[LINEUP-4-4-2]Altidore, Findley, Dempsey, Clark, Bradley, Donovan, Bocanegra, Gooch, DeMerit, Cherundolo, Howard[/LINEUP-4-4-2] We need to score multiple times for a result. 4-5-1 keeps too much pressure on Altidore, plus more prone to misshape; keep it simple so 4-4-2. Assuming the need to score remains.... --Torres(if tight scoreline & you want possession) / Holden(if chasing things) subbed for Clark, --Buddle for Findley --Gomez for Altidore as fresh legs
What Bob will come out with sure seems to strongly point to: [LINEUP-4-4-2]Altidore,Findley,Dempsey,Clark,Bradley,Donovan,Bocanegra,Onyewu,Demerit,Cherundolo,Howard[/LINEUP-4-4-2]
Nah, I think Findley shot himself in the foot at the last friendly. He's no Davies. Look for Buddle or Gomez to start--or neither. You might still see Altidore and Dempsey up top.
Putting aside the starting line-ups for a moment, a critical element of team tactics in this match will be timing of substitutions. The last time we played at great altitude in Mexico City, Bob subbed early (I believe around minute 60?) and this substitution had a very positive effect. Similarly, he should have in his mind before the match two subs he plans two make at minute 60 depending on whether the U.S. is winning, even or behind. The other sub should be made around minute 75. You want to hold at least one sub in reserve until the final 15 just in case the goalkeeper gets injured or red carded.
I think Buddle needs to start at this point. His scoring streak cannot be ignored. Form matters more than anything at this stage. Altidore comes from poor scoring form and a slight injury. I would start only Buddle up top with the option of replacing him with Altidore in the second half and adding Gomez to the mix by taking out Torres or Edu and moving to a 4-4-2. Howard; Cherundolo, Onyewu, DeMerit, Bocanegra; Bradley, Edu; Dempsey, Torres, Donovan; Buddle.
I don't mind this line-up, but I want Buddle up top. He is scoring regularly, that is not something to ignore.
Yes I could have been clearer that the timing of this will be a factor. Buddle for Findley first, maybe 60-65, as England will have figured Findley out; Buddle picks up the pressure releasing Altidore who is reinvigorated by the freedom and stays on until 75. Then Gomez is the fresh-legged-England- did-not-know-that-could-happen show-stopper scoring the two goals we need to get the 3 points.
I bet 5$ that the starting line up will be: Howard Dolo Onyewu Demerit Boca Donovan Clark Bradley Dempsey Buddle Altidore Any takers?
There's no way that Findley starts. He blew his chance against Australia. BB is too conservative to take a risk with him against England. It's either gonna be Altidore-Buddle or Altidore-Dempsey, with Gomez (and/or Buddle) late subs. Be able to run fast isn't a reason to start a World Cup game. Findley is a joke, a hack, and a liability. Did anyone see the two open-netters that he missed against the Aussies? That would have been catastrophic against the Brits.
I personally am not sure starting Findley is the right choice, however he did anything but ruin his chances against Australia. Yes he missed some easy chances but he also created them. His speed and willingness to run at defenders stretches the backline out and opens up spaces all over the field for everyone else. The problem is do you go on what fits the team best tactically and that is the speed of Findley with the power of Altidore. Or do you start one of or both of the hottest goalscorers in Buddle and Gomez. Simply put: 135 minutes without Findley: 2 goals, both on set pieces. 135 minutes with Findley: 5 goals all from the run of play.
You're on. The odds of your line-up being correct are so small. Not only are their tactical reasons why BB might choose other players, a couple of the players may not start due to injury concerns.
-----------------Howard----------------- Cherundolo--Goodson--Bocanegra--Bornstein ---Donovan---Bradley--Clark---Dempsey--- ----------Findley-------Buddle---------- Onyewu should start if he is fit. But I doubt he will be based on what I've seen. My reasoning for Bornstein: Aaron Lennon. Bornstein stands a better chance of slowing him down than Bocanegra. Plus DeMerit is terrible.
This makes no sense. The reason there were goals scored was because Gomez and Buddle were on the field--not because Findley was standing around! Look, all this Findley loving is driving me crazy. Have we forgotten the damn poll that we took about the 7 players who were to be cut from the 30-man squad? Findley ranked just below Klkjestan, and there's a reason for that. The guy can't even get a start with his MLS club team. Think of that! He was taken for one reason and one reason only: CD9 was unavailable. He made one decent pass in the game against Turkey--one!--and all of a sudden he's God's gift to US soccer. Please! We saw the true Findley against Australia. He's not skilled enough, he's not experienced enough, and he's not hungry enough. He only has one damn redeeming quality and that's that he can run from point A to point B faster than most other players, although he usually loses the ball in the process. If Bradley starts this loser over other players, I'll be disgusted. Running fast does not equal a quality football player. Period. I'll vomit if I see one more person comment on how Findley can "stretch a defense." What a ridiculous thing to say about a forward! How's about his scoring ability? Not ONE person has mentioned that! Why? Because he can't score (certainly not against a team that's better than the Kansas City Wizards). Are we supposed to believe that Findley's best attribute is that he can run around like a decoy and hope that the other players score the ball? Can you imagine someone saying of Milito or Fabiano or Rooney "they can really stretch a defense"? I've got an idea: Let's find the fastest guy on the US sprinting team and give him a jersey. In fact, he can have Findley's spot. No doubt a sprinter could really "stretch a defense." I've got basically no confidence in Bradley, and if he starts Findley against England--England!--I'll drop dead on the couch. Findley was most likely the last roster spot, and he's the least deserving person to don the US jersey in the World Cup. It would be a travesty if he even sets foot on the pitch. At the very least, Buddle and Gomez are proven scorers. Give them a chance. I beg you.
Whoa, whoa, whoa. Bornstein is terrible. Demerit is considerably less terrible and more accomplished than B.
Bornstein is our only LB with the speed necessary to track Lennon with any success, despite his shortcomings. If Boca is out there they'll have an absolute field day out on our left.
Relax buddy, it'll be ok. [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPFMImiOjOc"]YouTube- Seattle Sounders FC 0 vs. 1 Real Salt Lake - Game Highlights - 08/08/09 [Week 21][/ame]
I agree. I believe the starting lineup will be Howard Dolo Demerit Gooch/Goodson (depending on health) Bocanegra Donovan Clark Bradley Dempsey Findley Altidore/Buddle (depending on health) I think Findley is in. I think if Gooch and Altidore are healthy then they start. The only other question is Clark or Edu or Torres. I think Clark starts against England but maybe Torres gets a start in game 2.
To all those hypocritical Findley lovers out there: What exactly has the guy done to earn a starting role (aside from score some goals LAST SEASON in MLS)?
As the last guy said, been on the field for 5 goals from the run of play in the last 135 minutes. I know this isn't basketball or hockey, but the general concept of the +/- stat still applies. If the team is scoring and preventing goals with a guy in the lineup, you have to consider that he's playing a part in it that you just continue to overlook.
You don't even need to look at the stats. It's undeniable that we have looked far more dangerous with him on the field than with him off the field.
I don't think anyone is really in love with Findley, no one thinks that he is the best striker the U.S. has ever produced or that he will singlehandedly carry us to heights never before seen; however, as people have pointed out, it seems that (and statistics/results agree) that we are a better team when playing with a "speed" forward. The exact same thing was true when CD9 emerged. Is Findley CD9? I think everyone can agree that the answer is a firm "no." But, it seems that Bradley is trying his best to stick with what worked, something I don't think anyone can blame him for, even someone with the gall to call a professional athlete who is about the represent his country on the highest stage a "loser."