Lithuania Friendly to Kick off Proceedings
Written 11-11-10 by WacaGround FC
MATCH FACTS
Saturday, November 13
Start time: 17:00 (TM Time)
Venue: Seksodromas, Lithuania (Capacity: 89,000)
THE BIG PICTURE
It is truly spectacular to see the return of NT matches. It is Season 22 and Australia's first clash is against the strong Lithuanian outfit. It is sure to be a tough encounter, but on paper this looms to be a large mismatch. Lithuania are ranked 12th out of the 124 countries, whilst Australia sit a disappointing 85th. Lithuania comfortably qualified for the World Cup (way back when), whilst Australia did not.
Yet, it is not all doom and gloom for Australia, the future looks strong. As a nation (in TM) Australia is growing rapidly, and the quality of youth is on the up. Australia has nothing to lose in this friendly, and is very likely to name a full strength line-up. Lithuania has a World Cup to plan for and may experiment with new tactics, players, and the like. So don't write off Australia just yet.
WATCH OUT FOR
Lithuania has a classy outfit, and are sure to be strong. Starting down back, they are spoilt for choice when it comes to goal keepers. Who will play will be interesting. Lithuania has got a World Cup coming up and they only have two friendly matches (Australia and Iceland) before their first match. Lithuania is likely to experiment with both players. At 32, Švench is a proven performer. He has the highest routine (87) in the history of Trophy Manager. He has played a remarkable 53 games for his country. But biting at his tail is the 23 year old, Rukovič. He is yet to play a match for his nation, but is very likely to line up on Saturday night. Will the coach go with talent or experience?
It is likely that Lithuania will go into the match with just three defenders, leaving opportunities for the Australian forward line. But with a last man in defence of that quality, Australia might struggle to find the back of the net.
Australia will be under the pump, but it will be interesting to see who Alco names to play. It is widely known (and not understood) that he prefers Austen at GK rather than the younger options in Farmer and in Lally who doesn’t even make the squad. At 33, Austen is coming to the end of his career; I am not sure whether it is the best option to play him now, when there is no real meaning in the games. It would be better to see Farmer or Lally line up on Saturday night. But I am sure Alco has his reasons.
Michael Salt is a player who is yet to make his debut for Australia. He currently plays in the top division in Lithuania and he has played alongside, and against, many of the Lithuanian national team. His experience would be valuable to the side, but it is unlikely that he will line up on Saturday night. Unfortunately he does not fit into the Australian tactics with the omission of a quality DMR to play with him. If he does play it is likely that he will kick out Zeke Stewart and play on the midfield wing with Nate Neil on the other side.
FROM THE HORSES' MOUTH
Lithuanian National Coach, Aztec (Tenchu Jr.)
Q: Lithuania are high on the NT ranking, whereas Australia are mid-to-low table. How do you rate you chances on Saturday?
A: First of all, I am very happy, that the NT competition is finally back. As we are participating in an upcoming World Cup and we have just 2 friendly games before it, I was looking for a tough opponent to try our best players and to start evaluating our chances in a WC. Australia satisfied my expectations.
Despite a successful period 4-5 seasons ago [that got us to 12th place], I find Australia an equal and respectable opponent. However, as I said before this is the first match after a long brake, both teams need to test lots of tactical stuff and the result could be very unreflecting.
Q: We haven't heard much of Lithuania in Australia, who should we watch out for? Who are the key players?
A: Well, before a brake, I would have strongly told you, that our main player was keeper E. Svench. He is now no. 1 on routine in all TM. However, now we have another perspective keeper in Rukovic, and I am not sure, which one should be our first choice. That's what I will try to find out during 2 friendly games.
Talking about field players, we don't have such calibre guys like Israel's Ben Dor. I'd say we count on every member of the team, and that actually brought us success in season's 16 European Cup. However right now everything starts from the beginning and at least 20 guys have to be tested to see their abilities and potential according to a present ME.
Australian National Coach, Alcoholics United
Q: How are we likely to see out on the pitch?
A: At this moment in time, I haven't given to much thought about a possible line-up. A lot will come down to which formation and tactics I will use. I have a few options, but haven't decided on what to play.
I also have to give consideration to any potential injuries/suspension that may arise. There are a couple of league matches in the lead up to the Lithuania game. I will know exactly what my plans will be come the completion of the round 2 fixtures [on Friday Night].
I can give you this though. I plan on fielding the strongest team possible for the Lithuania match. I won't be experimenting much. It has been a while since the team has played together, and I feel it will be best suited for them to get reacquainted with one another. I will slowly introduce other players back/into the fold over the coming matches.
Q: Michael Salt may get the chance to make his international debut against his adopted country. Will he play?
A: Michael has a very good chance at getting some game time, as he is a player I do admire. In saying that, I may end up going with a formation that doesn't suit Michael all that well. There is also Zeke Stewart, who has done a marvelous job for us in the past.
So at this moment in time, I can't really give away too much. But whatever happens, you can be assured that Michael will be given a run at some point during the next few international friendlies.
Q: How will we see Australia play on Saturday, in the return to international fixtures? Will you attack? Or wait for the mistakes?
A: Tough question. I don't have a set book I follow. I have always, and will forever be a manager who sets out a game plan to what I feel will get us the points. If that means playing ugly I will. Yet if I think sexy attacking football is the way to go, I will set the team out accordingly.
Now Lithuania will be a very tough opponent. Make no mistake about it. I have been going over some of their players, and will set the team up accordingly. Once again, I can say too much at this moment in time, as it is to early. In the days leading up to the match, I will have a fair better idea on what tactics will be used.
Saturday, November 13
Start time: 17:00 (TM Time)
Venue: Seksodromas, Lithuania (Capacity: 89,000)
THE BIG PICTURE
It is truly spectacular to see the return of NT matches. It is Season 22 and Australia's first clash is against the strong Lithuanian outfit. It is sure to be a tough encounter, but on paper this looms to be a large mismatch. Lithuania are ranked 12th out of the 124 countries, whilst Australia sit a disappointing 85th. Lithuania comfortably qualified for the World Cup (way back when), whilst Australia did not.
Yet, it is not all doom and gloom for Australia, the future looks strong. As a nation (in TM) Australia is growing rapidly, and the quality of youth is on the up. Australia has nothing to lose in this friendly, and is very likely to name a full strength line-up. Lithuania has a World Cup to plan for and may experiment with new tactics, players, and the like. So don't write off Australia just yet.
WATCH OUT FOR
Lithuania has a classy outfit, and are sure to be strong. Starting down back, they are spoilt for choice when it comes to goal keepers. Who will play will be interesting. Lithuania has got a World Cup coming up and they only have two friendly matches (Australia and Iceland) before their first match. Lithuania is likely to experiment with both players. At 32, Švench is a proven performer. He has the highest routine (87) in the history of Trophy Manager. He has played a remarkable 53 games for his country. But biting at his tail is the 23 year old, Rukovič. He is yet to play a match for his nation, but is very likely to line up on Saturday night. Will the coach go with talent or experience?
It is likely that Lithuania will go into the match with just three defenders, leaving opportunities for the Australian forward line. But with a last man in defence of that quality, Australia might struggle to find the back of the net.
Australia will be under the pump, but it will be interesting to see who Alco names to play. It is widely known (and not understood) that he prefers Austen at GK rather than the younger options in Farmer and in Lally who doesn’t even make the squad. At 33, Austen is coming to the end of his career; I am not sure whether it is the best option to play him now, when there is no real meaning in the games. It would be better to see Farmer or Lally line up on Saturday night. But I am sure Alco has his reasons.
Michael Salt is a player who is yet to make his debut for Australia. He currently plays in the top division in Lithuania and he has played alongside, and against, many of the Lithuanian national team. His experience would be valuable to the side, but it is unlikely that he will line up on Saturday night. Unfortunately he does not fit into the Australian tactics with the omission of a quality DMR to play with him. If he does play it is likely that he will kick out Zeke Stewart and play on the midfield wing with Nate Neil on the other side.
FROM THE HORSES' MOUTH
Lithuanian National Coach, Aztec (Tenchu Jr.)
Q: Lithuania are high on the NT ranking, whereas Australia are mid-to-low table. How do you rate you chances on Saturday?
A: First of all, I am very happy, that the NT competition is finally back. As we are participating in an upcoming World Cup and we have just 2 friendly games before it, I was looking for a tough opponent to try our best players and to start evaluating our chances in a WC. Australia satisfied my expectations.
Despite a successful period 4-5 seasons ago [that got us to 12th place], I find Australia an equal and respectable opponent. However, as I said before this is the first match after a long brake, both teams need to test lots of tactical stuff and the result could be very unreflecting.
Q: We haven't heard much of Lithuania in Australia, who should we watch out for? Who are the key players?
A: Well, before a brake, I would have strongly told you, that our main player was keeper E. Svench. He is now no. 1 on routine in all TM. However, now we have another perspective keeper in Rukovic, and I am not sure, which one should be our first choice. That's what I will try to find out during 2 friendly games.
Talking about field players, we don't have such calibre guys like Israel's Ben Dor. I'd say we count on every member of the team, and that actually brought us success in season's 16 European Cup. However right now everything starts from the beginning and at least 20 guys have to be tested to see their abilities and potential according to a present ME.
Australian National Coach, Alcoholics United
Q: How are we likely to see out on the pitch?
A: At this moment in time, I haven't given to much thought about a possible line-up. A lot will come down to which formation and tactics I will use. I have a few options, but haven't decided on what to play.
I also have to give consideration to any potential injuries/suspension that may arise. There are a couple of league matches in the lead up to the Lithuania game. I will know exactly what my plans will be come the completion of the round 2 fixtures [on Friday Night].
I can give you this though. I plan on fielding the strongest team possible for the Lithuania match. I won't be experimenting much. It has been a while since the team has played together, and I feel it will be best suited for them to get reacquainted with one another. I will slowly introduce other players back/into the fold over the coming matches.
Q: Michael Salt may get the chance to make his international debut against his adopted country. Will he play?
A: Michael has a very good chance at getting some game time, as he is a player I do admire. In saying that, I may end up going with a formation that doesn't suit Michael all that well. There is also Zeke Stewart, who has done a marvelous job for us in the past.
So at this moment in time, I can't really give away too much. But whatever happens, you can be assured that Michael will be given a run at some point during the next few international friendlies.
Q: How will we see Australia play on Saturday, in the return to international fixtures? Will you attack? Or wait for the mistakes?
A: Tough question. I don't have a set book I follow. I have always, and will forever be a manager who sets out a game plan to what I feel will get us the points. If that means playing ugly I will. Yet if I think sexy attacking football is the way to go, I will set the team out accordingly.
Now Lithuania will be a very tough opponent. Make no mistake about it. I have been going over some of their players, and will set the team up accordingly. Once again, I can say too much at this moment in time, as it is to early. In the days leading up to the match, I will have a fair better idea on what tactics will be used.
POSSIBLE STARTING XI
Lithuania
Keeper
J. Rukovič
Defenders
R. Kurskis
J. Kuršinskas
A. Praprovas
Midfielders
Z. Žydelis
M. Lukminas
B. Šliaužys
V. Navickas
A. Poderis
Forwards
P. Diatkauskas
A. Lazdauskas
Keeper
J. Rukovič
Defenders
R. Kurskis
J. Kuršinskas
A. Praprovas
Midfielders
Z. Žydelis
M. Lukminas
B. Šliaužys
V. Navickas
A. Poderis
Forwards
P. Diatkauskas
A. Lazdauskas
Australia
Keeper
F. Austen
Defenders
C. Eagleton
N. "Nico" Read
A. Baker
Midfielders
N. "The Prodigy" Vosti
M. Salt
L. "杰森" Jensen
N. Neil
W. Dee
Forwards
V. Lappin
M. "The Kaiser" Goodes
Keeper
F. Austen
Defenders
C. Eagleton
N. "Nico" Read
A. Baker
Midfielders
N. "The Prodigy" Vosti
M. Salt
L. "杰森" Jensen
N. Neil
W. Dee
Forwards
V. Lappin
M. "The Kaiser" Goodes
Lithuania - Post-Match
Written 21-11-10 by WacaGround FC
MATCH RESULT
Lithuania 1 - 0 Australia
Goal Scorers
Lithuania - A. Taurimas (91’)
Australia - nil
Bookings
Lithuania:
MoM (Awarded by TM Australia Commentary Panel)
I. "Thunder" Stončius (Lithuania)
MATCH ANALYSIS
After winning the toss, Australia chose to kick-off. It was a pretty dull first half, with no goals being scored, but there were a few heavy tackles that were penalised by the ref. Young and Read were the two Australians who received yellows.
At half time the score line read : 0-0
When the players returned to the pitch after the break Australia had a chance straight away. The Lappin corner was perfect, but Baker was unable to finish off the good work. Australia looked much more positive in the second half, but weren’t able to get close enough to have any real attempts on goal. The game looked destined for a scoreless draw, until the 91st minute. Eventual man-of-the-match, Stončius, sent in a delightful cross which Taurimas gladly tapped past a diving Austen. Lithuania had scored, and that would be the game. A loss to Australia.
Final Score : 0-0
WHAT WENT RIGHT?(for Aust.)
WHAT WENT WRONG? (for Aust.)
NEXT UP
Australia hit the road once again to take on England, whilst Lithuania travels to Serbia in their second last friendly before their opening World Cup Pool 8 clash with Angola. England are coming off a consecutive losses to both Scotland (6-1) and Serbia (8-0). Admittedly a slight muck up by the English coach meant that the best side wasn’t named. England are sure to put on a better performance against Australia next Saturday.
Lithuania 1 - 0 Australia
Goal Scorers
Lithuania - A. Taurimas (91’)
Australia - nil
Bookings
Lithuania:
- B. Šliaužys (Y)
- R. Varis (Y)
- M. "Forever" Young (Y)
- N. "Nico" Read (Y)
MoM (Awarded by TM Australia Commentary Panel)
I. "Thunder" Stončius (Lithuania)
MATCH ANALYSIS
After winning the toss, Australia chose to kick-off. It was a pretty dull first half, with no goals being scored, but there were a few heavy tackles that were penalised by the ref. Young and Read were the two Australians who received yellows.
At half time the score line read : 0-0
When the players returned to the pitch after the break Australia had a chance straight away. The Lappin corner was perfect, but Baker was unable to finish off the good work. Australia looked much more positive in the second half, but weren’t able to get close enough to have any real attempts on goal. The game looked destined for a scoreless draw, until the 91st minute. Eventual man-of-the-match, Stončius, sent in a delightful cross which Taurimas gladly tapped past a diving Austen. Lithuania had scored, and that would be the game. A loss to Australia.
Final Score : 0-0
WHAT WENT RIGHT?(for Aust.)
- Defensive tactics worked. Playing an extremely defensive 4-4-2 formation, Australia restricted the opposition to just 8 shots on goal, and had the same number of chances themselves.
- Almost everybody played well, with the average rating being 5.1.
- We weren’t embarrassed by the stronger side.
- We played well for 90 minutes. Just not for the final couple of minutes in injury time.
WHAT WENT WRONG? (for Aust.)
- George "HumThriller" Appleby. There were questions as to whether he should play or not, and he didn’t impress the doubters. He didn’t do anything all game to prove that he should be in the side. Transfer rumours that were going round may have got to him. It will be interesting to see if he lines up against England.
- Nicolas "Nico" Read. He wasn’t able to keep up with his opponents, and they just ran around him. He was the “weak-link” in the solid Australian defence.
- Due to the defensive tactics, there were not enough players pushing forward when we had the ball. This lead to easy clearances by the Lithuanian defence.
NEXT UP
Australia hit the road once again to take on England, whilst Lithuania travels to Serbia in their second last friendly before their opening World Cup Pool 8 clash with Angola. England are coming off a consecutive losses to both Scotland (6-1) and Serbia (8-0). Admittedly a slight muck up by the English coach meant that the best side wasn’t named. England are sure to put on a better performance against Australia next Saturday.
