Now that Jurgen Klinsmann has known as in his roster, it’s time to check out the following two U.S. opponents, each of which offered distinctive challenges within the groups’ first encounters.
BY
Liviu Chicken
Posted
October 10, 2012
1:00 PM
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Something lower than six factors from matches in opposition to Antigua & Barbuda away and Guatemala at dwelling will likely be a disappointment for the US nationwide workforce. And there is that complete “qualifying for the next round” factor, which continues to be up within the air.
Taking every opponent in flip, let’s have a look at what the U.S. discovered from these encounters and the way that will have an effect on the second matches.
Antigua & Barbuda (Friday at 7 p.m. ET/beIN Sport)
The spotlight video from the US’ first fixture with Antigua exhibits why Klinsmann known as in Eddie Johnson, who has scored 9 objectives along with his head in MLS play this season. Check out Antigua’s defensive form on the 0:50 and seven:25 mark of the video:
To name it “packed in” doesn’t even start to explain the extent of warning Antigua is taking. Two strong blocks of 4 gamers—and an extra midfielder—make it troublesome for the Individuals to penetrate by the center of the sphere.
The best way Klinsmann’s boys should take benefit, ugly as it might be, is on crossed balls into the field. Set items, akin to Carlos Bocanegra’s eighth-minute purpose, can even be essential.
It gained’t make for a very entertaining recreation, however groups need to reap the benefits of what their opponents give them. Within the match in Tampa, the Individuals had 14 nook kicks.
One other option to break down the Antiguan protection will likely be to attract it out with possession. Enjoying two compact blocks of gamers in protection leaves room to play in entrance of them, and it additionally leaves the skin backs free to overlap.
At 5:30 of the highlights above, Carlos Bocanegra will get round Landon Donovan on the left-hand aspect. The issue with that’s the susceptibility to the counterattack that comes with pushing too many numbers ahead; Antigua’s solely purpose of the sport provides a first-rate instance.
Guatemala (Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET/ESPN2)
Ambiance was the large think about the US’ June recreation in opposition to the Chapines. The significance of enjoying at dwelling, in entrance of a pro-U.S. crowd, will likely be obvious on this second matchup.
Guatemala performs as many Central American groups do, making it a typical CONCACAF nation that Klinsmann warned about throughout his teleconference on Monday. It’s an individual-heavy workforce that depends on creativity on the ball within the assault, each in the midst of the sphere and on the flanks.
It is going to be essential for the U.S. to defend properly one-on-one, standing attackers up and never diving into tackles, in addition to conserving correct defensive form. On the opposite aspect of the ball, motion will likely be essential.
Central American groups wish to dive into the deal with and chase gamers with the ball. It opens up house for the U.S. to play amongst them as defenders get stretched, delivering the free-flowing soccer that Klinsmann desires his workforce to play. The house-field benefits ought to play into this technique as properly.
Clint Dempsey’s purpose within the first encounter (the play begins at 2:10 of the video above) is a first-rate instance. On the finish, he deftly touches the ball round two defenders who needlessly dive in at his toes:
Graham Zusi’s function will likely be magnified on this recreation, particularly in his dwelling stadium. The midfielder is a possession grasp, retaining the ball for his membership workforce and springing harmful assaults along with his imaginative and prescient on the ball. He can reprise this function for the Stars and Stripes.
