Brklyngrk

3 man back line, when the coach went for attack, he took our Sok and left him in...

Not getting playing time on his division 2 German team- he is moving in the winter break.

Initially I thought Anastasiadis was brilliant. Organizing a camp three weeks in advance before its two biggest fixtures was genius. Imagine spending all that time away and accomplishing nothing. Not having a clear game plan, no scouting (apparently) of the other team, and watching the champions league final instead of watching film on Italy/Armenia. Soc/Manolas play for two of the biggest teams, they must have been so frustrated. I commend him for speaking up, without that, we would not have moved forward. I am sure he made his feelings known before but in order for someone to act, he had to make it public.

If they buy in, great, if not, then they will not play. But to have talents like them two and not call them up would not be smart. I do think Sokratis loves the national team and he spoke up bc he thought the coach was not preparing the team well. Reports that the coach changed formation right before kick-off in the Italy game are ridiculous, especially playing someone out of position who had never practiced there. The player having to speak up and saying he is not comfortable was not a good sign!!!

I think they both got frustrated with our tactics and the lack of hustle with the team. After a while, complacency gets contagious.

They lost in extra time...1-0

Overall, it seems that the first half disaster was necessary in order for us to accept a coach like JVS. To drop players like he did. The way we are playing now, I believe we definitely would have qualified. We may not have the most technical team but we hustle and are fast. Never thought I would use those words together in describing the team.

27 shots on goal - should have won by more. Promising!

I think that Giannoulis has locked up a spot after the last few games. Limnios as well. The rest of the spots are up for competition. But I do like the Galo/Kourbelis combo. Same with the Mantalos/Bakasetas/Limnios line.

Mantalos has won me over playing on that side. Limnios is constantly beating his marker. Even Koulouris coming on has made our attack more lively.

There it was!! Deserved!!

I also like how Vlaho knows to pick out Limnios on the right side. He keeps beating his marker.

19-3 shots on goal. We just don't have the final touch.

The goal was a tap in, Bakesetas saved a ball going out by outhustling his defender.

How fast is Limnios - impressed how he caught up to the pass by Vlaho!!

Bakasetas with the heads up play...

1-1

I thought they were making renovations but it typical fashion, they were not ready in time.

Next game should be in Crete - the ethniki's new home.

I think what JVS is doing is brilliant. He is using the rest of the qualifiers to experiment. He wants to see who can use going forward. For the most part, it has worked.

I was thinking that, just looking at what our Finnish friend said.

Is the Finnish squad using their second string?

14 shots against there 2, 60% possession. We have done everything but score. We do need more of an aerial presence (that should be taken care of once Sok/Manolas returns). Also, when Fortounis returns, we should score more.

Aside from the goal we gave up, we have played well. Our finishing is still lacking but we have done well. If we had our taller CBs, we may have taken advantage of the corners. Giannoulis has looked great!

Giannoulis looked good but so did Tsimakis the last time we played. Mantalos is a good player but not on the wing, would have preferred Massouras/Donis there. Limnios has cemented his claim as the LW. Pavlidis seems to be doing the same as the striker. The duo of Kourbalis/Galanopoulos did well. The two CBs weren't tested. Koulouris doesn't seem like a good fit with the ethniki yet. Would like to see the new kid get a look, but overall, we are heading in the right direction.