What truly impressed me about this performance was that we had to play during a major sandstorm in the region that affected Lebanon as the winds blew in from the east. I hope our players recovered and their health wasn't too affected playing in such a hell hole... http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/deadly-sandstorm-middle-east_55eee28ce4b002d5c0768943
Just watched the game. I'll leave aside the despicable whistling during our anthem, faking putting the ball out, and lasers. The thing I liked the most was our pressing in their half. I remember watching our women's team play and it drove me crazy that we would take our foot off the gas when we were up. It's why Costa Rica was able to tie us. The pressing really took the pressure off the defense and allowed for good, coordinated offense. Loved it.
He didn't score but I thought he was great today. Made some good runs and played well with his back to the goal as well. Really really hope he can grow into the No. 9 role for the NT.
Having watched the Baker and the Captain's ball touches back to back, while I appreciate Kwon's overall play you can't help but to be impressed by the quality of Ki's possessions. He knows when to dribble into space, when to pull back, when to switch the point of attack, when to release players, when to be the relief valve for his teammates, and finally when to pull the trigger. I know that their roles are different but Ki's poise on the ball and spatial awareness are just miles ahead of Kwon (and anyone else for that matter). My only wish is that he uses the attackers more to try to create space and score himself.
he made some glaring mistakes at the end of the laos match. do we have another holding MF for him to compete with in that role? having KSY in that role feels like his skills aren't maximized, although it is a key position.
i'd like to see more of an enforcer, anchor man type than PJH in that lone role since the other midfielders can't provide much cover for the backline. but i am probably underrating him again. his coverage on the field is pretty deceptively good.
I thought this as well, but I realized that we just don't have a legit enforcer in the NT. PJH leaves a little to be desired in terms of physicality and aggressiveness, but I think he's the best we've got in that role. He proved that in the AC. Wish we had someone like prime KNI playing next to KSY.