Photo by Joe Toth/ISIphotos.com
Win and they are in.
It's really that simple for the U.S. men's national team as it faces Algeria on Wednesday in its final World Cup group match.
A draw could conceivably help the Americans qualify for the second round (if England loses or ties while not closing in on the two-goal edge the United States currently holds in goals scored), but all the Americans are thinking about going into the Algeria match is victory.
There is definitely a confidence in the USA camp heading into the match, no doubt sparked by the impressive rally to tie Slovenia. It is that attacking quality the Americans showed against Slovenia, coupled with Algeria's own desperate need to win, that has me believing the United States must attack from the start.
With that in mind, it's time to consider what starting lineup Bob Bradley will turn to in a match the Americans need to win. Here is the starting lineup I see taking the field at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday.
USA Projected lineup vs. Algeria
————–Altidore———Buddle—————
Dempsey————————————Donovan
—————-Bradley——–Edu——————–
Bocanegra—-Onyewu—-DeMerit——-Cherundolo
———————-Howard—————————-
The other variation I could see used today is:
————–Altidore———Dempsey—————
Donovan—————————————Holden
—————-Bradley——–Edu——————–
Bocanegra—-Onyewu—-DeMerit——-Cherundolo
———————-Howard—————————-
Ricardo Clark is also a real possibility to start ahead of Maurice Edu, but I think Edu gets the nod.
What lineup would you like to see against the Algeria? Like the USA's chances of winning on Wednesday?
Share your thoughts below.
i see the 2nd line up and beasley getting the start over Holden b/c of defense
Come on boys! Let’s get into the next round with some momentum and not back in with our tails tucked.
I really wish from a fan’s perspective that Group D was played before…but glad it’s not so the US just gets out there and does what it needs to do.
Here’s mine. Jozy and Clint up top. Beasley and Donovan on the outsides. Michael and Rico in the middle with Edu a second half sub. The D with Boca and Dolo on outsides with GOODSEN and Demerit in middle and Timmy in net.
Ives any chance that Gooch doesn’t start? Could we see Clark in CM and Edu at CB?
Either lineup looks good, just as long as:
a) The US doesn’t concede an early goal, and
b) The US actually attacks in the first half.
Also, never though I’d be saying this, but here’s hoping Slovenia wins tomorrow!
I think the 2nd one works best…Holden or Beasley, as afrim said. We need proven scorers up top and solid offensive players on the wing.
Edu deserves the start – we were a completely different team with him in there.
I have a feeling Bradley will start Clark but I hope im wrong. Would prefer Edu
You’re kidding, right?
If Beasley starts, or even plays, the US might as well book their tickets back to the States right now.
For the us to come out and ‘attack’ they have to control the midfield
We should have learned from the Slovenia game that we cannot come out and lose our defensive organization. We were much better in the second half with our 4-5-1 with Dempsey playing underneath altidore. Coming out any other way would be foolish.
I see the first lineup and like it, although I am worried the most about Gooch. We have to think about replacing him and perhaps moving Bocanegra into the center. I want Edu to start. I think BB finally gets it. He made good tactical decisions last game.
Altidore-Dempsey
Beasley-Edu-Bradley-Donovan
Boca-Demerit-Goodson-Dolo
Gooch did not look right at the end of that game, look like he was favoring one leg, a bit of a limp- but you’d know better than I if he’s been practicing at 100% this week… I would not want to take a risk with a guy who may be slow to react, the Algerians looked speedy vs England and we’ll have the aerial advantage anyhow, might as well have a better fit centerback…
Same goes for Beasley over Holden- need speed on the wing to apply pressure both ways
Holden may come in late if we’re tied or down to supply crosses
Contrary to what many people think, Rico Clark should be in because he is a better defender than Edu. Edu should be subbed in later because he finds a way to score. They both are awful positionally and passing.
I like the 2nd lineup you posted with Beasley or Holden starting based on training. Same goes with Clark and Edu.
Playing a 4-4-2 against Algeria’s 3-man defense would be suicide. Tactically, it leaves both teams with an extra man in defense, and nowhere else, which almost always leads to a draw, as the England game showed. Draw it out on a piece of paper, and you’ll see.
To stretch Algeria’s defense, we either need to play with a 4-3-3, or a variation on 4-5-1. Given our failed experimentation with 4-3-3 in qualifying, the latter seems more likely, with Dempsey dropping into the midfield, almost like a 4-2-3-1. To open up a 3-man defense, it’s important to attack down the wings, and switch play from side-to-side often, to open up space for midfield runners.
Tactically, I’m really worried about this game. Bradley hasn’t showed any inclination to change our formation, and Algeria’s strategy is perfectly formed to negate all of our advantages. I hope our coaching staff has the insight to make the necessary adjustments.
Holden isnt a run away choice over Beasley. if anything beasley gets the edge over him b/c he’s seen the wars and his defense is solid.
Why do people want DMB to start? It’s not like he’s had a great deal of playing time to warrant it. I think Ives first option is probably our strongest.
The coaches should show them the first half of Slovenia as soon as they wake up tomorrow. Then they should fwd to the Edu goal. That way, they will be awake from the first whistle. Cant get behind again!
I’d rather see US sit back, park the bus for the first 20 minutes, cover the defensive end first and then counter from there… Ives contradicts himself by saying we should attack like we did in the frist half against Slovenia, but also cover the defensive gaps left behind by pushing into the attack…
one or the other, which is it?
Edu/Clark and Bradley can’t be both places at the same time and if they are both on the opponents side of the field and we lose the ball- which we do quite often, we’ll get burned just like on Slovenia’s second goal…
let’s actually sit back and break up their plays, we should be good enough to do that, close the space, negate their speed advantage with our size, make them frustrated and take out chances with Landon and Jozy racing down the field on the counters….
Our defense around the box has proven to be like swiss cheese since qualifying ended, so what makes you think they’ll tighten up now, with less men committed to defnding?
just my two cents
beasley is the only midfielder/forward who hasn’t played yet so i doubt he would get a start in such a crucial game
I know I won’t see it but this is the attacking lineup I would actually like to see
Altidore — Dempsey
Holden — Feilhaber — Bradley — Donovan
Spector — Bocanegra — Goodson — Cherundolo
Howard
This gives Holden/Feilhaber/Donovan/Dempsey the ability to all interchange positions. DeMerit hasn’t played terrible but his distribution is always subpar and Goodson has better wheels for the Algerian quickness.
Ives, I like your second lineup much better, Buddle is not tested in this environment and we already have seen how that works out with Findley and Torres. I like Dempsey sitting behind Jozy, and he and Donovan can switch every now and then. I would also put Spector at left back, move Boca inside and rest Onyewu, Boca’s pace is not good against speedy Algerian wingers
Altidore…..Buddle
Donovan…Bradley…Edu…Dempsey
Boca….Onyewu….Demerit…Dolo
Yes I have Donovan on the Left, for a purpose.. I would put him there to screw with the Algerian Defense who will have a pretty good back, and the best player for Algeria in Belhadj, that would normally line up against Donovan. Although he Dolo Donovan linkup has worked well and Bradley would be loathe to play with it, I think Dempsey would give Belhadj more to think about with his play.
Buddle up front, as he needs a stage to show off his talents! He does have speed, a good touch and a good passer (probably the best of all the US forwards) and is physical and will be tough for the Algerian backs to handle if he and Altidore get into the box frequently.
One thing the US and fans should remember. THE ALGERIAN TEAM IS THE BEST TEAM FROM FRANCE THIS YEAR. 15 of the 23 players were born in FRANCE, and most play for European teams. They are a better team that their ranking. They will emboldened by the tie against England and will looking to take another BIG SCALP and make Algerian Football history. They are more dangerous than Slovakia!
Jozy never crouches in these pics, must have bad knees
Right. He hasn’t shown any inclination to change our formation….except in the latest game, when he realized the situation and switched to a modified 4-3-3. I’m pretty sure it worked, too.
It’s amazing. Third game in the group stage, destiny in the US’s hands, and there are still people bashing Bradley.
holden has not been used
He came on at the end of the England game.
why the hell would you want them to win? 0-0 draw would be best. if that happens and we win 1-0, we go through in 1st. you should be hoping for an england win (1-0) or a 0-0 draw
Simply because Slovenia winning gives us more and better chances to get through to the second round. If England wins, then we HAVE TO win to get through. If England loses, then a tie or a win get us through.
BB please listen to Ives.
My line up for last game was Ives 1st for this and I still want to see it.
That said I could see something along these lines
——————-Altidore————————-
Donovan/Dempsey—Dempsey/Bradley——Holden/Donovan
—————-Bradley——–Edu/Clark————-
Bocanegra—-Onyewu—-DeMerit——-Cherundolo
———————-Howard————————–
We need to attack. We are best when we try and go forward and not hold Bradley and Clark/Edu right on top of the defense.
We have to score, and to score we cannot use the defensive alignment that BB usually features. Younger Bradley is definately an attacking force when he wants to be. His dad needs to let him do that.
I think Holden will be valueable…he can put in crosses better than anyone but Landon… we need balls in the box as we outsize Algeria by a lot at the back… I think the game will be scrappy but that is just what players like Dempsey, Altidore and Bradley like… Edu to start… he has done well enough to earn that.
Altidore / Buddle would definitely be a handful for the Algerian defense. I like that combo to start, with the option of bringing a fresh Gomez to poach goals against tired defenders. I think Bradley likes having the option of moving Dempsey up top during the game if he sees the need. It gives him more to work with tactically. So what I’m really trying to say is that I hope to see option one start tomorrow.
Slovakia has lost to Paraguay and tied New Zealand- not that scared….
yeah, i guess i just don’t want to think about the USA not winning. just win! and then hope things go our way so we can get 1st.
Edu scored the winning goal in our tie. It’d be right to start him.
great, Jozy sat out practice today due to “illness”. Ives, know anything?
Thanks for contributing nothing but complete stupidity to the conversation.
Thank you for adding a dash of retard.
I want to see Altidore/Buddle up top, I like Buddle’s aggressiveness going for the goal. Also, playing Dempsey up top sounds good on paper, but it never seems to work out, he always seems out of the game.
didn’t dempsey score most of his confed cup goals when he was moved up top?
i’d rather have him on the wing too, but he plays well up there.
I’d prefer the second lineup. I’m not here to trash Buddle again, but when it comes to having experienced players, I’d rather have Dempsey up top with Holden’s relative inexperience in the midfield. Just seems like less of a gamble to me.
Thoughts on Edu starting over Onyewu considering that Algeria will probably play one striker (thus making it more likely that Onyewu again gets pulled out of position) and that if the USA advance Onyewu probably won’t be able to recover fully in time for a game against a team starting a far more physical presence at forward?
Not after that Czech disaster, I think.
It seems like people have completely forgotten about him.
I like lineup1 and hope Gooch and DeMerit close things down.
Please score early and often Yanks! My ticker can’t take the dramatics anymore.
I really prefer the first line up that Ives listed.
LOL Yeah, I’m guessing he meant Slovenia
I like holden starting… great call.
Someone’s going to have to cover Ziani.
Actually, didn’t Bradley go to a 3-4-3? With Gomez, Altidore, and Dempsey up top? Then when we scored the equalizer, we went back to the 4-4-2, with Edu dropping back as a centerback (4), Dempsey dropping back into midfiled (4), and Gomez and Altidore up top (2). At least that’s what I remember, but I may be wrong.
The thing about starting Dempsey up top is that it limits the options for bringing in an offensive sub, Gomez or Buddle, for a forward. With Dempsey up top we would have to do what we did against Slovenia and take out Gooch a put 3 up top.
I think the same.
The talk has been we need to come out, attack and be on the offensive. I’d be surprised if that happened. I think we’re more likely to see the approach of ‘weather the storm and poach one where we can’. Which leads to Clark. Although Edu was a little off before he put that goal in.
I go with the second combination with Holden. When the pressure is on, I want the best players on the field. They’ll make it work.
yeah, it’s too bad that South America wasn’t able to go through after beating France today… but at least Sweden has a chance if they beat Honduras… I hope that we get to face South Korea after they lost to Portugal by 7…
Howard
Cherundolo-Gooch-Demerit-Bocanegra
Donovan-Bradley-Edu-Dempsey
Gomez-Altidore
That would be my starting 11…
Also, he took out a defender and put in an attacker, toward the end of the game. That seems to be tactical awareness to me.
Yeah. That’s what I was saying. Didn’t see your post.
I prefer consistency in the world cup. I expect Bradley to insert either Buddle or Gomez for Findley, and leave Edu in.
The key to our defense is having someone sit in the effing hole for once and help the back four. I’m sick of allowing long range goals in the gap just in front of Gooch and DeMerit.
I will be a nervous wreck tomorrow. Which USMNT will show up? The team that is capable of winning 3-0 or the team that will allow the early goal? Oi Vey.
I’d go with the first lineup but changing Gomez for Buddle. He has more pace to somewhat simulate the positives that Findley’s pace brought to the US’ lineup and makes good intelligent runs and has done well converting his limited chances. But I wouldn’t have a big problem with Buddle either.
More than anything, they just CANNOT come out complacent like they have in the first couple games – they need to be let loose.
You could always take out Holden and drop Dempsey back but still allow him to get forward behind Gomez/Buddle and Jozy.
Aside from his goal.. Edu scares me when he drifts out of his defensive role and presses forward during the run of play
We must to treat the first half of the Algeria game like the second half of the Slovenia game — the mission is to score early and more than once, then protect that. So I would come out with the same players as the second half of the Slovenia game and bust open Algeria’s likely three-man back line.
I wouldn’t switch up the defense that much. You have to look at Demerit’s toughness against that big striker (can’t remember his name) that didn’t play against England because of a red card. Also, the defense has too much continuity, with the only shaky part being Gooch. I could see sitting him and giving him some rest before the next round and playing Goodson, but not switching it up that much.
I do like Feilhaber in the middle.
when was the last time Edu started for us in the back line? Not the perfect time to tinker with the formation when we have a must-win in the biggest game for the USMNT since Ghana in ’06.
You have Bradley in two spots. I’m guessing you meant Benny.
for some reason I don’t like the idea of switching Dempsey from forward to mid, from little defensive responsibility to much more. I like the idea of starting Buddle or Gomez and then subbing them out for Holden to take Dempsey’s spot in midfield as Dempsey moves up top…
I agree. Although Beasley is probably the fastest guy on the team. And he was a handful for the Czech Republic drawing a lot of free kicks. He could be h*ll for the Algerian back line, who aren’t incredible.
Bougherra is a solid defender with size. He plays at a good club and played well against England.
Agree. We essentially played an aggressive 4-3-2-1, with Donovan and Dempsey providing the support to Jozy, with Benny, Mike, and Mo controlling the possession. Considering that Algeria is playing with a five-man midfield, this doubly makes sense.
Ives, quick question:
Does Algeria’s “three- man backline” include Belhadj? I know he is essentially a winger as he supplies all the attacking options on the left side.
I know we wont see it, but i’d like to see some variation of this:
————-Altidore————-
Donovan——-Dempsey——-Holden
———Edu———Bradley——
Boca—-Gooch——Demerit—-Dolo
————–Howard————–
Guys, don’t invest too much emotion and anger in your posts, BB isn’t reading them and all you do is look like an idiot when the topic invovles the future. Save you energy for the post-mortem.
As for the substance of Ive’s topic, I think he’s got BB figured out as well as anyone. I doubt we’ll see five midfielders, but don’t be surprised if there is a lot of movement between attack and midfield, like against England, so as to confuse Alergian markers. Donovan and Deuce’s versatility is one of the better tools in our tool box. As for defense, I love Gooch, but he’s seems to have been involved in all the Goals we’ve given up, which have all come during the run of play. Not to sound like a revolutionary, but I think he may not get the start because his style is not well suited to deal with Algeria’s speedy attack. Also, what about Beas and Holden getting some looks on the flanks? Jozy is more dangerous when complimented by team speed. He can get isolated that way.
I could go with Edu or Holden. Holden has impressed the English press with his long and accurate balls out of midfield, plus his accurate free and corner kicks. Some of the press has nick-named him “HoldenBalls” in deference to an earlier blond English player who had displayed similar skills.
This would be an important asset if you have the likes of several 6′+ players like Altidore, Buddle and Dempsey upfront.
Totally agree. I just don’t get the DMB fanboys. Have they forgotten the total embarrassment of having him on the field at the Confed Cup? Have they forgotten his almost zero playing time at the Rangers?
In summary, low playing time, dropped by his current club, and prone to making disastrous errors on the pitch. One would hope that he misses the bus to the stadium.
Algeria has scored a grand total of one goal in their last seven games. Now, I know that the US defense is bad enough to concede against pretty much anybody, so I’m not taking them lightly, but it’s a pretty big stretch to say that Algeria is more dangerous than Slovenia.
I’d like to see the white jerseys broken in with a win tomorrow.
lose the miss america stripe…
Clark allowed early concession to England so Edu gets the start
I think Edu starts for sure. Goodson could see a start as well, based on Gooch’s lack of rest. Algeria are fast, but I’ve watched them, and they’re attack is lackluster and unorganized. Time and again, they send one guy up with pace to try to get wide and he ends up taking on 2-3 defenders only to lose the ball or cross it into a bunch of trees…if that happens; we’re fine. I think Algeria will sit back on D and try to get counters if we let them. I think they’ll go for a 1-0 win on a fluke counter attack goal. I personally don’t think that will happen, but I would bet that will be their strategy because if they load the top and slim down their backside, they’re toast.
I see this being a huge game for Donovan and Bradley.
Don’t reply to me, reply to Rog!!!
I’m arguing your point.
Adu has been dropped by Aris
link to yanks-abroad.com
any chance we can sneak him on our roster
I actually like the blue unis. I don’t like the white ones. What happened to the red ones?
+1 for a legitimate stat
Somebody’s gonna look at me weird but here we go:
————————–Altidore———————-
Dempsey————Bradley——–Torres———Donovan
—————————-Edu————————-
Bocanegra———–Onyewu——–DeMerit—–Cherundolo
—————————Howard———————–
Essentially, we keep the two tight, compact, organized lines of four that the USA uses to stop teams from passing right through the center. This time, Edu fills that void right in between them that Birsa took advantage of the other day, and Kaka took advantage of in the Confederations Cup final. This makes teams with playmakers or threats from outside the 18 a little easier to play against because those guys who are normally pivotal to the attack are cancelled out. Offensively, Edu delivers a degree of comfort on the ball and also frees up Bradley to make his runs forward and Torres to float around and help keep possession. He can help prevent the counter attack and cover for Bocanegra or Cherundolo when they get forward.
The USA doesn’t like to get stretched, but if they don’t step to certain players, they can do incredible things with all that space( 2nd goal by Costa Rica, Birsa’s goal, Kaka in the second half etc.)
Rog, I generally agree with your analysis. If all other things are equal (i.e. no superior players like Messi), 4-4-2 does not work particularly well against 3-man defense formations. England made it much easier for Algeria to defend by going with 4-4-2. Algerian defenders simply picked up two English strikers and had one extra defender to help. I think 4-5-1 would be a better formation against Algeria, because it would provide an extra man in the midfield (helping with the possession) and force 3 Algerian defenders to guard Altidore (a very inefficient use of defenders). While Algeria has good defenders, they don’t have anyone like Macon in the back 3 that could smothly transition to midfied and support the attack. With Dempsey, Donnovan, Dolo (with overlapping runs), (or Holden if Bradley starts him) attacking wide, this should open up space in the middle. 4-5-1 can easily turn into a more offense-oriented 4-3-3 when the team gets the ball, which would cause the defenders and midfielders on the opposite team to scramble. However, Bradley is more likely to play a variation of a more familiar 4-4-2, but perhaps he will transform it to 4-4-1-1 with Dempsey freelancing just behind Altidore to make it slightly more difficult for Algerian defenders. He did play a rather unorthodox 3-4-3 in the second half on Slovenia game, which worked great against Slovenia, but he did so out of desperation. He probably will start concervative, but if things don’t work out according to his plan, he will make adjustments. Another factor to consider is that Algeria’s last game was at the sea level and now they have to play back at the altitude. The US should try to play at a high pace from the very start to take advantage of their superior fitness.
We Need Mo’ EDU!
Algeria is quick in counter attack and brings their defenders up quickly. Mo Edu (or maybe Clark) is the answer to assisting Bradley, Gooch and Demerit stopping Belhadj and Ziani.
I like the idea of DmBeasly in the game for defending the wing and capitalizing on when they are out of position following quick breaks. Goodson and Beasley make more sense as subs for me. Once the US is stable and begins the end to end counter attack battle that this game will be.
It’s a reference to the 1950 uniform. Better than the Charlie Brown stripe of Slovenia. So we got that going for us in the WC fashion wars.
I know I’m looking ahead and the U.S. must win or tie to make it through, but wouldn’t it be something if Germany gets eliminated tomorrow? It would make the road to the quarterfinals a lot brighter.
+1
that was generally ignorant comment.
ya cuz thats what we really need right now.
any chance we can sneak him back to DC United?
What is all the Edu love for? he scored the goal, but did anyone else notice how he literally didn’t complete a single pass when he came on. This has been his MO for the USMNT, he constantly makes ridiculous turnovers in his own end. Rico will get the start, as he should.
I would like to see this lineup
———-Altidore———-
———-Dempsey———–
Holden—-Bradley—-Donovan
———–Rico————-
Boca–Demerit–Demerit–Dolo
———-Howard————
Please explain how it is ignorant? Oh wait, you can’t because you are a blind DMB fanboy. Did you forget that he was an embarrassment at the Confed Cup? Or that he had almost zero playing time at his club and was subsequently dropped from said club? Or do you desperately cling to his one game against the Netherlands despite all the other evidence against him?
Idiot.
Option 1 is the most likely, and probably the best. Clint can move up top in the 65th minute when Edson comes out (with Stuart coming in), and Herculez will come in at the 80th minute for Jozy, if necessary.
I still worry about Gooch. He was dominant in the air vs. England but slow and confused and problematic at times in both games.
If he’d crouch, he’d score.
Slovenia?
Eh… Am I the only person who believes that our ONE edge comes when we have speed up front?
I know we sometimes need Donovan’s creativity out of the midfield, but I feel the reason the Altidore/Davies partnership was so effective was because of chemistry, but also contrast.
When Dempsey plays up front he basically brings the same thing as Altidore. He just tends to take shots from further outside the box.
I’d certainly play:
—–Buddle–Donovan–
Dempsey—————-Holden
———MB–Edu———-
Boca–Gooch–Demerit—-Dolo
Have Altidore come off the bench. Bring Beasley or Torres as the second sub depending on what we need.
I hate to say it, but this game as Ghana 2006 written all over it. I’ll be so relieved if they can actually win one of these.
Or we could just go with the lineup that started the comeback in the second half:
Altidore Dempsey up front
Landon on the right wing attacking
Feilhaber on the left wing but more central and more defensive
Bradley and Edu in the middle with Bradley attacking more and Edu playing as more a holding midfielder
Cherundolo and Boca as the outside backs
Gooch and Demeritt in the middle
Why has no one suggested this until now? I would bet this is the starting lineup. The problem with Altidore is he doesn’t always attack headers so pairing him with Dempsey who is fearless in the air helps immensely with possesion and reliving our D with the ability to play long balls.
Our main attack will be down the right with Donavon and Feilhaber, Edu and Bradley will cover defenisively and help offensively.
You cant drop Gooch because of his mistakes last game, the cover we have their is not good so if we are going anywhere in this tournament we need to play Gooch back into playing shape.
He literally didn’t complete a single pass?
Some people would criticize Bradley for hte way he holds the WC Trophy on the podium after winning the whole thing
Kinda has Egypt from the Confed Cup written all over it, I think.
I can definitely see DMB used as a sub in this game. He’s not as lightning-fast as he used to be, but he’s still got quick pace, and he could give Algeria a lot of problems on the outside.
It’ll be interesting to see how Algeria sets up. I kinda like the idea of starting five midfielders, and altering the formation to 4-4-2 or 4-5-1 (4-2-3-1) based on what Algeria sets up as — with a three man back, we play the 4-2-3-1, with the four man back, we play our usual 4-4-2. Dempsey can play as a forward or a midfielder. It’s a bit more limiting in what we can do with attacking subs later in the game if need be, but I think it’s our best tactical lineup for a match where we need to score and we need to win. We need to worry about scoring and defensive organization in the first half, not how it affects our ability to sub in the second half. This lineup gives us the flexibility to set the team up to attack whichever formation Algeria decides to go with. And with Algeria’s struggles with defending crosses, this is a game that cries out for Holden on the wing.
“Our main attack will be down the right with Donavon” — precisely. This match may be more about strategy than formation, which is how we stormed back last game. I need to know more about how Algeria plays, or will play, though.
I say look to counter first as Algeria will be pushing. Let them stretch themselves out. Once the first goal comes they will push forward even more leaving space for more counters.
I’m more worried about the subs we’ll make once we’re up by 3-0 at the half hour mark. I say let’s get Holden, Beasley and Buddle some time if they don’t start, or maybe a confidence building appearence from Torres.
No, the warmup in Philly, when he dropped back to CB.
As a side note, I’d personally like to see the English self-destruct as well.
Wait! I mean Turkey. Wow, really off.
Dude, I was just agreeing with you, chill out. It wasn’t directed at you.
No. It was the Czech Republic. You were right.
Lol…just kidding. I’m fine, Stephen.
You raise a good point.
One thing England was incapable of doing was getting crosses into the box.
We have three good wingers in Donovan, Holden, and Beasley. Altidore has also proven to be able to make a good cross.
I think that will be the key to our offense.
The Algerians seem to be very feisty on the ground. I don’t see us getting anywhere if we try to go through the middle.
I believe Clark will start because of his long history with Coach Bradley. Personally, I would like to see Gomez play with Altidore because I think he can actually finish and Dempsey will be moved up top anyhow.
Good analysis. I don’t think we need to play stupid tomorrow. We are better off playing a smart counter attack game, winning on set pieces, and keeping a clean sheet. Assuming that that is even possible.
This is also something I could see, if Bob Bradley was wanting to do that. I just don’t see Bradley changing his tactical set up.
It is a good shout though.
yeah, i love Edu as much as anyone, went to MD with him and used to hang out on ocassion, but he did not impress me that much, he got better as the game went on, but i thought he was shaky to start the half
My line up
—-Altidore—-Buddle—–
Donovan–Bradley–Edu—-Dempsey
Bocanegra–Onyewu–DeMerit–Cherundolo
———-Howard———-
I think Edu gets the call–not only because he might sneak that goal on the set piece, but because he is the best holding midfielder we have that can sniff out and snuff out a counterattack. That will allow two things to happen.
First it frees Michael Bradley to do his thing attack strongly on those late runs, and to be the man through whom the attack will flow. Second, it provides cover for Steve Cherundolo to maraud up and down the right flank like he can and send those services into Altidore and Buddle.
Bradley has to start Buddle and let Buddle and Altidore to just muscle the Algerian centerbacks like crazy. Then in about the 65th minute, bring Gomez in to stir the pot.
I agree that our underused Demerit clone should see time ahead of a clearly unfit Gooch.
this Adu thing is really starting to get sad…. is he the biggest clubhouse cancer ever? or does he sukk so much that even a mid-table Greek team doesn’t want him on the team?!
Spector?
After seeing the warm up matches, you’re nuts.
sarcasm doesn’t always come through over the internet. But his passing/possession play was not that good. He almost put a slovenian in on a breakaway right after donovan’s goal if not for howard’s reflexes. and he also made a couple of other turnovers in his own half that led to dangerous slovenian attacks. overall he just didn’t really do anything positive aside from the goal
I’m not trying to hate on Edu, I think he’s a good player and we should certainly win w/ him starting tomorrow. BUT, I think Rico is the guy that we’ve had the most success w/ in the past, and he played well other than the one lapse against a great player in Gerard. He’s also more dangerous shooting outside the box, which will open things up for other guys.
I think its Rico that needs to be the guy
Isaac, i like your line-up for what it’s worth.
I’ll still say Ives #1 line-up will be the ones on the pitch tomorrow.
- Jozy -
Deuce – Donovan
Torres – Edu – Bradley
Boca-Gooch-Demerit-Dolo
wow afrim, theyre ripping on you!!
I just want a lineup that’s going to come out and not come out looking for excuses.
Bornstein. Bornstein. Bornstein. Seriously. Bocanegra is waaaaaay to slow to be playing left back. He isolates Landon as the only attacking force on the left side and can’t keep up with any pacy wingers. Are we afraid Bornstein is going to make mistakes?! Oh, right, because our other defenders have been squeaky clean. Cherundolo has been so good at shutting down wide men and serving in crosses, but we need it coming from the left too and that means Johnny B.
Is he the Gary Coleman of US Soccer… ?
Also – Jozy missed practice today with a tummy ache.
Card happy ref + Must Win Game in WC + JB = No PT for JB
Deuce seems to do well when he is moved up during the match. He gets more into the rhythm of the game when started on the side. I do not feel that he should be started up top.
The US is lucky to have the a quality and experience of a guy like Beasley. Experience ultimately wins World Cups. Look at Italy in 2006. Beasley has it and he has not shown the rust he did last year after a long injury.
He will provide the defensive cover that both Donovan and Dempsey both lack at times.
If you watch the Slovenia game, they attacked Donovan’s side because he was not covering defensively as he should have in the 1st half.
It’s time to stop bashing our players. We have a game to win.
I want a win, everything else doesn’t matter. Have a go boys! USA!
Ha, I really did LOL. Spot on. I think Gary Coleman was a 13 year old playing an 8 year old and I gather Freddy is about five years older than his stated age.
But who would play your other wing midfield then? If you’re saying to use “tested” players, how do you start Spector? And I assume that means you don’t want Holden, which leaves Beasley as your wing midfielder…
Not that he’s contributed much in the first two games, but I’m shocked that Findley’s yellow card wasn’t appealed and overturned.
The “loss” of Findley is another argument for pushing Dempsey up and bringing on Beasley. Algeria will attack from the back, and we’ll need more counter attacking speed than Donovan. I guess Jozy can provide some, but not for an entire game.
I would imagine we’ll start with two “strikers” up, push Dempsey up and bring Holden on around 60, and then make adjustments from there.
Experience? Oh, you mean experience warming the bench for the Rangers…yes, you are correct. The US is very lucky to have his experience on the team.
Beasley will provide defensive cover like a shredded condom. He usually receives the ball and then immediately looks to get rid of it like it’s covered in HIV. Then, he disappears and the US might as well have 10 men on the field.
It’s time to stop blindly following a guy who is past his prime. If you don’t like criticism of the team, maybe you should head over to N. Korea. Your dear leader probably has a job for you.
—————–Ching—-Johnson
—-
—-Rogers—-Kljestan—-Beckerman—-Bedoya
—-
—-Castillo—-Marshall—-Conrad—-Hejduk
—-
———————-Perkins
==========
Go get em boys!
Am I the only person who watched the previous game? Edu was horrible from start to finish, save for the should-of-been goal that was called back. Some people have said that he got better as the game progress. Did you not see even his last pass of the game, when we were trying to keep posession? He missed his target by a good 10 yards, while the closest defender was probably 15 yards out. Terrible. If you had watched Edu in the second half, no one would be complaining about Rico’s distribution anymore. Even Edu’s throw-ins were poor.
Come on…
Am I the only person who watched the previous game? Edu was horrible from start to finish, save for the should-of-been goal that was called back. Some people have said that he got better as the game progress. Did you not see even his last pass of the game, when we were trying to keep posession? He missed his target by a good 10 yards, while the closest defender was probably 15 yards out. Terrible. If you had watched Edu in the second half, no one would be complaining about Rico’s distribution anymore. Even Edu’s throw-ins were poor.
Come on…
ah, that was North Korea losing to Portugal… and they’re already eliminated so there’s no way USA plays them.
I didn’t like the white ones at first, seeing them only in the pictures. But then I got one for my son, and it actually is sweet in real life.
And it’s South Africa, and Switzerland, not South America and Sweden. Just so people don’t get confused…
I actually see your point here. With Gooch a bit of a question mark in terms of decision making and fitness after a shorter rest and Goodson inexperienced to say the least, I could see Bob sliding Carlos to the middle of the field and having JB out there on the left to provide more overlapping runs. It really comes down to who is the bigger liability Bornstien or 70% of Gooch.
I would not be shocked if this happens. I feel that JB has a better chance of seeing the field than Goodson.
(and so everyone is aware – Bornstien starting a must win WC game scares the crap out of me.)
here is mine(though i can not imagine bradley actually deviating from a traditional 4-4-2). width could be a problem but it gets our best players on the field and the opportunity to create chances.
———–altidore
–donovan————dempsey
————torres
——–bradley—edu
boca—-onyewu–demerit—-cherundolo/spector
this assumes altidore is healthy, otherwise buddle. prefer cherundolo but spector might be more physical with algeria’s marauding left back.
I prefer the first lineup. Though it seems like Algeria likes to attack from the wings. So, I can actually see Bob putting Dempsey up top and put Beasley on the left wing to match the speed.
I’m super nervous about this game. I’m cautiously optimistic that we’ll win. JUST don’t give up the early goals.
Let’s go boys!
Hey Troll!
Don’t tread.
Insults but nothing to back up your position of being on your knees in front of DMB. It’s easy to call someone a troll from your parent’s basement, but it’s more difficult to actually come up with a valid counterpoint.
Can we put Landon up top and leave Dempsey in midfield ? In the Turkey game Altidore and Dempsey did not click well.
I’m not crazy about Edu or Clark playing either. Personally, I don’t see how Torres was such a “scapegoat” for the Slovenia game. At any rate, if we are going to go far he is going to have to get more PT because our connectivity is sorely lacking from the MF otherwise.
I would love to see this lineup also; I think it could be pretty solid. But it might also be too big a jump from our tactics/lineup the first two games… so I’m ok with Buddle or Gomez up top and leaving Holden as a bench option.
I still prefer Edu to Clark, but we’ll see if BB trusts Edu-Bradley to provide the defensive help and prevent goals like the ones the US gave up on Friday…
Peter Crouch never, uh, “crouches” either…
Holden could be a great asset long-term as a central midfielder; he just hasn’t had the opportunities yet, due to the crowded midfield pool and perhaps his style not fitting with the tactics the US usually uses. I’ve been hoping he gets a start, but I am not sure BB will do it.
Best comment of the day.
No please do not put Jozy by himself the attack will be to flat. He needs a partner beside him.
no he’s right you’re a troll if you make jokes involving: retards, condoms. HIV, and oral sex. well done sir. also please name me the other americans who have scored in the champions league, cause there is his experience you truly ignorant idiot
Like it or not, DMB had some excellent games for Rangers this season, and has looked in good form in the run up to the Cup. I’d lean towards Beasley over Holden myself, not that I’d have a problem with either one of them.
As for lineups, I think Ives’ first one is the right one, and I think it’s what Bob will choose.
The few that mentioned that Algeria are dangerous are correct. Ziani tore up Glen Johnson. US needs to come out compact and focused on defense. If we can do this, the goals will come naturally for the US.
I believe you, yo. I don’t know why, but I do.
Word is that he joined the rest of the team on the field just before the reporters were kicked out. Probably ate something that disagreed with him is my guess. He’ll be fine for tomorrow.
+1
That proves the point, doesn’t it???
I agree with Consigliere that Gomez would be a good starter up front with Altidore. He is the kind of player who would be in the right place to pick up scores from the loose balls that usually get away from our strikers.
If needed later on Edson Buddle could replace him to provide fresh legs with speed when Algeria is tired.
Give Jozy a partner and your line up is great.
.
Let’s hope jonbruns is right rather than sandtrout… I was at Ghana ’06 and it was crushing to watch a weak PK and Reyna’s torn knee cost us the game. Wish I could be there tomorrow, win or lose, but alas, the freewheeling days right after graduation are no more.
Wow, that’s what you’re clinging to? So he got one goal in the Champions League. How does that erase all his errors with the National Team? How does that erase all his subsequent bench time with his club? How does that erase him begging his club not to drop him because he knows that he sucks?
And how is making jokes make one a troll? Obviously you need to spend some more time on the interwebs figuring out the definition of a troll.
So, I’m still waiting for a valid counterpoint to DMB sucking.
Come on, give Beasley the benefit of the doubt. Remember that he was one of the new comer to this USA Squad back in 2002 & 2006 world Cup and he always step up for every game. Yeah he did went through a rough time in the Confed Cup but hey this is about second chances, plus he has one thing that other guys don’t in this roster and that is experience. That guy have played in top level clubs like PSV, Man. City, Rangers & U17 & U20 world Cup and two World Cup. We Owe him this and I think if we put him and he does well it can bring back the old Beasley. Well thats my opinion.
haha. you’re right; Bradley made 11 crucial mistakes leaving these guys out of the 23!
(they might be able to beat Algeria’s U-23 team at the Olympics… or maybe not.)
I disagree with the sentiment that Jozy can’t operate as a lone striker. He has all the tools to be one. Pace, skill, size, strength, aerial ability and a great shot. Against Italy, he did a fine job in every department other than scoring goals, and that seemed to be more a part of his confidence than anything else, as he had a clear look at a left-footed shot and decided to attempt a pass across to Landon, who was the guy who set him up. Of course, he managed to fix that problem against Spain. Against Brazil, he didn’t do well because we didn’t get enough of the ball, didn’t really provide him with much support, and weren’t really judicious with the ball at our feet.
That being said, if we could give Jozy a partner of Charlie Davies’ calibur again, I would do it in a heartbeat.
I like this Line up but putting Donovan in the middle it will be great.
————-Altidore————-
Dempsey——-Donovan——-Holden
———Edu———Bradley——
Boca—-Gooch——Demerit—-Dolo
————–Howard————–
or
————-Altidore————-
Donovan——-Dempsey——-Holden
———Beasley———Bradley——
Boca—-Gooch——Demerit—-Dolo
————–Howard————–
Holden, Donovan and Beasley are three guys that can go forward and play defends and have Bradley playin the midfield and stop the attacks from the Algeria.
that is the story with Torres all the time. They always used him as the scapegoat all the time.
Just out of curiosity, how different would the results be for the US if Davies was on the team starting with Jozy? Either way I want to see option 1. I think Buddle is hungry plus he has the name to live up to.
he was quite strong against the dutch recently….
The left wingbback attacks, the left mid attacks, and they have pretty strong strikers up top that move well. The rest just fill up space and defend in groups. Theyre gonna attack down the left wing the key would be to either keep them busy on the left by attacking or defend and counter.
placing first in the group would do well for us in terms of bracketing going forward (if we go forward)
We can talk lineups all we want, but to me our pace will dictate the game. If we play on the ball, move forward with purpose, and close gaps well, the game will not be close IMO.
no matter what Senior Bradley picks tomorrow, I will be screaming my guts out and pulling for our boys to go through. COME ON YOU YANKS!
bench Onyewu, put Boca in the center back position, and beasely outside left back. 3 centerbacks filling out the defense has been a big liability so far, especially because of the speed factor
Just a thought:
If the U.S. wins the group tomorrow, the disallowed goal vs. Slovenia could end up being a blessing in disguise. It was front page national news that brought caught the attention of those who normally don’t follow the World Cup to pay attention and rally around the team.
I have co-workers who never watched soccer before planning on watching tomorrow’s game. Genreally, people want to see justice, and they also enjoy an underdog story.
The goal that wasn’t may bring a lot more attention to the sport in this country, which can only help improve the talent of our future team.
Onyewu is absolutely awful. He can’t move. You have to start Bocanegra and Demerit in the middle with spector on the left and cherundolo on the right or put Edu/Goodson with Demerit in the middle and keep Bocanegra and Cherundolo on the outsides. Onyewu is the reason for 2 of 3 goals in this world cup because he cannot move!
I like it, except:
Benny for the shellshocked JFT.
Dolo. No question.
I’d rather see holden than DMB. It’s not like Holden isn’t a good defensive player and he’s a much better crosser/passer. Other than the goal that was stolen from him I thought Edu looked pretty shaky with a bunch of his passes against the Slovenians. As crazy as it sounds I think Clark’s shown the best out of all our other CM’s next to Bradley. And with teh Algerians ready to come out attacking because they have to win, I could definately see Bob going with Clark for his ability to cover ground and disrupt so we can counter. Edu comes on in the second because he’s versatile enough to drop back to Central Defender if we need to sub out the artist formerly known as Gooch. (Just kidding I love Gooch but he might wear down)
I agree and that’s why i’m thinkin BB starts Clark. He breaks up plays, covers ground, and makes the easy pass (important early so we don’t give up an early goal). Soak up the early pressure and counter these bastards… and please put shots on goal because the Algerian goalie is shakier than a San Diego Padres game… and his hair is stupid
He was the scapegoat for the qualifying loss in Costa Rica, but you have to say he played pretty frantically in the Slovenia. He wasn’t very effective.
+1 at 110 percent. This in my mind is our best possible lineup.
Jozy looked super tired at yesterday’s press conference. Whereas Dempsey looked fired up as hell. “We’re tryin’ ta right the wrongs” he said.
Speaking of Slovenia’s uniforms, why were they white and green when the country’s colors (based on the flags of the fans at the game) are red, white and blue ???
Why don’t you try 4 goals in 12 games for PSV? get your facts straight you clown
and by that i mean 4 goals in 12 champions league games, and if he was good enough for guus hiddink, he’s good enough for me.
and a final note: he’s leaving Rangers, he never “begged them not to drop him.” not only do you not have your facts together, you just make things up. you are the dumbest person to have commented on this site. I’m not even a big fan of beasley, i would’ve rather brought bedoya. i just am able to think rationally unlike yourself
I think that LD should play on the right as he is the most able winger we have that can nullify Belhadj’s runs. That leaves DMB or Deuce at Left mid. While DMB may be quick and “experienced”, it might be a bit of a risk to just put him in there, so I say Deuce. I’m fine with the line as long as Clark sits for a bit, LD at right mid and no JB.
Jozy-Buddle
Deuce-Bradley-Edu-LD
Boca-Demerit-Gooch-Cherundolo
Howard
Subs-Gomez, Holden, and possibly Clark if we need to keep a lead or wind down the clock(his fouling would be great for that).
What would really improve the quality of our future team is going farther than Mexico and Italy… Then we’ll see who the next Guiseppe Rossi plays for.
PS I should have added: also beating Serbia would be nice.
I cannot disagree with either line-up Ives!!!!
Great work. LETS GO USA
I like ‘em both
You could ask the same about Australia, and the Dutch (although I know why the Dutch wear Orange). Something historical I think.
So 1 striker is going to work against a 3 man defense? I don’t see the logic in that.
Ok. It makes sense, but a 4-4-2, could just as easily turn into a 4-3-3 and it usually does with Donovan or Dempsey sliding into the middle or Bradley making a run late into the box.
We’ve been leaking early goals. I think the cause is that we’re missing our rock solid central defender tandem of Onyewu and Bocanegra. They’ve played together in the back so often they know each other and perhaps mistakes like the ones that occurred in games 1 and 2 wouldn’t happen. Bench DeMerit and put someone at left back with pace, dare I say Specter or Bornstein? I’d rather have a mistake made at left back than at center back. At least the centerbacks and potentially left mid can cover for him. At centerback, there is no cover except for the other centerback, which leaves gaping holes, and then it’s just the keeper.
And don’t even think about putting Torres in the middle. We need strong central midfielders like Edu or even Feilhaber or Clark before Torres. Especially if Bradley is going to roam free. Thankfully Bradley spotted that and made changes for 2nd half. Keep the same 2nd half team from last game, but put Bocanegra back in the middle and keep our central D strong.
I think he can move, I just think his central D partner needs to know when he’s going to move so he can cover…DeMerit hasn’t learned that nuance yet and Bocanegra already know after playing with Onyewu so much. If Onyewu steps up to cover (like in game 1), DeMerit should’ve instantly filled that gap, but instead he held his position and left Rico Clark as a scapegoat, who expected DeMerit to be covering. Bocanegra would’ve instinctively been covering and shut Gerrard down.
The game at this level is too fast to have to think before covering…it has to be instinct and with DeMerit it’s just not yet.
Sorry…Spector, not Specter.
————–Altidore———Dempsey—————
Holden————————————–Donovan
—————-Bradley——–Edu——————–
Spector———Bocanegra—-Onyewu——–Cherundolo
———————-Howard————————–
I see a lack of speed at forward. Ugh.
DAVIESSSSSSS!
If experience is all we need then might as well bring Harry Keough back instead of DMB. I did not see one legit comment for him to play tomorrow other than what he did before he was in his current form. Maybe one of the most overrated US players of all time. Although Reyna probably ahead of him. Either way no idea why he deserves to start and would surprise me. But if he comes on and contributes I will be #1 fan. Whoever is ont he field needs to just show up.
Dwitty what are these guys thinking? Good fans tell it like it is and do not bow down to legacy guys that have not proved anything on the international level (if anywhere) for years or ever. I think Bruce Murray has the experience to contribute tomorrow. If he is not available maybe Joe Max Moore. How about Clint Mathis? Maybe Ricky Davis.
The guy who got red-carded against Slovenia didn’t start that game. He came on as a sub 59 minutes in and got two yellows in 14 minutes, the second on a truly epic piece of stupidity (blatant handball in the OTHER TEAM’s penalty area).
I like the first option. Lets see what Buddle can do… around the 60th min if US does not have the lead put in feilhaber and gomez. Im not completely sold on Edu replacing clark. As stated above Clark does cover a lot of ground and besides the lost goal by edu he looked jittery at times.
I would rather see a formation that actually plays to our strength a 4-5-1 here is my lineup.
Howard
dolo, DeMerit, Goodson, Boca
Clark, Edu
Donovan, MB, Dempsey
Jozy
Hey give other teams a chance, they are also very good!
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The confidence that the American team has always been there every time there is a FIFA World Cup being held. It is like they always know that they are going to win that event.
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How’s that for made up? That sure looks like he’s leaving to me, and not begging to stay. The Rangers dropped him by not renewing his contract. He’s begging to stay by telling the media he’ll play for less. Obviously the Rangers know that he sucks, or else why wouldn’t they keep him on for less money. Understand now ahm?
Dude, you are prescient. Not many people would have called the Gooch non-start. Also, Beas got in, albeit late.
I will follow your comments from now on.
Altidore / Buddle would definitely be a handful for the Algerian defense. I like that combo to start, with the option of bringing a fresh Gomez to poach goals against tired defenders. I think Bradley likes having the option of moving Dempsey up top during the game if he sees the need. It gives him more to work with tactically. So what I’m really trying to say is that I hope to see option one start tomorrow.