--------------- TEAM PHYSIO/SYNCO --------------------------- TEAM SKIZZO/GIO --------------------------
Team Physio/Synco
Formation - 433 / 451 in defence
Defensive Line - Balanced
Marking - Zonal
Style - broadly direct, fast transition attacks if possible, with a focus on the wings. However, we are perfectly capable of slowing it down and playing with a more possession orientated style. The front three are reasonably industrious, so they will engage in some counter pressing to allow the rest of the team to reorganise. Primary defensive formation will be a compact 4-5-1.
Our wing duo are all-time greats. George Best was one of the greatest players of all time showcasing astonishing dribbling, agility and goalscoring mixed with a strong work ethic at his peak. Kurt Hamrin was an integral part of the great Swedish 1958 World Cup side and is still Fiorentina's all-time top goalscorer in all competitions, scoring more than Gabriel Batistuta. In addition he had astonishing acceleration, elegant dribbling and consummate provision to the striker from the wing.
Luigi Riva is criminally underrated in some quarters. Being the all-time leading Italian national team goalscorer with 35 goals in 42 games, he was a mobile, hardworking, complete striker; in addition, he started out as a winger and has allround capablities beyond the classical CF role. Testament to this complete package of ability and fighting mentality are his Ballon d'Or placements between 1968 and 1970, where he finished 6th, 2nd and 3rd. With all the creativity around him he will be a constant menace for Skizzio's CBs to contend with.
The front three will play in a fluid manner. Best was comfortable across the front line, Riva began as a left winger and could go inside or outside. Both wingers will limited Skizzio's full-backs forward forays and cause them headaches throughout the game. Cole and Lahm can provide balance, cover and offensive support, just as the situation requires. The wingers and full-backs will not only take advantage of Riva and Gullit's aerial ability with their expert crosses but also neat cutbacks.
Ruud Gullit's role as an attacking 8 allows him to get involved in all phases of the game and showcase his pace, power, strength, dribbling, passing, and heading ability. He will be a nightmare for Skizzio's CM. Against the ball, he will make his hardworking presence felt, and cover forward runs from Skizzio's midfielders (or Scirea, for that matter).
Our four most attacking players on averaged scored 0.55 goals a game at their peak in contrast to Skizzio's front four who averaged only 0.39 goals a game. Firepower is one area in which we have a clear advantage.
Luis Suárez Miramontes reprises his peak Inter role as a playmaking CM. He will have full freedom to be the brains of our midfield, and will spread the ball out wide or play through balls to the front three. was that he was a fine & active defender as well, perfectly capable of covering central midfield areas in collaboration with his partners.
Our new addition of Valerij Voronin adds exceptional defensive ability in defensive midfield, and will severely minimise Rivera's influence. His passing ability will also give us another option to effectively start quick transitions.
Ashley Cole is widely considered England's greatest left-back. Incredibly consistent with excellent stamina, good pace and defensive nous - he will cause a lot of problems for Figo. It is unfortunately forgotten too that he was very good going forward with his dribbling and crossing. He will play a balanced role but slightly more attacking than Lahm.
Gento has blistering pace, but Philipp Lahm has the defensive skills to contain him with his intelligence, anticipation, mobility, and trademark tackling ability - like he's done with so many wingers during his career. He will constantly have an eye on Gento's positioning & movement to intervene. He will support the offense with his playmaking abilities, while having the overall understanding of the game to avoid unnecessary risks.
If one could choose any center back to successfully defend Marco van Basten, Jaap Stam would be near the top of the list. Equipped with great anticipation & pace, toughness & tacking ability, and being exceptionally dominant in the air, he can address each of van Bastens strengths with his own. Marius Trésor is a world class allround defender with considerable ability on the ball, and a great partner to the Dutchman.
If anyone gets past these defenders, they must pass Bayern legend, IFFS goalkeeper of the year '87, and FIFA All-star keeper Jean-Marie Pfaff.
Team Skizzo/Gio
Defensive Tactics:
With the feedback given about Gullit last game, we expect Physio/Synco to go slightly more traditional with Best and Hamrin on the wings. With that in mind we decided to bring Dzodz back in at right back due to his prior success against Best.
When the Soviet team found out that they were to play North Ireland in the qualifications, they immediately started a competition for a right-back place in the national side. The main question was, obviously, who was going to man-mark the best player in the world, George Best. 9 right-backs were chosen from all over the country for a trial and Dzodzuashvili proved to be the best. He studied Best for 6 months by watching the same 20-minute film over and over again, and when the time did come, he was prepared. He kept Best quiet that day, and in their next fixture Best was almost non-existent because of Dzodzuashvili’s man-marking skills.
With Brehme coming in at left back, and Mcgrath taking a central berth, we feel secure at the back with Scirea and Buffon to cover a variety of threats along the oppositions front line.
Attacking Tactics:
Released by Rivera's precision passing, Gento and Figo would both look to trouble their full backs and provide their own threat, before taking their ability to assist into consideration.
We also offer a considerable midfield upgrade in Breitner which offers a completely new dynamic and concern for the opposition.
Through the middle Marco Van Basten can score in a multitude of ways and should be well serviced through a range of supply lines. Gento and Figo can generate chances from out wide to complement Rivera’s creativity in the centre.
Good luck @Physiocrat @Synco @Skizzo @Gio