For sure. Paredes is slighter in physique but he's probably seen worse in the BL in the way in physical play than he will see in this tournament. The boys will be fine.
Grind results just like the seniors. They've lost 2 games this whole cycle in tournaments. 0-1 to Brazil, and 2-3 to England in a game they were probably a touch better in. No screw ups against weak sides. Even their draw in qualifying was when they were already through. But they're also missing a ton of players. When I watched the England match they just seemed to do a really nice job of transitioning from defense to attack quickly, they were generally pretty efficient (if less so in that game). Otoh, I haven't watched them nearly enough to know much beyond caveman arguments: *They remind me of the senior teams. *They attack beautifully from central midfield and the wings. *They counter swiftly. *They have an excellent defense generally, though it got torn open by England. *They are missing a ton of guys, have plenty of guys that aren't fit and are real vulnerable. I have no idea what will happen today. This is our best chance to advance to the semi's to me since '07.
In the famous words of a former Uruguay captain: Muchachos, los de afuera son de palo. Que comience la función
I wish Paxten was there. He was with the team since the beginning and has been one of the main contributors.
The analysis from Uruguay media is worried about their forward line. They have two forwards. If they play both then they can't get an energy sub. If they play one then neither is a traditional CF.
With the possibility of overtime and penalties, substitution patterns are going to be a bit different in this match. In a close match I think both coaches will substitute more sparingly in regulation time. If we stay in the 3-4-3, the two outside guys who have to cover so much ground are logical candidates to be subbed out around the 70th minute. We have Wiley, Gomez and Halladay to cover those positions. If we substitute out both starters at that position does Varas take a chance an play Sullivan slightly out of position as a wide mid?
🇺🇸 U20 v. Uruguay in quarterfinals of World Cup:GK: SloninaLCB: WynderCB: CraigRCB: CheLWB: WileyRWB: HallidayCM: VargasCM: McGlynnLW: CowellCF: LunaRW/AM: WolffHalliday in for JoGo and Vargas in for Edelman from round of 16. Both are smart changes from Varas.— Marcus Chairez (@chai_asc) June 4, 2023
Unsurprisingly a pretty defensive lineup due to all the missing attacking talent.Back 4. Both outside backs, Ponte and Matturo, were great going forward against The Gambia.3 pretty defensive minded/deeper lying midfielders. 1 more advanced mf in Gonzalez.2 true forwards. https://t.co/ONvGBVRoUM— CONCACAF NATIONS LEAGUE STAN (@JordanDunathan) June 4, 2023 They’ve dropped their 6.
All set for a quarterfinal clash 💪Watch 🇺🇸 vs 🇺🇾 at 5 p.m. ET on @FOXSports 2, @Telemundo & @NBCUniverso pic.twitter.com/HlbR7clqlj— U.S. Soccer YNT (@USYNT) June 4, 2023 GK: Slonina LCB: Wynder CB: Craig RCB: Che LWB: Wiley RWB: Halliday CM: Vargas CM: McGlynn LW: Cowell CF: Luna RW/AM: Wolff 🇺🇸 U20 v. Uruguay in quarterfinals of World Cup:GK: SloninaLCB: WynderCB: CraigRCB: CheLWB: WileyRWB: HallidayCM: VargasCM: McGlynnLW: CowellCF: LunaRW/AM: WolffHalliday in for JoGo and Vargas in for Edelman from round of 16. Both are smart changes from Varas.— Marcus Chairez (@chai_asc) June 4, 2023
Let's seize the moment 👊Your #U20MYNT starting XI vs. 🇺🇾! pic.twitter.com/q2mdGXOc4L— U.S. Soccer YNT (@USYNT) June 4, 2023
Strange decision by Mikey Varas to include two field players in Kevin Paredes and Rokas Pusktas on the roster who would miss the group stage with their clubs, use them as subs in the fourth game (with Pusktas scoring a goal) and then NOT start either in the fifth game… I was expecting to see both starting this one. If you're not going to start either in the quarterfinal, why hamstring your roster by having two field players missing through the group stage? Especially in this cycle given all the depth. The team could have had guys like say Noel Buck this whole time...
I'm kinda surprised they didn't find a way to put Paredes and Pukštas in the starting lineup, since they came in just for the knockout rounds, but I also see the argument for not messing with what's worked so far.
A preview: https://www.ussoccercollective.com/us-youth-national-teams/u20-world-cup-quarterfinal-preview
There is a potential for 120 minutes of soccer. It's nice having real quality in all 21 players. Paredes and Pukstas will be thrilled to participate and get a medal.
he is following the berhalter model....cameraderie and previous experience blah blah blah...for sure, there are players like Buck who could be a lift for this team..... gotta say though i didnt think paredes or pukstas looked better than the rest of the squad as subs....if anything, they were a step down..... however, in a game that could go extra time....it is good to have firepower on the bench not sure about halliday.....havent seen him do anything of note.....
Official lineup: Let's seize the moment 👊Your #U20MYNT starting XI vs. 🇺🇾! pic.twitter.com/q2mdGXOc4L— U.S. Soccer YNT (@USYNT) June 4, 2023
I'm watching Telemundo analysts, and they also said the USA got an easy draw. They even said the New Zeeland team was a semi-pro team. They also said the USA best player is our GK. I hope our boys are ready for this new test.
All right Michael Halliday. You got this. Slightly surprised by Paredes not being in the starting lineup. But I think both Halliday and Wiley will get subbed out around minute 70 in favor of Gomez and Paredes. We need four wide players who can run their socks off.
Yes. Got to have at least a plan for 120 minutes. And penalty kicks. The four most logical subs: Pukstas for McGlynn, Paredes and Gomez for Wiley and Halliday, Sullivan for Wolff. Keep the fifth one in your back pocket.