PlayBeautiful

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

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

Written by: Goral Patel

FIFA was under investigation after accusations of corruption were brought up in the selection process of the 2018 and 2022 World Cup bids. Michael Garcia is the lead investigator in charge of this case. A 350 page report was issued by FIFA’s Ethics Committee in September which brought some insight into this investigation.

FIFA’s chief adjudicator, Hans-Joachim Eckert, announced that the report will not be published in it’s entirety. Due to legal reasons, an overview of this report will only be released in November. It is worth noting that Garcia and several other FIFA executive members urged this report should be available in full.

“Publishing the report in full would actually put the FIFA Ethics Committee and FIFA itself in a very difficult situation legally. What is more, we have to respect the personal rights of the people mentioned in the report, which in the case of full publication of the report would in all likelihood not be possible.” -Hans-Joachim Eckert (FIFA.com)

It is understandable that publishing the full report would cause problems. Legal issues can arise since individuals involved in this case would want his or her name left in confidentiality. It is the Ethics Committee’s duty to protect those who want to remain undisclosed, especially if a number of these people hold an important roles in the organization. Revealing the names of witnesses could be detrimental to his or her reputation.

Many people are pushing for transparency. Open communication is something FIFA does not excel in. This organization is constantly subjected towards corruption allegations. Bribery is a common topic brought up when dealing with corruption charges, such as the investigation associated with World Cup bids. Transparency removes barriers that can distort the perception of an organization. Once FIFA eliminates hidden agendas and practice greater ethical standards, it will then improve the identity of this organization.

Written by: Laxmi Patel

Turkey have all the tools to play eye-to-eye against any opponent. Although the EURO 2016 campaign has been less than ideal, it is a test of the players’ resolve. Against both Czech Republic and Latvia they showcased their strengths and weaknesses. Here are the takeaways:

1. Starting off strong
Turkey dictated the tempo of the match through their work on the ball. They held onto a majority of possession and looked to maintain fluidity. They were keen to build from the back and use players in the heart of midfield to pick out those stationed out wide. This would create overlapping runs on the flanks. Turkey’s proactive approach was their strength in supplying numbers into the box. Not only did this cause problems for the opposition’s defense, but it also forced them to play deep. Turkey moving the ball as much as possible out of their own half took pressure off their back line as well.

2. Arda Turan the main attraction
Arda’s work ethic is admirable. He was heavily involved in combinations and linked up well with Olcay Şahan and Gökhan Töre in the final third. His ability to trick players around him and then drive through space is a joy to watch. Arda Turan’s technique and control stood out in moments where the opposing teams wanted to stay compact. His dribbling was effective when they left the midfield open. Czech Republic and Latvia concentrated on putting Arda off the ball in order to subdue Turkey’s spark.

3. The missing component
Without Ömer Toprak as a center-back option, Mehmet Topal was slot into that role. Due to Mehmet’s absence in midfield, Turkey were missing his defensive quality. They were lacking someone to close down the middle of the park and break up play. This is one reason both Czech Republic and Latvia were able to quickly execute dangerous counter-attacks. There wasn’t enough emphasis on defense with Turkey’s attack-minded set up.

4. Lack of “Plan B”
Turkey started with a spring in their step, but they faded as the game wore on. They weren’t able to keep up the intensity for 90 minutes. The chances were coming, but they just couldn’t capitalize. Turkey ran out of ideas and could not formulate a Plan B when things weren’t going their way. Once Czech Republic recognized Turkey’s strength in supplying numbers into the box, they crowded out that area. Latvia relied on low blocking to cut off Turkey’s chances in front of goal. When the team couldn’t adapt to these situations, it proved to be costly.

The European Qualifiers have been a challenging task full of surprises. Turkey will need to kick it up a notch with this being the first time they have failed to win their opening three games in qualifiers since 1992 (Opta). However, they have the personnel to make it happen. Once injured players are incorporated back into the squad, this could address some of the tactical issues. Turkey are facing an uphill battle, but it isn't impossible. Victory is sweeter when it’s hard fought.


Written by: Goral Patel

Getty Images

Getty Images

Getty Images

Analysis

At 5 feet 11 inches and 165 pounds, he stands as a pillar of strength. He’s a valuable piece of the puzzle. When you leave this piece out, the picture is left incomplete. As one of Fenerbahçe’s most in-form players, Caner Erkin’s 3 goals and 14 assists culminated a successful 2013/14 season for the Yellow Canaries.



Caner is Fenerbahçe’s staple on the left. With his experience as a left-back and winger, he can single-handedly change the momentum of a game. He takes the responsibility of creating something out of nothing while adding urgency to Fenerbahçe’s style. Not only does he influence open play, but he also delivers on set pieces. He’s able to pinpoint players from crosses, corner kicks, and free kicks. This allows him to pick out Sow, Webó, or Emenike in the most dangerous areas.


The sign of a unique player is one who makes complex moves look natural and effortless. Caner Erkin’s vision and execution are needed in high pressure situations. When there are pockets of space, he dribbles past players with ease. Caner’s quick movements do not give opposing players the time to process what’s going on around them. His charging runs are key to beating his man in one-on-one situations or taking on two defenders. This ability to foresee events on the pitch and get into good positions are key factors of Fenerbahçe’s unpredictability in attack.

Chosen as Turkish Player of the Year, it’s no surprise Caner Erkin was approached by high-profile clubs in Europe. However, he sealed his fate with Fenerbahçe by signing a two-year contract extension until 2016. From an interview in 2010 he revealed,

“Fenerbahçe has a lot to give to me and I also have a lot to give to Fenerbahçe...despite being young I have a lot of confidence in myself” (Fenerbahçe Worldwide). 

The İstanbul giants have big aspirations and Caner Erkin is doing everything he can to meet them.