Clint Dempsey wouldnt let that happen:
USA wins 1-0 to go into a 3 way tie in its group, relieving much of the pressure they were feeling last night.
I do have a football question for you today though! When the goalie has a goal kick, or when he has picked up the ball and drop kicks it down the field, why do they do that??? Over the past 5 years or so, ive really turned into a huge soccer fan - I really understand a lot of the tactics and things that happen. However, it seems that possession is SOOOOO important, but the boot downfield seems like its about 50/50 when the goalie's team gets the ball and retains possession. It seems like it makes more sense to pass the ball out to the defenders to move the ball upfield doesnt it???
In answer to your question, its a matter of tactics. Possession is important - but not as important as in American Football or rugby (for example).
ReplyDeleteIn general (except in exceptional circumstances) the opposition can onlyt score against you in the last third of the pitch. Therefore it makes sense to play as much of the game in the opponents half (or his last third) than yours.
If a goalkeeper kicks the ball into the opponents half, its as likely for one of your players to trap the ball and set up an attack as it is for an opposition defender to do the same. But in the case of your attacking player, he should already be close to the oppositions goal and therefore more likely to score.
If a defender gets the ball, he's got 2/3 of the pitch to cover / pass the ball in before they can potentially score.
Some teams do have the keeper roll the ball out to a defender to keep possession but as this takes place in your last third, any mistake is likely to be punished with a goal. Your defenders then have to make their way up the pitch with the ball - with the potential to lose it to a tackle or mis-placed pass while still in your half.
Therefore a goal kick into the opponents half is the safest method to not lose a goal and provides greater opportunity to score a goal.
I should also add that Landon Donavon is awesome as he occasionally plays for my team - Everton FC.
ReplyDeleteCool! Thanks Phil. That makes total sense. I think, in a way, I have let a video game color my judgment on the way it is played in real life.
ReplyDeleteSo, its not a matter of possession - its more of a 'get this out of my side of the pitch'.
I do like Donovan too - but Dempsey, right or wrong, like or dislike, embodies the way Americans play sports. He may not be the best player (although last season he arguably could have been!) but he has heart and attitude, which comes out pretty often. That gif from my post came after a Jamaican had pulled him down.
I like Fellaini from the Toffees.
I don't even know what you people just said. But yeah, Go USA! Red Team!
ReplyDeleteGood answer from Phil!
ReplyDelete