lasportzphan
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Previous results are silly to use as a barometer for future success. I agree, the teams the US plays (or may play) in the World Cup are completely different just as the US is completely different. Timing is everything and which team is clicking/peaking right now can use that momentum to go a long way. Talent, depth starts to sort thing out by the Quarterfinals.
That being said, the United States back line is a major weak spot. The US implemented a formation and strategy against Nigeria similar to past strategies that have allowed the US to "hang in there" with superior teams over the past two decades. Tighten up the middle of the field, pack it in towards the 18 yard box, keep the pressure to the outside, let the opponent dominate possession in benign parts of the field, weather attacking storms, rely on a few brilliant saves by an elite goalie, rely on low percentage long balls for sporadic offensive pressure and counter when the opportunity presents itself or when the opposition sneaks too many players upfield.
Klinsman would like to build a roster with more talent that can possess the ball in tight spaces, eventually spread the field out and control an up tempo pace. He knows the US is filled with athletes that are well conditioned and his instincts are completely correct in building a team that can run faster than most, spread you out and wear you down with possession. Plus, possession is the best defense - you burn the other teams fuel and you cannot be scored upon when you possess the ball.
Unfortunately, the talent gap is dramatic. Klinsman has sought younger, international, dual citizen talent to bridge this gap - but that is years from coming to fruition (if it ever does). US still struggles with possession in tight spots and the first touch is something that has always plagued our team.Furthermore, the back defense for the US have never seen an A team German offensive onslaught, or the Ghana midfield that will wear on you for 90 minutes or the likes of Ronaldo coming at you for 90 minutes. It requires a mentality and brain chalk full of experience that the Cherundolo's and Bocranergra's had experienced. Were they any good? Not particularly, but they could weather a few storms from time to time on sheer guile.
I think one area the US can exploit is raw athleticism and conditioning. The US is talking a good game regarding conditioning, but is it true? I've seen some waning performances late in games of late from the likes of Clint Dempsey. But if they can all run for 90 minutes at a high level all the while losing the possession battle yet backing up their teammates due to inexperienced mistakes - they may surprise a Ghana or perhaps a Portugal. However, Jermaine Jones (an essential piece of the defending midfield) often gets caught out of position, takes plays off, appears slow afoot and distributes from the backfield with inconsistent results - well, this will be the kiss of death for the United States against A team talent.
Realistically, I think Klinsman is spot on with his analysis - we are not going to win the World Cup. Hopefully we play well enough to build player confidence in line with the ideals Klinsmen would like to set forth over the next four years and we show that we have sparks of talent on the horizon. Otherwise, the US has to play perfect soccer to beat any team in their group and that is not possible as the back line will make too many mistakes to give the United States any hope. You know they will make mistakes and all of the teams they play will capitalize on those mistakes - this is not Slovenia or Algeria we are talking about.
Predictions:
Ghana 3 US 1
Late Ghana goal ices it as the US extends itself, two early mistakes on defense allow Ghana to sit on a two goal lead and weather the US counter.
Portugal 4 US 0
US must change the game plan and extend a bit more to play for win, and in doing so the back line completely breaks down.
Germany 2-0 (My bold prediction)
I think Klineman has the game marked on his calendar and the US plays inspired soccer against a far superior side. Germany scores early and then a late one, but the US shows flashes of what the future may hold.
That being said, the United States back line is a major weak spot. The US implemented a formation and strategy against Nigeria similar to past strategies that have allowed the US to "hang in there" with superior teams over the past two decades. Tighten up the middle of the field, pack it in towards the 18 yard box, keep the pressure to the outside, let the opponent dominate possession in benign parts of the field, weather attacking storms, rely on a few brilliant saves by an elite goalie, rely on low percentage long balls for sporadic offensive pressure and counter when the opportunity presents itself or when the opposition sneaks too many players upfield.
Klinsman would like to build a roster with more talent that can possess the ball in tight spaces, eventually spread the field out and control an up tempo pace. He knows the US is filled with athletes that are well conditioned and his instincts are completely correct in building a team that can run faster than most, spread you out and wear you down with possession. Plus, possession is the best defense - you burn the other teams fuel and you cannot be scored upon when you possess the ball.
Unfortunately, the talent gap is dramatic. Klinsman has sought younger, international, dual citizen talent to bridge this gap - but that is years from coming to fruition (if it ever does). US still struggles with possession in tight spots and the first touch is something that has always plagued our team.Furthermore, the back defense for the US have never seen an A team German offensive onslaught, or the Ghana midfield that will wear on you for 90 minutes or the likes of Ronaldo coming at you for 90 minutes. It requires a mentality and brain chalk full of experience that the Cherundolo's and Bocranergra's had experienced. Were they any good? Not particularly, but they could weather a few storms from time to time on sheer guile.
I think one area the US can exploit is raw athleticism and conditioning. The US is talking a good game regarding conditioning, but is it true? I've seen some waning performances late in games of late from the likes of Clint Dempsey. But if they can all run for 90 minutes at a high level all the while losing the possession battle yet backing up their teammates due to inexperienced mistakes - they may surprise a Ghana or perhaps a Portugal. However, Jermaine Jones (an essential piece of the defending midfield) often gets caught out of position, takes plays off, appears slow afoot and distributes from the backfield with inconsistent results - well, this will be the kiss of death for the United States against A team talent.
Realistically, I think Klinsman is spot on with his analysis - we are not going to win the World Cup. Hopefully we play well enough to build player confidence in line with the ideals Klinsmen would like to set forth over the next four years and we show that we have sparks of talent on the horizon. Otherwise, the US has to play perfect soccer to beat any team in their group and that is not possible as the back line will make too many mistakes to give the United States any hope. You know they will make mistakes and all of the teams they play will capitalize on those mistakes - this is not Slovenia or Algeria we are talking about.
Predictions:
Ghana 3 US 1
Late Ghana goal ices it as the US extends itself, two early mistakes on defense allow Ghana to sit on a two goal lead and weather the US counter.
Portugal 4 US 0
US must change the game plan and extend a bit more to play for win, and in doing so the back line completely breaks down.
Germany 2-0 (My bold prediction)
I think Klineman has the game marked on his calendar and the US plays inspired soccer against a far superior side. Germany scores early and then a late one, but the US shows flashes of what the future may hold.
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