Friday, November 28, 2014
Match Review: PSG vs. Ajax (UCL Group Stage)
Lineups:
PSG: Sirigu, van der Wiel, Marquinhos, David Luiz, Maxwell, Pastore, Rabiot, Matuidi, Cavani, Ibrahimović, Lavezzi
Subs Used: Lucas Moura (68'), Chantôme (75'), Digne (86')
Ajax: Cillessen, Van Rhijn, Van der Hoorn, Denswil, Boilesen, Klaassen, Serero, Andersen, Schöne, Milik, Kishna
Subs Used: Viergever (10'), Zimling (69')
Analysis:
Ajax were keen to put numbers forward and committed to pressing in PSG’s half. For a majority of the match, they were comfortable with possession and played an attack-minded set up. Ajax’s strengths were in controlling the game, yet remaining patient and composed. However, playing a high line was a weakness. This put them at a greater risk of being caught out of position.
PSG played long balls overhead Ajax players to escape Ajax’s pressing and simultaneously exploited their high line. Also, they used Ajax’s loss of possession to their advantage because it wasn’t easy disturbing Ajax’s rhythm through the midfield. PSG are very strong at linking up and showcasing their finishing ability. Both goals by Ibra and Cavani were an indication of this. For the first goal, Ibra chipped the ball to Lavezzi who checked Cavani’s run, which resulted in a goal. For PSG’s second goal, a giveaway to Lucas, simple pass to Pastore, and a cross in the box to Ibra gave PSG the lead.
Pastore’s contribution to Ibra’s goal showed how crucial he was going forward and creating chances. His distribution of passes to both Ibra and Lavezzi helped in situations where Ajax lost the ball. Another important player was Rabiot. His awareness on and off the ball brought balance to the game. He had the most ball recoveries (14), completed all of his tackles (4), made 4 interceptions, while maintaining 92% pass accuracy. Plus, he would drop deep in between David Luiz and Marquinhos to help build the play.
The understanding between PSG’s central defensive pairing didn’t garner the same attention as the attack, but they were just as involved in the win. David Luiz and Marquinhos brought the best out of each other. This complementary partnership produced a solid performance in defense. When PSG would distribute the ball from the back, there was the risk that Ajax would use this opportunity to apply pressure. However, they were able to respond to the danger by quickly shutting down Ajax. Between the two of them, David Luiz and Marquinhos had 9 interceptions, 2 blocks, and 7 clearances.
Although the score wasn’t in Ajax’s favor, they continue winning hearts with their playing style, talent, and sheer determination. One player who embodies all these attributes is Ricardo Kishna. He’s only 19 years old, but came out fearless on the pitch. He caused problems for PSG on the left and gave Ajax more options out wide. One instance was his super cross to Klaassen in the box who ended up leveling the score with his diving header. Indeed, Kishna has a bright future ahead of him.
*MOTM: Edinson Cavani
PSG: Sirigu, van der Wiel, Marquinhos, David Luiz, Maxwell, Pastore, Rabiot, Matuidi, Cavani, Ibrahimović, Lavezzi
Subs Used: Lucas Moura (68'), Chantôme (75'), Digne (86')
Ajax: Cillessen, Van Rhijn, Van der Hoorn, Denswil, Boilesen, Klaassen, Serero, Andersen, Schöne, Milik, Kishna
Subs Used: Viergever (10'), Zimling (69')
Analysis:
Ajax were keen to put numbers forward and committed to pressing in PSG’s half. For a majority of the match, they were comfortable with possession and played an attack-minded set up. Ajax’s strengths were in controlling the game, yet remaining patient and composed. However, playing a high line was a weakness. This put them at a greater risk of being caught out of position.
PSG played long balls overhead Ajax players to escape Ajax’s pressing and simultaneously exploited their high line. Also, they used Ajax’s loss of possession to their advantage because it wasn’t easy disturbing Ajax’s rhythm through the midfield. PSG are very strong at linking up and showcasing their finishing ability. Both goals by Ibra and Cavani were an indication of this. For the first goal, Ibra chipped the ball to Lavezzi who checked Cavani’s run, which resulted in a goal. For PSG’s second goal, a giveaway to Lucas, simple pass to Pastore, and a cross in the box to Ibra gave PSG the lead.
Pastore’s contribution to Ibra’s goal showed how crucial he was going forward and creating chances. His distribution of passes to both Ibra and Lavezzi helped in situations where Ajax lost the ball. Another important player was Rabiot. His awareness on and off the ball brought balance to the game. He had the most ball recoveries (14), completed all of his tackles (4), made 4 interceptions, while maintaining 92% pass accuracy. Plus, he would drop deep in between David Luiz and Marquinhos to help build the play.
The understanding between PSG’s central defensive pairing didn’t garner the same attention as the attack, but they were just as involved in the win. David Luiz and Marquinhos brought the best out of each other. This complementary partnership produced a solid performance in defense. When PSG would distribute the ball from the back, there was the risk that Ajax would use this opportunity to apply pressure. However, they were able to respond to the danger by quickly shutting down Ajax. Between the two of them, David Luiz and Marquinhos had 9 interceptions, 2 blocks, and 7 clearances.
Although the score wasn’t in Ajax’s favor, they continue winning hearts with their playing style, talent, and sheer determination. One player who embodies all these attributes is Ricardo Kishna. He’s only 19 years old, but came out fearless on the pitch. He caused problems for PSG on the left and gave Ajax more options out wide. One instance was his super cross to Klaassen in the box who ended up leveling the score with his diving header. Indeed, Kishna has a bright future ahead of him.
*MOTM: Edinson Cavani
Written by: Goral Patel
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
#TURvBRA Friendly: Preview on Brazil
Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Stadium: Şükrü Saraçoğlu Stadium
Since Dunga’s second time in charge of the Seleção, things have been looking bright for Brazil. Having clean sheets in all of their last four friendlies, Brazil are well prepared to face Turkey for the sixth time.
Turkey resulted in two draws and three losses from their five matches against Brazil. This will be a difficult match for Turkey due to their recent inconsistencies.
Brazil’s squad
Dunga has made significant changes to this Brazilian side after replacing previous coach, Felipe Scolari. It’s good to note that his squad is now mainly made up of European based players.
Currently, there is a total of six uncapped players on Dunga’s roster – Neto, Firmino, Fred, Douglas Costa, Luiz Adriano, and Talisca.
Lucas Moura and Romulo are two players that will be absent during Wednesday’s game. Benfica player Anderson Talisca will be set to replace Moura, while Shakhtar’s Fred will take Romulo’s spot.
Thoughts
Brazil will have no problems facing Turkey. There is no question whether Neymar will be placed up top – he will. What I look forward to the most is their midfield. The amount of depth their midfielders have makes you wonder who Dunga will include in his starting XI. I predict Oscar in the center, Willian and Coutinho on the wings, and Casemiro and Luis Gustavo playing in defensive midfield. The backline will be secured with the likes of Felipe Luis, David Luiz, Thiago Silva, and Danilo.
I would like to see Dunga include some new faces through the duration of this friendly. After having a successful season with Hoffenheim last year, Roberto Firmino is one man that most people are excited to see. Luiz Adriano is also another name to look out for. He has been a tremendous help to Shakhtar – being the club’s all-time leading goal scorer.
ROSTER
Goalkeepers
Diego Alves (Valencia)
Rafael Cabral (Napoli)
Neto (Fiorentina) - Uncapped
Defenders
Marquinhos (PSG)
Thiago Silva (PSG)
Miranda (Atletico Madrid)
Filipe Luis (Chelsea)
David Luiz (PSG)
Alex Sandro (Porto)
Danilo (Porto)
Mario Fernandes (CSKA)
Midfield
Romulo (Spartak Moscow) – Out due to Injury**
Fernandinho (Manchester City)
Luiz Gustavo (Wolfsburg)
Casemiro (Real Madrid)
Roberto Firmino (Hoffenheim) – Uncapped
Oscar (Chelsea)
Willian (Chelsea)
Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool)
Fred (Shakhtar Donetsk) – Uncapped **Replacement for Romulo
Forwards
Douglas Costa (Shakhtar Donetsk) – Uncapped
Lucas Moura (PSG) – Out due to injury**
Neymar (Barcelona)
Luiz Adriano (Shakhtar Donetsk) – Uncapped
Anderson Talisca (Benfica) – Replacement for Lucas Moura
Written by: Laxmi Patel
#TURvBRA Friendly: Preview on Turkey
Turkey will play a friendly game against Brazil in İstanbul on November 12. The last time these two sides met was in 2007. Turkey have not won against Brazil in a total of 6 meetings, so the stage is set for a very electric atmosphere at Şükrü Saraçoğlu Stadium.
If Turkey play to their strengths, they could grind out a positive result. By utilizing the flanks, Turkey can take the advantage of the fullbacks’ overlapping runs to link up with players on the wing. This allows them to cross the ball in dangerous areas. Brazil will be looking to retain the ball and take control of the game, so Turkey may be restricted from their pass-oriented approach. However, a focused performance in midfield can disturb Brazil’s rhythm and bring back possession in Turkey’s favor. Individual moments of brilliance will be key against a motivated Brazilian side. With the good, comes the bad. There are certain weaknesses Turkey will have to keep in mind. Although they tend to start off strong, they have trouble keeping up the intensity for 90 minutes. This impacts their ability to capitalize on chances. They may get very limited goal-scoring opportunities, so the attack has to fully concentrate on execution in the build-up. Also, Turkey will have to make the most of their set piece situations. Another issue is the defensive lapses. The team is most vulnerable when losing possession. This can pose a problem against the quick interchange of Brazil’s players. Whether Turkey win or lose, this is a good moment to see where the team stands against a formidable opponent. As the underdog, Turkey will enter the arena with the support of the home crowd. Pride is always on the line in football. Projected Lineup: Volkan Demirel, Caner Erkin, Bekir İrtegün, Semih Kaya, Gökhan Gönül, Mehmet Topal, Selçuk İnan, Gökhan Töre, Olcay Şahan, Arda Turan, Burak Yılmaz
If Turkey play to their strengths, they could grind out a positive result. By utilizing the flanks, Turkey can take the advantage of the fullbacks’ overlapping runs to link up with players on the wing. This allows them to cross the ball in dangerous areas. Brazil will be looking to retain the ball and take control of the game, so Turkey may be restricted from their pass-oriented approach. However, a focused performance in midfield can disturb Brazil’s rhythm and bring back possession in Turkey’s favor. Individual moments of brilliance will be key against a motivated Brazilian side. With the good, comes the bad. There are certain weaknesses Turkey will have to keep in mind. Although they tend to start off strong, they have trouble keeping up the intensity for 90 minutes. This impacts their ability to capitalize on chances. They may get very limited goal-scoring opportunities, so the attack has to fully concentrate on execution in the build-up. Also, Turkey will have to make the most of their set piece situations. Another issue is the defensive lapses. The team is most vulnerable when losing possession. This can pose a problem against the quick interchange of Brazil’s players. Whether Turkey win or lose, this is a good moment to see where the team stands against a formidable opponent. As the underdog, Turkey will enter the arena with the support of the home crowd. Pride is always on the line in football. Projected Lineup: Volkan Demirel, Caner Erkin, Bekir İrtegün, Semih Kaya, Gökhan Gönül, Mehmet Topal, Selçuk İnan, Gökhan Töre, Olcay Şahan, Arda Turan, Burak Yılmaz
Written by: Goral Patel
