₦airaland Forum

TheGoodJoe:
Keep in mind, Conte has to drill the team almost every week. So it is easier to organize their play. Keep in mind also the vast options of quality players.

Yeah.

blueto:
What about Chelsea who won the league and are currently doing well with the three back line formation?

With that formation, it will be very difficult for Nigeria to concede in the first place. Nigeria conceded the first goal because of the mistake from the goalkeeper that resulted to that freekick, so we can say that Argentina may not have even scored in that game. Chelsea conceded few goals with the three back line last season, we have Iwodu who you even said it yourself that he is recovers in time to join the defense as a wing back, and also Shehu/Ebuehi doing okay. So as for me, the 3-5-2 formation is a formation that should be used against teams like Croatia and Argentina for now, if it proves to be better in the coming friendlies. A five man defence (wing backs inclusive) may be necessary to thwart the attacking threats of those star studded teams.

How did Chelsea fair in their first few games of trying that formation?

It took a run of games.

For the world cup. If you try it with 2 games and it fails, you are out. No second chance. It is very dicey.

goldfish80:
Which injury was he recovering from? I thought he played against Argentina and Algeria?

He was not listed for the first EPL game on return from the international break. Forgotten who they played.

MetalJigsaw:
Yeah! But what about the midfield? We'll need distinguished DMs and an AM in the midfield which is Mikel, Ndidi and Ogu/Onazi. Because 4-4-2 leaves just two midfielders.

One of the two false 9s joins the attack when on the offensive and also joins the midfield when chasing the ball. Iwobi can do that perfectly.
Just like switching between 4-5-1 and 4-4-2. Rohr played that formation in one of the games during the qualifiers. Recall the game against Zambia in Ndola. Iheanacho played that role.

It was like:

....Ideye....Iheanacho

...........Mikel


But for the Croatia game for now I would still recommend a traditional 4-5-1

I am only suggesting we try the 4-4-2 in any of our next friendlies. But if it can work a against France and England why cant it work against Croatia?

goldfish80:
I dint know about Alex Iwobi playing for the arsenal U21's.

I don't know about Walcott's case in particular but I do know that an injured player is often made to play with the U21 for fitness. Wilshere this seasons started out at the U21's to regain match fitness. Immediately he got fit, he was drafted straight to the main team.

In essence, if a player is not injured but made to play with the U21's, it usually signals demotion.
Nobody should be happy about this situation.

Likewise Iheanacho just recovering from Injury.

MetalJigsaw:
When we're defending its 5-3-2. The two wingbacks join the defence to make it five defenders.

Watch that Argentina's second goal. The one Aguero scored. The LWB was completely in a no man's land when Pavon led that attack before crossing to Aguero. That is one of the demerits of the Wing Back play.
This kind of formation suits you when you score first and then you need to maintain the lead and then comfortably switch to 5 defenders formation.
That second goal came because we decided to push out to get an equalizer. You can easily find yourself 3 goals down within 45mins.

I still feel that formation will limit the team's full potentials. Wingers and Full backs would now be battling for 2 positions rather than 4 positions. Many of our wingers and Full backs will not make it to Russia then.

Kalapizim:
Even Chelsea's Batsuwayi played for the youth side yesterday, 24hrs after playing against Athletico Madrid on Tuesday. getting fit is the key.

You see.

lexyman:
the scoreline of our match against Croatia will be similar to the scoreline of France 98 ...Nigeria vs Spain 3;2

Mba, I prefer the Nigeria vs Bulgaria, 1994 WC, kind of scoreline 3:0.

[quote author=Trudy12 post=63065297][/quote]That is one of the demerits of that 3-5-2 formation. It will not allow us to maximize our potentials.
But If we must play 3-5-2 and we have to bring in Victor Moses we line up like this:

............Moses..........Iheanacho

........................Iwobi
Idowu......Mikel.............Ndidi....Shehu

.......Balogun......Awaziem.......Ekong


I prefer Moses in the attack and not as Wing Back. He is our major attacking weapon.

tbaba1234:
I watched some croatian WC qualifiers. I observed that whilst the midfield are good on the ball, the CBs do not like to be pressed on the ball. They lose possession when pressed well and it has resulted in some goals conceded.

Hmmmm...noted.

Iheanacho the "press" master you get work here.

MetalJigsaw:
3-5-2 is the antidote.

I am looking at a 4-4-2 with 2 false 9s.

I am not so comfortable with that 3 back line. What do you think?

goldfish80:
How many of those mates are going to represent their country at the world cup?

Does Alex Iwobi not play with the U21s once in a while?

Just a couple of years back Oxlade-Chamberlein and Walcott also featured for the Arsenal U21s even though they were already full members of the 3 Lions.

It is just a bid to keep them match fit.

I don't see any thing wrong with that

goldfish80:
I didn't want to be the person to bring this up. I actually watched the game. He was impressive all round.
Maybe Chippa's new goalkeeping coach have already started earning his coins.

Thay is how Akpeyi has always performed.

I personally rated that guy higher than the other goalies currently in the squad. What happens to him in our national colors still remains a mystery. It is only players I know that can be doing well at club but become flops for the national team not keepers.

I think Akpeyi needs a personal psychologist.

TheGoodJoe:
I think Nacho is built for a more offensive strategy. A system that has lots of support. Even if he is the lone striker in the formation, the wingers, creative midfielders and full backs should provide support and create chances. In most of our lone man system, we play in a compact fashion which reduces support. This I agree does not suit Nacho. I think it has more to do with the system than position.

He always needs somebody to play with. "He gives assists and he scores too". That is Iheanacho's kind of game.
He is not suited for a compact 4-5-1 system.

lexyman:
this combination is hot , it will be nice against older teams ... we are going to experience a very fast game play , mikel should be able to slow the tempo of that kind of gameplay at will . having Sheu and idowu as 2 and 3 .

That is why he is called the conductor of the orchestra. He conducts the tempo of the game.

He releases the ball and sends the two young danger men on errands, and that they delivered against Argentina. We need more of such a combo.

TheGoodJoe:
Wow. So Nacho and Iwobi played as False Wingers. I did not notice that until you pointed it out. Here I was thinking Rohr is not technical enough.

See how that front line was lined up:

.....Iwobi.....Iheanacho

............Mikel

That gave the Wing backs amply space to run and make incursions into the Argentine's 18yards box. Notably Idowu.

The friendship between Iwobi and Iheanacho off the pitch was in display that day. We need to try this again
We may need Ighalo if we chose to play any variant of 4-5-1. Iheanacho does not do well as a lone striker.

Full set up:

...........Iwobi.....Iheanacho

..................Mikel

Aina/Idowu..Ndidi..Ogu..Shehu/Ebuehi

.......Balogun/Omeruo..Awaziem..Ekong.

tbaba1234:
I feel that Nigeria's best strategy for this game is quick incisive counters. We do not need to control possession, just make every turnover count.

That is it. With Mikel, Iwobi, Iheanacho and V.Moses that attack will be so sleek.

MetalJigsaw:
Even Iwobi is a CF in disguise. Because he has some if the basic abailties if a striker. He's very incisive player.

*Superb positioning in the box
*Direct and accurate shots

That Iwobi-Iheanacho with Mikel behind the duo front line against Argentina na killer o.

I think we need to switch to a 4-4-2 in one of our friendlies so we try that combo again. Omo! the fluency and efficiency of that attack too sweet. Iwobi and Iheanacho upfront with Mikel providing the passes. And V.Moses doing his own damage from one of the wings and Simon/Onyekuru doing the other.

goldfish80:
This can't be right. Never knew things have gotten this bad for Kelechi.
Under twenty what?

Wetin? Are they not his mates?

Is it better he is kept completely out of football so he becomes match rusty?

TheGoodJoe:
Wiki page says Srna is retired from International football.

OK

TheGoodJoe:
Not sure of one of the full backs but Srna is good. He is the captain and a key player for years at Sharkhtar Donetsk. Never seen him as weak defensively. Offensively, he is good and he is good taking free kicks.

I also thought of a crowded midfield approach. I feel that is the best way the nullify their fluid midfield.

I don't know that Srna guy. Well thanks for the intro.

We need real work horses with high levels of discipline and composure especially in the DM and CM positions. And as I said before we may even present 2 DMs to stem the expected waves of attacks from the middle.

TheGoodJoe:
Kovacic, Modric and Rakitic is sure a deadly combination for us to face due to their intense work rate in the midfield. They might not offer the right defensive balance but their overall work rate is certainly a problem for us to face.

They are not as efficient on the wings while our attack is more efficient from the wings.Rohr also needs to explore the weaknesses in their full back positions.
We may exploit this advantage you know.

As for the midfield challenge we need to crowd our midfield to be able to put up a challenge. A 4-5-1(particularly a 4-2-3-1 IE 2 "blocking 4" ) would suit this play.

Loogan:
Written By: Patrick He

Manager
Ante Cacic

Ante Cacic, the current manager of the Croatian national team, was then appointed head coach on September 21, 2015 (“Ante Cacic” 1). Cacic was born on September 29, 1953 in Zagreb. Unlike many other coaches, Cacic did not play professionally, and in fact, he attended the University of Zagreb, where he received his UEFA Pro License and began his career at Prigorje Markusevec. For much of his career, he coached in the lower leagues of the Croatian leagues, though he did lead both Inter Zapresic and Dubrava to the Croatian First Football League. Cacic’s greatest coaching success to date has been leading Dinamo Zagreb to the domestic double in 2012 and qualifying for the Champions League group stage. However, his career did not last long at Dinamo Zagreb, and Cacic was sacked in November 2012 (“Ante Cacic” 1). Cacic’s appointment as manager of Croatia was controversial, as he has had little experience at such a high level, but the choice seems to have paid off so far, as Croatia won the final two games of qualification, moving from third in its group to second, securing an automatic spot in the Group Stage.

Style of Play

Under Cacic, the Croatian team has played with both a 4-2-3-1 formation and a 4-1-4-1 formation. The two are similar in that they both have one center forward, three central midfielders, and two wide players. Both formations rely on having a midfield triangle, which can keep possession by passing among itself. When attacking, up to seven players can comfortably press up the pitch. The fullbacks can support the wide midfielders by pushing up, leaving one defensive midfielder and the two center backs to remain on defense. However, the wide players have to be cognizant of the threat of a counterattack, which can happen if they press too high. In addition, it is important that the wide midfielders support their fullbacks on defense.

The 4-2-3-1 tends to play with a central attacking midfielder. The two deeper midfielders can both be holding midfielders, or they can more complementary, with one being a deep-lying playmaker. To maintain a midfield triangle, a holding midfielder can push forward into a more advanced role. The CAM often wears the number 10 shirt, and is the creative attacker of the team. He is responsible for making passes and through balls in order to supply the striker with opportunities. Good dribbling and vision are also key in the role, and the ability to take shots from long range is useful as well. 4-2-3-1 formation
The 4-1-4-1 looks similar to the 4-3-3 formation, except that the wide players sit deeper. This formation is versatile and flexible, because it can quickly swap into a 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1, or even a 4-4-2. Moreover, there is a lot of flexibility in the types of midfielders that can be used. While a defensive holding midfielder is necessary in virtually every formation, the two more advanced central midfielders can range from box-to-box midfielders to more attacking-minded number 10s. Moreover, with just one substitution, the team can switch formations; taking off one of the central midfielders in exchange for a CAM can change the formation to a 4-2-3-1, and pushing the wingers further up and putting on a passing-minded midfielder can create a 4-3-3. 4-1-4-1 formation.

Strengths
With lineup that includes Rakitic, Modric, Perisic, and youngsters Halilovic, Kovacic, and Brozovic, Croatia boasts one of the strongest midfields at the Euros. Assuming they are fit, Rakitic and Modric are near-guarantees to make the starting lineup, and while the opposing team will know what they are capable of, it does mean they will be able to do anything to actually stop them. Both players are creative playmakers, able to make key passes and dribbles to break down opposing defenses. Moreover, Ivan Perisic and Mario Mandzukic are both effective attackers. Perisic is strong at cutting in for a shot on goal, while Mandzukic is a poacher inside the box and is particularly effective in the air.

On the defensive end, veterans Darijo Srna, Danijel Pranjic, and Vedran Corluka should be able to shut down opposing attacks effectively. Meanwhile, younger talents like Tin Jedvaj are likely to have an opportunity to shine. Croatia’s fullbacks (Srna and Pranjic) are both attacking-minded players, meaning they will be able to support the wingers and play crosses into the box for Mandzukic.

Overall, Croatia have an abundance of experienced players that have played in previous World Cups and European Championships. Many of them, like Modric, Rakitic, Mandzukic and Perisic, are in their prime, and this is likely to be their last best chance to showcase their skills internationally.

Weaknesses
While Croatia’s midfield does not lack creative talent, the team lacks a physical, defensive-minded presence. In its qualifying match against Malta, Josip Pivaric played in the holding role in a 4-1-4-1. However, he is a fullback and is not a long-term solution to the problem. Against Bulgaria, Croatia played in a 4-2-3-1 with Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic sitting deeper and Ivan Rakitic serving as the CAM. However, this lineup lacks balance, and against opposition of the highest class, Croatia’s center backs will not have sufficient support. One option that Croatia could explore more is the use of Milan Badelj, who plays for Fiorentina. He served in the holding midfield role against Azerbaijan and is probably one of the better options for Croatia, though he is still far from ideal. Ultimately, Croatia lacks a natural holding midfielder, because when the fullbacks attack, the center backs need to push farther wide to cover the space, leaving a spot in the middle that is crucial for a holding midfielder to occupy.
Croatia’s other weaknesses is that it does not have many wingers. While Perisic plays on the left wing, he operates more like a center forward, cutting in to shoot. This is reflected in his club statistics, where he scores twice as often as he assists Ivan perisic. players that Croatia has used recently include Nikola Kalinic, who is a natural center forward, and Marko Pjaca, who naturally plays on the wing but lacks experience. This is a significant problem because Croatia’s key striker, Mandzukic, requires good crosses into the box to realize his full potential. Thus, the fullbacks will be forced to assist with crossing, meaning Croatia could be exposed to counterattacks.

Hmm highly informative.

Gernot Rohr needs to see this.

This Croatian team reminds me of the Bosnian team of 2014 WC that had Begovic, Kolasinach, Pjanic, Djeko and co. The team was stars studded in certain areas but was not balanced in strength of personal and we carried the day.

Same goes for the Bulgarian team of 1994: Stoichkov, Leichkov, Balakov, Siranov and all. Yet they chop Cain.

The strength of this Croatian team is in the midfield and so we can exploit the weaker areas.

Mujtahida:
It's no argument at all, this Martins matter. It's best one doesn't even get into it.

More of sentiments than reason.

I knew it wouldn't be long before insults will start flying.

Martins is a person I have known since when he played with the U10s in my neighborhood. He is also a benefactor of Emma Amuneke's inspirational leap in football. Martins was one of the ball boys when I played football at the white Sand pitches at Orile in Lagos.

I know I have shared this story before.

I have every reason to want to "die put" on this Martins debate but I choose not to cos we have seen the better days of Martins and time for us to move on.

Joebie:
But it was the way out for our first goal..
Who even coined that "jam body" again? lol

That was why I earlier stated that we already had players who were physical enough to cope.

The general belief was the team was not physical enough that we needed someone in the mould of a "Sumo wrestler" as a striker. Remember "the big striker" talk?

And for the "jam body", it was none else than Nwakaeme that started it.

morereb10:
Argentina and Manchester City striker, Sergio Aguero, has spoken for the first time after he reportedly fainted during Nigeria Vs Argentina match which Argentina surprisingly lost 4-2 to Nigeria in an international friendly in Krasnodar on November 14, 2017.

Aguero did not come out for the second half of the friendly match as he suddenly developed illness and was rushed to the hospital for routine examination during the intermission. Before his unplanned substitution at half-time, the South Americans were leading 2-1 with the forward registering his name on the score-sheet in the 36th minute.

The striker told Lbero;

”The second half against Nigeria I could not see, because I was in the Hospital, but when they told me how it panned out, I asked, ‘what happened?”
”That happens sometimes, it was because they thought of me, they were scared, I do not know.”

Reacting to the World Cup draw where La Albiceleste will again face Super Eagles, Aguero said he was more concerned about Argentina’s first two opponents in Group D, saying, ”The rivals are not bad, but let’s not say it’s very good for us, Iceland is one of the debutants, they do not play badly, they are a very organized team and they have (Gylfi) Sigurðsson.

”They are the first two games, they are the most important, they will not be easy.

”Croatia have a great midfield, they have Modric, Rakitic, you have Perisic who plays outside and he’s very fast, Croatia is a bit more complete.”

Nigeria has surprising drawn Argentina for the fifth time at the World Cup on June 26, 2018 at the Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg.


More @ http://www.exlinklodge.com/2017/12/why-i-fainted-during-nigeria-vs.html

So it was because they were thinking about you that was why they chop Cain like that?

Abeg faint again when we meet in the world cup.

Petrobros:
Go back and read his comment. He introduced the spin by mentioning someone's moniker.

Why should we not discuss a topic because it would offend someone?

If una see truth make una dey talk abeg

Guy how far?

Abeg take some ice water and let's move on.

Mujtahida:
The argument is a huge waste. Rohr will invite who he will invite. What if he doesn't invite Martins? What would the Pro Martins people do? What if he invites him? What would the anti Martins people do? Both will do nada!

The passion and emotions with which some people argue this Martins case here, one begins to wonder.

mazimee:
You don't ask me to choose between bitter Kola and Kola nut when there is also Carrot and Sugar cane in the option. Please let us be constructive here.

Yeh!

mazimee:
I had high hope on the guy after John Ogu hyped the guy saying that em no score in their club , no party. I looked at his Statistics he was indeed firing goals, em follow for the top scorers in their League. Nigga got me anticipating only to play like it was a street match.



To your question, why would I pick between the two when Onyekuru, Kayode and of recent potential "Orji Okonkwo is there?

I was never moved by Nwakaeme's hype here. He was brought in to bully the Cameroonians (Jam body football), something I knew was not the best way out.

Icon79:
True, considering that he's only 19. But his football IQ betrays his age tho.

All in all, the future is bright for naija footie, especially if we can retain Rohr and the NFF keeps its house in order.


O pari

Yeah true.

This boy is coming up fast. Iheanacho and Kayode should watch their backs.

Goke7:
that is why he can't be invited o, cos he can't take instruction from those junior to him. Let's stop all these theories for Christ sake, seniority is a big issue in Africa and remember that the level of academic education of some of our players are low so there are issues. dem no be oyinbo at all that can call their papa by name. Let's be frank o!

Remember the crisis in the Ghanaian team many years ago due to the superiority contest btw yeboah and abedi pele! somethings are better avoided to keep your team intact. These players are not angels as we think sometimes

Bro, this one is as clear as day and night. Ogbeche CANNOT become the Eagles captain if he returns. No controversy about this.

And captaincy is not just about giving instructions to the other players.