[nas] German scouting report on US

[big_dog@fastmail.fm]

 From BS:

<http://www.sport1.de/coremedia/generator/www.sport1.de/Events/WM_202002/Deutsches_20Lager/Berichte/Volkmar_20in_20Korea/fus_20wm_20stielike_20usa_20check_20mel.html> 


Well, as you all know, in each coaching staff at the World Cup, there 
are some people who get the duty to watch other team's matches and 
report to the head coach, because these teams might be some future 
opponents.

For Germany, this "spying" duty fell to Uli Stielike (European Champion 
and member of World Cup squad 82 as a player, right now coaching some 
German youth teams). These are his comments on the US after the Mexico 
game:
http://www.sport1.de/coremedia/gene...heck_20mel.html 
<http://www.sport1.de/coremedia/generator/www.sport1.de/Events/WM_202002/Deutsches_20Lager/Berichte/Volkmar_20in_20Korea/fus_20wm_20stielike_20usa_20check_20mel.html> 


I'll translate the key points:

- The paper states that Stielike doesn't share the opinion that Völler 
doesn't need to worry much: "Well, I mean the Americans will say exactly 
the same about us, because they too have followed that our matches were 
not that convincing. Bruce Arena will certainly tell his team, 'If there 
has ever been a best possible chance to beat them, this is it"

- On Friedel:
"Didn't impress me as that outstanding. He didn't get that much to do 
against Mexico, but I don't think he is extraordinary strong."

-On Defenders:
"I was somewhat surprised to see them play with a 3-man backline this 
time, maybe because of the misses of Agoos and Hejduk. We'll hace to 
wait and see if Bruce Arena sticks with that formation. Their 
4-man-chain vs. Portugal was very good, very well organised, against 
Mexico with 3 they had more problems. On the right side there is Tony 
Sanneh, a very physical player,playing a good tournament."

- On midfield:
"The US are strongest with their left side, especially in attacking over 
that. They have two very fast players with Beasley and Lewis who can 
make good crosses, too, e.g. Lewis before the 2-0. Reyna has certainly a 
very important role for the team, he is a very complete player, 
technically, tactically and physically strong."

- on strikers:
"Well, Landon Donovan is known from Leverkusen, where he returns to next 
season. He is technically versatile and difficult to slow down, he plays 
often behind the strikers or just a hanging striker(?). Only McBride 
plays really up front, basically.He wins 95 % of his headers, 
distributing them to Donovan or other supporting players, creating 
chances thus. That's where I see a great danger."

- on arrogance:
"Of course, that's definitely a great danger. If you don't face your 
opponent with the appropriate respect, it gets extremely difficult. 
Without a doubt, at this WC there are - in a metaphorical sense - not 
rocks, but stones to hinder the way. But one can stumble about small 
stones anytime." (implied: easier than over rocks...IF you are not 
watching your steps closely, cause small stones are more likely to be 
overlooked)

- on Germany's World Cup chances:
"We can reach the semis with a concentrated performance. If someone had 
said that before the start, everyone would have been euphoric. Now we 
are only one step away. Everything is possible"


<http://www.sport1.de/coremedia/generator/www.sport1.de/Events/WM_202002/Deutsches_20Lager/Berichte/Volkmar_20in_20Korea/fus_20wm_20stielike_20usa_20check_20mel.html> 





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