4 man backline - semi-confirmed

[Bora Fan]

In today's press conference, in a discussion about Koller, Arena said "both center backs will have to watch him."

So that rules out the 3 man backline some people thought might surface - and explains the selection of Berhalter.

[onefineesq]

In today's press conference, in a discussion about Koller, Arena said "both center backs will have to watch him."

So that rules out the 3 man backline some people thought might surface - and explains the selection of Berhalter. What does Berhalter have to do with this? Unless there are injuries, he is not starting. The people who believed that we were starting 3 defenders were off their rockers anyway.

[afgrijselijkheid]

ghana is the team ripe for a three-man back, but the absence of gibbs really hurts as he is the best player we have for that - bocanegra is pretty damn good in three man back though

[HoustonSoccer]

In today's press conference, in a discussion about Koller, Arena said "both center backs will have to watch him."

So that rules out the 3 man backline some people thought might surface - and explains the selection of Berhalter.

Three-man back line is inadequate on quick counter attacks. We have seen that with Morocco, after Arena took out Oneywu towards the end of the game.

I would prefer that Arena use a consistent formation (4-4-2, etc.). Too many changes in the formation lead to confusion and unfamiliarity in pressure situations.

[pwip]

I think Gibbs took care of that dalliance. I think BA would of consider playing pablo and reyna towards the back

[VOwithwater1]

What does Berhalter have to do with this? Unless there are injuries, he is not starting. The people who believed that we were starting 3 defenders were off their rockers anyway.

There is no surprise we are playing with four backs and when one of them attacks after the ball is lost the far side wing mid will also become a back.

[VOwithwater1]

I think Gibbs took care of that dalliance. I think BA would of consider playing pablo and reyna towards the back

Pablo has played a back for us if needed.

[VOwithwater1]

ghana is the team ripe for a three-man back, but the absence of gibbs really hurts as he is the best player we have for that - bocanegra is pretty damn good in three man back though

We thought iran was ripe for a 3 back defense in 1998 what happened in that game?

[SC LaPurisma]

I think the lineup will be based partly on what we want to do as a team and the teams we are actually facing. How do we stop the offensive firepower of Ghana, Italy, and the Czech's? We then have to ask ourselves how do we give our team the best possible way to score a goal against the competition? We have what 23 different players? That would be 529 different roster possibilities.

[monster]

This "mystery" was pretty much shot out of the water a week ago during the final ESPN All Access piece when they showed the team watching video of the Czechs and Arena mentioned something he wanted "all four defenders" to be wary of.

IMHO, the predicted three-back formation was nothing but BS BS. It may be something that gets used, but I don't think it was ever a priority.

[afgrijselijkheid]

We thought iran was ripe for a 3 back defense in 1998 what happened in that game?
ummm i'm not steve sampson... put down your screen name

a 3-5-2 is perfect against ghana (theoretically) because they usually only play one true forward, they lack width with kingston not on the team and, most importantly, it never hurts to outnumber essien/appiah

[jcsd]

I think it's way to late in the day to decide whtehr your going to play a 3 or 4 man defence, it was a foregone conclusion weeks ago that they'd be a four man defence.

[Eleven Bravo]

despite being American and obviously pulling for the US, i honestly think this is going to be one of the most entertaining group matches in the World Cup. Both teams counter attack FAST. the only group game that i think is probably going to more exciting to watch for the neutral fan is the Netherlands versus Argentina one. man, i can't wait till the 12th.

[sidefootsitter]

In today's press conference, in a discussion about Koller, Arena said "both center backs will have to watch him."... Gooch can mark him ... Pope will watch him, that's the problem.

[SC LaPurisma]

Bruce did say there were going to be surprises in the formation. I have a strong feeling it will be both or one of the other: we go with two forwards or a drastic change at DM.

[Ringo]

What does Berhalter have to do with this? Unless there are injuries, he is not starting.

you remember the last world cup? injuries and cards (which Central defenders are kinda prone to, you know) ... might need cover at that position, etc. ....

i think the poster was right in saying what he did.