FWC-USA
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
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
Ahmad Al-Omar - 9. Jun, 10:50
