First, please see the picture above! A picture speaks a thousand words; so I'll let it speak for itself.
We won our group, something we have not done since 1930. We are into the round of 16. So let's keep this thing rolling! It won't be easy, but we are certainly capable of beating Ghana. They play a different style than any of our previous world cup opponents. Ghana is big, physical and fast. Our team has not always dealt very well with teams like Ghana. Also, Ghana beat us 2-1 in the 2006 World Cup. So there may be a bit of a revenge factor as well. However, Ghana is not the most organized team in the competition, and their defense has looked shaky at times. We should be able to create a few great chances. The key will be capitalizing on them, which we weren't able to do very well in the Algeria game. You have to like our chances.
Five Things to Watch:
1) Does Onyewu play? Wow, we have talked about him a lot on the blog, and there seems to be a difference of opinion about his level of play. I was shocked when he didn't play against Algeria, but it's tough to complain about him being left out. Bocanegra (the hot one according to my wife) moved from leftback to take Onyewu's spot in the center of defense. This allowed Bornstein to step in and play leftback. Honestly, I am not a huge Bornstein fan, but he played pretty decently against Algeria. Coach Bradley might want Bornstein's speed on the field against Ghana, but he might also want Onyewu's physical presence. We will all have to wait and see what the coach decides to do.
2) Does Findley start again? I mentioned last blog that Findley had to sit out against Algeria because of his two yellow cards. Now he is eligible to play again. So does he automatically regain his starting spot? Or will Bradley opt to continue with Gomez/Buddle who both created a few good chances vs. Algeria? It will be tough to keep Findley off the field simply because of his speed. Keep an eye on who starts at forward with Jozy. It will tell you a lot about Bradley's game plan.
3) Midfield. The pairing of Edu and Bradley seemed to work pretty well in the first half against Algeria. But, Ghana's midfield is certainly faster and stronger than Algeria's. This is the area of the field that worries me most. I think Edu deserves another start. He has the ability to play tough defense in the middle, which is exactly what we need. For all my constant complaining about Michael Bradley, he has been very solid so far. We need that to continue. If we can close down space in the midfield, we should win.
4) Timmy Howard. He will probably have to make a few clutch saves. But, he will. One of the best goalies in the competition. Plus, he started the counterattack that won the match against Algeria. With a fast and somewhat disorganized Ghanaian team, there should be plenty of chances for Howard to get similar counterattacks going. We just might need one.
5) Landon. Maybe I don't even need to say this anymore, but he needs to be the best player on the field. Like any other sport, star players create their own luck. They always seem to be in the right place at the right time. Donovan's goal against Algeria was another example of that. He needs to use his smarts and pick apart the Ghanaian defense. Like I said previously, we will get our chances. It's just a matter of converting them. If Donovan is the best US player ever, then he needs to continue to prove it, every game. At this point, we should all be confident that he will.
Conclusion: Let's get this win! It's certainly a winnable game but also, scary. I have confidence in our team. If we get by Ghana, we play the winner of South Korea-Uruguay. Either one of those teams is beatable as well. Get ready.
Reminder: The game is Saturday (tomorrow) at 1:30pm central. It will be on ABC. So, use the morning to mentally prepare yourself (like I will be doing), get a nice lunch in your stomach, grab a great six pack, and enjoy a US victory.
Hopefully, the next blog will be a preview and not a recap!
I hope everyone is doing well!
-Jon
I heard Tommy Smyth on Mike and Mike this morning and while he picked Ghana, he said the US definitely has a chance to win the game. Without knowing much about the way Bradley prepares, I have faith he'll put the right guys out there. If that means sitting Gooch again, so be it.
ReplyDeleteAlso, this is awesome: http://www.fanaticos.com/2010/06/23/asi-narro-andres-cantor-el-gol-de-landon-donovan/
You know, at the beginning of group play I thought Bradley was the worst midfielder ever and it was embarrassing that the coach was playing his son over other players. But, I'm reluctant to say that he's really improved over the past couple games.
ReplyDeleteAs for Findley, I was never really impressed by him but I thought Gomez was really great against Algeria. He wasn't afraid to take some shots on goal and was really creative. I think it would be a shame not to start him with Altidore.
Finally, I have mixed feelings about Onyewu. He's made some great plays and some pretty crappy ones. But, overall, I think he's stronger than Bornstein.
Cool posts, keep it up for the Ghana game and games to follow!
Where to start? I am so excited for 1:30 to roll around. As for the tactics themselves, I agree with your assessment of Ghana. They move together and off the ball so well. Pace and strength will be large determining factors in today's match. With that said, I think Gooch HAS to be on the field. My views on Gooch are know; however, he has the strength to be a presence in the box and negate many of the crosses Ghana likes to play. I still can't believe that Bornstein started a game in the World Cup. If you watched any qualifying, he might be the worst defender in the National Team Pool. I would of liked to see Spector be in form and get the opportunity to play.
ReplyDeleteAs for up top, we shouldn't change a thing. Gomez and Buddle provide the U.S. with possession and creativity in the attacking third. I feel they work off ball better in connection with Dempsey and Lando, Findley would best serve the team by coming off the bench in the 75th minute and provide a change of pace if needed.
Lastly, I want to mention how happy I am not to have Essien play in this game. Even as he ages, his skill and creativity would have given Ghana an extreme advantage in the midfield. I am so excited!
Jon, if you see this before the game, let me know where you are watching it.
Wow, so much good stuff to comment on. I'll start at the beginning.
ReplyDeleteEveryone should listen to the link that Andy put up. It is awesome! Gooooooooolllllllllllllllll!!
Liana: Whoa, you are just dropping some serious soccer knowledge on the blog! Where have you been for the last month? Get on here more often! And, what in the world happened with Italy? I guess, they need Giuseppe Rossi...haha...Ok, I'm done.
I think to be fair, we all have to admit that Bradley has played well...whether or not we like him. Liana, I also think it would be a shame not to start Gomez. I thought he created great chances and opened up play. If Findley plays, it should be as a spark off the bench. I have not seen any evidence that Findley has that goalscoring touch.
I am really torn about Onyewu. I am inclined to agree with Ryan's assessment that we need his physical presence against Ghana. He also provides a huge target on set pieces, and I can envision us getting a goal through him today. Plus, we are talking about replacing him with Bornstein!
Ryan: I am going to watch the game at Karma....I know, probably not my first, second or third choice, but it is what it is. Out of my control. I was at Highbury yesterday for the Spain game. It was a cool atmosphere. We need to get out and watch a game in the near future. What are you doing tomorrow?!?!?!?!?!
Side note: I'm watching Uruguay-South Korea right now. Uruguay is scary! Forlan is so talented. If we move on, they will pose a problem for us. Korea is just really well organized. But they just went down a goal, so we will see what they are really made of now.
Go USA! So pumped for this game today!
Go USA!!! Jon, I really have enjoyed all the World Cup blogging. I'm getting a good education. Hopefully, they'll be more USA to blog about after today. Also thanks to Ryan and Andy for their cool comments.
ReplyDeleteA view at the half: what was Bradley thinking? Without downing the atmosphere, why would you start Clark and Findley? Clark tries to dummy a ball in our defensive third that costs us a goal. Findley should have finished that beautiful ball from Dempsey.
ReplyDeleteOther than lineup issues, the U.S. has two serious issues. First, Altidore is so bad. He is trying to break down defenses with his limited technical ability. On three counter attacks, he received the ball wide and stalled the progress. Seriously, it is becoming a joke watching him on the ball longer than two touches. The second issue is the offensive play of our defense!!! The lack of possession is killing us. They continue to play "long ball" and drive 50/50 balls ahead. By not utilizing width and patience, a giant gap is being created between our strikers and defense.
With all that said, the U.S. is going to get a gnarly equalizer! I'm feeling good!