That and the U-17 WC. The 2011 U-17 was carried by ADRYAN to the semifinals of the WC. When you look at that team, Marquinhos is the only one that panned out. What did this squad do in the U-20? They failed miserably in the South American U-20 and didn't qualify for the WC. There's a pretty sizeable gap between U-17 and U-20.....
Agreed. I haven't watched U-17 with the same frequency as before. In the past, we actually had very promising talents coming out and I wanted to see them. Flamengo also gets a fair share of U-17 call ups for not producing anyone half decent since Renato Augusto (ex-Leverkusen). That was another reason why I watched, hoping someone would actually turn out decent. After watching Adryan and Mattheus (Bebeto's son), I said enough was enough.
I'll let you know when I see the squad Manu Garba is having some man-management issues coupled with manic-depressive bouts with regards to how he should set up the team. After the Brasil game he benched 3 of his 'star players' and is playing utility wingers in their stead.
Seems like a lot of self-inflicted issues for what was considered a good youth coach. I'm afraid there aren't many scenarios where you would bench your best player, let alone your top 4 players, especially at the youth level. He should be able to find space for two. If you can't adjust your tactics to fit in some of your best players, you're not a good coach. Now if you told me that they have been disrespectful to the coach, skipped out on training and the like, I could understand.
To some extent. Garba apparently is incorruptible. but seems likes he panicked after being surprised by a loss. Well... he is. But he also lacks experience. Question is - how will he cope with the steep learning curve? The coach went back to the players with whom he has been training for months. The guys who won him the AYC. They aren't as effective in attack, but they work defensively a whole lot more (they score much less goals). Nothing of the sort. Garba seems to have been unable to mentally cope with the loss. First he changed his 4-3-3 system to accomodate four star players in the starting line-up and did a 4-2-4, instead of sticking with what he said he would do (progressively introduce the late incomers of Success, Yahaya, Iheanacho and Simon into the squad). Then he went and played a reactionary squad vs the likes of Hungary and North Korea. Its not like these players are unfamiliar with Manu Garba's tactics. Iheanacho, Success and Yahaya worked just fine in the exact same system during the U17 World Cup. Garba's tactics so far have been a huge let-down. Especially since he threw out his own recipe for success out the window in the first game. --- For case in point: Prior to the World Cup Iheanacho, Success and Yahaya (the benched players) played vs Sokari, Bulbwa and Saviour (the current starting XI players) in a team A / team B type of matchup. The first squad thrashed the second 6:0 with Iheanacho scoring 3 goals, Success 2 and Yahaya 1.
MuyiwaLawal announces an unchanged starting XI for the Germany game (ergo 4 star players on the bench and 2 utility wingers taking their place + a useless CMin Ideanyi). I officially refrain from having an opinion on this match, its outcome or the percentage chance of Nigeria. I'll watch the game and hope for the bast.
You can at least explain to us what happened to Ghana. And congrats on getting to Africans to advance. Not sure about that third
I don't think anything happened to Ghana. I think it had more to do with mali and the fact that they normally do not fear African opposition, came with a positive attitude and some nice attacking flair. Ghana also tends to struggle vs Senegal or Mali. I Think it's safe to say Mali just played a tremendous game. And scored three SUPERB goals, all of them from team not individual brilliance. Whatever happens we'll have more CAF teams than South America.
Decent game but gritty...wouldn't expect anything less between Brazil v Uruguay on any level!! Have a feeling this one is going to penalties!! Germany is beating Nigeria 1-0 for now and Portugal and host N. Zealand are tied at 1-1!! Uzbekistan shocks Austria 2-0!!!
I just woke up to watch this but I see Brazil 23 shoots to Uruguay 4. Also, 63% possession. Sound like we dominated but stats never tell the story.
They are not going to steamroll anyone if their star players play 90 minutes on the bench and the coach introduces a defensive midfielder in the 80th minute. Manu Garba has trampled on his own footballing philosophy.
Considering how many goals we missed I'm pretty surprised we hit all 5 pks. Uruguay missed one, no saves. Next up Portugal.
#U20WC QUARTER-FINALS (Sun 14 June)1300 #BRAPOR1300 #MLIGER1630 #USASRB1630 #UZBSENhttp://t.co/FyEyHYOWvq pic.twitter.com/rCaKGhSp5Q— FIFA (@FIFAcom) June 11, 2015 Finally a decent time. Same time as Nigeria game was -- 9 PM EST.