August 23, 2004

GAME DAY!

Under 6 hours until we play Germany and I am sitting in bed, reading good wishes from family and friends, reading a book, watching some Olympics, thinking what I am going to have for a pre-game meal (most likely peanut butter and honey, along with a half a dozen waters -- it is hot at 6pm). Today is Kate Markgraf's birthday, a young spry 28, and Abby and I decided on our way to team meeting that the best possible gift would be to give her a win over Germany. So that is what we are going to do.

Pre-Game Analysis

USA versus Germany

Germany is a very well oiled machine. That is not to say that they don't have flair, but their tendencies are to be straightforward, unlike a Brazil.

They will sit back, absorb pressure, then when you begin to feel you have them on the ropes, they can strike. There leading goalscorer, Prinz, does this as well as anyone in the world, but perhaps more consistently with fewer opportunities. So, our goal is to put so much pressure on them that even getting the ball to her is a near impossibility. She will have some of the play, but like I said, since it is Kate's birthday, Joy, Christie, myself in the back, along with Lil, Jules, Tarp and Boxxy, aren't really going to give them the freedom to find her. On our side of things, we have viewed tape of them during the Olympics, and have reviewed tape on our last game with them in the World Cup and, we have found there are places, and times, when we can take advantage of them. If I told you that information, I could get in trouble for giving away national secrets, so I will keep it to myself. You will recognize it when it happens on the field. So pay attention. = )

Sweden versus Brazil

This would be an interesting game to watch. Brazil, with some of the best one vs one players in the world, versus Sweden, one of the most organized teams in the world. This is not to say that the attackers from Sweden don't possess the same savvy, because they do in Ljungberg and Svensson. We know that they have enough experience in the back that they won’t panic as Mexico must have. They will be patient, wait out the storm and attack in small doses, all the while attempting to wear down the Brazil attack.

However, Sweden must be careful. Brazil loves to play cat and mouse. They will get hold of the ball and tease you with it, making you think that it is just within your reach. But as you go for it, they will snatch it away, and will be off and behind you before you know it. They can score with the best of them, but can also get pulled out of shape in the back while throwing numbers forward. This is where the true test lies. Can Brazil’s back line, which will drop back into their own penalty box with a deep sweeper and two backs, handle a team in Sweden who won't be afraid to take them on, or shoot from distance?

Brandi