Two other things I noticed...

[MikeVick7]

With AE no longer the head coach, I lose track of how the US Team is doing, but apparently they've qualified for the 3rd round of the World Cup, which starts on Friday. (I wasn't even aware they World Cup was being played :) )

Secondly, how did a div. 4 team win the Cup last night? I like how they beat 3 Major League teams enroute to the win. Unreal.

[sterlingice]

Wow- he's fielding a Div III or II type team and they're mostly young. But I see he brought in some guys for the cup run and he's selling them off now.

SI

[Havok]

im pretty sure he was a daytrader which always helps, like 8 of his players are in excellent form right now and he had some amazing luck. Especially vs the Goons, that game was just B.S.

[antbacker]

FC Kaauuli is a series mate of mine. He's always been a first class owner in our series. He had a ton of $ saved up for a run at the league title, but once he got far in the cup his focus changed. Not that I blame him for it...what owner wouldn't in his position.

[sterlingice]

This is scary- I was curious what my transfer list looks like compared to his. He's been around 6 months less and has about 60 more trades. But, man, I've done a ton of deals, it looks like. Then again, I'm sure at least a third of those are little dinky youth pull sales, but still. And I've never done daytrading at all (tho I did daytrain a couple of guys at one point).

<table border="0"><tbody><tr><td>Total Purchases: </td><td align="right">75 614 769 US$</td></tr> <tr><td>Total Sales: </td><td align="right">75 074 793 US$</td></tr> <tr><td>Difference: </td><td align="right">-539 976 US$</td></tr> <tr><td>Number of transfers: </td><td align="right">243</td></tr></tbody></table>
SI

[Poli]

Interesting, to say the least.

[MrBigglesworth]

Big win for USA today over Norge, 4-0. MOTS'ed though, Monday's match with Suomi will be interesting.

[Poli]

Definitely. A gutsy move.

[lytic]

I think it was a shitty move. It was the MOTS that got us the win, not the "Tactics" that everyone was basically boasting that he was the best at. Norge gave us that win with WORSE TACTICS! This had nothing to do with Lathrop's line up. It had everything to do with throwing out TS out and Norge doing something stupid and using an AOW with a weak side.

Rodney, you lost the election because everyone thought his tactics were better than yours. Well today it was about luck and TS throwing.

I know it's not his fault that he defended the wrong side, but I think we could have won with superior tactics and a norm or even a PIC.

Granted we are in a good situation as the group leaders. We can play the PIC game with Suomi and see how that goes before we go up against Spain or we can try to win the Suomi game and just PIC the Spain game. Lots of options here.

Am I mad? I know it sounds like it, but I'm not. I'm happy that we are in the situation, but I just hate how everyone is saying that it was brilliant move, but it came down to worse tactics by the other team. It was LUCK!

Anyway, on to the next round!

[MikeVick7]

At least his central attack was his strongest of the three in this match. I've seen matches of his where he did a AIM and one of his wing attacks was stronger than his central attack.

USA (http://www46.hattrick.org/Common/NationalTeamDetails.asp?teamID=3007)
Player rating and team formation (http://www46.hattrick.org/Common/matchLineup.asp?matchID=48372668&teamID=3007)
<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td valign="top">Team Attitude:</td> <td valign="top">(Hidden)</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">Tactic:</td> <td valign="top">Attack in the Middle</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">Tactic skill:</td> <td valign="top">titanic (http://www46.hattrick.org/Common/gameRules.asp?find=labels&labeltype=skill&labellevel=15#skill)</td> </tr> <tr><td colspan="2"> </td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top">Midfield:</td> <td valign="top">solid (http://www46.hattrick.org/Common/gameRules.asp?find=labels&labeltype=skill&labellevel=7#skill) (low)</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">Right Defence:</td> <td valign="top">outstanding (http://www46.hattrick.org/Common/gameRules.asp?find=labels&labeltype=skill&labellevel=10#skill) (very low)</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">Central Defence:</td> <td valign="top">magnificent (http://www46.hattrick.org/Common/gameRules.asp?find=labels&labeltype=skill&labellevel=12#skill) (very high)</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">Left Defence:</td> <td valign="top">brilliant (http://www46.hattrick.org/Common/gameRules.asp?find=labels&labeltype=skill&labellevel=11#skill) (high)</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">Right Attack:</td> <td valign="top">divine (http://www46.hattrick.org/Common/gameRules.asp?find=labels&labeltype=skill&labellevel=20#skill) (very high)</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">Central Attack:</td> <td valign="top">magical (http://www46.hattrick.org/Common/gameRules.asp?find=labels&labeltype=skill&labellevel=18#skill) (low)</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">Left Attack:</td> <td valign="top">solid (http://www46.hattrick.org/Common/gameRules.asp?find=labels&labeltype=skill&labellevel=7#skill) (very low)</td> </tr> <tr><td style="padding-top: 8px;">PStats</td><td style="padding-top: 8px;">40.5</td></tr><tr></tr><tr><td>Midfield:</td><td>78</td></tr><tr><td>Defence:</td><td>128</td></tr><tr><td>Attack:</td><td>175</td></tr><tr><td>Total:</td><td>381</td></tr></tbody></table>

[lytic]

lol, I missed that game.

You know, you might see me enter a Nats/U20 thread once in a great while. I read em all, but I usually don't say anything. If someone had already stated that "Hey Lath, ummm... why did you AOW with a divine wing attack?" in the thread, I'd leave it alone. It could be that he thought their middle would have been the best way to attack it and form issues wouldn't allow for more of a focus in the middle... then maybe I'd be like... OK.
Today was different, it just got to post 221 without anyone noticing that Norge's tactics was a big reason that we won that game. This whole game has got me wanting to possible run for the Nats team when the time comes. Hopefully by then I've wisen up and will remind myself that it's not worth it.

[MrBigglesworth]

It was a risky move. With all the injuries, it was tough to field a team. Given the 4-0 score though, a normal probably would have won the game too. But that gd could come in very handy.

At least his central attack was his strongest of the three in this match. I've seen matches of his where he did a AIM and one of his wing attacks was stronger than his central attack.

USA (http://www46.hattrick.org/Common/NationalTeamDetails.asp?teamID=3007)
Player rating and team formation (http://www46.hattrick.org/Common/matchLineup.asp?matchID=48372668&teamID=3007)
<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td valign="top">Team Attitude:</td> <td valign="top">(Hidden)</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">Tactic:</td> <td valign="top">Attack in the Middle</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">Tactic skill:</td> <td valign="top">titanic (http://www46.hattrick.org/Common/gameRules.asp?find=labels&labeltype=skill&labellevel=15#skill)</td> </tr> <tr><td colspan="2"> </td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top">Midfield:</td> <td valign="top">solid (http://www46.hattrick.org/Common/gameRules.asp?find=labels&labeltype=skill&labellevel=7#skill) (low)</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">Right Defence:</td> <td valign="top">outstanding (http://www46.hattrick.org/Common/gameRules.asp?find=labels&labeltype=skill&labellevel=10#skill) (very low)</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">Central Defence:</td> <td valign="top">magnificent (http://www46.hattrick.org/Common/gameRules.asp?find=labels&labeltype=skill&labellevel=12#skill) (very high)</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">Left Defence:</td> <td valign="top">brilliant (http://www46.hattrick.org/Common/gameRules.asp?find=labels&labeltype=skill&labellevel=11#skill) (high)</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">Right Attack:</td> <td valign="top">divine (http://www46.hattrick.org/Common/gameRules.asp?find=labels&labeltype=skill&labellevel=20#skill) (very high)</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">Central Attack:</td> <td valign="top">magical (http://www46.hattrick.org/Common/gameRules.asp?find=labels&labeltype=skill&labellevel=18#skill) (low)</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">Left Attack:</td> <td valign="top">solid (http://www46.hattrick.org/Common/gameRules.asp?find=labels&labeltype=skill&labellevel=7#skill) (very low)</td> </tr> <tr><td style="padding-top: 8px;">PStats</td><td style="padding-top: 8px;">40.5</td></tr><tr></tr><tr><td>Midfield:</td><td>78</td></tr><tr><td>Defence:</td><td>128</td></tr><tr><td>Attack:</td><td>175</td></tr><tr><td>Total:</td><td>381</td></tr></tbody></table>
I don't think having a wing attack better than central attack automatically rules out AIM. The AIM was taking chances away not only from the divine wing but also from the solid wing. If magical has a better chance than (divine+solid)/2 then it could be a good move.

[lytic]

I stated that... that he may have thought attacking the middle looked like the best option and due to form/injury couldn't put any more attack in the middle, so he put a strong a wing attack in there as well.
Still, that Central D vs Wing D diff would have to be quite significant not to play a norm strat.

I like the position we are in, but I don't like how we got there. I wouldn't have MOTSed this round at all. Though I'm more about winning a medal, than placing in the top 16.

[brxnivy]

This whole game has got me wanting to possible run for the Nats team when the time comes. Hopefully by then I've wisen up and will remind myself that it's not worth it.


It's worth it if you win a medal. If you don't, all you get is a big headache and a lot of 2nd guessing. I know, I've experienced both :)

[MikeVick7]

Well, it looks like the MOTS on Friday cost the US today in a 3-0 loss.

[MikeVick7]

And is this called mission accomplished for Argentina? This has got to be the great disparity between defensive and offensive rating that I've ever seen. 0-0 draw btw.

Sverige (http://www60.hattrick.org/Common/NationalTeamDetails.asp?teamID=3000)
Player rating and team formation (http://www60.hattrick.org/Common/matchLineup.asp?matchID=57637893&teamID=3000)
<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr> <td valign="top">Team Attitude:</td> <td valign="top">(Hidden)</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">Tactic:</td> <td valign="top">Normal</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">Tactic skill:</td> <td valign="top">(no tactic)</td> </tr> <tr><td colspan="2"> </td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top">Midfield:</td> <td valign="top">magnificent (http://www60.hattrick.org/Common/gameRules.asp?find=labels&labeltype=skill&labellevel=12#skill) (very high)</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">Right Defence:</td> <td valign="top">utopian (http://www60.hattrick.org/Common/gameRules.asp?find=labels&labeltype=skill&labellevel=19#skill) (very low)</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">Central Defence:</td> <td valign="top">extra-terrestrial (http://www60.hattrick.org/Common/gameRules.asp?find=labels&labeltype=skill&labellevel=16#skill) (high)</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">Left Defence:</td> <td valign="top">titanic (http://www60.hattrick.org/Common/gameRules.asp?find=labels&labeltype=skill&labellevel=15#skill) (high)</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">Right Attack:</td> <td valign="top">solid (http://www60.hattrick.org/Common/gameRules.asp?find=labels&labeltype=skill&labellevel=7#skill) (very high)</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">Central Attack:</td> <td valign="top">divine (http://www60.hattrick.org/Common/gameRules.asp?find=labels&labeltype=skill&labellevel=20#skill) (low)</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">Left Attack:</td> <td valign="top">excellent (http://www60.hattrick.org/Common/gameRules.asp?find=labels&labeltype=skill&labellevel=8#skill) (very high)</td> </tr> <tr><td style="padding-top: 8px;">PStats</td><td style="padding-top: 8px;">52.08</td></tr><tr></tr><tr><td>Midfield:</td><td>144</td></tr><tr><td>Defence:</td><td>195</td></tr><tr><td>Attack:</td><td>138</td></tr><tr><td>Total:</td><td>477</td></tr></tbody></table>
Argentina (http://www60.hattrick.org/Common/NationalTeamDetails.asp?teamID=3006)
Player rating and team formation (http://www60.hattrick.org/Common/matchLineup.asp?matchID=57637893&teamID=3006)
<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" width="229"><tbody><tr> <td valign="top">Team Attitude:</td> <td valign="top">(Hidden)</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">Tactic:</td> <td valign="top">Pressing</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">Tactic skill:</td> <td valign="top">formidable (http://www60.hattrick.org/Common/gameRules.asp?find=labels&labeltype=skill&labellevel=9#skill)</td> </tr> <tr><td colspan="2"> </td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top">Midfield:</td> <td valign="top">supernatural (http://www60.hattrick.org/Common/gameRules.asp?find=labels&labeltype=skill&labellevel=14#skill) (high)</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">Right Defence:</td> <td valign="top">divine (http://www60.hattrick.org/Common/gameRules.asp?find=labels&labeltype=skill&labellevel=20#skill) (very high)</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">Central Defence:</td> <td valign="top">divine (http://www60.hattrick.org/Common/gameRules.asp?find=labels&labeltype=skill&labellevel=20#skill) (very high)</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">Left Defence:</td> <td valign="top">divine (http://www60.hattrick.org/Common/gameRules.asp?find=labels&labeltype=skill&labellevel=20#skill) (very high)</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">Right Attack:</td> <td valign="top">disastrous (http://www60.hattrick.org/Common/gameRules.asp?find=labels&labeltype=skill&labellevel=1#skill) (very high)</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">Central Attack:</td> <td valign="top">wretched (http://www60.hattrick.org/Common/gameRules.asp?find=labels&labeltype=skill&labellevel=2#skill) (low)</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">Left Attack:</td> <td valign="top">disastrous (http://www60.hattrick.org/Common/gameRules.asp?find=labels&labeltype=skill&labellevel=1#skill) (very high)</td> </tr> <tr><td style="padding-top: 8px;">PStats</td><td style="padding-top: 8px;">44.44</td></tr><tr></tr><tr><td>Midfield:</td><td>165</td></tr><tr><td>Defence:</td><td>240</td></tr><tr><td>Attack:</td><td>14</td></tr><tr><td>Total:</td><td>419</td></tr></tbody></table>

[Mr. Wednesday]

Well, it looks like the MOTS on Friday cost the US today in a 3-0 loss. It's left us 2nd in the group with a +1 goal differential, going into a match where Spain will be PICing and conserving for the final.

The good news is that we're not out of reach of Norge on goal differential, so they should actually go after the match with Suomi rather than handing it to them.

[sterlingice]

Did Argentina run a 5-5-0? ;)

SI