Who, the place, and the way? ASN resident tactician Liviu Chook appears to be like on the knowledge, annotates the hell out of it, and proposes a tactical plan for the USA’ upcoming Hexagonal match towards Honduras.
BY
Liviu Chook
Posted
June 16, 2013
9:48 AM
SHARE THIS STORY
Honduras, the USA’ subsequent opponent in World Cup qualifying, may actually use a win. Sitting in fourth place within the CONCACAF Hexagonal, Los Catrachos can leapfrog Mexico and get into an automated qualification spot with a victory on Tuesday.
The U.S. dominated Panama, successful 2-0 in its final outing, however Honduras turned in the identical rating towards struggling Jamaica. Final time these groups met, Honduras embarrassed the U.S. in San Pedro Sula, a 2-1 scoreline hiding simply how poorly the U.S. performed.
That was 4 months in the past, and whereas head coach Jurgen Klinsmann has sorted out a lot of his workforce’s issues since then, a tough activity lies forward to reverse the primary consequence.
New Left Again
DaMarcus Beasley has began at left again for the U.S. for the reason that March 22 win over Costa Rica within the Denver snow, however he picked up his second yellow card of the competitors towards Panama, so he’ll miss the following match.
The logical alternative to switch Beasley is sliding Fabian Johnson to the again line from his new left wing spot. The defender-turned-midfielder assisted Jozy Altidore on the opening purpose in Seattle, however a few of his habits have been sluggish to die.
His OPTA chalkboard reveals an inclination to drop on high of his left again, in addition to 5 ball recoveries, all in his defensive half of the sector. Presumably, Fabian Johnson would nonetheless be capable to get ahead from left again, particularly if Eddie Johnson replaces him on the left flank.
Eddie Johnson likes to chop in towards purpose, leaving loads of room for Fabian Johnson to overlap on the surface when the chance arises. Graham Zusi slots properly again into the beginning XI in his typical proper midfield spot, the place Eddie Johnson performed the final recreation and scored the second purpose.
The Geoff Cameron State of affairs
A greater query with regard to the U.S. beginning lineup towards Honduras is what Klinsmann will elect to do with Geoff Cameron. Cameron confirmed very nicely towards Panama, breaking apart assault after assault and shielding the again 4 nicely sufficient that it freed Michael Bradley to have extra influence offensively.
He lined loads of floor within the channel between the U.S. defenders and midfielders.
This play is an effective instance of Cameron’s defensive work charge. Bradley recovers extra slowly, offering a fast outlet for the counter-attack, as he did on the primary U.S. purpose. His holding companion is again immediately, pressuring the ball.
Cameron slides from the center to the large channel, protecting strain off Brad Evans at proper again.
Then, he slides centrally to forestall a simple entry cross to a checking ahead. This enables each heart backs to remain residence as an alternative of determining which one would step up to remove the checking choice. Bradley joins Cameron, nonetheless barely larger but in addition chopping off passing lanes ahead.
Lastly, Cameron finally ends up on the other flank from the place he began, first marking one other checking runner, lastly stepping as much as block an entry cross and finish a Panamanian assault.
If Jermaine Jones nonetheless has concussion signs, count on Cameron to start out once more with out query. Nonetheless, if Jones is wholesome, that provides one other wrinkle into the choice equation.
Jones additionally offers a tenacious defensive presence together with his powerful tackling, however he’s higher going ahead than Cameron. Cameron assisted Eddie Johnson’s purpose with a pleasant chipped via ball, however his cross completion on Tuesday (47 of 56, 83.9 p.c) was a bit decrease than Jones’ towards Jamaica (32 of 37, 86.5 p.c).
That was a poor recreation for Jones, whose cross choice was a bit off, and he was additionally worse defensively than Cameron was towards Panama. Jones didn’t cowl a lot floor on the defensive finish.
Mainly, it’s a statistical toss-up between Cameron and Jones for that second holding midfield spot. But when Jones is wholesome, count on him to start out.
Brad Evans’ Struggles Towards Pace
Nonetheless, if Jones is match to play, maybe Cameron could be a sensible choice to switch Brad Evans at proper again. Evans had a tricky time defending towards Panama, and the visiting workforce picked on his aspect as a spot to use.
Panama bought in behind on its left aspect, primarily via Alberto Quintero, a number of instances greater than on the correct aspect. Honduras’ projected starter on the left wing, Evans’ membership teammate Mario Martinez, offers comparable challenges as Quintero—particularly, pace and footwork.
Quintero burned Evans a pair instances across the exterior, and when Evans managed to catch up, Quintero’s trickery bought him in place to supply service. Cameron is maybe marginally sooner than Evans, however his positional sense is a bit higher.
And after his efficiency towards Panama, Cameron deserves one other begin.
Progress and Consistency
That is the primary rematch of the Hexagonal, which ought to present an attention-grabbing check on a pair fronts: whether or not the U.S. actually has improved for the reason that begin of qualifying, and whether or not Klinsmann’s workforce may give its coach the consistency he desires.
Quite a bit has modified for the reason that February match in San Pedro Sula—the U.S. appears to have a set formation, its assault is extra deadly, and its protection is much less porous—however a constructive remaining rating could be the final word passing grade.
Liviu Chook is a contract journalist based mostly in Seattle. He’s additionally American Soccer Now’s resident tactical skilled. Observe him on Twitter.
