Ghana 1-2-3 Thread

[SamsArmySam]

This is a structured thread. Please play by the rules. If you don't like the rules, or you feel like being sarcastic, go somewhere else.

1. Analyze Ghana strengths and weaknesses
2. Describe USA gameplan to beat Ghana
3. Suggest USA lineup that fits gameplan

-----

1. In the Czech match, Ghana showed strength in midfield. Quick to the 50-50 ball. Excellent on the tackle. Mostly standing poke tackles, not sliding tackles. Very difficult to beat 1v1. Difficult to dispossess. Quick to pass the ball forward. Used some wide play, but most of their dangerous play was through central midfield. Forward players can get a goal if not marking tightly in the box. Weakness on offense from relative inability of players to shoot accurately from 25 yards+. On defense, loss of organization / shape at times.

2. Gameplan is control the central midfield and counterattack. Offensive production comes from counterattacking with direct play at speed. Also need good crossers of the ball in forward wide positions. Two forwards needed to unsettle and find spaces in their D.

3. Lineup 442 with narrow diamond shape midfield

----------EJ----McBride-----------

-------------Donovan-------------
--------Beasley---Dempsey-------
--------------Reyna--------------

--Lewis---------------------Dolo--
---------Conrad---Gooch----------

Each of those 4 midfielders is excellent positionally on defense and very effective at harassing opposing midfielders to force turnovers. Both Beasley and Dempsey are good playing more centrally than wide and enabling the outside backs to get forward. Unlike Lewis-Convey, Lewis-Beasley is a good combo where Beas has better defensive awareness when Lewis goes forward. And Beas is back in Bruce's good graces after the Italy match. Lewis and Dolo as wide backs to find McB and EJ with crosses into the box. And Lewis has to be out there to take free kicks and corner kicks.

[Eleven Bravo]

Kingston is a great shop stopper. don't let that fool anyone. but he has seemed weak sometimes on crosses. also, their clearing from the back doesn't seem to be too great either. and if i recall correctly...their wingbacks don't really defend the wing because they want to pinch in the middle.

i think the gameplan is to keep forcing the ball down the wings so 1) that's where they are the weakest 2) it'll force a break down in their midfield because then they'll have to track back. I think if we try to control the midfield with Ghana than we will get burned. that's their style of play; we need to not allow them to play their game. keep the backline organized, move the ball quickly to the wings to get crosses into McBride and Johnson, take shots outside the box to open up their defense, condense the game on defense to prevent them from using their attacking speed, and when Essien pushes up to attack than get the ball to Donovan to run with the ball upfield to keep him honest.

[Nutmeg]

1. Very fast. Very aggressive, and will challenge for every 50-50 ball. Outside of Essien and Appiah, mediocre to subpar in passing. Pretty good defensively, actually, with only goals against being a stupid backpass from Kuffour and an Italian set piece. Attack revolves around Essien and Appiah.

2. Take the game to them. Don't let them sit on the ball, and don't give them time. Force them into turnovers, and attack quickly. Pressure starts from the top.

3. If I were running the show?

EJ, Wolff
Beasley, Donovan, Reyna, Dempsey
Boca, Conrad, Gooch, Dolo
Keller

I want speed up top to quickly convert turnovers into scoring chances. I like how Dempsey and Donovan combine. I sitll think Beasley's a better defender than Convey, and Convey hasn't impressed me much because he hasn't looked to combine with teammates. Pressure begins with the forwards, and Beasley, Donovan, and Dempsey are told to defend first, then break out in attacks. Reyna sits deeper in midfield and organizes the team in front of him. Dolo attacks more from the right, where Boca has more of a stay at home role.

[Curvaceous Corners]

I totally agree with everything Nutmeg said with a minor change in the line-up. My only worry is the defence being so slow compared to Ghana's forwards. I think Boca starting in the middle for Conrad, with Lewis back to his outside left spot would be a slight bit better. I think in this game we need all our good crossers in, and obviously arena likes that about lewis. I just think the center combo of Gooch and Conrad is just not quick enough.

[livestock]

1. All players technically confident going forward. Like to go at people at speed. Seems to be first option, rather than one/two-touch combinations. If given space, will take it, in other words. Essien a more physical presence than Nedved, but not quite as sublime...close, though. Seem to play with more exuberance. As a team, hasn't shown the cynical defense we got from Italy and, to a lesser degree, the Czech's. Keeper Kingston has been razor sharp, which can turn a match.
2. Must play extremely sharp defensive game. Limit time for Ghana on the ball when they're just about to enter our defensive half, look to win the ball off the pass and/or first touch. However, Ghana is very slick...first touch is usually very, very good....so, over commitment or mistimed "D" could cause havoc for us. Counter with numbers under the right conditions, and follow chances. Ghanian "D" might be lulled to believe in Kingston's heroics and susceptible on any rebound. Don't give up any set piece goal.
3. McBride
Convey-Donovan-Dempsey
Reyna-JOB
Boca-Conrad-Gooch-Dolo

[Soccernethost]

Mostly agree with thread starter on items #1 and #2, but think that a four man midfield with no true d-mid will get overrun and will not slow down the attacks up the middle.

So I'll put JOB in with Reyna behind Donovan to help bottle it up.

I'll also bring Bocanegra on and pair him with Conrad and Gooch (from left to right), playing three defenders centrally, where Ghana likes to attack.

Finally, I'll bring Convey on for Beasley and put Convey and Dempsey out wide. Both are good in attack and can cross -- taking advantage of Kingston's weakness. Also, in a 3-5-2, they've got a lot of ground to cover, but both are young and should have no problem running the touchlines for 90 -- especially since neither played the entire match on Saturday.

[Eleven Bravo]

so a drawing of what i would have the field look like when we have to defend and when we have to attack.

Starting XI: Keller, Cherundolo, Onyewu, Conrad, Bocanegra, Reyna, Dempsey, Convey, Donovan, McBride, Johnson

ON DEFENSE:
-----------------Johnson-----------------
-----------------McBride-----------------
Convey----------Donovan---------Dempsey
------Boca-------Reyna-------Dolo-------
------------Conrad------Onyewu---------
-------------------Keller-----------------

*pinch Boca and Dolo to help in the middle because that's where we are going to be the most vulnerable and Reyna won't be able to do it all by himself.
*use Convey, Donovan, and Dempsey as the outlet players on defense.
*Conrad needs to be the glue to keep the backline organized. in other words, it is kind of bunkering down, but we still have 5players ready to attack.
*We need to make sure that we keep Ghana from controlling the midfield, but that's going to open us up on the wings. Onyewu needs to be perfect on any Ghana crosses in the box. this actually suits Onyewu better so he can use his size.
*drop McBride as a withdrawn forward simply to get a head on any long balls for Johnson or Donovan, Dempsey, & Convey to run on to. also, he's aggressive enough to help win balls if needed.
*keep Johnson pushed up as much as possible. he has the speed to make defenders cautious of joining the attack.

ON ATTACK:
---------------Johnson--McBride-------------
Convey------------Donovan------------Dempsey
--------------------Reyna-------------------
----Boca-----------------------------Dolo---
----------------Conrad---Onyewu------------

*push McBride and Johnson up as a dual forward system. we'll need their aerial abilities in the box to beat Ghana.
*If Ghana figures out the game plan and starts defending the wing than get Donovan the ball and have him get 1-2 passes with McBride with him facing goal. he'll either be able to take it to goal himself or pass it off to speedy Johnson. Donovan needs to hang in right behind the forwards or work over to whichever wing has the ball if they need help. He also needs to be prepared to get back in a hurry if ghana counters quick and our team can't get back in time. he has the speed to do such.
*Reyna needs to hang back and distribute the ball accordingly. don't get caught up in the attack and let Ghana counter. also, if Ghana bunkers down in the box have Reyna start ripping shots from half field to get them to open up. if they start to counter than try to foul to slow down the attack.
*Boca and Dolo need to keep doing with what they're doing in assisting the wings to get crosses in the box. also, help Reyna out if they try to counter.
*Conrad and Onyewu need to play very conservative. we don't need them getting caught up field. if Ghana plays a counter attack with the ball down the wings than either Onyewu fouls or Conrad attacks the ball while Onyewu marks up on whatever forward to keep them from scoring. the idea is to try to find a way to slow their attack down so we can get Boca, Reyna, and Dolo back.

[Nermalthecat]

1. Ghana's two most dangerous players are their attacking mids. The defense has been sounder than expected and the keeper has been a good shotblocker if a bit dicey on crosses. They should be lacking some at striker, but the suspended guys were more beneficiaries than real creators of chances. It all starts with Essien and Appiah.

2. How do you combat an opponents' two best players being midfielders who like to attack? Choke them off with five in the midfield. Wing attack is a little less of a concern, so you can get away with three in the back if you want. Pressure them into turnovers and attack with speed at their back four.

3. In a vaccum, I wouldn't mind seeing a 3-5-2, but with our available defensive personnel, it seems like a stretch and it would render Dempsey and Convey less useful. As such, we'll probably see some sort of 4-5-1 to start. Please start Johnson up top. McBride has to be toast (and we'll need him against Brazil :)). Benny, here's your chance to shine. Go find Essien and bite some ankles...

-----------Johnson--------------
-----------Donovan--------------
---Convey-------------Dempsey--
------Reyna---------Olsen--------
---Boca----Conrad----Gooch---Cher

If you start Beasley instead of Convey, you get more defensive bite and it would morph pretty easily into a 3-5-2 without making a sub by pushing Cherundolo up the wing and sliding the other three defenders over. I would love to see two strikers up top, but I can't see having Reyna as the sole D-Mid against these guys.

[ReynaFan]

1) Ghana very well might play a more defensive game at first. They know we're coming out hard making us slightly more suspect to the counter. They have a better chance of advancing with a tie considering their two best scoring options are out.

2) I think if they bunker, it takes away any type of through ball our team speed. Attacks must get down the wing or penetrate the middle with #10 type dribbling that can beat at least two players. If Ghana bunkers more at the beginning to hold us off, these are the ways to score.

3) With that, I agree with Sam's line-up (except Boca for Conrad) Lewis and Dolo can provide width, extra pressure against numbers behind the ball, and dangerous crosses into the box. EJ can finish with his head better than any other BMB partner. Also, Dempsey is Dempsy. If one were to score a goal or create a goal with a brilliant run, he's our best option. Lando can only push into space beside the defender and then outpace the other to it. That won't be good enough here. Lando does bring pretty good vision and one-two passing to the attack.

Another Note: To what degree will Reyna's or BMB's or anyother 180 minute player's leg be a little rubbery?

[appoo]

1. Analyze Ghana strengths and weaknesses

Very quick and creative on the ball, very aggressive. Give them room and they'll kill you. Questionable passing, very undisicplined defending as everyone wants to get forward. Almost rampant really. They open themselves up.

2. Describe USA gameplan to beat Ghana

Sucker them in and punch em in the face. Defensivly, I'm prerssuring the ball and forcing them to make dangerous passes, because they will - but I'm only going to apply that pressure in my half of the field. I'll let them walk up. Why? Because they'll leave themselves open to the counter. The Czech Republic really killed them there

3. Suggest USA lineup that fits gameplan

--------------------------------Howard------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------Cherundolo--------Conrad---------Pope-----------Bocangera--------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------Olsen-------------------------------------
--------Dempsey----------------------------------------Convey------------
--------------------------------Donovan-----------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------Johnson-------------Ching---------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Yes - I know that Howard won't play. But I'm personally sick of Keller's awful distribution and he's been poor in shot blocking. Howard is simply a better shot blocker and he's far superior distributor. Keller gives you chemistry. But he's going to leak goals if Ghana finds space and gets multiple chances, and he's going to kill quick chances with poor distribution. I think this is going to be an open match.

I don't think Reyna can last more than 30 - 40 minutes. I'll take a risk and hope Olsen can make the simple pass and harass the shit out of Essien for 60, get a lead, and then Reyna comes on to kill the match off with his possesion.

Johnson is an obvious choice, Ching...I think he provides a faster version of McBride, plus again I don't think McBride has anything left.

[GaetjensGhost]

1.
Strengths: Capable of a good game 50% of the time. Goalkeeping. Speed.

Weaknesses: Missing two scoring starters, very inconsistant team. Capable of a howler 50% of the time. Mental defensive breakdowns are frequent...team does not appear to communicate at the back line, although the midfielders retain their shape.

2.
A. Do not concede a goal period
B. Do not allow ANY space within 40 yards of our goal.
C. Throughballs on the counter to Lando or EL
D. Crosses to McBride and EJ

3.

----------McBride---EJ--------
----Lewis--------------Donovan-------
--------JOB ------Reyna-------------
--Boca---------------------Dolo--
---------Conrad---Gooch----------

-Wouldn't mind Lewis on the left for his crosses.
-Wouldn't mind LD on the wing as his greatest attacks came from that position against Italy.
-McBride and EJ provide an aerial 1 - 2 for crosses or mid ranged balls from Reyna and JOB
- DMB Convey and Dempsey as subs.
-Attack their goal through the air with a chance for headers and knock downs. I see a ground attack being smothered by their speed.
- I also wouldn't mind BMB on the bench with fresh legs and energy from Ching as a starter. BMB can't find space and cannot track down the longballs in a footrace.

[GaetjensGhost]

---------------------------------Olsen------------------------------------




Olsen will not be starting.

Repeat

Olsen will not be starting!

[Calexico77]

1. Analyze Ghana strengths and weaknesses
2. Describe USA gameplan to beat Ghana
3. Suggest USA lineup that fits gameplan


1) Ghana's hungry, energetic, YOUNG, fast, and just crazy enough to be totally confident. Taking down the Czech's was a huge boost to their confidence, which means I can see them raining down shots on us for the first 30 minutes. However, they have the same problem that so many African nations have - passing and tactics are suspect. They can rely on Essien to make multiple game-changing plays, but if the US defense is as coordinated as they were against Italy, Ghana will need more than raw speed and talent - they need teamwork.

2. Like a boxing match, let them punch themselves into exhaustion/frustration in the first 20-30 minutes. Control the ball, let them do the running. We can take it. They will get erratic. The key will be keeping tight 3-man groups moving with the ball on the ground. No lobbing which will let them win 50/50s.

As they lose their cohesion, (which they will) start driving down the flanks. We have to start bringing defenders to the end-line. I love Convey's play, but I think he pinches in a little too often, and then the defense gets to compress. We need to take them all the way to the corner, draw a defender or two out, and let some in-swingers fly. Also, make sure to get Donovan involved in the middle-part of the field. If O'Brien starts, that's a sure way to get that done. The two of them can be very creative together.


3.
McBride
Convey-Donovan-Dempsey
Reyna-JOB
Boca-Conrad-Gooch-Dolo

Now, as far as subs go. . .

If JOB needs to sit in the second half, move to a 4-4-2, letting Landon slide back, and putting EJ in. We can then put Beasley for some fresh legs to run the hell out of Ghana.

[ty webb]

--------------------------------Howard------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------Cherundolo--------Conrad---------Pope-----------Bocangera--------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------Olsen-------------------------------------
--------Dempsey----------------------------------------Convey------------
--------------------------------Donovan-----------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------Johnson-------------Ching---------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------


Olsen, Howard, and Ching.... WOW.....

[dmonet83]

1) Like everybody else has been saying, Ghana likes to attack down the middle and their attack revolves mainly around their 2 attacking mids. They don't seem to be to be all that strong down the wings.

2) We need to neutralize their strength in the middle as well as exploiting them down the wings. I just don't think we can do that with a 4 man middle with Reyna as sole d-mid. I'd like to see another d-mid in there and it looks like I'll have to settle for Olsen.

I'd also like to have Johnson in there with McBride to offer up another target for crosses so that leaves only 3 spots left for defenders thus a 3-5-3.

3)
-----------McBride---------Johnson-----------

------------------Donovan--------------------

--Beasley---------------------------Dempsey

----------Olsen-------------Reyna------------

------Boca--------Gooch-----------Dolo-------

-------------------Keller----------------------


I know Beasley hasn't played well, but I'd want him in here for his defense and hopefully he can get his offense going as well. I know Dolo isn't well suited to playing in a 3 man backline normally, but Ghana's strikers aren't too big so I think he should be okay.

[dmonet83]

3-5-2

[appoo]

Olsen, Howard, and Ching.... WOW.....

I know....but the 180 minutes played for McBride and Reyna and Keller lazy feet and horrible distribution is bugging me.

I honetly think Howard would have stopped 2 of the goals Keller let in

[Curvaceous Corners]

No matter what way you slice it, Olsen is a downgrade from obrien. I can't see bruce making that decision.
McBride-----EJ

Lewis-----------Donovan------------Dempsey
Obrien--------Reyna

Boca-------Gooch------Dolo

Subs: Beasley for Dempsey. (slide donovan over to the right)
If winning- Conrad for McBride
If losing- Convey for Lewis. (Beasley left, Convey middle, Donovan right) Ching for Obrien/reyna (whoever is more drained).

[dmonet83]

No matter what way you slice it, Olsen is a downgrade from obrien. I can't see bruce making that decision.

I thought I read on another thread that O'Brien wasn't going to be able to play. If he can play, then I'd MUCH rather have him in there than Olsen.

[Soccernethost]

Why anyone would think a professional athlete, even a 30+ year old professional athlete, won't be able to play on FIVE days rest is hard to understand.

Five days recovery is a lifetime. I'd be more worried about the mental effects of those who went 90 in a very draining Italy match, but, perversely, with the young guys like Donovan and Gooch. Reyna and McBride will be fine.