ASN: 5 Ideas on the USA’ Defeat of Nigeria

America’ 2-1 victory over Nigeria was an enormous, confidence-building success. ASN’s John Godfrey shares 5 ideas about what this Ship-Off Sequence finale means for the workforce, and the World Cup.

BY

John Godfrey

Posted
June 07, 2014
9:17 PM

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1. This Is Jurgen’s Workforce Now
Did you hear the title “Landon Donovan” talked about as soon as through the ESPN broadcast, or within the conversations you had with pals wherever you have been watching?
Uncertain.
Although the method might need appeared chaotic at instances, although the coach might have contradicted himself on quite a few events, although the best participant in U.S. soccer historical past was reduce from the squad over his protestations, let the file present that the USA will now head into Brazil with confidence, three successive victories, and a transparent sense of course.
Jurgen Klinsmann did that.
In the course of the match towards Turkey final weekend, it regarded as if the U.S. again line had by no means performed collectively earlier than. On Saturday towards a proficient Nigeria squad, the guests may barely muster a great probability.

Credit score the coach for making the suitable changes and sending his squad out in a defense-first mindset. It completely labored.

2. Kyle Beckerman is a Paradox

Kyle Beckerman did not have an excellent match towards Nigeria. He regarded gradual amongst international-quality attackers, he made some questionable selections, and he gave the ball away far too typically—particularly within the first half. However the USA all the time—all the time—seems to be higher when he’s within the lineup. He is the weak hyperlink, and he makes the workforce stronger. It is a true paradox.

But it surely’s not a lot what Beckerman does as what he represents. When he’s within the lineup, Jurgen Klinsmann and co. are clearly dedicated to defending in numbers. Particularly if Michael Bradley and Jermaine Jones are additionally within the lineup, Beckerman’s solely job will likely be to clog the center and help the again line.

If the U.S. does that, and is tied or forward 45 minutes into any of its Group G clashes, Beckerman will greater than have earned his cap.

3. Dispossess and Assault
For the primary quarter-hour or so, the U.S. protection regarded super…. and the offense appeared like an afterthought. However an especially aggressive, extraordinarily match United States midfield created turnovers that changed into possibilities.

The primary objective was constructed out of the again, however the second? DaMarcus Beasley broke up a Nigerian assault down the appropriate flank, tapped it to Jermaine Jones, who nudged Michael Bradley ahead, who lofted a sick move to a surging Jozy Altidore, who trapped the ball superbly, created separation, and shot a laser beam previous Nigerian goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama.

Time of possession: 10 seconds.

And this was simply one among many such sequences. In opposition to Nigeria the USA nationwide workforce performed soccer a bit just like the 2013-14 San Diego State males’s basketball workforce did within the 2014 NCAA match. Stingy protection. Fast counters. Off-balance defensive gamers. Stunning success.

The Aztecs made it to the Candy Sixteen. Query: What’s the World Cup equal for Klinsmann’s crew?

4. Geoff Cameron is a Vertebra Too
Klinsmann made a daring assertion in February when he mentioned the U.S. nationwide workforce had a “spine” of important gamers. In accordance with the coach, it included Tim Howard, Jermaine Jones, Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey, and Jozy Altidore.

After these three Ship-Off Sequence matches, one other participant must be added to the spinal column: Geoff Cameron.

Like the unique members of Klinsmann’s Backbone, Cameron now performs within the heart of the sphere an he brings regular, assured play to the guts of the U.S. nationwide workforce. Cameron by no means actually slot in at proper again for the U.S., and now that he’s ensconced within the heart of the protection, the Individuals have one other dependable expertise in the course of the motion.

5. Regardless of what he says, Jozy is relieved

Final weekend after he failed to attain towards Turkey, Altidore chided reporters for asking about his confidence. “I’m fine,” he mentioned, smiling and #SMH like he could not imagine we have been asking the query.

After Saturday’s match towards Nigeria, Altidore as soon as once more downplayed the drought he had been enduring and the significance of his two objectives on the eve of the World Cup.

“Felt fine,” he mentioned, shrugging and deflecting all consideration away from himself. “It was great team play. The first goal was a beautiful give and go with Fabian and Alejandro, and the second goal was Mikey’s great vision and just having a shot on goal. So it was good.”

“I felt fine before, and I feel fine now.”

OK, high quality.

Be aware: In case you’re sick of this line of questioning, do not let six months go by between objectives.

These are my ideas. I need to hear yours. The Feedback part is open for enterprise.

John Godfrey is the founder and editor in chief of American Soccer Now.