Great Britain Olympics Football: 6 Areas to Improve Against UAE

I think most people would agree that the 1-1 draw between Team GB and Senegal was not the sort of start they were looking for, and would suggest that Team GB are unlikely to remain in the football tournament for very long.

However, there is plenty of room for improvement and they must now be fully focused on getting the win they need against UAE. In order to do this, there will be various areas that they need to improve, or they could be on the end of another disappointing result.

Find a Better Balance to the Side

So, it's great to see we have so many talented left footed players to choose from. But Stuart Pearce doesn't seem to understand the word "choose". Playing a left back at right back is not exactly the smartest move in the book. I would have thought in the game against Senegal he would want to keep things simple and use players in their preferred positions.

But despite all of this, he leaves one of his best attacking options on the bench. I hope Scott Sinclair doesn't stay there as Team GB are eliminated. So, against UAE maybe try a right back in the right back position and get Sinclair in the team.

Sort out the Defense

Senegal are not the best side in the football tournament, so it was alarming to see how many chances they created. I am a big fan of Micah Richards and maybe he is the answer for the problematic right back position. He does a good job as a central defender, but his pace is such an asset, and I want to see it used to hurt the opposition. And Team GB has some other central defensive options.

Find a Killer Instinct

It was pleasing to see Team GB take the lead with a well-taken strike from Craig Bellamy. But it was disappointing that the team didn't go on and grab another goal. Yes, some people can look at the penalty that should have been given. But had Team GB done their job right, that decision would have had no impact in the game.   

Don't Sit Back

There are few things more frustrating as a football fan than to watch your team take the lead and then sit back on it for the rest of the game. Most fans then fear the worst, so the equalizer that Senegal scored didn't come as a massive surprise. If you can't score again, at least keep the ball with attacking intent. Inviting pressure from the opposition is always asking for trouble. 

Play the Game at a High Tempo

We love the Premier League for its fast, high-tempo play that is very exciting to watch. Wouldn't it be refreshing for Team GB to do that in the next game with their squad of mainly Premier League players?

A higher tempo will surely be needed if Team GB are to go further and contest for a medal. But, of course, it's always important to find the right balance.

Cut out the Mistakes

The one thing you cannot afford to do is give away goals or chances to the better sides in the football event. Things like defenders giving the ball away in dangerous areas, and goalkeeper Jack Butland kicking the ball directly to a Senegal player, must be cut out, because the better sides will take those sorts of chances.

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