Enough of licking our wounds, let's get over it time is short.
An interesting statistics in FIFA page indicates that "Portugal have never
drawn a match in WC". In their 12 matches, Portugal has won 7, and lost
5 but never a draw. More interesting, Iran has conceded at least one goal
in *every* WC appearrence!
How does this translate for our Saturday match? Knowing that Mexico-Angola
match is on Sunday and not before our match, tells us we control our destiny
completely and can't rely on the outcome of Sunday game. We also know that
Portugal will want to finish the business with us and not Mexico.
Coach Branko, has to decide if he wants to arrange like our Asian cup game
against Korea? or like WC qualification in Bahrain?
As an advocate of defensive games, I have to step back and be realistic
about our teams abilities and inablities. Unfortunately our defence can not
absorb the type of pressure as prehaps our best defender Rezai has buckled
under pressure twice at crucial times. (remember the Badavi incident).
Perhaps the most significant part of our match against Portugal will be to
get some young players involved. Not because we will win, but because
they can gain valuable experience for the challenges beyound WC 2006.
This will also help not push our already banged up legioners to the limit
and if by some magic, we do pull through, a much better prepared team can
take the stage in the next round.
An interesting statistics in FIFA page indicates that "Portugal have never
drawn a match in WC". In their 12 matches, Portugal has won 7, and lost
5 but never a draw. More interesting, Iran has conceded at least one goal
in *every* WC appearrence!
How does this translate for our Saturday match? Knowing that Mexico-Angola
match is on Sunday and not before our match, tells us we control our destiny
completely and can't rely on the outcome of Sunday game. We also know that
Portugal will want to finish the business with us and not Mexico.
Coach Branko, has to decide if he wants to arrange like our Asian cup game
against Korea? or like WC qualification in Bahrain?
As an advocate of defensive games, I have to step back and be realistic
about our teams abilities and inablities. Unfortunately our defence can not
absorb the type of pressure as prehaps our best defender Rezai has buckled
under pressure twice at crucial times. (remember the Badavi incident).
Perhaps the most significant part of our match against Portugal will be to
get some young players involved. Not because we will win, but because
they can gain valuable experience for the challenges beyound WC 2006.
This will also help not push our already banged up legioners to the limit
and if by some magic, we do pull through, a much better prepared team can
take the stage in the next round.
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