Archive for June 30th, 2009

A couple of quick thoughts about the USA near miss upset of Brasil on Sunday. In the first half, the USA disrupted the famed Brasilian passing game by forcing Brasil to become impatient. Instead of passing the ball around the perimeter, Brasil choose to fire the ball into the box and take long shots that didn’t have prayer.

Brasil’s impatience in the offensive end played into the USA defensive design.

The USA had a great counter attack that took Brasil off guard thus resulting in 2-0 USA lead.

What changed?

Brasil made two key adjustments. Instead of forcing the ball into the box, Brasil forced the USA defense to react to what they were doing offensively. What do I mean?  I will explain this to you in basketball terms. When a team has trouble hitting the outside shot they pass the ball into the pivot to force the defensive team to react to the flow of the ball. This will create mismatches for the offensive team. That means the offenses best player will be guarded by the defenses worst player. This will give the offense a better chance to score.   

Brasil began to rely on their superior passing and team speed. Instead forcing long range bombs and crazy passes into the box, Brasil worked the ball into position for a high percentage shot ala Fabiano’s top of the box turn around shot that tickled the twines in the 46^th minute.

By doing this, Brasil set the second half tempo.

Dunga made adjustments. Bob Bradley didn’t.

My team Flamengo and Fluminense tied zero-zero. Both teams had numerous scoring opportunities but neither could convert. Both teams are from Rio de Janeiro and the animosity runs high between these two clubs both on the pitch and in the stands.

Palmeiras and Santos kissed their sister at one all.

Internacional blasted Coritiba 3-0.

Victoria killed Santo Andre 4-1.

Sport beat Gremio 3-1.

Atletico is in first place with 17 points. Internacional is in second with 17 points. Atletico is in first place on superior goal difference. Victoria is third with 16 points.

Flamengo is in seventh place with 11 points. Sao Paulo is in 11^th place with 10 points.

Check these sites out.

www.palau.org

 http://www2.hillsong.com/tv/home.asp