Official U.S.A. vs Czech Republic PRE Match Thread - Part 1

Re: Official U.S.A. vs Czech Republic PRE Match Thread

I certainly don't think it's premature to talk about starting with a 4-5-1 against the Czech Republic. It's a formation that could be very effective against the Czechs because of their slow, lumbering center backs. McBride can win head balls against the biggest and strongest defenders in the world. His ability to hold and distribute the ball to faster more skillful players like Beasley, Donovan, Dempsey, and Convey is the key to us winning the game. In a 4-5-1 these guys will have more room to operate and go 1v1. This will open up flank play for the US as well. Lewis and Cherundolo will need to overlap aggressively and send in accurate crosses. The US will need to flood the Czech Republics goal box with targets at every opportunity. Different lineups for different opponents people. Arena will not use the same lineup twice in the first round. I can guarantee you he will go with a 4-4-2 against Italy. McBride all by his lonesome would fall right into Lippi's hands.

 

Re: Official U.S.A. vs Czech Republic PRE Match Thread

what you do with a 4-5-1 is take out the chances to get anyone in the box but Mcbride. Its true that Mcbride may be able to hold the ball agaisnt the central czech defenders and wait for help, but the 4-5-1 may prevent Donovan from getting forward enough to help in the box to score. Personally i think that the USA's crosses are woeful and just imagine these poor crosses aimed at only mcbride. a 4-4-2 allows Donovan to suck up one side of the field and play offensively, since Reyna and Mastroeni are already there to hold and distribute. If the USA is to have any chance to win, Donovan has to get up and get shots

 

Re: Official U.S.A. vs Czech Republic PRE Match Thread

Ok, this is what I've been asking about - how fast are their CB's? If they're slow, then I know who is starting if they have any kind of camp at all - EJ.

Not only can he make runs off their shoulder and get in behind them, but (why am I the only person on this thread who thinks about defensive match-ups?) when they've got the ball he can close them down that much faster.

What? have you watched any Fulham games this year at all?? McBride wins headers and knocks them to people streaking by him - he does not hold the ball. He can post up and receive the ball at his feet, but he's about shooting really and has been useless at holding the ball.

He certainly has to be used as primarily an offensive weapon. I agree with your analysis but personally I like LD playing in the hole. With him there I really like his chances of springing EJ through the center on a run off the "slow" Center back's shoulders. And as you say this should give him more chances to get into the box himself.

Actually I am starting to think BA is going to put out a lot of disinformation before the first match - I don't think he's going to want Bruckner to have a scoobies about who or how he's going to play.

 

Re: Official U.S.A. vs Czech Republic PRE Match Thread

True, but are you talking about the USA playing a 4-4-2 with donovan the primary offensive midfielder or the 4-5-1....because, in the 4-5-1 EJ doesnt see the field at all. What you have is Donovan held back. Now if the USA uses the 4-3-2-1, with Donovan and Beasley as primary attacking midfielders, i can live with that, trouble is, Where do you then put mastroeni? Reyna will be in the middle, and Dempsey on the right, but can you use Mastroeni properly on the left mid-side. Does he work well with lewis, or as well as lewis does with Convey.

or if you use the map shown earlier where donovan was the main support for BMB and then a diamond behind him with Beasley on the left, isnt that a 4-4-2? It's at least a variant of the setup we saw with Arsenal on wednesday where Henry was the attacker, Ljungberg his supporter then the last 8 back. It's very defensive, and doesnt allow much counter attacking

a lot of questions about this 4-5-1, and i dont see any good reason to use it.

To me (and im not BA so take this with some salt), the move is

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

Dolo-------Pope---------gooch----------Lewis

----------------Mastroeni

Dempsey-------------------------Beasley/Convey

---------------Reyna---------------------

Donovan------------------
----------------------------------Mcbride

this covers the field pretty well and even if reyna is preoccupied with the Czech possession in the midfield, hes has offensive options on a counter attack. Late in the game JOB may be able to come in and assist in preventing a late goal by holding the ball in the midfield with mastroeni and Reyna, certainly our three best passers/holders of the ball.

 

Re: Official U.S.A. vs Czech Republic PRE Match Thread

See this...

--------------------------Keller-------------------------
Dolo---------Gooch--------------Gibbs--------------Lewis

----------------------------Maestro---------------------
Dempsey---------Reyna---------------------------Beasley

---------------------------------Donovan----------------
----------------------------EJ---------------------------

It's not a million miles off what you've got. But I don't like the diamond as it negates our speed somewhat - speed is used best down the lines so keep those guys wide. Also for me I'd rather go with EJ for reasons explained. I'd call it a 4-4-1-1 the LD in the "hole" between their midfield and back line.

The key here would be for LD not to get drawn into helping out on D and getting sucked back in - we need him as a primary outlet. I imagine him getting the ball at his feet looking up to see EJ splitting the CB's or streaking to one of the corners. As the Czech defenders scramble to keep up with EJ (probably 2 of them) our wings are fast enough to fill that space in behind them. We'll get our chances.

 

Re: Official U.S.A. vs Czech Republic PRE Match Thread

thats what i was talking about, is that a 4-5-1 or a 4-4-2.

Either way, i think we agree mostly except the positon of donovan. We'll see what BA does

 

Re: Official U.S.A. vs Czech Republic PRE Match Thread

Can some one wo follows the czech team closely tell me what the probable starting line up in defence will be?

what sort of chance has kovac , rozehnal or jiranek have of making the starting line up?

i have heard kovac is only 50% chance to start in defence, is this correct? has he played many international games leading up to the world cup?

 

Re: Official U.S.A. vs Czech Republic PRE Match Thread

If you are only worried about Dolo, you must have a TON of confidence in this team. Overall, I think Cherundolo is our best player. I've had this conversation with quite a few people, some I can convince, some I can't. But I believe that Steve is very strong in many aspects of the game. He is very fast which helps him get up and attack on the counter, yet he has great track back and recovery speed and he rarely, if ever gets beat to the corner on D. He has a very sound offensive game, he is a good passer, a good crosser, and his shot isnt too bad. He is also very smart, whether it be on the ball, moving without the ball, or positioning himself defensively, I don't think he gets out of position very often. Finally, he's just a good defender, doesn't get beaten very often and, as I said before, is great at positioning himself. I also believe that he is a good personality guy, how many Yanks get to be A-Captains on a Bundesliga side? He also pushes his teammates in practice, as was noted on the USSoccerPlayers.com blog. All-in-all I think he is that total package. He isn't outstanding at any one thing, but he does just about everything very well. His biggest downside is his lack of size.

 

Re: Official U.S.A. vs Czech Republic PRE Match Thread

...........................Keller.........................
Dolo.............Pope..........Gooch.........Gibbs
...........................Reyna.........................
Dempsey.........................................Lewis
.........................Donovan........................
...............EJ.........................McBride.......

I think BA is going to have to go with a lineup with some size and then bring in some speed (Beasley) later to weardown the Czechs. Gibbs belongs in the backline for this game, but not in Central since Pope nor Gooch can play outside. Lewis could play LB, but I think he needs to be involved more in the midfield attack.

 

Re: Official U.S.A. vs Czech Republic PRE Match Thread

Lewis will not get the start in midfield . Hes nowhere near as speedy as Beaze or Convey , and although his crosses are good , they arent good enough to push two of our best wingers to the bench .

 

Re: Official U.S.A. vs Czech Republic PRE Match Thread

Agreed

 

Re: Official U.S.A. vs Czech Republic PRE Match Thread

Likely starting defenders for WC for Czech team (and their club,date of birth, international games, goals) is:
Zdeněk Grygera Ajax (Niz.) 14.5. 1980 38 1
Marek Jankulovski AC Milán (Itá.) 9.5. 1977 45 7
David Rozehnal Paris Saint Germain (Fra.) 5.7. 1980 19 0
Tomáš Ujfaluši Fiorentina (Ita.) 24.3. 1978 46 2

Centerbacks are Ujfalusi and Rozehnal. Jankulovski often attacks and takes a mean penalty kick. Kovac has only played in 5 international games. I would not expect him to start.

 

Re: Official U.S.A. vs Czech Republic PRE Match Thread

Anyone else, see a little resemblance of 2002? The U.S.A. playing their opening game against one of the best European teams, but also a team that is very old, and peaked at the previous Euro. I'll predict USA 3- CZR-2.

 

Re: Official U.S.A. vs Czech Republic PRE Match Thread

Ill go with...

Czech 2-1 USA

 

Re: Official U.S.A. vs Czech Republic PRE Match Thread

I am not in the unconvincible category. I admitted that I haven't seem him play much. The only MLS I see is highlights. I tend only to see the European-based players because that's all we get on TV here in Taiwan. WHen we buy a house, we are getting a satellite dish specifically so I can see more U.S. soccer.

BTW, I DO have a ton of confidence in this team, and if Dolo is as good as you say he is (and I have no reason to believe he is not), then that will only bolster the confidence I have in our boys.

USA!!! UNITED WE PLAY, UNITED WE WIN!

 

Re: Official U.S.A. vs Czech Republic PRE Match Thread

Stevie, is Euro-based not MLS so if you get Bundesliga games/highlights you should keep your eyes open for him. He plays for and is an associate captain for Hannover '96 in Germany's top flight.

 

Re: Official U.S.A. vs Czech Republic PRE Match Thread

Cherundolo plays in the Bundesliga.

 

Re: Official U.S.A. vs Czech Republic PRE Match Thread

Agreed. I've argued in a few threads that Dolo was our best international in '05. The only international we had that I can think of that really didn't have a single off game. Keller can probably be put in that category too, but I'm thinking among field players. Dolo's a terrific player for us, just smooth across the board and the only real indictment is height, he's freaking tiny. However he's also damn good at what he does. Of all the players on the team, he's perhaps the one guy I have the utmost confidence in, because he's earned it.

 

Re: Official U.S.A. vs Czech Republic PRE Match Thread

Yes, the Usa is fast and thats a good plus, but nobody is faster than the ball, and pass accuracy is in the CHekz side, not in the USA. The left backs have to play really agressive,
With the chekz u guys cannot commit any mistakes, or turn overs, they are deadly in the contras, keep possesion, mind trap them,!
The best player in the field will be Rosicky, dont let him play his game, he is lighting fast and has a powerfull shot! Plasil will trie to combine with him, but if he is covered he will pass it to Nedved, which might turn out to be better, if u guys can contain him. Their defense plays really smart! i personally think that if the Usa is able to play the ball in the ground, they will have a good advantage because of the speed,but I also believe that if they play in the air its going to be a disaster for them, and waste of ball opportunities(specially with the quality of players the checks have)!

 

Re: Official U.S.A. vs Czech Republic PRE Match Thread

I haven't seen them play all year. The only Germany matches we get here are Champions League and a few UEFA Cup matches. We are REALLY cut off here in Taiwan.

 

Re: Official U.S.A. vs Czech Republic PRE Match Thread

The US will open the game in a 4-5-1 and play cautious but not bunker mode.

If we can get in a goal on a quick counter on a set piece that would be great, but I do not think we will be openly attacking.

If we make it into the 70th minute 0-0, I look for us to sub into a 4-4-2, bringing in Convey and EJ from the bench replacing probably Reyna and Dempsey and look to attack and try for a late winner.

 

Re: Official U.S.A. vs Czech Republic PRE Match Thread

This is czech defence squad:
Zdenek Grygera (Ajax, Netherlands)
Marek Jankulovski (AC Milan, Italy)
Martin Jiranek (Spartak Moscow, Russia)
Radoslav Kovac (Spartak Moscow, Russia)
Pavel Mares (Zenit St. Petersburg, Russia)
David Rozehnal (Paris Saint-Germain, France)
Tomas Ujfalusi (Fiorentina, Italy)


hard to say what will be starting line -up in defence of the Bruckner. I would say: Jankulovski- Ujfalusi - Grygera and Rozehnal has a big chance to start. I don´t know so much czech players who play in Russia. I mostly follow czech players playing in Germany, England or Italy or France, but not Russia. But I remember interview with Bruckner and he was very positive about Kovac. I think he has more chance to start than just 50%. But I think Rozehnal has much more chance than Kovac (he did not play many international games). I will follow news in the press and let you know.

Czechs plays more attacking style and Bruckner have more offensive players and more midfield players in the squad for the WC 2006 than it was in Euro 2004. So press reports more about offensive or midfield players than about czech defence. Bruckner is going to Germany and he will continue his "attacking soccer".

If I hear more news about czech defence, I will let you know

bltleo
GERMANY

 

Re: Official U.S.A. vs Czech Republic PRE Match Thread

Rosicky will take more and more responsibility in the czech national team. I think this is the man who will replace Nedved who is play "leader" positon, key player in the czech team. About Rosicky is often said that he is "SMALL MOZART" on the soccer field. I remember him when he and Koller played for Dortmund. These both were "dream duo" and they are "dream duo" in the czech national team.

Czechs have surely top players, many of them play in top european league.
Peter Cech , their goalkeeper is best goalkeeper in the world - he was at least nominated for this. Nedved was few years ago the best european player. Rosicky and Koller - next biggest names. Czech players are famous abroad. Czech soccer style is very interesting. The only disadvantage of this team is "THEIR AGE". They are too old and maybe a bit "kaputt" after so many injuries. Nedved is not feeling good as he said in the interview for the czech press. Many players were injured many months and did not play any matches. They have few weeks now to train and will go directly to the world cup without playing any matches in the season, or only few matches. Koller managed to play last matches for Dortmund, but he did not play 7 months before (if I remember good). So age and the fact that many players were injured for many months - can be their disadvantage. But you never know - Czech coach Bruckner is famous for any "surprise".

 

Re: Czech bad form?

I've seen on this board that they've had some bad results of late (They seem to have qualified though!). Can anyone tell me what these were and more importantly if they had mitigating circumstances?

 

Re: Official U.S.A. vs Czech Republic PRE Match Thread

I agree with you about Rosicky. He is more important then Nedved even. The US will play Pablo Mastroeni on him who is very physical, but also quite skillful. It will be a very interesting matchup because though Mastroeni is a top notch holding mid, he has never played against anyone as good as Rosicky. Mastroeni will have to avoid getting the early yellow card. The Czechs do certainly have a height advantage, but as I said before, that won't stop the US from floating crosses into McBride. He's one of the biggest aerial threats in the world.