So guys, new season, new challenges.
The upcoming european championship can be described as "welcome to hell". I took a look at the groups and it can be said, Europe is so freaking hard to play. In almost every group there are 4-5 teams which can compete for the first or second place. Group A with the host Serbia, Greece, Italy and the two always hard to play teams Estonia and Russia are one of these examples. Our own group isn't really better. Lithuania is the favorite, but behind them, every mistake will be punished. The time of easy groups is over and there are a lot less "small and weak" micro nation teams than 10 or 15 seasons ago.
But now let's take a closer look at our group.
1) vs. Slovenia:
Surprise, we played them last season.. twice! First a scrimmage and than during the tournament. For me, they have one of the most impressive backcourts around Berlak, Klavc and Pogac. Last season we injured them, fouled them out and still, they survived and won thanks to a monster q4 from Klavc.
2) vs. Netherlands:
And the next one. Two seasons ago they were first our scrimmage opponent and than we ended up in the same group. Like us, the improved over the last seasons and have a balanced team. There are no real weaknesses and they can play almost every tactic. They still have the same manager, so it's almost like a reunion with an old buddy ;)
3) vs. Croatia:
Let's keep the streak running... Three seasons ago they were our opponent. Most of the players are still from that time. They will be one of the teams which compete for second place. Maybe they even could reach for first.
4) vs. Lithuania:
The next known one... Like the Netherlands, Lithuania was with us in the same group two seasons ago and they won it. And again, they are the team which has the strongest claim for first place. If everything goes smooth, all the others will play for the ticket behind Lithuania.
5) vs. Cyprus:
Cyprus won't compete for one of the upper ranks. But like every seasons, they are potential CTer. A bad game shape or injuries could invite a hard hit from them.
6) vs. Ireland:
More or less same like Cyprus. Under normal circumstances a win for us.
7) vs. Macedonia:
Sooo... for me the X-Factor. They have some strong players but not the depth on the bench. Every possible win from them will influnce the upper half drastically. They could be the team which decides through tough games who ends up as second.
I went through the game plans and teams and went through some scenarios. My prediction is that we will have two teams with a 5:2 and two teams with a 4:3. But who ends up where... that is really hard to say.
What I can say is that I have an idea for the swedish NT. But so do have the other seven. Now I will wait for the update on friday, scout once more and than make a plan for the first game day. The bad thing is: this season will be tough. The good one: for the others too.
Last edited by Nachtmahr at 1/10/2018 3:07:56 PM