Tactical Tuesday May 17, 2011
USA Versus Japan May 14, 2011
Formations: Japan 4-4-2
12 Kaihori
2 Kinga 3 Iwashimizu 4 kumagai 15 Sameshima
7 Ando 10 Sawa 6 Sakaguchi 8 Miyama
9 Ohno 17 Nagasoto
USA 4-4-2
1 Solo
11 Kriger 4 Sauerbrunn 19 Buehler 14 Cox
7 Boxx
9 O’Reilly 15 Rapinoe
10 Lloyd
8 Rodriguez 20 Wambach
Notes: Both teams start and remain in the 4-4-2 formation. A traditional formation, perhaps perfected by the 1998 Manchester United squad, the 4-4-2 offers a balance of attack and defensive play while preventing many possibilities of unbalanced and outnumbered situations. The 4-4-2 is usually played professionally with a flat back four, a flat midfield or a diamond midfield, and two strikers who will be a tandem. Teams playing the 4-4-2 formation should field strikers who are a cohesive unit, a dynamic pair of center midfielders, outside midfielders who understand when to pinch in and when to remain wide, and outside marking backs who can successfully attack up the wings. Japan is playing a flat 4-4-2 with three lines (meaning the two central midfielders are not staggered in a specific defensive or attacking role). The outside midfielders will have to adapt situationally at times creating a “u” type shape in the midfield. Japan is a technical team and will seek to use the 4-4-2 formation to aid in maintaining possession. Their attack usually consists of utilizing only the central area of the pitch, not taking advantage of the 4-4-2’s encouraging flank style of play.
Head Coach Pia Sundhage is not blind to the USA’s central midfield problem. With little options to employ as solutions to the troubles, Sundhage has switched the USA’s midfield from flat to a diamond shape. Selecting veteran Shannon Boxx to fill the role of a holding midfielder, Sundhage hopes to slow counter attacks and close a wide gap between the defenders and midfielders that has plagued the USA recently. Carli Lloyd will serve as the attacking midfielder against Japan. Sundhage will want her outside midfielders, Megan Rapione and Heather O’Reilly to be pinched in defensively but yet stretched out wide offensively.
The USA seems to be more at ease when playing opponents who are in the familiar 4-4-2 formation rather than the compacted 4-5-1 or formations that consists of three strikers or two attacking midfielders in support of the strikers.
First 10 minutes: Numerous throw-ins inhibited a possessive flow for either team. Both teams displayed numerous execution flaws and technical missteps. At 1:13 a ball sent into the box from Ali Krieger deflected off a Japanese defender to the feet of Amy Rodriguez. However, Rodriguez’s first touch with her inside of her right foot was too hard and rocketed out of reach for her to make a play.
Japan’s high pressure on USA’s fullbacks provided some early dangerous moments. A throw-in conceded to the USA in their defensive third illustrated just how tight Japan’s marking and pressure could be. Fox Soccer Channel provided viewers with an excellent look of USA’s right marking back, Ali Krieger’s, line of vision. The camera angle showed us that Krieger had few options in such a compromising space. Without Heather O’Reilly making a run down the side line, a congested area forced Krieger to throw the ball into Boxx, who was just 10 yards away. Boxx appeared to be unmarked (perhaps the referee had a good spot on her just a few yards behind her!) Boxx received the ball and settled it with a short slight touch with her right foot towards Krieger and to the side line. Boxx could have cut the ball on an angle up towards the center, but the referee’s presence (Boxx perhaps thought was a player?) may have left Boxx with an uneasy feeling that she had little room for error in a dangerous area on the pitch to take a gamble on whether or not she had free space.
Boxx’s pass to O’Reilly had created the classic 3v3 training warm-up drill. O’Reilly had few options. Wambach was not checking into a space conducive for an effective pass up field. A pass back to Krieger may have resulted in a take away or would have only allowed Krieger to smash the ball up field. Boxx was only a few feet away and tightly marked. Boxx decided to overlap O’Reilly on the right flank, but Japan had closed in with three players on O’Reilly giving her little room to make this play. O’Reilly attempted to dribble into the space where Boxx once was, but Nagasato’s challenge at the ball just barely clipped O’Reilly causing her to stagger and allowed Japan to gain possession.
Ohno immediately sent a somewhat square ball to Sawa, initiating a short sequence of passes. Iwashimizu sent in a long flighted ball, but it was quickly picked up by Hope Solo. As Solo checked her quick counter possibilities, she sneered as all great goal keepers do.
At 2:21 it was evident that the USA’s midfield problems were still painfully present. Here, allow me to stray from tactical breakdowns into a disappointing rant about Megan Rapione. I wish to state, that I have never witnessed Megan Rapione make several errors without having contributed anything positive to a match. Unfortunately, this game was not to be one of those matches where she makes up for her errors. Perhaps it was due to my watching the game inside of the stadium rather than on TV. I found that Megan Rapione lacked a swagger and a spark that usually makes up for her sometimes poor play. I am a fan of Rapione’s swagger and feistiness—but it was noticeably absent in this match. I was not alone in my disappointment in the left midfielder. Many sighs and groans came from other spectators around me. This is what we saw in Rapione: always a step off, ball watching, no runs, poor touches, lazy defending, lack of control, wasted corner kicks…the list seemed endless. As a former coach, I understand that every single player is going to have a bad day from time to time. Nevertheless, professional soccer players need to exhibit an attitude and desire to make up for their errors. This was not visible from the stands in regards to Rapione, leaving me to wonder if she was injured and not feeling well.
So…with that in mind…
At 2:21 I could not decide if Carli Lloyd’s pass out to Rapione on the left flank was predictable, the worst option, or if Rapione was just weak in her attempt at the ball or run to break free. The midfield collaboration between Lloyd, Boxx and Rapione was ineffective and dreadful.
4:26 Megan Rapione uncharacteristically sends a shoddy corner kick out of bounds. Fox Soccer Channel’s close up of Rapione after the corner kick shows Rapione grimacing and in pain around her stomach or rib area. Whatever the reason, something was off about Rapione.
5:26 The beauty of the 4-4-2 formation attacking options was displayed as Lloyd dutifully switched the attack to the right side. An open Heather O’Reilly dashed to the ball while Ali Krieger made a quick overlapping run. O’Reilly effectively dribbled in towards the box, not interfering or congesting the space Krieger was running into. O’Reilly released the ball at the right time but did not distribute the ball at the correct angle. Krieger managed to make contact with the ball to win USA’s 2nd corner kick.
Rapione managed to deliver a better corner kick, yet it is cleared by Japan. Sauerbrunn, recovered the ball and had plenty of time—no pressure on her—and yet was not patient with the ball. After quickly checking her options she sent the ball back into the box into a sea of white jerseys. USA's defenders need to remain patient in situations such as these. There was no reason or advantage to play the ball so quickly back into the box. Sauerbrunn’s neglect to look to play the ball to a player checking back to the ball or checking wide is a common characteristic that needs to change among the USA’s defenders.
9:20 Japan was applying high pressure and always looking for situations that invited a double team (and at times triple) in hopes to rattle and dispossess the US offense. USA's central midfield weakness allowed Japan to be rewarded for their high pressure. Boxx seemed to never be in a good position as holding midfielder. At the 9:20 minute mark, attacking midfielder, Carli Lloyd, retreated into the defensive center mid role while Boxx was unable to become free in the higher position. Lloyd’s first touch from a pass from Sauerbrunn was poorly executed. Unable to recover from the error, Miyama was able to play the ball square in the direction of four, yes four, unmarked Japanese players. Boxx, well aware that Lloyd was unable to maintain possession and had even gone to the ground, was watching the play develop for Japan rather than retreating to cover at least one of those open Japanese players. Ando, coming in from the right flank, collected the ball and was able to dribble unchallenged up to the top central part of the box and fire a bending shot that went just wide. The USA defenders were trying to hold their line as well as their marks and did not step up to challenge Ando until the she was too much of a threat. Boxx was caught ball watching and Rapione made no attempt to come back and help out to stop Ando. Rapione should have been marking Ando. I am also assuming that if I am Shannon Boxx, I would want to be aware of where a strong shooter like Ando is on the pitch at all times. USA was lucky that Ando’s shot went wide. It could have easily been another situation where the USA gave up an early goal.
Tactical notes on first 10: Wambach and Rodriguez, although two excellent players, were not playing close enough in tandem to my liking. They were stretched too far from each other which limited the play making between the two strikers. Within the 4-4-2, the strikers really need to be in harmony with one another. During the first ten minutes of play, Wambach and Rodriguez relied heavily on the combinations and offense generated from the midfield. The US midfield, as a whole, was ineffective in generating any substantial creative offense that would have worked with how Rodriguez and Wambach were positionally playing. Playing too independent and spread out from one another, the strikers were easily contained by Japan.
Japan had been feisty at times. Nagasoto had continuously made attempts to slip in behind the defense. She made me nervous at times; one quick counter could have been costly. Yet the US defense is rarely playing high these days—and rarely caught in the dangerous game of the offside trap. Nagasato’s tactics may prove to be more dangerous against a weaker back four or a defensive line that likes to push up. Over all, the defense maintained good shape.
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| c.kroc of sports |
USA defensively in perfect position against Japan
Continued USA midfield woes:
As the 18th minute mark became visible on the scoreboard, the game opened up. End to end—thrilling, fast paced soccer. Japan was actually attacking from the flanks and the US was trying to counter off changes of possession. At 18:08, Rodriguez and Wambach finally teamed up. Rodriguez headed a ball played in by Lloyd back to Wambach. As Rodriguez made a lateral run to the right to free up space for Wambach to run in after she passed a square ball to Rapione, chills started to set in on fans as the US was finally making runs with both strikers on the same page. Rodriguez began to turn towards goal as Wambach began to angle her run to the side line for a ball played forward by Rapione. O’Reilly was poised and in great position on the right, giving the US depth and width. Fans held their breath as the US finally found an impressive attack with creative and precise off-ball movement.
But what does Rapione do with all the time and all of these great and numerous options that had been given to her? One times it. Blasted it in the direction of the near post to Japan’s keeper, Kaihori.
From the stands I could not tell where Rapione wanted to place that ball. Watching the recorded broadcast from Fox Soccer, I could not decide as well. Rodriguez possibly? A missed ball to O’Reilly? What the cameras did not pick up was Wambach’s immediate reaction to Rapione’s error. Wambach turned and lectured Rapione as only Wambach can do. Yet, I dutifully noted, Wambach and Rodriguez were finally playing off each other rather than independently. Rodriguez was starting to make well timed and dangerous off the ball runs that I have seen her do with confidence during the current WPS season.
Rapione’s woes continued after a Japanese corner kick at 19:26. Gathering the ball, Rapione, with open space, collected and dribbled the ball from the center right side of box on a diagonal run to the left rather than straight ahead…thus dribbling towards the left side of the pitch which was in the direction of several players, including two Japanese players who contained her. As she chopped the ball back and forth, Rapione made her way to the other side of the top of the box and gave the ball to Cox who bailed her out and sent a long diagonal ball (to the direction where Rapione should have originally dribbled) to Carli Lloyd. Wambach over lapped Lloyd on the right, Rodriguez was in good position on the left for a run towards goal after Wambach would have received the ball. Japan was on this one though—a corner kick resulted.
Return of the US swagger:
The US had begun to play with more confidence and swagger after these attacks. By no means am I declaring that the US was playing great or beautiful soccer—but they were playing with the attitude that has seemed lacking over the course of the year. Hard to explain in words, the US mentality of strength, power, and the putting the fear of God in the opposing team was best illustrated in the 27th minute as Amy Rodriguez’s first touch set up a 1v1 with the keeper. Rodriguez, realizing that Japan’s keeper had slid to the ground to smother the ball, slid in an attempt to get a cleat on the ball before Japan’s goalie could gain possession. Brash and daring, dangerous and often costly, Rodriguez sacrificed sanity and health by going for a goal. This play is the USA mentality of old. Sacrificing limbs and placing fear in defenders and goalies. As players, we have all been instructed to “leap the keep” on such occasions. I learned this principle from Mia Hamm. But Rodriguez refused to give up that opportunity for a goal. Like Rodriguez, the US often thrives on coming after opponents with reckless abandon—and I mean that as an enduring compliment. Point being--the US had found their desire. World, take note.
Rodriguez was whistled for the foul. Appropriately so. But here is the interesting note. Hope Solo has returned as the USA’s first line of attack. Her punts and kicks rocket into the USA's offensive third—strikers can initiate quick attacks off these kicks with quick flicks of the head. This is how the US players have loved to attack. This is what has been missing. Love her or hate her.Love or hate the direct style of this attack, Hope Solo is a key to the US attack. If the central midfielders are not able to feed strikers, Hope Solo will.
Goal USA:
28:07 Abby Wambach was fouled in midair a little over 10 yards from the half line. This foul proved costly for Japan. Krieger stepped up to take the free kick and delivered a floating ball with such graceful back spin. The cameras did little justice for how perfect and how well Krieger served this ball. Wambach ascended, proving that her aerial mastery of the game still dominates; she headed the ball with power into the back of the net. After she made contact with the ball, she was immediately hammered by Japan’s goalie, Kaihori. As the arms and body belonging to Kaihori leveled Wambach to the ground, Abby's scoreless draught had ended. Despite suffering a strong blow, Wambach metaphorically rose to her feat with a triumphant yell, bellowing to the world, “Look out.” Rodriguez overjoyed with emotion congratulated Wambach. Pia was on the sidelines giddy with emotion, reminding us that Jersey shore fist pumps have nothing on over joyous soccer coaches. Welcome back Wambach.
Japan’s post goal kick off resulted in an immediate turn over and Wambach’s adrenaline filled desire provided an immediate goal scoring opportunity that was saved by a sliding Iwashimizu. Just a minute passes and Wambach has another diving header that goes just wide of the goal. She was smiling. She was having fun. When Wambach is having fun, the world better take note. Rodriguez was the last to feed her the ball for the header. They were playing closer—tighter, and together.
Goal #2
Wambach and O’Reilly had been playing well together for much of the match. As much as the midfield displayed horror moments during the match, O’Reilly distinguished herself from them. Around the 3 minute, Wambach dummied the ball and allowed O’Reilly to take the ball up the right flank. O’Reilly started to angle her way towards the center as she dribbled forward. Wambach made an overlapping run on the right. O’Reilly properly distributed the ball to Wambach who was unmarked and easily provided a square ball to Rodriguez who hit the post but it trickled in off the deflection. This looked as easy as an offesensive play set up in practice where the defense is only playing at around 70%. If anyone is searching for clips on the USA being effective offensively, this is the one to watch. Proper movement, use of the flank—all things beautiful in soccer.
Both strikers have scored for the USA in the first half. Wambach has a goal and an assist.
Japan immediately steps up after the second US goal. Sawa passed on a shot with only Sauerbrunn defending her. Rather than taking the shot, she passed the ball to a covered Nagasoto. Sawa would have done better to take the shot.
Second half: Substitutions: Tobin Heath Replaces Megan Rapinoe; Lindsay Tarpley replaces Heather O’Reilly.
Second Half:
First 10 minutes:
Due to the Women’s World Cup being a month away pooled with the apparent weakness within the US midfield, the second half viewing consisted primarily of how effective the midfield substitutions were. Tobin Heath’s first touches on the ball resulted with a slow pass that was easily snatched away by Japan. On the opposite midfield side, Tarpley immediately provided a spark of intensity and a scoring chance. After deflecting a ball (Japan had possession due to Heath’s poorly executed pass), Tarplay fights to win possession and sends a great pass to Shannon Boxx. Interestingly, at this point of time, Boxx was playing in a higher midfield position than Carli Lloyd. Boxx makes a great run into the box, but as Tarplay played Boxx the ball, Boxx botches the play by having a poor first touch with the outside of her right foot. Boxx over ran the ball due to the poor touch but manages to turn and fire an awkward left footed shot. The shot was not strong as Boxx would have liked. Notice how Boxx’s body was falling backward and losing power and accuracy. Despite the weak shot, Boxx’s attempt was deflected by Kumagai, resulting in creating a dangerous lobbing ball. Japan’s goalie, Kaihori, poorly swatted the ball away. Heath was in perfect position for a first touch placement back to goal, but it lacked power and lift as it met Kaihori’s sprawled out legs that prevented it from crossing her goal line.
48:16 Sauerbrunn makes a poor pass intended for Carli Lloyd. Sawa dribbled towards the top of the box and passed to Nagasoto. This seemed to be a likeable target for her...but Japan still cannot find a goal.
Not much in regards to exciting or noteworthy action for the first ten minutes of the match as well as the other 35. Boxx and Lloyd continued to fail defensively by allowing Japan to take outside shots. Although the gap between the defensive line and midfield seemed less severe, there was still a noticeable lack of defensive support from the central midfielders.
Offensive Movement for USA:
Abby Wambach and Rodriguez were playing more cohesively as a unit. This was a welcome sign for the USA’s offense, as Wambach and Rodriguez seemed to be very comfortable and in sync with one another.
50:50 minute: Wambach checked back to receive ball around the midfield line on the left side. Rodriguez is close by, reacting by moving laterally to create more passing angles. A lateral pass from Wambach to Heath allowed for Heath to find Rodriguez while Wambach moved around Rodriguez and occupied space to the right of her. A through ball found Wambach who then passed back to the top of the box for Rodriguez but Rodriguez’s body is falling back during her shot and the ball goes over the goal. Way over. Rodriguez challenge before the World Cup is to concentrate on her body positioning while shooting to help prevent these common missed attempts by her.
Japan adjusts:
Ando and Ohno switched positions, moving the dangerous Bundesliga Ando to a more suited striker position. I think I would have rather seen Japan switch to a 4-3-3 rather than just switch the two players. It was a friendly--why not? Also, I would have loved to see how the US would have handled three strikers due to the midfielders often failing to support in defensive roles.
58th minute: Nagasoto’s dangerous attempts of slipping behind the US defense were finally rewarded during the 58th minute mark. Timing her run behind the defense perfectly, Nagasato was precariously free within the box with a ball in front of her. Hope Solo quickly came out to clear—barely able to reach out and slightly knock it away with her left hand. With the goal exposed, the US was lucky that Japan had few players moving forward.
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| Even in the 2nd half after subs, what are the CMs doing? Look at them out of position above |
More notable subs:
Ando is replaced by Iwabuchi in the 61st minute
64th minute Rodriguez replaced by Cheney
Lori Lindsey replaces Shannon Boxx
Tarpley’s Injury
73:44. Tarpley’s World Cup hopes end. From the stands, I could not see what happened. But as a former coach and player, I know that ACL tears result in few initial wailings and crying of intense pain from their victims. The fact that on replay, we witness Tarpley trying to stand and walk but yet could not was a clear cut case of an ACL tear. I would have rather seen her stay on the ground and in pain offering me some hope that it was not the ACL or a tear, but just another injury that would require less rehab. The first attempted step that immediately brought Tarpley back to the ground was heart wrenching. As she folded her hands in a prayer like fashion, kneeling down, head tucked under with forehead pressed to the grass, the realization of knowing what just happened cuts through and pierced her World Cup aspiration.
ACL tears in women often result like this one…no nasty or dirty tackles—just unbalanced landings.
Best of luck to Tarpley and her rehabilitation.
With Tarpley’s exit, enter Alex Morgan, the new poster child for prewrap-in-hair wearing generation. Morgan always brings an exciting fast paced game yet there were limited opportunities for Morgan during this match.
Last notable of the match:
Sauerbrunn saved a goal with a recovery run slide. Defensively, Sauerbrunn had her ups and downs, and I was not overly impressed with Cox. Krieger’s offensive mindedness and dangerous attack up the flank was a welcome fit in USA’s 4-4-2. Buehler never drew attention to herself—which can translate that the central defender had a good match.
