So we cannot judge him because of things out of his control like Covid but can only judge him by things also largely out of his control? 10 games in qualifying and 2 wins, 10 goals in those 10 games and 5 of those were in the first two games before he largely had the chance to coach and work on tactics. We are only in qualifying position because this is probably the weakest South American qualifying in a long time, Chile and Uruguay have aging starts who have not been replaced and the rest of the teams not Brazil and Argentina have been poor. Our talent on our squad is easily the 3rd strongest behind Argentina and Brazil and simply because Quiroz didn't do a good job either doesn't have any bearing on what Rueda has done.
No. I am saying everyone has things out of control and I will judge him based on our position in the table which includes our progress and some things that are good (and bad) that have happened during his tenure.
I commend your half glass full approach - but our roster depth should have us in a solid 3rd place position. Even with the lineups and depth charts to date, we shouldn’t be playing C0-0mbia style futbol. The rosters Rueda has called up have been good for the most part aside from his blatant Nacional bias and minimal use of Sinisterra I don’t think there’s any benefit or advantage to the our flat foot, iso-play, possession based (I cringe when linking “possession” with Colombia), pass-the-ball to where the guy is standing, style of attack. Aside from the Ecuador game, our defense has been pretty solid (thank you Barrios and Ospina), despite losing Arias and then Medina in the first two WCQ games and I give credit for us having a good group of CB’s between Davinson, Yerry (if healthy), Cuesta, Oscar and even Tesillo. Brazil and Argentina have been in good strides this WCQ campaign despite obstacles listed. Rueda has been on a wave of good luck where other results have allowed us to be in a good position. If we can 0-0 our way to a World Cup final, then I’d gladly buy everyone here a PS5 LOL and gladly say I was wrong about Rueda and he’s a mad-brilliant scientist
I do not agree with this. We are not only in position due to the weakest qualifying. We are in position because we have gotten points in places other teams have had problems getting points. We are also in position because we are organized, play sound defense no matter who we put out there and Ospina has also been great. There are other factors too and luck of the bounce but that happens in every sport at every level in playoffs/qualifying.
It is not half full because I can admit there are deficiencies and problems. I just do not focus on them like everyone around here does. Talent alone does not mean as much to me in South America. I do not like people emphasizing individual talent in tournaments like this. There's way too many factors and variables that neutralize talent such as climate and altitude and just pure heart like we have seen from teams that find ways to steal points at home. South America is the most difficult qualifying process and this will be the last time we will be having this conversation. (Thank God.)
They are the cream of the crop teams of pedigree that can make runs in the World Cup. They have way more talent than us and better tactics and know their identity. (Better on field leaders too) We are still not there yet but we have competed with both of them in some ways better than previous years.
im curious to see what the future generation will look like once we finally lose all the stars from the past generation. (James, Falcao, Cuadrado, Muriel etc.)
Possibly. But not having to face all 9 teams in a marathon should be advantageous. And when 6 or even 7 teams out of 10 make it to a World Cup it should be less pressure filled.
unless we get some sort of group with all the top teams in it then we should be going to every single WC in a format like that
And if FIFA has their way there will be a World Cup every two years so it won't be disastrous if we do some how miss out. I will be like well, better luck in two years I guess.
Most fans agree with you. I just love the World Cup so much I will still watch with a smile no matter what.
I can see that happening. Personally my Colombian father is old and I am not getting any younger so time is valuable for me and I want to see as many World Cups with him as possible.
Nuevo convocado Selección Colombia Masculina de Mayores. 🔗 https://t.co/yRjzBv0lc5#VamosColombia🇨🇴 pic.twitter.com/zTXgTSV2Wq— Selección Colombia (@FCFSeleccionCol) January 23, 2022 Luis Suárez added to the squad
Muriel out, he calls Cantillo; Lerma out, he calls Suarez. Odd to say the least. If FIFA wants to do the WC biannual, they should have an A and B divisions, with fewer elimination games for the top sides. I cannot imagine packing 7 or 8 more games in an already packer calendar. On the downside, this will accentuate the divide that has happened during this century.
I was thinking the same thing. Definitely not a like-for-like replacement pattern. If Ospina (God forbid) gets injured maybe he will call up Cucho!
It will be interesting to see how he views Suarez. I assume he will be used as a supporting striker with a 9 but I would personally also like to see him next to Santos Borre in the future.
2 Covid cases…. He just calls 2 guys…. guy just is obsessed with a a certain number and won’t change call ups. 2 players won’t be available for 1 game yet still just 28…
Are we sure it is his decision to make or does the Fed have some input on how many players should be called up? I do not know if anyone here has answered that question clearly.