Coaching Exam Question 101
HOLD THE LINE OR GO FOR BROKE?
Hypothetically, you are the national coach of a minnow Caribbean nation, ranked 81st in the world by FIFA in the latest rankings. Your country's football federation recently had a high profile launch of its quest to qualify for the FIFA 2014 World Cup Finals in Brazil, and a major aspect of that marketing and public relations plan is today's all-important "international friendly" between your nation and the 8th FIFA ranked team in the world.
Your South American opponent has won two World Cup titles, and in your nation's only encounter with the football giants, your country was soundly beaten 5-0 in the 1998 World Cup Finals in France. Be reminded that history beckons as a win or a draw in this game could, from a marketing view, attract the eyes of well needed potential sponsors to the 2014 campaign.
Against all the odds, the game is tied 1-1 at the end of regular time, and you can't help noticing that the fourth official just indicated 4 minutes of time added.
Your heart is excitedly pounding as you are that close to a major national achievement as a draw here against this world football powerhouse is a win. One change remaining. You glance at your subs on the bench as you glance at your watch. What to do?
Questions:
(1). Does the nature of the game require you to make any changes?
(2). Do you go for broke by introducing a talented high school rookie in offense; thus emotionally giving him his first senior international cap?
(3) Do you hold the line by bringing in arguably the most talented central defender in the local Premier League, and plant him at central midfield to close down lanes in an effort to secure the historic 1-1 draw?
(4). Should your national federation's future marketing and public relations plans have any bearing on your decisions?
Email your answers to Bertram (jamaicanambassadors@yahoo.com) for publication in KSAFA Tackle 1.4.