[Addick]

Originally Posted by GirlySports

The Koreans don't really play a flowing game, it's too slow. By the time they go anywhere the other team has 9 men back.

I'd call the quickness of transition a team's directness of attack. To me flowing football is about moving the ball around the pitch in a fluid nature. It's no secret that Canada and America prefer a more direct attacking game and it's not a bad thing, however, how they attempt to do it is. As you've pointed out, America can put the ball in the back of the net, but their problem is getting themselves into positions and situations where they can do that. They try the direct approach but that often results in them simply kicking the ball up field, rather than carrying it.

I think they could look at how New Zealand played against Portugal. The Kiwis were not nearly as skilled as the Portuguese and favored the direct approach but they tried to develop the play and move the ball up field through short passes. While the Portuguese, and for show the Koreans as well, would attempt to complete a complex array of 12-20 short passes, the Kiwis tried to get to goal with 5-7 short passes. Both Canada and America need to develop players with the necessary skills to do this, even the Canadian coach hinted at this:

Originally Posted by Calgary Herald: "Canada in tough after loss to Austria"

"Our game is maybe not developed enough, or as well, as the competition that you face in many of the games," said coach Dale Mitchell. "That requires good technical ability and good savvy and ability to open people up. That's a part of the game, at this level, that we're still trying to develop."

Originally Posted by GirlySports

I think you're picking on the US.

I couldn't honestly say that I'm not a harsh critic of America, but I hope that I can say I'm a critic that reviews their play with a fine tooth comb rather than one who just gets on their case, often incorrectly.

Originally Posted by GirlySports

Brazil has been playing this poorly for the past couple of years at all levels.. No surprise that they struggle in this tournament (since youth tournaments are their weakest area anyways) . Keep your eye on the national team with Dunga at the helm. Ugliest football you'll ever see.

I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to catch the Brazil/Wales match a White Heart Lane last September. I have to say, it wasn't the greatest Brazilian performance... I did get a picture of Ronaldinho though!!!

Originally Posted by GirlySports

I look forward to your analysis of other matches as the tournament goes on.

Hopefully I'll be able to analyze tomorrow's matches first hand in the stands.