression against Slovenia on Wednesday.
It is rumored that several members of the squad believe Gerrard must play closer to solitary striker Wayne Rooney. Another belief present in the squad is that Joe Cole must start. (Hopefully proponents of both realize that the two are mutually exclusive.)
He also implied some rebellion against their stalwart, cerebral manager, stating "When things don’t go too well it is important the lads stay together. That is what we had the other night when we expressed ourselves.’’
Oddly, with all the talk of unity and division, captains and responsibility, there are no quotables from David Beckham. But, if nothing else, the English are good at camaraderie. Ball-busting and banter are part of their footballing culture.
---
No, morale isn't much of an issue for the English players. They're mostly too simple to overthink their mateships. Nor is the real problem the media, their country's expectations, or any other arbitrary pressures that all participating sides are struggling to balance.
England's celebrated manager, who made the side appear so attractive leading up to the tournament, despite being a highly-touted tactician, has shifted his strategic paradigm nostalgically similar to his failed predecessors.
When Capello regrettably left Adam Johnson at home, he doomed his side to play like the same-old modern England: hoofing long balls forward, hoping they're nodded on to Rooney, because sadly, like other recent England managers come-and-gone, Capello doesn't have the balls to sit either Lampard or Gerrard in lieu of the other.
Relegating Gerrard or Lampard unnaturally to the left wing, and unimaginatively plopping Heskey next to worker-finisher Rooney, just as McClaren and Erickson did, will see Capello and England fall tragically out of the world's biggest sporting tournament, two years after the same squad failed to qualify for Euro 2008.
Yet against Algeria last Friday, Gerrard was shoe-horned by Capello into the left of midfield just as he, Lampard, or Scholes were in past major tournaments. The result? No width.
Though, it's true, over those several years—and the first game against the United States—Lampard and Gerrard proved they don't work together in the middle of the field, leaving huge gaps in front of their own defense as each of them naturally drifted forward or counter-attacked.
---
Therefore, either Gerrard or preferably Lampard must sit to allow the other to play with the holding Barry if England are to succeed Wednesday in a 4-4-2.
The Oggmonster Peter Crouch must replace Heskey if England continue to use this formation. He enables England's blunt attack by winning more headers, being more mobile, having better feet, trickery, and generally better at everything than Heskey. The lanky Spurs forward must replace him if Capello opts to use two forwards.
If, as Chelsea's Terry and Lampard wish, their former club teammate Joe Cole is drafted in against Slovenia, he can certainly help on the left side where England now lack a natural left-winger. But he doesn't offer the width that Shaun Wright-Phillips can on that side.
This makes Cole's best position the right side with SWP on the left. If Cole is in the form that Terry suggests, a flier on him out there couldn't hurt, as Aaron Lennon has failed to impress and seems to prefer impacting games as a substitute, anyway.
If Capello plays 4-5-1, with Rooney up front alone—overestimating, as everyone does, his ability—both Lampard and Gerrard could feature in a five-man midfield with two wingers while Barry holds.
But Rooney himself, it must be said, is more effective with a partner, at club level and beyond: Even while he was tapping in goal after goal for United in a 4-5-1 last season, his outfield play was usually quite mediocre.
Besides, England must win to ensure progression into the elimination rounds. Therefore, Capello must use their most attacking formation. Crouch must be drafted in instead of Heskey, and either Gerrard or Lampard must sit, instead of lampooning either uncomfortably on the left wing.
---
Hopefully this was all sorted out in a bevy of man-hugs and cheers as players and manager relaxed Sunday evening to rationalize over pints.
A source from Soccernet said Sunday that Capello's message to his side would be "Just play." Hopefully his desperate players find his terse imploration more profound than spurious.
Their manager's stern propensity for discipline and sense was indeed useful, if not crucial, to changing the failing atmosphere at the England camp post-McClaren. He led the Three Lions through friendlies and World Cup qualifiers with aplomb and authority, garnering respect, if not outright fear, from a usually domineering British media.
But now that the tournament proper is upon them, his side would likely perform better if they were allowed to relax more, by manager and country, heading into the make-or-break match against a stodgy Slovenian side. Their countenance got them here; they no longer need it.
But, any wide range of understandable pressures, egos, affiliations, or the timing of the team-sheet won't add or detract especially from England's performance if their gaffer dogmatically trots out the same uninspired line-up, employing the same dull, vertical attacking style only freshly inscribed on the tombstones of predecessors he once appeared so superior to.
“It does seem like two years’ work was for nothing,” Capello told The Mirror Monday. Hopefully it isn't any more apparent come Thursday morning.
Monday, May 24, 2010
France Hopeless Without Lassana Diarra
Someone who walks with an uneven spine is sure to have an awkward gait.
Without recently ruled-out central midfielder Lassana Diarra, France will similarly be unable to engage their core correctly. It is the final damning factor proving their march through the 2010 World Cup will likely be an uncomfortable one.
Any side’s most important player
At times, Diarra is the best player on his club team. This is no small feat considering he plays at Real Madrid with both Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonzalo Higuain —the second and third best attackers in the world during the 2009/2010 season.
Lass’ approach to midfield generalship relies on balance. Not necessarily his own physical balance but the averaging of both his offensive and defensive acumen, and his equal timing and measurement of each one’s application.
“Defensive midfielder” describes his position but does not define his effect on matches.
He goes forward and backwards, rarely over-committing in either direction. His blunt and oblong forehead leads his taut, but small frame, eagerly into tackles. But it’s his important distribution, his ability to use either foot to dribble or pass, and penchant for a nice-looking through-ball that really makes his mold unique.
The guy makes Michael Carrick look like Nancy Reagan.
There are very few players even like him among Europe’s elite: Roma’s Daniele De Rossi, Man United’s Darren Fletcher, Barcelona’s Keita, or even Liverpool’s Stephen Gerrard.
Like Diarra, their presence almost solely enables their respective clubs’ attack to flourish.
Yet in Europe, year after year star forwards garner more glory and transfer fees, while the true foundation of each side remains largely unheralded.
His private sickness
And so the Real Madrid midfielder was the perfect foil for France playmaker Yoann Gourcuff in South Africa, but now he’s out of the tournament with an interesting stomach ailment.
Apparently, the sickness is severe enough to know that a stomach ache won’t heal in 17 days. The French federation was alarmingly coy in their reaction Sunday.
“Further to his intestinal pain contracted on the glacier in Tignes, check-ups have detected evidence of an unpredictable illness which justifies rest for an indeterminate period. Consequently Lassana Diarra will miss the World Cup 2010 in South Africa,” a statement from the FFF read.
After Diarra, of the just six midfielders left, only Alou Diaby has the combination of grit and skill to weigh down his team’s core. However, his lower center of gravity and slightly over-buccaneering approach to attacking make the replacement hardly like-for-like.
Although Diaby’s style isn’t wholly dissimilar to Diarra’s, and he gamely fulfills his crucial role for Arsenal, the general disparity in class between the two Frenchmen is a marked one.
It’s very improbable that Diaby will slot in and do better than Diarra would have on the basis that the latter is better at everything.
Domenech proposes poorly
But hell, Diaby might not even play, nor might not anyone else with maniacal manager Domenech at the helm.
If a cold and confident Jose Mourinho didn’t recently remind everyone to the value of a coach in form, let the dithering, hopelessly romantic French manager remind you to the effect of the opposite.
He’s been so appallingly nervous and dim-witted over his three-year tenure, the FFF, on May 16, hired former Bordeaux coach, venerable Man United legend, and famed former France defender Laurent Blanc to replace him after the World Cup. Not exactly a show of confidence.
And that was before the maligned coach Domenech unforgivably omitted Samir Nasri from the final 23-man squad.
After also snubbing the inconsistent but prodigal Benzema from the team, bust-ups with almost every player, and generally mediocre results throughout prior tournaments and qualifying groups, the conclusion throughout France appears to be that Domenech never quite grasped the plot throughout his surprisingly long six-year tenure.
Now, Same old Post-Zidane France
Should be more letdown for France this year. If the FFF really had balls, they’d have just replaced Domenech with the younger, fresher, and more cerebral Blanc outright before the tournament.
If they had even bigger balls, they’d have just signed him to play for ‘em. They could use Blanc’s saggys, because sadly the French defense is too small, and none are real center-backs. Gallas is likely to start. Full stop.
The wing-backs are awesome, and the wings as well, but without Diarra to act strongly both in front of and behind them, playing off Sagna and Evra, releasing players like Gourcuff, Malouda, and Ribery to feed into Henry or Anelka, the French side have no base. Besides, their goalkeepers are usually a bit squirrely too.
In the classy but only semi-fit Ribery, a steadying Anelka, an impressive Malouda, and even an off-form Gourcuff, France have plenty of options going forward.
Despite that, with such a poor tactician at the helm as Domenech, without their underrated handyman Diarra plugging holes centrally, France will fall awkwardly against so many other more balanced sides striding past them throughout the tournament.
Without recently ruled-out central midfielder Lassana Diarra, France will similarly be unable to engage their core correctly. It is the final damning factor proving their march through the 2010 World Cup will likely be an uncomfortable one.
Any side’s most important player
At times, Diarra is the best player on his club team. This is no small feat considering he plays at Real Madrid with both Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonzalo Higuain —the second and third best attackers in the world during the 2009/2010 season.
Lass’ approach to midfield generalship relies on balance. Not necessarily his own physical balance but the averaging of both his offensive and defensive acumen, and his equal timing and measurement of each one’s application.
“Defensive midfielder” describes his position but does not define his effect on matches.
He goes forward and backwards, rarely over-committing in either direction. His blunt and oblong forehead leads his taut, but small frame, eagerly into tackles. But it’s his important distribution, his ability to use either foot to dribble or pass, and penchant for a nice-looking through-ball that really makes his mold unique.
The guy makes Michael Carrick look like Nancy Reagan.
There are very few players even like him among Europe’s elite: Roma’s Daniele De Rossi, Man United’s Darren Fletcher, Barcelona’s Keita, or even Liverpool’s Stephen Gerrard.
Like Diarra, their presence almost solely enables their respective clubs’ attack to flourish.
Yet in Europe, year after year star forwards garner more glory and transfer fees, while the true foundation of each side remains largely unheralded.
His private sickness
And so the Real Madrid midfielder was the perfect foil for France playmaker Yoann Gourcuff in South Africa, but now he’s out of the tournament with an interesting stomach ailment.
Apparently, the sickness is severe enough to know that a stomach ache won’t heal in 17 days. The French federation was alarmingly coy in their reaction Sunday.
“Further to his intestinal pain contracted on the glacier in Tignes, check-ups have detected evidence of an unpredictable illness which justifies rest for an indeterminate period. Consequently Lassana Diarra will miss the World Cup 2010 in South Africa,” a statement from the FFF read.
After Diarra, of the just six midfielders left, only Alou Diaby has the combination of grit and skill to weigh down his team’s core. However, his lower center of gravity and slightly over-buccaneering approach to attacking make the replacement hardly like-for-like.
Although Diaby’s style isn’t wholly dissimilar to Diarra’s, and he gamely fulfills his crucial role for Arsenal, the general disparity in class between the two Frenchmen is a marked one.
It’s very improbable that Diaby will slot in and do better than Diarra would have on the basis that the latter is better at everything.
Domenech proposes poorly
But hell, Diaby might not even play, nor might not anyone else with maniacal manager Domenech at the helm.
If a cold and confident Jose Mourinho didn’t recently remind everyone to the value of a coach in form, let the dithering, hopelessly romantic French manager remind you to the effect of the opposite.
He’s been so appallingly nervous and dim-witted over his three-year tenure, the FFF, on May 16, hired former Bordeaux coach, venerable Man United legend, and famed former France defender Laurent Blanc to replace him after the World Cup. Not exactly a show of confidence.
And that was before the maligned coach Domenech unforgivably omitted Samir Nasri from the final 23-man squad.
After also snubbing the inconsistent but prodigal Benzema from the team, bust-ups with almost every player, and generally mediocre results throughout prior tournaments and qualifying groups, the conclusion throughout France appears to be that Domenech never quite grasped the plot throughout his surprisingly long six-year tenure.
Now, Same old Post-Zidane France
Should be more letdown for France this year. If the FFF really had balls, they’d have just replaced Domenech with the younger, fresher, and more cerebral Blanc outright before the tournament.
If they had even bigger balls, they’d have just signed him to play for ‘em. They could use Blanc’s saggys, because sadly the French defense is too small, and none are real center-backs. Gallas is likely to start. Full stop.
The wing-backs are awesome, and the wings as well, but without Diarra to act strongly both in front of and behind them, playing off Sagna and Evra, releasing players like Gourcuff, Malouda, and Ribery to feed into Henry or Anelka, the French side have no base. Besides, their goalkeepers are usually a bit squirrely too.
In the classy but only semi-fit Ribery, a steadying Anelka, an impressive Malouda, and even an off-form Gourcuff, France have plenty of options going forward.
Despite that, with such a poor tactician at the helm as Domenech, without their underrated handyman Diarra plugging holes centrally, France will fall awkwardly against so many other more balanced sides striding past them throughout the tournament.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
free verse post-Europe
Man United's departure from Europe was always inevitable, but it somehow remains suprising.
With a squad comparatively thin to Europe's better sides, few picked United to triumph over Inter, Chelsea, or Barcelona abroad, much less past the London side domestically.
But as the both campaigns progressed, United stayed in contention without always playing their best, and seemed likely to progress past Bayern after a swashbuckling first half.
But if the Reds' slight Brazilian right-back wasn't sent off, visions of the Manchester side prevailing against Barcelona or an even more complete Inter side were never founded.
Because ultimately, a perhaps forced disinclination to purchase resulted in a predictably incomplete United side. This imbalance forced, and was worsened by tactical misinterpretations and player form, two of many factors fulfilling United's destiny this season as European bystanders.
Filling the void
One obvious theme became popular before, and throughout, this season: How will Man United fill the gap left by their most effective player, Cristiano Ronaldo.
However, a more subtle vacuum of creativity existed through the side's core, not on the wings, which were supplanted principally by Antonio Valencia's growth, as well as some good luck towards Nani's still unpredictable displays.
Through the core of the side, back from defense where their first choice starters were often injured, into midfield, United clung to Darren Fletcher's brilliant form throughout the season to often--but not always--mask an underlying deficiency.
With Wesley Sneijder on the market, manger Alex Ferguson couldn't--or wouldn't--be tempted to buy, despite lacking an attacking, central midfielder who could redeem some of the spontaneity of Ronaldo's appreciable offensive arsenal.
Scholes was never expected to feature everyday, Carrick was. But the younger Englishman's continued dismal form from last season continued consistently throughout this year, causing his gaffer to pull out the shoe-horn on a number of occasions.
An ever-changing starting line-up featured anyone from Carrick, Scholes, Giggs, or even Park, as attacking support for a striking line-up that increasingly consisted of only Wayne Rooney.
However, neither of the former three have enough defensive knack to allow the 4-4-2, United's best formation, and Park sucks too much at playing with the ball to fit into that role at all.
With a squad comparatively thin to Europe's better sides, few picked United to triumph over Inter, Chelsea, or Barcelona abroad, much less past the London side domestically.
But as the both campaigns progressed, United stayed in contention without always playing their best, and seemed likely to progress past Bayern after a swashbuckling first half.
But if the Reds' slight Brazilian right-back wasn't sent off, visions of the Manchester side prevailing against Barcelona or an even more complete Inter side were never founded.
Because ultimately, a perhaps forced disinclination to purchase resulted in a predictably incomplete United side. This imbalance forced, and was worsened by tactical misinterpretations and player form, two of many factors fulfilling United's destiny this season as European bystanders.
Filling the void
One obvious theme became popular before, and throughout, this season: How will Man United fill the gap left by their most effective player, Cristiano Ronaldo.
However, a more subtle vacuum of creativity existed through the side's core, not on the wings, which were supplanted principally by Antonio Valencia's growth, as well as some good luck towards Nani's still unpredictable displays.
Through the core of the side, back from defense where their first choice starters were often injured, into midfield, United clung to Darren Fletcher's brilliant form throughout the season to often--but not always--mask an underlying deficiency.
With Wesley Sneijder on the market, manger Alex Ferguson couldn't--or wouldn't--be tempted to buy, despite lacking an attacking, central midfielder who could redeem some of the spontaneity of Ronaldo's appreciable offensive arsenal.
Scholes was never expected to feature everyday, Carrick was. But the younger Englishman's continued dismal form from last season continued consistently throughout this year, causing his gaffer to pull out the shoe-horn on a number of occasions.
An ever-changing starting line-up featured anyone from Carrick, Scholes, Giggs, or even Park, as attacking support for a striking line-up that increasingly consisted of only Wayne Rooney.
However, neither of the former three have enough defensive knack to allow the 4-4-2, United's best formation, and Park sucks too much at playing with the ball to fit into that role at all.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Manchester United-Bayern Munich: Player Ratings
United hosted Bayern Munich in an epic Champions League quarter-final return leg Wednesday evening.
The home side dominated possession from the start and opened up the scoring early when Gibson was afforded great space and nimbly curled from range past a gaping Butt.
United struck again when Valencia patiently proffered Nani up in the six-yard box; the Portuguese trickster back-flicked past the despairing goalkeeper for a 2-0 advantage inside ten minutes.
The dream continued when Nani, for once, used precision over power from range after Valencia crossed low through Bayern's box at the 41st minute.
Olic, though, pegged a massive away-goal back for Bayern just before the break to setup a tense second frame as United led 3-1 (4-3 on aggregate).
Rafael's mind went astray in the 55th minute, forcing his body off the pitch for good after earning his second yellow for no cosmic reason. Bayern therefore dominated the second half.
In the 75th minute, Arjen Robben volleyed brilliantly direct from a corner, after Carrick had released Bayern carelessly. Robben's connection was perfect, arrowing into the far, bottom corner.
Bayern held on late against slight pressure from United's ten men, and, after one of the best games of the season, the Germans agonizingly leave Manchester United behind, winning on away goals 4-4 and advancing to the semi-finals to face Lyon.
MANCHESTER UNITED
Van der Sar (7): Perhaps could have done better for Bayern's first goal when he was off-balance, allowing Oljic to score from an unforgivable angle. Otherwise he was mature and made some legitimate saves from Robben and Ribery to keep United in it until the death.
Rafael (4): His rambunctious tendency brought life into his side's winning first half display. Should have scored or assisted United's third but his ball control was pitiful breaking through clean on goal. Otherwise he tackled with alacrity and ran around the pitch like a madman. However, his naivete caught up to him early in the second half when he made a deplorable transgression, sent off after a needless second booking. His knack for immaturity is sometimes cute, but in a game of this historic importance, such behavior is unforgivable for any professional.
Ferdinand (6.5): Looked better and more assured today than in recent shaky performances. Bayern's forwards aren't the best in the world, but Rio left the most glaring mistakes to other players today. Out of position, perhaps, for Bayern's first.
Vidic (8.5): Inspired his side before and during the match. Faultless and dominant today in a losing effort. There is no reason to believe United will sell him in the summer.
Evra (7.5): Forward and back excellently. His cardio and athleticism are second to none.
Nani (8): Arguably the best game of his United career, eclipsing his match against Arsenal in January. Nani looked more like Ronaldo and less like himself throughout, scoring two fine goals in a huge match for the club.
Fletcher (8): Each match the Scotsman leaves everything on the pitch and can assume no blame for United's tragic departure from Europe.
Carrick (3): Out-muscled for Bayern's first and throughout, Carrick was shit again. Sure, he can pass the ball sideways under no pressure. Under little tonite, he turned the ball over for no reason, allowing Bayern to earn the corner that led to Robben's masterclass strike. He was outmuscled comically for Bayern's opener. Advantage: Team without Carrick. He has no base. He prances like a doe. If United buy in the summer, it's an attacking central midfielder they need before a forward or goalkeeper. Sneidjer would have been ideal last year; perhaps Gourcuff is available this summer, along with Blanc?
Gibson (7): Scored smartly from range, curling with finesse for United's first goal. Contributed to dominate possession in the first frame. Ineffectual in the second.
Valencia (8): The most improved player in England this season, the Ecuadorian assisted United's second and third strikes and used his speed and strength in attack and defense all game. Prefers his right foot, though, so obviously, it's a wonder he's able to get in as many crosses as he does.
Rooney (5): Miraculously recovered from a sprained ankle. Rooney didn't do much throughout, especially after taking a deliberate knock in the first half. United scored today from the outside-in without the only half-fit Englishman ever being greatly involved. Notable long-ball to setup United's second.
BAYERN MUNICH
Butt (4): Looked less like cheeks and more like a hole in the first half. Made saves in the second.
Demichelis (6): Poor in the first half during some wonkish transactions between the Bayern backline. Didn't have much to do when United went down to ten, fortunately.
van Buyten (7): Bigger in stature and strength to his partner, the Belgian got forward to contribute and shoot and was the most effective Munich defender tonight.
Badstuber (3.5): Null.
Lahm (6.5): Enjoyed more space forward after Rafael walked slowly off. No Bayern defender had a good first half, but none either were troubled in the second.
Schweinsteiger (7): Surprisingly effective in the tackle, the German attacked with range and looked lively, particularly in the second half.
van Bommel (6.5): Got booked early which changed his approach. Still got stuck in though and passed his club sideways out of defense.
Ribery (7.5): Especially dangerous in the second half. Cracked a few shots on target from range. Good footwork and balance. Rarely turned-over.
Robben (9): It wasn't as legendary as Zidane's 2002 strike against Leverkusen, but it was of the same ilk. Masterclass stuff from a world-class player. Robben was the best player in the world for the first half of last season before losing form for Madrid. Often injured, he is outstanding when on form. Somehow defenders allow him to cut inside from the right. As long as they do, he'll score goals similar to this, but rarely as nice.
Muller (5): Enjoyed no joy as center forward today.
Olic (6.5): Bullied Carrick for Bayern's first, importantly changing the mood of the match just before the break. This seems like normal service for him. Doesn't do anything spectacular with the ball, but can end up in good spots through strength and knack.
The home side dominated possession from the start and opened up the scoring early when Gibson was afforded great space and nimbly curled from range past a gaping Butt.
United struck again when Valencia patiently proffered Nani up in the six-yard box; the Portuguese trickster back-flicked past the despairing goalkeeper for a 2-0 advantage inside ten minutes.
The dream continued when Nani, for once, used precision over power from range after Valencia crossed low through Bayern's box at the 41st minute.
Olic, though, pegged a massive away-goal back for Bayern just before the break to setup a tense second frame as United led 3-1 (4-3 on aggregate).
Rafael's mind went astray in the 55th minute, forcing his body off the pitch for good after earning his second yellow for no cosmic reason. Bayern therefore dominated the second half.
In the 75th minute, Arjen Robben volleyed brilliantly direct from a corner, after Carrick had released Bayern carelessly. Robben's connection was perfect, arrowing into the far, bottom corner.
Bayern held on late against slight pressure from United's ten men, and, after one of the best games of the season, the Germans agonizingly leave Manchester United behind, winning on away goals 4-4 and advancing to the semi-finals to face Lyon.
MANCHESTER UNITED
Van der Sar (7): Perhaps could have done better for Bayern's first goal when he was off-balance, allowing Oljic to score from an unforgivable angle. Otherwise he was mature and made some legitimate saves from Robben and Ribery to keep United in it until the death.
Rafael (4): His rambunctious tendency brought life into his side's winning first half display. Should have scored or assisted United's third but his ball control was pitiful breaking through clean on goal. Otherwise he tackled with alacrity and ran around the pitch like a madman. However, his naivete caught up to him early in the second half when he made a deplorable transgression, sent off after a needless second booking. His knack for immaturity is sometimes cute, but in a game of this historic importance, such behavior is unforgivable for any professional.
Ferdinand (6.5): Looked better and more assured today than in recent shaky performances. Bayern's forwards aren't the best in the world, but Rio left the most glaring mistakes to other players today. Out of position, perhaps, for Bayern's first.
Vidic (8.5): Inspired his side before and during the match. Faultless and dominant today in a losing effort. There is no reason to believe United will sell him in the summer.
Evra (7.5): Forward and back excellently. His cardio and athleticism are second to none.
Nani (8): Arguably the best game of his United career, eclipsing his match against Arsenal in January. Nani looked more like Ronaldo and less like himself throughout, scoring two fine goals in a huge match for the club.
Fletcher (8): Each match the Scotsman leaves everything on the pitch and can assume no blame for United's tragic departure from Europe.
Carrick (3): Out-muscled for Bayern's first and throughout, Carrick was shit again. Sure, he can pass the ball sideways under no pressure. Under little tonite, he turned the ball over for no reason, allowing Bayern to earn the corner that led to Robben's masterclass strike. He was outmuscled comically for Bayern's opener. Advantage: Team without Carrick. He has no base. He prances like a doe. If United buy in the summer, it's an attacking central midfielder they need before a forward or goalkeeper. Sneidjer would have been ideal last year; perhaps Gourcuff is available this summer, along with Blanc?
Gibson (7): Scored smartly from range, curling with finesse for United's first goal. Contributed to dominate possession in the first frame. Ineffectual in the second.
Valencia (8): The most improved player in England this season, the Ecuadorian assisted United's second and third strikes and used his speed and strength in attack and defense all game. Prefers his right foot, though, so obviously, it's a wonder he's able to get in as many crosses as he does.
Rooney (5): Miraculously recovered from a sprained ankle. Rooney didn't do much throughout, especially after taking a deliberate knock in the first half. United scored today from the outside-in without the only half-fit Englishman ever being greatly involved. Notable long-ball to setup United's second.
BAYERN MUNICH
Butt (4): Looked less like cheeks and more like a hole in the first half. Made saves in the second.
Demichelis (6): Poor in the first half during some wonkish transactions between the Bayern backline. Didn't have much to do when United went down to ten, fortunately.
van Buyten (7): Bigger in stature and strength to his partner, the Belgian got forward to contribute and shoot and was the most effective Munich defender tonight.
Badstuber (3.5): Null.
Lahm (6.5): Enjoyed more space forward after Rafael walked slowly off. No Bayern defender had a good first half, but none either were troubled in the second.
Schweinsteiger (7): Surprisingly effective in the tackle, the German attacked with range and looked lively, particularly in the second half.
van Bommel (6.5): Got booked early which changed his approach. Still got stuck in though and passed his club sideways out of defense.
Ribery (7.5): Especially dangerous in the second half. Cracked a few shots on target from range. Good footwork and balance. Rarely turned-over.
Robben (9): It wasn't as legendary as Zidane's 2002 strike against Leverkusen, but it was of the same ilk. Masterclass stuff from a world-class player. Robben was the best player in the world for the first half of last season before losing form for Madrid. Often injured, he is outstanding when on form. Somehow defenders allow him to cut inside from the right. As long as they do, he'll score goals similar to this, but rarely as nice.
Muller (5): Enjoyed no joy as center forward today.
Olic (6.5): Bullied Carrick for Bayern's first, importantly changing the mood of the match just before the break. This seems like normal service for him. Doesn't do anything spectacular with the ball, but can end up in good spots through strength and knack.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Bayern Munic-Manchester United: Player Ratings
United had a dream start when Demichelis fouled Nani needlessly in the first minute. Bayern's defender slipped on the following free-kick to allow Rooney a simple tap-in. Rooney did nothing further —and often, nor did United —throughout the first half as Bayern dominated possession and fired in crosses and shots.
This theme continued in the second frame, in part to thoughtless substitutions made by Ferguson, who lacked the audacity to take Rooney out and keep the 4-5-1, instead going to 4-4-2, despite already conceding so much possession.
Ribery equalized in the 76th minute with a Rooney-deflected free-kick. Bayern continued to control the waning moments of the match and snatched victory from Draw's jaws at the death when United's backline, sans Neville, got in a total muddle, allowing Olic to skip through and finish.
BAYERN MUNICH
Butt (7): "Didn't have much to do today."
Demichelis (6.5): Started in bad shape, needlessly conceding a free-kick, and slipping as it ensued to allow Rooney's early goal. Made roads to make up for it as United failed to tally again.
Van Buyten (7.5): Enjoyed getting forward, even, on occasion, and shut down Rooney easily with help from his friends.
Badstuber (6.5): Should be thankful he was up against Nani today instead of Valencia. Poor decision from United's manager is this left-back's personal gain today.
Lahm (8): Bayern's best player in the first half. United didn't press enough and Lahm was able to ping in dangerous crosses. The trend continued in the second frame. Didn't have to defend much against Park, or Giggs.
Pranjic (7): Got a couple shots off on goal and, despite being run ragged by Fletcher, enjoyed possession during the Scotsman's absence.
Van Bommel (8): Laid the foundation for Bayern's control. Assured and dominant in the air against a clucking Carrick.
Ribery (8.5): Bayern's most creative player. Outstanding balance similar to Arshavin. Created several dangerous opportunities for forwards who didn't otherwise deserve them. Scored when Rooney deflected his 22-yard free-kick.
Altintop (5): Extremely slow. Failed to release his side on the counter despite several chances to do so easily. Plodding and useless.
Olic (6.5): Laughable for 90 minutes. Deadly for one second. Made a huge difference pouncing late to give Bayern an advantage heading back to Old Trafford.
Muller (5.5): Didn't show much of his game, whatever it may be.
MANCHESTER UNITED
van der Sar (8): Had a lot of work to do today. Zero culpability for the first goal, his chances weren't fair for the second, either. Strong in his box and using both feet to clear the ball. Bayern had 20 shots overall, 10 on target.
Neville (6): Guileful display from United's right-back until he reactively handled outside his penalty box. Ribery's ensuing free-kick crucially levelled. Neville wasn't outclassed today from open field, despite being often against the Frenchman. Nani didn't help track back enough, and considering, Neville put in a good shift.
Ferdinand (5.5): Rio is not fit. Looked at sea at times. Bayern were able to get behind United's backline on several occasions. Somewhat culpable for Bayern's late go-ahead goal when he totally took himself out of the equation, being ridiculously off-balance.
Vidic (7): Also discombobulated for Bayern's second, Vida won headers and tackled well otherwise throughout the match.
Evra (6.5): The French left-back didn't enjoy as much running forward as he is accustomed, but jumped highest throughout to win headers, and handled the ball sufficiently on United's left side, despite Lahm having a good game opposite him.
Park (5.5): Ahead of Evra, Park was assigned to harry Lahm, who beat him on different occasions. As expected, Ji Sung was mediocre on offense, controlling poorly, and generally being aimless going forward.
Fletcher (8) : Pin-balled across the pitch with vigor. Made United's best forward runs and tackled throughout. Never runs out of energy. Put everyone else in white to shame. Not helped by Ferguson's employment of him most forward of the central triangle. But it's to United's detriment, not Fletcher's, because he is outstanding wherever he plays this season.
Carrick (4): Pranced across the pitch unknowingly. Tentative in the tackle and the pass. Weak across every attribute. Carrick will be glad to one day to be completely anonymous.
Scholes (6): Some genuinely brilliant long-balls, but Scholesy was a little careless with his close control at times. It's reckless of Ferguson to employ him at the tip of a backwards triangle. Scholes should be the forward tip of such a shape with Fletcher and ideally Hagreaves anchoring. United conceded 60/40 possession today.
Nani (5.5): Started well for 15 minutes. Nani then decided to dive at every opportunity. His attacking play took on the same sentiment, as he elaborated at nearly every turn. Faded fast. Naive footballer.
Rooney (4.5): Apparently Rooney left his world-class touch on past headlines today. His holding play was poor, full stop. He created virtually nothing and turned the ball over many times. He was unmarked for his five-yard tap-in when Demachalis slipped after two minutes. He missed a sitter when United needed anything to relieve the pressure. One of his worst footballing displays this season which have otherwise been very positive. He limped off at the death and will likely miss several forthcoming matches during United's title run-in.
Ferguson's tactics today were pedestrian and United paid for it. Valencia should have started instead of Nani to further suppress Ribery. Carrick and Fletcher need to play behind Scholes. Ideally Gibson can feature instead of the lanky Englishman next week for the return leg at Old Trafford, but if Robben is fit, on today's evidence, the English champions will be very challenged to advance.
This theme continued in the second frame, in part to thoughtless substitutions made by Ferguson, who lacked the audacity to take Rooney out and keep the 4-5-1, instead going to 4-4-2, despite already conceding so much possession.
Ribery equalized in the 76th minute with a Rooney-deflected free-kick. Bayern continued to control the waning moments of the match and snatched victory from Draw's jaws at the death when United's backline, sans Neville, got in a total muddle, allowing Olic to skip through and finish.
BAYERN MUNICH
Butt (7): "Didn't have much to do today."
Demichelis (6.5): Started in bad shape, needlessly conceding a free-kick, and slipping as it ensued to allow Rooney's early goal. Made roads to make up for it as United failed to tally again.
Van Buyten (7.5): Enjoyed getting forward, even, on occasion, and shut down Rooney easily with help from his friends.
Badstuber (6.5): Should be thankful he was up against Nani today instead of Valencia. Poor decision from United's manager is this left-back's personal gain today.
Lahm (8): Bayern's best player in the first half. United didn't press enough and Lahm was able to ping in dangerous crosses. The trend continued in the second frame. Didn't have to defend much against Park, or Giggs.
Pranjic (7): Got a couple shots off on goal and, despite being run ragged by Fletcher, enjoyed possession during the Scotsman's absence.
Van Bommel (8): Laid the foundation for Bayern's control. Assured and dominant in the air against a clucking Carrick.
Ribery (8.5): Bayern's most creative player. Outstanding balance similar to Arshavin. Created several dangerous opportunities for forwards who didn't otherwise deserve them. Scored when Rooney deflected his 22-yard free-kick.
Altintop (5): Extremely slow. Failed to release his side on the counter despite several chances to do so easily. Plodding and useless.
Olic (6.5): Laughable for 90 minutes. Deadly for one second. Made a huge difference pouncing late to give Bayern an advantage heading back to Old Trafford.
Muller (5.5): Didn't show much of his game, whatever it may be.
MANCHESTER UNITED
van der Sar (8): Had a lot of work to do today. Zero culpability for the first goal, his chances weren't fair for the second, either. Strong in his box and using both feet to clear the ball. Bayern had 20 shots overall, 10 on target.
Neville (6): Guileful display from United's right-back until he reactively handled outside his penalty box. Ribery's ensuing free-kick crucially levelled. Neville wasn't outclassed today from open field, despite being often against the Frenchman. Nani didn't help track back enough, and considering, Neville put in a good shift.
Ferdinand (5.5): Rio is not fit. Looked at sea at times. Bayern were able to get behind United's backline on several occasions. Somewhat culpable for Bayern's late go-ahead goal when he totally took himself out of the equation, being ridiculously off-balance.
Vidic (7): Also discombobulated for Bayern's second, Vida won headers and tackled well otherwise throughout the match.
Evra (6.5): The French left-back didn't enjoy as much running forward as he is accustomed, but jumped highest throughout to win headers, and handled the ball sufficiently on United's left side, despite Lahm having a good game opposite him.
Park (5.5): Ahead of Evra, Park was assigned to harry Lahm, who beat him on different occasions. As expected, Ji Sung was mediocre on offense, controlling poorly, and generally being aimless going forward.
Fletcher (8) : Pin-balled across the pitch with vigor. Made United's best forward runs and tackled throughout. Never runs out of energy. Put everyone else in white to shame. Not helped by Ferguson's employment of him most forward of the central triangle. But it's to United's detriment, not Fletcher's, because he is outstanding wherever he plays this season.
Carrick (4): Pranced across the pitch unknowingly. Tentative in the tackle and the pass. Weak across every attribute. Carrick will be glad to one day to be completely anonymous.
Scholes (6): Some genuinely brilliant long-balls, but Scholesy was a little careless with his close control at times. It's reckless of Ferguson to employ him at the tip of a backwards triangle. Scholes should be the forward tip of such a shape with Fletcher and ideally Hagreaves anchoring. United conceded 60/40 possession today.
Nani (5.5): Started well for 15 minutes. Nani then decided to dive at every opportunity. His attacking play took on the same sentiment, as he elaborated at nearly every turn. Faded fast. Naive footballer.
Rooney (4.5): Apparently Rooney left his world-class touch on past headlines today. His holding play was poor, full stop. He created virtually nothing and turned the ball over many times. He was unmarked for his five-yard tap-in when Demachalis slipped after two minutes. He missed a sitter when United needed anything to relieve the pressure. One of his worst footballing displays this season which have otherwise been very positive. He limped off at the death and will likely miss several forthcoming matches during United's title run-in.
Ferguson's tactics today were pedestrian and United paid for it. Valencia should have started instead of Nani to further suppress Ribery. Carrick and Fletcher need to play behind Scholes. Ideally Gibson can feature instead of the lanky Englishman next week for the return leg at Old Trafford, but if Robben is fit, on today's evidence, the English champions will be very challenged to advance.
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