SamsArmySam
24 Sep 2004, 02:58 PM
Reading the "Reyna out" thread got me thinking about the upcoming qualifiers, spaced four days apart. I think a key question that needs to be answered is: "Who rests against El Salvador"?
One of the things that was clear in Panama was that a lot of the boys were dragging in the second half, tired from the El Sal game a few days before + travel + wet field conditions. So who plays which match?
Donovan and Beasley probably play both.
Mathis, Armas, McBride more likely to play away -- for experience and leadership. Mathis also has the potential to do something special to steal points (Honduras away WCQ in last cycle). But if Mathis, Donovan, and Beasley play, we can't go with the box midfield which to my mind would work well against the Sallies. Too many attacking midfielders. Unless you put Mathis up top. But we know he doesn't pair well with McBride. ???
Outside backs are likely to be Dolo and Convey at home in the second game. We have to get 3 points, and those guys get forward. Potentially Dolo and Convey away in the first El Sal game, too, unless Bruce goes with experience (Hejduk, Vanney). Center of defense is Pope/Boca away, with Gibbs/Boca in the home game.
The more I think about it, the more uncertain I am about the likely El Sal lineup Bruce will field.
What do you think we'll see (and why)?
One of the things that was clear in Panama was that a lot of the boys were dragging in the second half, tired from the El Sal game a few days before + travel + wet field conditions. So who plays which match?
Donovan and Beasley probably play both.
Mathis, Armas, McBride more likely to play away -- for experience and leadership. Mathis also has the potential to do something special to steal points (Honduras away WCQ in last cycle). But if Mathis, Donovan, and Beasley play, we can't go with the box midfield which to my mind would work well against the Sallies. Too many attacking midfielders. Unless you put Mathis up top. But we know he doesn't pair well with McBride. ???
Outside backs are likely to be Dolo and Convey at home in the second game. We have to get 3 points, and those guys get forward. Potentially Dolo and Convey away in the first El Sal game, too, unless Bruce goes with experience (Hejduk, Vanney). Center of defense is Pope/Boca away, with Gibbs/Boca in the home game.
The more I think about it, the more uncertain I am about the likely El Sal lineup Bruce will field.
What do you think we'll see (and why)?