OK, so we now have World Cup Qualifiers to watch over the next few days. Some of them will be great games, some of them will be a formality. All of them present us with opportunities to learn more about the game so that we can take this new found knowledge onto the practice field.

Here are my Top 5 Things to look for in a soccer game:

1. Set Plays. How do teams defend on set plays and how do teams execute set plays? What can we immediately use at the next practice?

2. Individual Brilliance, what did we see that can inspire our players? What can we show them or talk to them about at the next practice?

3. Tactical Line Ups, How did the teams line up and what changes did they make as the game progressed?

4. What was the difference between the two teams? What did one team do that helped them win the game and can we implement this with our team?

5. What moment/play/decision/action really stood out from the game? Was it a great decision by a player? Was it a moment of madness by a player that cost his team the game? Was it an inspired substitution or tactical change that turned the game around?

So, go ahead and enjoy the games, check back in for my findings and comments and please leave some comments about what you saw.

Let’s Talk Soccer……