Defense:
Very compact and tenous in their overall approach it was obvious that the Mexican forwards found it difficult to penetrate with decisive passes. We were definitely employing the offside trap with great effectiveness. As most technicians of the game know, football is about the creation and negation of passing lanes. The defense did a commendable job on negating and closing the passing lanes for the Maxicans. The goals were a result of a lack of concentration by the defenders coupled with some questionable goalkeeping. The distribution from the GK to defenders via throw -ins sans the boom kick was much needed. That Avery John is one to look at in the future-he has a good motor and real promise. The tackling is more well timed but in the penalty box marking aerial and ground has to improve.OVERALL_ MOST IMPROVED AREA IN THE TEAM
Midfied:
Helped and contributed from a defensive standpoint in the second half. The midfielders dominated with possession play in the first half. Birchall and Edwards are good. More sideline passing than penetrative passes. Once again midfield needs to utillise and create more passing lanes with forward movement and close down lanes when defending. When these lanes are closed the opponents will resort to to sideline passes b/c of the shutdown. The composure on the ball is improved and midfielder have more confidence.
Forwards:
Minimal chances are being taken. More chances means more probaility of goals. It also unnerves the defence. This was not being done hence the Mexican defence was not under any sustained period of pressure save only for 7 minutes or so in the 2nd half. Dead ball situations are something that the coaching staff must focus on. There is no free kick specialist and there appears to be no practice work on this. Same for corners. The workrate for the forwards was average at best and they are not good at creating chances. K. Jones need to be given an opportunity here b/c of his workrate. Overall the TT forwards are still predictable. On a positive note we did a better job of beating their offside trap.
This is just some constructuve criticism but in general I am very happy to watch our team NOW, win ,lose of DRAW. We are much better prepared and I feel that we have a legitimate chance. Now all our opponents are going extensively scout TT. WE must be flexible and have contingencies in place for gametime tactical changes.
Later
The analysis on this board is great!
