United States:-

The “Yanks” have a mighty task ahead of them at this WC; for they must truly defy the odds and produce some stellar “soccer” if they are to even come close to qualifying to the round of 16!

In defense, both of coach Klinsmann’s “favorite” CBs have, more or less, ZERO top-level “soccer” experience; as they have never really plied their trade outside the recently-ever-more-popular MLS.

Their inexperience and lack of true defensive grit and/or proper abilities at the back is highlighted by the fact that Team USA have averaged a GCPG ratio of 1.0 (0.8 excluding friendlies) over the course of the last ca. 2 years in which they played 39 games (22 excluding friendlies). If one were to omit matches against the so-called “smaller” teams, that ratio would then jump to a staggering 1.8!

So unless those 2 CBs have been hiding their true potential all this time (combined age of 52), it is hard to imagine that a team with a CB-pair whose TOTAL market value is around a meagre 1 Million Euros can be the foundation on which WC success is built.

Therefore, it is without doubt a matter of, somehow, trying to minimize the damage those CBs will cause by providing them with enough cover (DM+CM, SBs and even wingers) from all areas and trying to swiftly extinguish any “fires” the opposition might start in their defensive zones.

Another issue for coach Klinsmann in defense (yes we haven’t finished :P) is his squad’s lack of a true LB defender; forcing him to, most probably, switch one of his more-established RBs (who are actually pretty good compared to the CBs) to the other side of the pitch. The only other option would be to push natural-winger Beasley all the way back to an LB role; where his experience might just be what Team USA’s backline really need!

In the middle of the park, things start to look a little more “rosy”; as the mixture of youth, talent and experience at their disposal could prove to be a good asset for them going forward. Much of the hard work of dictating play will fall in the hands (more like feet) of Michael Bradley and his backbone-of-a-DM Jermaine Jones.

Those two midfield players will have a large say as to how, when and where Team USA’s attacks all begin; for they will be solely responsible for making sure that they retain possession and pass play forward.

The US’ playing strategy is based on a rather extensively offensive approach, with great physicality about their all-round game and tactical set-up. In addition, most of their players’ commanding strength and solid presence naturally leads to straight-forward aerial play and ball deliveries from across all areas of the pitch. Hence, the need to be near-perfect at executing set-pieces and making the most out of them is absolutely crucial.

Team USA’s biggest glimmer of hope amidst a sea of things to which they do not look forward is their striker-duo of Clint Dempsey and Jozy Altidore. They have been the true heroes behind their respectable and consistent ca. 2.0 GSPG ratio (even against “big” teams!) over the last 2 years or so, and much of any possible success for coach Klinsmann’s squad will depend on those 2 men’s performances.


Main man (it has to be him!): Clint Dempsey: An incredible knack for scoring goals, true versatility in between the lines and superior technical skills all contribute to his perfect embodiment of a “classic” center forward. With a bit of luck, if some of the US’ opponents have “off moments”, Dempsey could prove to be the key to an unlikely US group-stage triumph!

Odds (average from top 24 betting firms): 239.91304

Switzerland:-

“Schweizer Nati“ or “La Nati” or “Squadra nazionale” (:P) are in their third successive WC and hope to give legendary coach Ottmar Hitzfeld a proper retirement gift by displaying some respectable performances!

Coach Hitzfeld might have some reason to worry about his defense given the poor season Johan Djourou has endured with Hamburg. However, Djourou seems to be able to put his club performances behind him every time he puts on the Swiss shirt and lines-up alongside Steve von Bergen in defense; a fact highlighted by Switzerland’s GCPG ratio of 0.6 (0.8 including friendlies) over the last 2 years almost.

The areas requiring more attention for Switzerland are their wide defensive zones; as Ricardo Rodríguez’s inexperience coupled with Stephan Lichtsteiner’s (who’s more of an RM/RWB) surging forward runs might leave big holes either sides of their defense and allow the opposition acres of space from which to launch attacks.

Coach Hitzfeld likes to play with a pure counter-attacking strategy to best complement Switzerland’s solid defensive CB-pair, an experienced DM-pivot and their extremely fast and technical wingers.

The Swiss team is set-up in such a way that they look to spend a considerable amount of time embracing the opposition’s attacking press and launching their counter-attacks when retaining possession through the middle; which is where the most-likely trio of Xhaka, Behrami and Inler come into play.

The latter two midfielders’ experience and vision alongside Xhaka’s dynamic style and explosive form of attacking football provide a good balance for the Swiss team going forward. The only drawback to such a lay-out could be Xhaka’s lack of experience at the top-levels of football and might force him into one or two errors of judgment at vital moments during their games.

Their SBs’ role in going forward and assisting their wide men will surely not go unnoticed by opposition teams; however, Switzerland’s actual wingers will be the players causing most of the damage to opposing defenders on the flanks. Their quick pace and physical presence provides many dimensions to Switzerland’s attacking strategy and it will be a tough task for defenders to deal with them over the course of 90 minutes.

A relatively big chunk of goal-scoring responsibility will fall solely on their main striker’s shoulders. Consequently, it is vital that he should constantly be in complete sync with the ongoing play around him in order to correctly position himself according to the movement of the ball (no secret, their attackers will be delivering the ball to him over and over again!).

Another important aspect which Switzerland’s opposition MUST take into consideration is the fact that, practically, the entire Swiss team possess unbelievable shooting abilities and are more than able (and willing!) to take their chances from distance, given the proper space and time.

It is definitely sad for the football world to have to say farewell to coach Hitzfeld and here’s hoping that Switzerland go a long way in this WC to give him one more proud moment in his football career!


Main man: Gökhan Inler: Inler’s acute vision, brilliant passing, lethal shot and commanding physical presence in the middle of the park form the beating heart of Switzerland’s play. He will be looking to lead his team to glory and earn the credit which he truly deserves.

Odds (average from top 24 betting firms): 111