Hejduk started today in this home match vs Thun. The game was played almost entirely in the rain and sloppy play was prevalent almost all the way through the game. Since I watched the game on TV, I couldn't focus on Hejduk's play specifically, and although he made some good runs and tackles, his play was really nothing to write home about until the 34th minute when he had a great cross from the right corner that was headed over the bar. Then in the first half injury time, Frankie hit an off-balance shot straight at the keeper from about 12 yards out. Other than that, I didn't notice anything special from Hejduk. St. Gallen is a rather average team with apparently good athletes and players with some skill, but their game plan, strategy and tactics really are wanting. I don't know if it was the rain today, but most of the game there was no real build-up of play and it seemed like all either team did was dribble the ball until they lost it or had to make a bad pass. The strategy very much reminded me of the *bumblebee ball* that you find in some youth-level US YMCA soccer -- very disappointing. Other than Frankie, I didn't notice any good off-the-ball running to space to give teammates options. I know some good soccer exists in Switzerland at Basel and the Grasshoppers among others, but right now St. Gallen is not showing their ability to take a good, well-developed game to their opponent. Frankie came off at the 55th minute and his sub was actually a little more involved in the offense (probably because he played slightly more inside than Hejduk.) Anyway, the score was 0:2 with about 8 minutes left and St. Gallen rallied to tie the game at 2:2 with 20 seconds to go. They actually looked more focused in the last 10 minutes than they did all game. The point was valuable, but their football very unconvincing. They had better get more effectiveness from their forwards or they might be in real trouble of relegation...
At what altitude are most Swiss matches played? I wonder if Frankie is still adjusting to the altitude? Sachin
As far as I know, none of the NLA matches are played in the mountains, so I don't think there is a major altitude difference between playing here and playing in Germany.