All Whites, Ferns, and other international teams

All Whites vs South Africa

441 replies · 8,272 views
almost 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
chrispy wrote:
Worst game of the last three. We tried playing passing football against the world number 4 and number 1 but when we play a team that has a similar ranking to us we were content to rely on long ball and put men behind the ball. Were we ever going to win the game when it was played like this? No. Bertos was the only creative outlet in midfield. Smeltz and Killen were playing high up the field, except had to track a long way back to even see the ball, I recall seeing Killen in a right back and centre back position on our 18 yard box for periods in the first half.


I think this is true. We only tried attacking in the air, and didn't have anything through the centre of the park.

Poor tactics. James shouldn't have been on the bench. Bertos and James should have started together. With James in a advanced midfield role.


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almost 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
james dean wrote:
So what are you actually saying is wrong with the attitude that we approached the game with?


There seems to be an underdog mentailty in tournaments where we turn up and watch rather than play. As a result the basics go out the window, contrast that with Iraq, who are also not going to beat Spain but at least turn up and play to their potential. In any sport you need to put talent + technical ability + preparation + pyschology together, my point is simply that I have not seen the last part mentioned and I think it plays a part. Not sure if NZF have resource in this area.
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