₦airaland Forum

Did he concede?

ChrisKels:
Vincent Enyeama played his first match today, though for the U23s. Expect him with the main team soonest.

My choices remain Enyeama, ikeme and uzoho. It will never change. I will never give up on Ikeme

Hannover's game is tomorrow. So we'll see.

ChrisKels:
How come nobody talks about Sarenren Bazee no more? I thought he came back from injury two weeks ago, why hasn't he been playing? Isn't he match fit yet?

Tbaba1234, Joebie et al

Of course that's a realistic expectation

Humility017:
then let's pray we get Germany...
of a truth my brother...countries that will likely want us for friendlies are those who will be facing Similiar Africa oppositions wit us....

those likely to play Senegal & France....others may likely not see it benefiting to them.

We've become quite deadly in counter attack, irrespective of our formation.

I think the game will be won in the midfield. I will have to study the Croatian's defense line to come up with which strikers will fare better against them.

forgiveness:
I see.

So, which players will you choose for attack positions?

yes that was exactly the reason why I wanted the strongest opponents possible for friendlies.

Humility017:
I get your points...now.
though...Iceland and Denmark have some similarities in their playing pattern..both good wit set piece too...especially when it has to do wit the head...

anyway...I will want a very strong team for friendlies at least to expose weakness in the team....
rohr is a very intelligent coach...and someone who quickly move to correct errors...proactive.

K. Nwakali starts for Venlo.
They currently trail Henreveen 2-1.

Very informative interview. Rohr is very detailed. I like that.

tbaba1234:
Rohr's recent interview with a french paper. He is playing Poland for Croatia. Talks about find a keeper that satisfies them fully.

CC: Icon4s, joebie, komekn, Mujtahida, Joseph1013, Kog45,

NIGERIA / GERNOT ROHR: "A SUCCESS AT THE WORLD CUP WOULD BE EXCEPTIONAL" [EXCLUDING 365]
POSTED ON 9 DECEMBER 2017 AT 12H10 - UPDATED ON 9 DECEMBER 2017 AT 12H19 PATRICK JUILLARD

Gernot Rohr, hot after the draw for the World Cup, you said "It's going to be a physical challenge against the Icelanders, a technical challenge against the Croatians, and a challenge to the Argentineans." Can you detail? What is your opinion on these 3 opponents?

Rohr: This draw is a difficult draw, with three good teams. Our first opponent will be Croatia. The match will take place in Kaliningrad, an eccentric place with a bit of jet lag and a former German city that I already know a bit. Croatia is capable of great things with a team of stars playing in the biggest clubs. They are able to beat the biggest, but also to be surprised by less prestigious teams. It will be up to us to question them. Their technical qualities are huge but we also have a quality game. This is the most important match, and we hope to prepare it, against opponents similar to Croatia. So we will play Poland at home on March 23rd.


Iceland remains more difficult to define ...

Rohr: Iceland has worked hard for ten or twelve years with extraordinary structures to play football all year long despite the harsh weather conditions. Domes of football, where you can play at any time have been installed, with a dozen per region. Work is done from an early age. Today, it is a team that knows how to play football but who remains very physical and supportive. It is expected for this match that takes place in Volgograd to a very difficult game. Supporters will come in large numbers in charters to win their team. It will be an unprecedented match in the history of the World Cup, which adds spice. In this group, it is amusing to see that the four teams know each other very well in pairs: Croatia knows Iceland well,


Nigeria will meet Argentina for the fifth time in the finals, a record. How to finally take points against this opponent?

We will not make the mistake of thinking that we already know them. We beat them in friendly Krasnodar last month, but Argentina played without Lionel Messi. And Argentina without Messiit's not the same team. They have four goals, they may not have changed much defensively, but offensively they can change everything. Argentina is still vice-champion of the world, and had not passed away from the coronation in 2014. This team is perhaps at the end of the cycle, but it can make it all the more formidable, with players eager to prove that they can win. I met Jorge Burruchaga in the draw. He told me "we are coming to win the World Cup. They have chosen a magnificent base camp and will put the package to make it happen.

Do you have an idea of ​​the ideal preparation program?

We chose a base camp that we visited in southern Russia, between Sochi and Volgograd, in the countryside, in a region of mineral and spa baths. We will be far from everything, with opportunities for care and excellent conditions of recovery between games. At 500 meters altitude, it will not be too hot.

On which points do you think you can make the most progress by June?

I think we can always progress on all levels: technical, but also tactical and physical. Tactically, we must be able to adapt according to our opponents. For example, we tried against Argentina, we tried a defense to three, which can turn into a defense to five. We can still do more. Physically, we will be ready. We will take a second physical trainer, in this case Bernard Ginès, I had in my staff in Nice, between 2002 and 2005. We will receive FieldWiz, which are GPS to work better in detail. We will have to progress in the detection of our own players so as not to be mistaken on the list of 30, then that of 23. We will strengthen the scouting team.

What about mental preparation?

We have already shown that we are mentally tough, but it will be even more for the World Cup. We already have a mental trainer with Nabil Trabelsi. Do not flood the group with too many foreign faces. We are not sick, we do not need psychiatrists (laughs).

Does Nigeria have the means to become the first African team semi-finalist of a World Cup?
It's a dream, it's a wish. To think we can do it would be pretentious. We will first try to pass the chickens. Then, it is another pair of sleeves, we will advise from match to match depending on the opponents. Nigeria today has the youngest team in the World Cup with 24.9 years of average age. The figure may be even lower in Russia, as we spotted a 19-year-old goalkeeper in La Coruna . We also come to learn: the life of Nigerian football does not stop after the World Cup. I sincerely believe that we have players who share my ambition to go very far and who have the technical means.

As a technician, is participating in a World Cup the best challenge of your career?

Yes, it's for me the most beautiful. It has been fantastic to qualify in this difficult group with Algeria, Cameroon and Zambia. To have a shot at the World Cup would be exceptional. I prepare myself as best as I can, personally. Every detail counts in the preparation and the choice of the players. We found young people at certain positions. The last challenge is to find a goalkeeper who satisfies us fully. We are working with my guardian coach, Enrico Pionetti. CHAN will be important to take stock. Ikechukwu Ezenwa will participate, under the direction of my assistant Salisu Yusuf. I will follow things closely.

On a personal level, several media announced your extension to the position of coach. What is it really ?

The verbal agreement was reinforced by an official handshake. We met in Moscow with representatives of the executive committee of the Federation. We agreed on a two-year extension. I thank my leaders for this trust. Beyond the World Cup, the goal is CAN 2019. We want to come back and win.

http://www.football365.fr/nigeria-gernot-rohr-reussir-coup-a-coupe-monde-serait-exceptionnel-exclu365-7021852.html

It's not in the Nigerian character to be demoralized. We usually spring up surprises after earlier losses.

FabioPeter:
If you lose these matches you will demoralized the players, it’s better to play beatable team or teams that will allow us develop/showcase our strength. It’s good to go to the World Cup in high spirit.

I think you've made a good point.
Onyekuru combines though when he closes in to the box. If he is not combining he is going all the way.
He can be very tricky as soon as he gets to the box. Which is why they have to shield him to retreat.
Nevertheless Onyekuru can still go the world cup to play that role when we need it most. As a starter? no!
I'd rather bring him in when we need to kill the game... just my own opinion.

forgiveness:
The reason Ahmed Musa was marked out against France at the WC was because they knew he was direct. Even Onyekuru was marked out in the second leg against PSG after they noticed he dribbles with pace.

What they did was to slow him down by shielding him with two players and they always stayed static( they don't move) and closed him down slowly until he was forced to retreat and pass sideways.

From what I saw he is not suitable for such defensive formation because he hold unto ball and create nothing out of nothing.

He is best suited for rapid counter attack tactics.

In such situation, you need an attacking midfielder that can hold unto ball, drift into the midfield, dribble one on one in static situation and has good vision to set a true pass.

Iwobi, Mikel and Vicmo will be the perfect personnel for the Iceland match. If Sone Aluko is available, he is also best for this type of game.

I have seen Iceland played and I think they are very good at counter attack once the dispose the ball from their opponent.

If we have to win balls against Croatia, which two DMF do you want to use?

I can also argue based on a different criteria.
What has been their record since 1987?
Nigeria's reputation started growing from the mid 90s. That's the big difference. But well, we may be speaking from different perspectives based on how early we have been following football.
But let's stay with the context and timing. They are a big team on paper, but a small name.

tbaba1234:
The realistic expectation for Poland and Nigeria in the WC are about the same.

As a footballing nation, they have WC medals, Olympic football medals (including gold) and made the quarters of the last Euros.

They are not on the level of the big boys, They are average just like Nigeria.

Mahrez relies a lot on his left foot just like Iheanacho. If only Iheanacho could be as foxy.

maybe we have a different definition of small name.
Let me have yours

tbaba1234:
If Poland is a small name then so is Croatia, so is Nigeria..

We can't keep crying about this every week. Let's just hope he comes in, and he makes a point for the little time he spends on the pitch.

oloriooko:
Something is wrong either with Nacho or Leicester
Nacho on the bench in Leicester is bad bad news
Its either Nacho is not taking his career serious or he's in the wrong place

I repeat, Poland is a small name in football. I never implied they are on the same level Iceland. It's just you reading too much into my statements. On paper Poland is a big team (FIFA rating)
Their recent stats show how tricky they come. It does not tell you something exactly except the fact that it looks like they can pull any result. It will not be seen as a big shock if Iceland beats England, going by their recent stats. Poland likewise. Not saying their recent stats are very impressive either.
Both teams can be very deadly if taken for granted.

Take a look at Poland's last 7 matches. Also Iceland.
That's what we should be looking at as regards predictability, not what they did in the 70s and 80s.

tbaba1234:
They are on the level of teams like Croatia, Greece .. After the big teams, Germany Spain, Italy etc... They are on that second tier.

They are no minnows. Iceland can be seen as a minnow until recently.

If Poland beat England, It will not be seen as a big shock compared to when Iceland beat England.

Would you say Poland is a big name even in European football? Let's not even talk about the world yet.
Can we go by their exploits in the late 70s and 80s, and say we know what to expect from them today?
Now to my REAL question, can we say we know what to expect from them based on their recent results?

tbaba1234:
Unlike Iceland, Poland has qualified several times for the WC and European Championship. They even have 2 bronze medals in the World Cup in the late 70s and early 80s.

no qualms bro

KevinDein:
Sorry bro. Didn't see the other response early enough.

I had already said "deadly". You are not making a new point.
small name, small team -- two different things.
On what ground do we know what to expect with Poland, and why is the case of Iceland different?

tbaba1234:
They were in pot 1 ahead of bigger sides like Spain. We should know what to expect with Poland.

You guys should be reading carefully..
person go dey repeat himself when a point has already been made.

KevinDein:
Poland is more for Croatia.

Aina seems to have slowed down. He started the Championship season very well.

FabioPeter:
I doubt Rohr will take both Aina and Echiejile, it’s got to be one of the two.

A guy who does not believe in the science of football.
Why do you think other countries bother?

FabioPeter:
SE should play to their strength and bother less about the opponent style/formation.

So far how many have been confirmed for friendlies?

profosa:
o think based on the world cup fixture. and what is in the news we would get a poland,england,columbia and may be denmark friendliest

small name in football.

Modified
Or let me say it again.. Maybe you didn't read it well
The unpredictability a small name but deadly team brings

tbaba1234:
Poland is not a small team.

Can't find the Hull game.
Meanwhile Nedum Onuoha returns for QPR.
Watching that now.

QPR 0-0 Leeds

It's Hull 0-0 Brentford

Ola Aina playing as a AMR. wow..
Let me see if i can find that game to watch

This was my earlier post
Of course, it's just a coincidence

Joebie:
I will recommend the toughest possible similar opponents for friendlies.

Brazil for Argentina
Germany for Croatia
Poland (small but unpredictable team) for Iceland

Oh really. You have watched them and they play alike?
Well I was speaking about the unpredictability a small name but deadly team brings.

I have not watched both teams closely enough to make that conclusion in terms of how they play. Let me assume you have. I believe you then.

Humility017:
Poland plays more like Croatia....Denmark perfectly look likely when we talk of Iceland...

HUNGARY: OTP Bank Liga - Round 19

---

Obinna Nwobodo's Ujpest trail Puskas Academy 2-nil at half time

If he can hit that good form he had at Granada, no doubt.

tbaba1234:
If Isaac Succes can get a run of games together, perhaps he can gatecrash the WC team.

Yes he needs to start preparing for project Qatar. Time is running out for him now.

oloriooko:
Happy for him
He's been out for a long time

I'm not sure who commited the infringement.
But Liebzig has been awarded a penalty.
Balogun was in the thick of things.
Referee heads to watch the VAR.

Modified
Decision upheld.
It seems it was Balogun.
Nobody carded though.

Liepzig 2-1 Mainz

VAR is a great idea.

Mainz scores from a rebound
Leipzig 1-1 Mainz