USA-England: A Draw is a Win
Making his USSD debut is guest contributor Bob Dillon (not to be confused with Bob Dylan). While some of us are full of optimism, feeling that a win might be in reach against Capello and company, Bob is setting his sights a little lower and proposing a deviation from the typical 4-4-2 to help reach that target.
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World Cup Sleepless Night #1
The England game is one month away. I know that there is going to be plenty of news before the big game including a number of warm-up fixtures that lead up to the June 12, but I can't seem to get England off of the brain.
It was four years ago that I was sitting in a random pub in Saint Louis with a nice crowd of soccer fans watching the USMNT take on the Czech Republic when Tomas Rosicky ended the excitement and build-up with an awesome goal from distance:
It is four years later, and I am so worried about the same Frank Lampard goal in a month that there are times that I am waking up at night trying to figure out a solution. I can't imagine how coach Bradley can sleep after all of the tape that he has watched.
I continue to come back to the fact that we only need a point from this first game. It has taken me many years to accept that a draw is a win against the best opponent in your pool. Going into the game, I think that it is essential that we put the best eleven on the pitch from the first moment, but the best eleven means the group that can defend well, clog up the middle, and stay patient with our chances moving forward. With this said, I think that the starting eleven should be: Altidore, up front as the lone striker with the middle five of Donovan and Dempsey, out wide, Edu, Bradley, and Clark, clogging the middle, and the back four of Bocanegra, Cherundolo, Spector, and Onyewu, and Howard in goal.
This line-up with an effort comparable to the Spain game in the Confederation Cup would give us a chance to start the World Cup taking a point or more from England. What are your thoughts? Who should be on the bench? Is this line-up too slow in the back for Ashley Cole and Theo Walcott?
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It might not be the flashiest approach, but could it be the one that gets our 2010 World Cup campaign off on the right foot? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
You can follow Bob on Twitter at @ideaguy42
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4 comments:
I think that formation is correct based on the opponent. The U.S. is going to need some possesion in the midfield if they have any chance of keeping this match close. They can't, though, become too defensive because if they go down a goal then they will have no chance to get an equalizer. If England scores a goal early than you can pretty much put the match to bed with that lineup. That back four is so mistake prone that it will be impossible to keep England from scoring at least once. I suggest Altidore alone up top with Dempsey paying just behind him on the right. Donovan should start out wide left and be free to go where he is needed. Stu Holden should play on the right wing behind Dempsey. This will give the U.S. width and a help on the counter attack. Holden has also shown some ability crossing the ball and this might be the only way the U.S. can crack Englands defense. Behind Holden, Bradley and Rico Clark can play defensive mids with some muscle. The back four should be spector on the left which he recently said he preferred, Demerit and Onyewu in the middle and Cherundolo on the right. JD and Spector should both be familiar with the English attackers so they should be included. Bocanegra is a step too slow to play on the outside, but I don't hate the idea of him playing in the middle if DeMerit is injured.
Of course Tim Howard in goal.
I like the formation but I think one change would both make for a better defense and offense on set pieces: Goodson in the middle with Boca playing LB. Clarence was lethal in the Netherlands friendly on set pieces plus has been in great form all club season. Boca is a bit slower on the outside but it is his natural position and he is a better set piece player than JD or Spector. Neither JD or Spector have been in great form this club season.
Hey Bob,
Great post. I totally agree with you. Next to the loss to Brazil last year, watching us get creamed like we did to the Czechs 4 years ago was so gut wrenching.
A tie is a win. It's definitely going to be rough match with the state of the US defense. We'll be at the match so make sure check out our blog for updates.
If you cant control the ball or attack with deft passing and aggressive dribbling YOU DONT HAVE ANY OFFENSE, except for the desparate counter attack, which I admit we are pretty good with. However, we are then predictable and teams dont have to guess to much as to how we will try to score. However sad it is England should absolutely school the USMT. It will take a "miracle on grass" to beat or even tie them. Oh ok or a very bad ref call to give us a PK. Bad choice by BB not to bring Davies or yes all your haters.. Fredy Adu!!!!!
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