In hindsight, Iran didn't set up as deep as we thought
by wcnitz (2022-12-02 06:59:30)

In reply to: Man, I love Vini Jr. IMO, the best young player  posted by KnightlyRevue


The first half was far more open than anyone expected, and there were times that Iran was putting more players forward. Very different than the 5-4-1 block we saw from CR against Germany yesterday, especially with them going 6 wide at various points in the first half after Germany kept getting unchallenged crosses in.

It's really hard to see where Gio starts in this side if Pulisic and Weah are available. People want a false 9, but who's slipping inside when that happens? Weah? That's VVD and Ake in there, who haven't been amazing in this tournament but can certainly turn it up a notch on Saturday. I just don't think there's a good answer here. If we're chasing the game in the second half, then it would make sense to maybe take McKennie off for Gio. But it would be a risk, IMO, to put Gio in over Weston to start.


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