This saviour complex has reached unsettling levels since going to KSA
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Three 6s in midfield for the Traditional Custodians of Unethical Hoops. Only one of them is actually good in these kinds of situations. Japan mid-block is restricting territory gain, but they have licence in match complexion to be more assertive. Started to find feet late 1H.
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This is all just reinforced after rewatch; in terms of preparation, selection and in-game adjustment, I don't think Montella could have coached a worse game given overall context, knowing Australia were going to sit deep and absorb pressure almost immediately.
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For me too lol
Gross.
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It was what made the Yıldız sub for BAY at HT such a brainscratcher; Kökçü could have advanced from deeper areas without need for double pivot IP, especially given how much of a non-factor Yüksek was in build-up. As such, simply didn't have enough numbers inside the block.
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Early instance showed how poorly Australia's weaknesses in mid/low-block were recognised, only exacerbated by selection. Ample room in half-space here; Kökçü nowhere, Çalhanoğlu can just move the ball within two touches but he's indulgent, so Kadıoğlu has to recycle.
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Lack of actual threat the trio of Yüksek, Kökçü and Çalhanoğlu provided both apparent in individual output, and extended to Türkiye collectively given the sheer volume of possession. They showed signs of this in qualification, and it ultimately decided the group opener.
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Shortly after, POE has to scramble to cover Güler (only player who consistently looked for the ball for Türkiye), and space opens in opposite half-space again; Kökçü not really showing for ball, Bardakçı ignores Kadıoğlu to spam in behind to 1v3. Progression around block on.
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