Squad VS Armenia and Andorra

**pineapple stu** · 07/10/2011, 10:59 AM

I don't think Given is too far out either; he's only three yards off his line, which is grand, I think.

Yeah, the defence was a bit sleepy, but as Stutts said, it was just one of those things.

I don't see us winning by 5 or 6 tonight. I'll reckon on us going at them early, scoring an early goal or two (say 2-0 by 30 minutes) and then sitting back. Very similar to how the game in Dublin went.

**ifk101** · 07/10/2011, 11:24 AM

Originally Posted by Stuttgart88

If we had scored that goal would we be diminishing its quality because of GK positioning or slack marking by a CB?

If we had scored that goal..... difficult to imagine one of our players running from midfield onto a breaking ball in the opposition's third of the field.

**Predator** · 07/10/2011, 11:33 AM

Originally Posted by Stuttgart88

If we had scored that goal would we be diminishing its quality because of GK positioning or slack marking by a CB?

It was a super goal. Goals happen. That's why we watch football.

Point taken, of course I wouldn't be diminishing the goal's quality. I am not doing so. However, I feel it is always important to be critical of weaknesses in order to improve upon them.

Originally Posted by pineapple stu

I don't think Given is too far out either; he's only three yards off his line, which is grand, I think.

I've spoken to goalkeeper coaches who feel that Given's positioning as it was is acceptable, but others (who I agree with) who argue that if he's a yard closer to his line, he's going to make a better stab at saving that shot. Obviously I'd prefer if the ball was dealt with better by the defence, but it's not like goalkeepers don't prepare for shots like that.

**Charlie Darwin** · 07/10/2011, 12:27 PM

Well he'd obviously have had a better chance if he'd been standing on his line but it was an outstanding shot - goalkeepers can't legislate for that level of accuracy. The odds were he was going to hit it low or at a comfortable height so I think Given was right to stay a step forward and narrow the angle. I don't think it would have made a huge effect either way.

**dr_peepee** · 07/10/2011, 6:43 PM

Originally Posted by Stuttgart88

They kept Italy out, they should cope OK against Andorra. SSL's leadership impresses me, as does O'D's confidence.

Had forgot about the italy game... But I'll stand by my point. Sometimes it's more difficult for defenders to play well against weaker teams. Kelly is a prime example. Less pressure, more concentration, more time on the ball..