A lot would have to play out for that. If 3 teams end up 2-1 then my guess is goals scored would be the tie-breaker? In that case Germany wouldn't want to rest guys.
Yeah, definitely. For that to happen, Germany would need 6 points from their first two matches and the US would need a win and draw. I think a lot of US watchers see the most realistic advancement scenario as beating Ghana, drawing Portugal and then, ideally, beating Germany or drawing and advancing on goal differential if Portugal beats Ghana. But, in a group this talented, prognosticating doesn't get you very far.
Actually, it was Michael Bradley's play that carried the team. He will do the same this year. Look at a lot of Altidore's goals...they came either directly from Bradley or were set up because of him. Bradley, IMO, is currently the best American player. When he's able to push forward, they're very dangerous. He will carry the team this summer, too. Question for me is...will Klinsy finally be able to pull the plug on Jermaine Jones if he's showing poorly, as he typically has for the US. I still want to see Geoff Cameron in behind Bradley. That worked so well this past summer.
If they plug Cameron next to Bradley, better hope Timmy Chandler continues his hot streak and gets called up for the Ukraine friendly. He might be the only other viable option at RB if Cameron moves.
Are you worried at all about Bradley's move to Tornto FC for his form in the lead up to the World Cup?
Clearly Germany is worried, losing to Ghana, Portugal and the USA is a real possibility. USA USA USA ! DD
That's the big question. I'd say there's no doubt that Dempsey's transfer to Seattle called his form into question, despite having more playing time than he did at Tottenham. Both Dempsey and Bradley could've found work somewhere else in Europe, but chose to return to MLS. I think Bradley may stand a better chance at maintaining form since he'll be servicing balls to Jermain Defoe.
Yes and no. Yes because the MLS clearly isn't Serie A. No, because if he isn't playing minutes, then what's the point of being in the Serie A? I do wonder though...is it possible that the MLS calendar could work in the favor of the US? The MLS based players will be in midseason form while the rest that play a traditional calendar would be coming off a long season?
I feel like for injuries/nagging injuries, the MLS schedule would be helpful leading up to the World Cup, but not for general "form", those guys playing in Europe will be ready to go to play for their country.
Not really, we 'll be playin there to win it all. Yes, the group is certainly one of the toughest, but we have enough confidence to go in with a “no one can beat us“ mentality. We always looked great vs. Portugal in recent years, plus they never really developed a contending team surrounding Ronaldo. Ghana had a great showing in our 2010 wc match vs them, but they somewhat disappointed after that tournament, don't think they can beat our current squad. USA surely has developed under Klinsmann's reign, but let's face it. This team doesn't have what it takes to match up with Germany, Brazil, Spain, Italy,... You guys have to deliver three monster performances or it's over, the talent pool and development system just ain't good enough to keep up with the powerhouses in the next years.
Chandler is hurt (torn Meniscus), out until at least April. Probably opens up a spot for Cameron, but he'll have to hold off Brad Evans. (Cameron/Evans, Besler, Gonzalez, Beasley) 4-2-3-1 Cameron/Evans, Besler, Gonzalez, Beasley Bradley, Jones Donovon/Zusi, Dempsey, Fabian Johnson Altidore I too wish they'd swap out Jones for Cameron and let Evans or Lichaj or Parkhurst play Right back, but I think Klinsmann will role with Jones for reasons that still aren't obvious to me. Also hope they can upgrade Beasley at left back, but not sure how much depth we have there at the moment, and the old man seems to have moved into the number one spot there since the Gold Cup.
My choice... Howard Evans, Besler, Gonzalez, Beasley Cameron, Bradley Donovan, Dempsey, FJ Altidore I think being set up as stronger defensively against the teams we're playing in the 1st round creates offense. As I said, it frees Bradley to do what he does best...push the ball forward and distribute, putting the scorers in the best position to score. With Jones, Bradley is forced to cover for his liabilities...which are pretty much everything having to do with being a professional soccer player.
That is what the arrogant folks in the EU think, in 2002, in the quarterfinals, the USA Lost to Germany but dominated that match. I expect the USA to be sneaky good and a surprise for a lot of teams - they are ready, their style is more of an attacking oriented one now, and the player pool is deeper than ever. Watch out for the Richest country on earth with 300m people turning it's attention to soccer......baby ! <iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/aBaYVo89mmY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> DD
^^ Our team sucked in 2002, easiest schedule to the Final ever. Our current squad would destroy the 2002 team, Germany drastically improved since that time. And you guys have different standards for a talent pool, talk again when there are at least two US stars in every elite European league. Right now your best guys would be bench players or ball boys for the top tier clubs in Europe.
I agree with Yung-T. Despite having 300 million people, we're really more like a country of 10 million people when it comes to soccer since soccer only gets the athletes who don't have an interest in football, baseball or basketball. That really narrows down the pool. That's why you see so many recent immigrants or half-euro/half american guys on our squad. Then there's the issue of infrastructure for talent development, etc that we are behind on versus other countries. It will be a long process for the US to be in the top tier of soccer worldwide, although we're making some progress vs. before.
This is exactly the attitude we hope infects your boys and the others we'll play. Keep taking us lightly.
I'd argue that the Portuguese could make the same argument about the Americans. How often is it said that they are Ronaldo and a bunch of scrubs regardless of the rest of the team playing on some of the best sides in Europe? Regardless of what fans say I'm sure the teams in the group will do their due diligence.
I'm curious -- which part of my post do you disagree with? Honest question. Do you really believe that the USA's best athletes choose to play soccer? Do you believe we have similar infrastructure and player development programs vs. leading soccer countries? I definitely cheer for the US (always have), but let's be honest with ourselves.
