imasyko
24 Jun 2003, 10:06 AM
In re-watching the game, it appeared that the USMNT strategy was to play for the offside trap at the 18. They did it several times. That said, when Sanli cut through the center, Berhalter and Armas let him go. Sanli was kept onside by Califf, who had drifted inside the 18. What Berhalter and Armas failed to do was anticipate and attempt to block the pass.
I don't pretend to be a strategy expert, and am interested in the board's thoughts.
Also, Howard's long kicking was the primary reason why Turkey dominated possession. Only 3 (of how many?) of his kicks resulted in our possession - one for goal.
Originally posted by imasyko
In re-watching the game, it appeared that the USMNT strategy was to play for the offside trap at the 18. They did it several times. That said, when Sanli cut through the center, Berhalter and Armas let him go. Sanli was kept onside by Califf, who had drifted inside the 18. What Berhalter and Armas failed to do was anticipate and attempt to block the pass.
I don't pretend to be a strategy expert, and am interested in the board's thoughts.
Also, Howard's long kicking was the primary reason why Turkey dominated possession. Only 3 (of how many?) of his kicks resulted in our possession - one for goal.
I don't see how you can fault Berhalter or Armas for not blocking the pass. THey seemed to be in the correct position. The reason TUrkey scored that goal was 100% Califf not stepping up with the other defenders. Vanney, Berhalter, Armas (and whoever played RB, I forget) all were in line, leaving the Turkey player clearly offside - if it weren't for Califf.
It maybe true that Howard's punts did not result in a lot of US possession. Unofrtunatley, however, we weren't able to maintain possession when we brought the ball upfield on the ground. Maybe that's why Timmy was punting the ball. And it did result, at least indirectly, in our only goal of the tournament.