|
Post by benzgm on May 29, 2014 22:04:35 GMT 8
Ashfaq is very much left-footed and finishes most of his chances off on that side. He is outstanding in one-on-ones. In fact, his trademark style of scoring is after beating 2-3 defenders and rounding the goalkeeper. He is also seen to fire rifle bullets into the opposition goal as seen in the previous edition of the SAFF Championship against Nepal. He is just above-class over our CBs and many European clubs including Benfica showed interest in him.. He's got great skill no doubt, can't say the same about class though after that "un"fair play. Might have been the pressure of trying to win in front of the home crowd though. Still, he'd be remembered for it and would add motivation to the Azkals should we face them again sometime soon.
|
|
|
Post by theunicorn on May 29, 2014 23:09:09 GMT 8
It definitely bodes well for him since that is the objective isn't it? To win the game and advance. I mean the kid held his own. Muller had great saves but he was also out of position for that one lob. Maybe he shouldn't have started? And why do I feel like you always have this condescending tone with everyone. I think it's pretty noticeable. I second the statement in bold letters. That bold letters! I chuckled a bit hihihi. Anyways, the best highlight I saw from Amani is when he kissed the flag in front of rampaging Ashfaq. He sure knows he's playing for the country. For the next match, I would really like to put Lucena at the back w/Gier. But my gut tells me that Amani should start. I don't know, he learned something on the Maldives match I'm sure. And maybe if Lucena starts on the final, it's another adjustment on the back four. Both decision is a gamble.
|
|
|
Post by brimstone on May 30, 2014 1:07:55 GMT 8
It may not be ass kissing but that's not calling a spade a spade either! Take this game against the Maldives for example, sure we won, but Aguinaldo again could've cost us with him giving a away a clumsy penalty but Muller saved his ass by saving the penalty. He also scored an OG but the AFC decided to credit the goal to the striker instead. So what are you gonna do now? Sweep that under the rug and say that Dooley was right again to use him because we won?!? lol!! It definitely bodes well for him since that is the objective isn't it? To win the game and advance. I mean the kid held his own. Muller had great saves but he was also out of position for that one lob. Maybe he shouldn't have started? And why do I feel like you always have this condescending tone with everyone. I think it's pretty noticeable. Bodes well for who? Dooley? And what's your point if it does? It still doesn't take away that fact that using a vastly inexperienced and shaky 19 year old CB should've already cost us big time. If you refer to some clumsy defending which also led to giving away a pen and being easily beat on 1v1's for often than not as "holding your own", then by all means you do that. Condescending tone? I'm not gonna apologize for having strong views especially when people like to brush things aside as if they never happened. So I'll apologize for not being a goody two-shoes and I'll apologize for not always agreeing to everything that people on here has to say as that seems to be the norm around here. So there, happy?
|
|
|
Post by brimstone on May 30, 2014 1:14:37 GMT 8
It definitely bodes well for him since that is the objective isn't it? To win the game and advance. I mean the kid held his own. Muller had great saves but he was also out of position for that one lob. Maybe he shouldn't have started? And why do I feel like you always have this condescending tone with everyone. I think it's pretty noticeable. "You can't win anything with kids." -Alan Hansen after Manchester United lost to Villa 3-1 with Fergie relying on the younger players. Fast forward a "few" years, the likes of Giggs, the Neville brothers, Beckham, Scholes, are etched into football history. Yes, Fergie's fledglings made mistakes early in their career and cost United more than a handful of crucial games. But in the end, his gamble was more than worth it. I could see Dooley doing something similar for Philippine football in general if we can keep him for a longer period. Remember, confidence is a huge part in the development of a football player. Because of this cup, we've seen the likes of Sato and Aguinaldo excelling partly because of the fact that Dooley chose them to start over the other veterans. We also do not know what happens in the training sessions in terms of fitness and general attitude, so that's also a thought to keep in mind whenever we criticize the coach's lineup. But if we start seeing Dooley putting Doctora as a CB and Gier just behind the striker then that's when we should start getting worried. This is what I've been trying to get at ever since I brought up Aguinaldo's shakyness from the Laos game. Dooley didn't seem to have the stones to use Aguinaldo in any of the official friendlies, notably our lone home game where we didn't play with a recognized CB except for Aguinaldo who was unused. Dooley did use Sato and it was evident from his debut against Nepal that he was exceptional and very mature. So him getting the nod in the Challenge Cup isn't an issue. It's using Aguinaldo as that is and as I will point out yet again, he should've cost us big time already but people are brushing that aside as if it's a non-issue because we won. Unreal!
|
|
|
Post by brimstone on May 30, 2014 1:20:50 GMT 8
I've recovered from my high from the win. I only have one glaring concern, the defense. A lot had been said already regarding Aguinaldo. Without a doubt, he's getting a great education and is doing his job the best he can. He plays with a lot of heart and guys and surely he'll be a strong center back for our team in the future. But should we be using him now, though? Friendlies are there for our young players to learn. But in crucial matches like this I would have opted to put someone more experienced next to Gier. True, Amani played like a hero, and I'm a huge fan of his for it, but we do have more experienced players who could play center back in his stead. Him playing backup doesn't diminish his appeal, much like Deyto is to Muller and Etheridge. On the plus side, he has good pace and seems pretty strong. He just needs to hone his defending instincts a bit more. I just find it arguable whether or not now is the right time to get an education. There's been a discussion regarding Dooley's decision-making as well. Philosophically speaking, when do we say that a decision is the right or wrong one? At the moment it is made or after the result? I choose the latter, but it's not as clear-cut as it seems. Sure, we won, but Maldives knew exactly which part of our defense is the weakest and they went for it and at times it paid off. Dooley seems to be a good coach and may be what the team needs at this point in time. It's quite possible that he's the right guy to "take us to the next level". But for all the good choices and scouting attitude he's shown, he isn't perfect. And it's clear that not all of his decisions are universally accepted by Philippine Football fans. Nevertheless, he's only just begun. Even at this point, we'd have to wait and see how his plans play out. One minor comment, I do miss McMenemy standing in the sideline in a suit. That sure added a lot of class to the team. I kinda hoped Dooley would do the same. But no, he goes in shorts. IMO, it's the right decision. We're in the finals now with him LOL. He probably isn't the best choice though but looking at the wikipedia lineup, he's probably the best one we have? I assume Juani is injured....... at the moment it's very obvious that Aguinaldo isn't comfy with the other CB partner....... It's either that his club team doesn't play with a flat system (in the US, really low level teams play stopper-sweeper... so bad LOL) or that there's just a communication issue. The 2 CBs are wayyyyyy too far apart from each other....... Otherwise, the players are looking good, especially Reichelt and..... IMO Sato. Also..... it would've been nice to get Patiño and Younghusband to somehow play together though. Schrock didn't look 100% during OT so I don't think he'll be truly match ready for the finals sigh..... Schrock in the final third (out wide and somewhere in the center) is miles better than what he was with Weiss at CM. The only thing to LOL about is that logic of yours! It's the right decision because we're in the finals therefore his mistakes (which I'll point out for the billionth time should've cost us big already) are alright... good lord!!!! I seriously don't know where your heads are at, a lot of you that is. I give up!!! Effing hell!!
|
|
|
Post by xclentoy on May 30, 2014 1:43:22 GMT 8
starting 11
muller rota-aguinaldo-gier-sato JDJ- Steuble JYH-Mulders-reichelt PYH
subs: Lucena, Shrock, C.Greatwich
|
|
|
Post by atlienace on May 30, 2014 3:34:54 GMT 8
Bodes well for who? Dooley? And what's your point if it does? It still doesn't take away that fact that using a vastly inexperienced and shaky 19 year old CB should've already cost us big time. If you refer to some clumsy defending which also led to giving away a pen and being easily beat on 1v1's for often than not as "holding your own", then by all means you do that. Condescending tone? I'm not gonna apologize for having strong views especially when people like to brush things aside as if they never happened. So I'll apologize for not being a goody two-shoes and I'll apologize for not always agreeing to everything that people on here has to say as that seems to be the norm around here. So there, happy? I think I've just about said it every time. I give Dooley credit for making the selection that he did. The team won with it. That is all. And should've, would've, could've. Fact - it didn't. The time that it does, then you can take the credit for harping about it all this time. Am I happy? Yes, but it's not because of your backhanded apology and the fact that you didn't deny that you seem to talk down to people that don't agree with you and you talk to them like they're all ignorant. I'm just happy. Haha. You don't have to be a "goody two-shoes" to have a civilized discussion. Anyway, I'm gone. Now, I remember why I just like to lurk and read. I hope you guys enjoy the final game on Friday and I hope we win. Peace!
|
|
|
Post by brimstone on May 30, 2014 20:05:55 GMT 8
Bodes well for who? Dooley? And what's your point if it does? It still doesn't take away that fact that using a vastly inexperienced and shaky 19 year old CB should've already cost us big time. If you refer to some clumsy defending which also led to giving away a pen and being easily beat on 1v1's for often than not as "holding your own", then by all means you do that. Condescending tone? I'm not gonna apologize for having strong views especially when people like to brush things aside as if they never happened. So I'll apologize for not being a goody two-shoes and I'll apologize for not always agreeing to everything that people on here has to say as that seems to be the norm around here. So there, happy? I think I've just about said it every time. I give Dooley credit for making the selection that he did. The team won with it. That is all. And should've, would've, could've. Fact - it didn't. The time that it does, then you can take the credit for harping about it all this time.Am I happy? Yes, but it's not because of your backhanded apology and the fact that you didn't deny that you seem to talk down to people that don't agree with you and you talk to them like they're all ignorant. I'm just happy. Haha. You don't have to be a "goody two-shoes" to have a civilized discussion. Anyway, I'm gone. Now, I remember why I just like to lurk and read. I hope you guys enjoy the final game on Friday and I hope we win. Peace! Great. So it's crystal clear where your head is at... issues/talking points only arise when things aren't favorable and when they are everything is "all good in the hood" for you. Excellent! This also explains why you're only a lurker. Who says I'm not having a civilized discussion? As I've said, I'm not gonna apologize for having strong views especially if the people I'm having a discussion with have flawed logic, double standards, are yes men and/or like to brush aside things that are genuine issues. Having strong views doesn't mean your not civilized! lol! If you think that then it just means you're way too soft! hah! If you can't handle it then by all means get out!!
|
|
|
Post by noshy on May 30, 2014 20:44:26 GMT 8
Sigh.... Magaspang Ang Ugali
|
|
|
Post by zannbu on May 30, 2014 21:21:08 GMT 8
We can have strong views without being abrasive..umm maybe I'm also a softie haha!
Anyways, this is it! #COYA!!
|
|
|
Post by noshy on May 30, 2014 21:25:52 GMT 8
Softie ako. soft soft...
|
|
|
Post by slayermoonlight on May 30, 2014 22:29:06 GMT 8
Let's just refrain from "ad hominen" shall we. no need to attack someone personally when engaging in arguments.
back to cool heads and mind wide open: I share the same views of brimstone. But again that doesn't mean it Dooley's mistake for fielding Aguinaldo. We just need to fine tune our defense, our tactics, to offset Aguinaldo's evident flaws. I'm not saying Aguinaldo will not improve. He is a great prospect. And he is still young (and malleable). He can still be forged into a great defender. But for the meantime, while the stakes are very high, we need to win this final match against Palestine. And we cannot afford those same mistakes again if we want to have a chance to the Asian Cup. Remember that this chance might be the only chance for some of the Azkals who have been playing for our flag for a long time.
|
|
|
Post by Wiking on May 31, 2014 15:29:59 GMT 8
Nice to be back...
I haven't had time to back read but I've been watching this particular game a few times for the simple reason that we lost against them a few years ago and I remember Ali and del Rosario got it on with some of the Maldivian players then.
First thing I noticed that there was an adjustment in the midfield. Dooley has said that he favors and has used the 4-2-3-1 formation a lot. This time he used a different variation of the said formation. He flooded the mid using the 4-1-4-1. de Jong was the obvious DM and Lucena moved up to CM. If you noticed throughout the game he was level with the rest of the mids and was in a great position to pinch a goal.
The results speaks for itself, and Lucena has become an even more versatile, high level player for the team. Not only can he play CDM but RB, CB and CM. If you can remember he was AGF's starter for a season or two at RB and according to their fan club(who contacted me on twitter for some reason) in his early career at Esbjerg he was actually a CM!
Another poacher's goal for C Greatwich. As I've said in my blog about a year ago he's better being offensively aggressive rather than passive and to defensive minded.
Sato shined in this game. Phil was a shadow of his 2012 Challenge Cup self and to think we have Schrocky in with him.
Dooley was brave to have Aguinaldo playing at CB but with a deep team personally I would have started Lucena or even del Ro at this position. But, a win is a win and I'm not complaining.
That Maldivian star player punched Aguinaldo. WTF?!
|
|