World Cup Day One Observations
South Africa Vs. Mexico (1-1)
South Africa came out with a buzz kill approach for the first twenty minutes that nearly paid off at the end of the half as they were clearly the team with more energy. They saved energy by being content to get numbers behind the ball while they allowed Mexico to use up energy and emotion.
Mexico crossing was very poor as they served balls that the keeper was able to cut off. The first principle of crossing is to eliminate the keeper with the cross and Mexico failed in this area throughout the match.
South Africa made a great substitution to start the second half by changing the left side defenders. Mexico exploited the left side throughout the first half. Mexico did not have the success attacking from the left flank in the second half due to this substitution.
South Africa’s counterattacking goal was a combination of great team work and an incredible individual effort. Youth players can see that the ball was struck with great power in natural running motion. This player generated power without a big back swing of the leg.
The question remaining for the Mexico equalizer include “Did the South African defender miss the higher restraining line or who missed their marks as two players were left open on the back post?”
Both Mexico and South Africa’s fitness were tested by the altitude by a greater extent than expected. This was seen in how the game was stretched out the final 15 minutes and the impact of the aging and overweight Blanco had as a late game substitute. South Africa was slow to close him down numerous times as he was able to play clever passes that often came close to producing a goal.
France Vs. Uruguay (0-0)
France possession pattern during the first half allowed Uruguay to maintain shape and balance. They never attacked the middle of the defense (area 14) to force the opponent to give up space on the flanks. They changed this pattern in the second half but failed to get the ball wide quickly once the defense collapsed.
Uruguay gave away possession needlessly throughout the game and their attacked seemed to rely on or hope for a great individual effort from Diego Forlan and this almost paid off more than once. They struggled recognizing high restraining lines often and were penalized with off side calls at critical times.
After the red card to Lodeiro, Uruguay was happy to settle for a draw.
Neither team use of substitutions had a major impact on the match.
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