If you watch the Brasilian PK's they went against what they did during the game which is low shots to the corners. Every PK was over diving van DeSaar-who was going for low shots to the corners. Perhaps luck, I would call this pretty good tactic. By the way, during the game with Denmark all their shots were also aimed low at the corners - a natural strategy ahainst tall keeprs. These guys know their stuff.
Indeed they do.....
Many years ago in a book I read on the technical aspects of Soccer, they described the perfect Penalty shot:
"It should be aimed at the rear net support anchor, low to the ground, in addition, a body fake to the opposite side you are aiming, so as to get the goalie guessing to the opposite side, and a strong kick so there is no chance for the goalie to even get near it."
They also described the possible results of deviating from this technique....
If it is high to mid level, you risk either the goalie intercepting it, hitting the post/crossbar or altogether missing it, particularly if the ball is kicked hard. (The Italians like to do this).
A few years later I saw Pel‚ with his club "Santos" execute a couple of penalties, and the execution was to perfection, including the body fake, he would be dead center only a few feet away from the ball.....
He then would slowly approach the ball, (almost in a walking fashion), gently fake with his body as if he was going to hit it towards his left side, then kick it strongly towards his right to the rear of the net next to the ground.... The goalie would go with the fake and Pel‚ would score with no problem.
All of the Brazilian PK's against Holland were executed in this fashion, I believe Van de Saar always went to the opposite side of where the ball would go in.... not one chance to stop it.
Yes, you want a tall goal keeper, but not too tall that it becomes difficult to stop penalties.
As for the game on Sunday, I believe Brazil will have a slight advantage,as I feel they have done a better job of reaching the final in spite of their loss against Norway, granted, not a perfect record, but yet another meaningless statistic in the game of soccer, as Sunday's game is the one that matters.
I do believe that they should apply themselves more than what they have so far, do not allow an early goal from the French, as it would only spark them and their crowd, which it would only make matters far worse, given the home turf advantage.
If they can control the mid-field in the first 20 minutes, and hopefully score a goal before the first half is over, then go for a two goal difference ASAP, they will secure their fifth Championship.
I would hate to see the final go to PK's that would be horrible and two in a row..... no way.
France could become inspired and really play aggressively and give the Brazilians a run for their money, if they succeed at that, and further score an early goal, then Brazil would be in serious trouble, however, I am confident that the magic of Brazilian soccer will dominate the French.....
We shall see, unless major injuries would come up, the minor injuries that may affect both teams will disappear with some of the magical spray, a few massages and a generous quantity of mentholatum dose, (or equivalent).
Nothing cures you quicker than a final for the World Cup, I expect a great show and game on Sunday, I hope a good referee does not ruin the game.....
Saludos e abra‡os para os amigos Brasileiros
Vence Brasil !!
"S¢ falta um!" (Zagallo)
Z. |
