Colombia vs South Africa May 27th

Re: Game Analysis

This is the great insight into Colombian football originally discovered by DaPip's wife: we pass the ball to where our guys ARE rather then where they SHOULD BE running. We never pass into space - and the three of four times we do a game are usually our few scoring opps. This is the great folly

The reality was this team didn't look all that different from the one that played in qualifying but as many others have said it was a nothing game with a semi-pro ref and these guys are all exhausted post their seasons so its not much to evaluate on.

The one thing that I did notice was that, if anything, our scheme reminded me a lot of what we were doing with Pinto when he first became coach. The lines were VERY tight together and everyone was pressing like mad - going after everything. From a coverage standpoint, I was impressed that the team played with such discipline and the defense was quite stout - but we really didn't even try to attack and we were certainly not playing much possession either.

Ospina - Solid. Stopped one penalty very well, but had to repeat due to a bad call (his left foot was on the line when the original shot was taken). Not challenged much during run of play.

Armero - Not nearly as active as I expect and he looked tired much of the game. His crossing was embarrassing.

Yepes - Got some nice touches that were called as fouls, but I thought he held up pretty well. Looks a tad slow, but playing a pace RSA team, thats to be expected.

Zapata - Fantastic. Cut off everything that came his way, forced men out into less dangerous positions.

Zuniga - Also less active than I am used to, except at the end when Pabon was giving him some overlap to play with. Some truly lazy throw ins, should be more serious with what he is doing.

Aguilar - Tried to press hard, but never really bossed the midfield as I would like and I think he can do. Needs more calm.

Guarin - Played not at his best position, didn't do all that much and was sloppy when trying to go forward.

Ramos - Appreciate that he can play upfront or on the wing. Did his job ably but if he is going to be out there he needs to be more of a passing threat and he doesn't even hint that he can cross...nicely timed run on the play that led to the pen.

Ibarbo - Didnt seem to know what he was supposed to do on the pitch. Watched the rest of the team play.

Moreno - Terrific game. He has all the skills and what I liked was the eagerness he showed to press the opponent and drop back in defense. He's learned to use his length to get by defenders and he has a deceptive glide to his pace. His decision making can be a tad slow - needs to get out of the Colombian league (where he gets as much time as he wants to make a decision) and he'll be fine. If he can get the education Ramos has in Germany, it would be ideal.

Jackson - Dropped back a lot due to the lack of volume in attack and played well with a defender on his back. Had what looked like a certain goal stopped by their keeper. Classy player.

Subs:

Rodallega - Great change of spirits when he came on. Liked his energy and had a couple of nice attempts at goal. Nice to have competition for spots up front.

Anchico - Made one nice run stealing a ball but then crapped his pants and blew the break away passing it into a defender. Don't understand how he gets these call ups.

Valencia - Didn't do much, but neither did the opposition. Think we can do better in that slot.

Pabon - Nice energy when he came on. Hope he gets more minutes next time.

Bolillo - Not a disaster. His team looked like they had a gameplan, it just didn't involve taking any risks...

 

Re: Game Analysis

Interesante. Sera buscar el balance entre el orden tactico y el riesgo que debemos tomar para atacar con ventaja numerica.

 

Re: Game Analysis

Sin duda en parte es tema tactico que Bolillo les pidio mucha cautela antes de salir de su zona.

Pero tambien tiene que ver con el estado futbolistico de los jugadores porque los centros de ambos las estaban mandando a las nubes.

Insisto - James le haria muchisimo bien a este equipo y encajaria muy bien - no para suplir a uno de estos dos, pero para contribuir al juego por la banda que ellos tipicamente no brindan . Se ha formado en un Banfield que juega exactamente a lo que busca Bolillo - presion en toda la cancha, cuida muy bien la pelota y sabe cruzar la pelota como los dioses...

 

Re: Game Analysis

Hmm... I don't even think the balance of the forum thinks we played all that bad. Just anti-bolillo (whose name says it all) and a few others. I thought we looked alright in both games considering the circumstances but think its way early to evaluate Bolillo at all...

On the question you asked - I really only care how WE play when we're on the pitch - how an opponent does a few days later in another relatively meaningless friendly is of little impact...

 

Re: Game Analysis

Dude - lets talk in a year. If we've played without hunger consistently -OK - but these guys were playing for a new coach for the first time - you can't judge anything on 180 minutes of that.

 

I'm pretty much tired to say it, but since I'm the only person (maybe efer too ) who support Bolillo's appointment, I really don't understand how people can jump into conclusion after 2 friendly matches. Give the man his time, if He won't bring results, I'll support to fire him also.