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Where do we need to improve?

March 21st, 2006 | By: WC Bob | 8 Comments »

I’ve been thinking a lot about Angola’s team recently and have been thinking that if I were coach Goncalves what areas would I be focusing on between now and the start of the World Cup. Here’s what I’ve come up with:

1. Tighten the defense: We can’t afford to let in soft goals against the teams we’re playing in the World Cup. They are too good and there is no room for error. With suspensions, injuries and new players the backline has been in flux. We need to settle on four guys who work well together as a unit and let them play extended minutes together in the matches leading up to the World Cup.
2. Determine the target man: You watch Angola play and you wonder who the main man is up front. Sometimes it is one guy, sometimes it is another. If I were coach I would tell the team that Mantorras is our main man and that he should be the focus of the offense.
3. Experience: Let’s face it, most of our guys have never been in a game situation that is a huge as what they are going to experience in Germany this summer. We need the team playing as many high quality opponents as possible between now and then. Blend in our more experienced players with the young guns and let them all find out what it is like to play a world class team like Argentina.
4. Chemistry: An average team that works together is capable of beating a team full of stars that are all individuals. I really hope that the training camp in Germany will be a place where the players put aside their egos and decide that they are going to play together and play for their country.

Your thoughts? What is the blueprint over the next few months?

Tags: Angola, Palancas Negras, Pedro Mantorras, World Cup preparations

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Comments

By Dido | March 22nd, 2006 at 9:44 am

I agree that Mantorras should be the main man in attack but he doesnt even start the matches.

Posted from United Kingdom

By plashch | March 22nd, 2006 at 10:41 am

Pedro Emanuel will make a big difference in defense. Right now I’m not sure much can be done about the midfield; the talent just isn’t there. I think the key will be the choice of strikers. The team won’t get many scoring chances, so they’ll have to put away the ones they get. Perhaps Mantorras up front with Flavio in a withdrawn role, and Akwa off the bench.

Posted from United States

By Pedro P | March 22nd, 2006 at 10:53 am

But is Pedro Emanuel really gonna play for Angola? I mean, is it clear already?

Posted from Netherlands

By Pasha | March 22nd, 2006 at 10:56 am

Yes, Pedro Emanuel is going to play and he’ll be a big, big help.

http://angola.worldcupblog.org/group-d/confirmed-pedro-emanuel-to-play-for-angola.html

Posted from United States

By Pedro P | March 22nd, 2006 at 11:17 am

Well Pasha, according to the portuguese press he was also called for the match tonight - FCPorto vs Sporting Lisbon (portuguese cup semi’s). And I say again, FCPorto’s defense (now usually with 3) is one of Europe’s least beatten. 14 goals in 27 matches.

All the best for Angola, dudes!

Posted from Netherlands

By Pasha | March 22nd, 2006 at 11:31 am

Pedro, he is exactly the type of player we need. Great defender with experience. I am excited he will be playing for Angola.

Posted from United States

By Pedro P | March 22nd, 2006 at 12:15 pm

Experience is what your team lacks, if you ask me. In view of the fact ANG will play POR, it must be said the angolans know the portuguese better than the portuguese know the angolans.

I hope you beat Mexico and that you beat Iran - got nothing against them, except they’re the enemy now… FORCA PORTUGAL but also FORCA ANGOLA. You guys go for it!

I just hope POR doesn’t loose buy your hands… It doesn’t mean anything to me that POR is stronger on paper. Wining on paper doesn’t count!

Posted from Netherlands

By Pedro P | March 23rd, 2006 at 8:56 am

Pedro Emanuel was on the FC Porto line up, yesterday, in the portuguese cup semi’s. Porto beat Sporting, in a penalty shootout, after a 1-1 draw. Sporting failed one and Porto failed none. P Emanuel was the only central defender, in the starting 3 men back line.

Read more in (portuguese):
http://www.ojogo.pt/22-30/artigo540418.htm

Posted from Netherlands

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