Now that the draw has taken place, it's time to start scouting and posting relevant information on our opponent's players, tactics, and news. Let the fun begin!
Look at strategy vs. Luis Figo and co. in 2002, apply to CR7, ctrl + C, ctrl + V, and the odds are even. Challenge accepted
Team effort my friend. Team effort. There is no one player in the US lineup who will shut him down. Plus, you have one of the best left defenders in the world in Coentrao playing behind him. Additionally, Ronaldo is great in the air. Set pieces could be a problem...
Figo was older and a much different player than CR7. Not that simple. Having said that I would be against taking back to HS soccer and just have someone next to him at all times.
At the time of the cup in June, they will only be months apart in terms of their age. MONTHS! Both will be/were 29 during the cup. Figo DOB 11/4/1972 Ronaldo DOB 2/5/1985
I want Jones marking Moutinho out of the match. It would really free up Bradley to be more creative going forward on the counter and would take away a lot of Ronaldo's service (Ronaldo is brilliant, but his goals against Sweden, while potent finishes, came as the result of beautiful service from Moutinho). Also, do not underestimate the effect that the weather will have on this match. If the temperature is in the 80s with humidity, we can grind Portugal down and try to beat them off the counter. In a vacuum, this is a scary game for the U.S., but in Brazil, in that weather, I'll take our chances.
Wow maybe I was off cause Figo looked hella old and princess Ronaldo doesn't. Still their very different types of players.
I would rather have Marvell Wynne on him. Considering he's the fastest soccer player in the World (based on 100m speed) with above average strength and has already shut down Ronaldo once before.
Shut down Ronaldo's service, frustrate him, and you get a result, because Postiga and Nani aren't going to beat you.
On the weather question, that is an advantage against North Europe teams mainly, like Germany. I bet Germany will be worn out and just a little off when we meet them. I grew up in the tropics, heat does not bother me but cold goes right through me. I should think the Portuguese will be conditioned similar to guys like Brek, Dempsey et al who grew up playing in Texas summers. The Ghanans will love it.
Weaknesses: Their central defender Bruno Alves is 32 and plays in Switzerland. He's not world class. Their central midfielder Miguel Veloso plays for Dyanmo Kiev. While he's very experienced, he's not a "world class" defensive midfielder (ala Michael Essien). Moutinho, another midfielder, has played his whole career in Portugal, and has just recently moved to Monaco to play in Ligue 1. Again, he doesn't scare me. Postiga is 31 and hasn't scored for Valencia since Sept. 1 (though that was against Barcelona). Still, I'm not that scared of him.
As for the weather effect, you would expect Portugal to wear their usual red kits so that makes us where white. White is better than red in the heat, right? So we should be at an advantage. There's my optimistic report.
Obviously it's easier to say this than actually do it, but just don't let Ronaldo cut in. Force him left and make him cross to their average CF. He will get frustrated if you just sit on his right.
----------------------------------------------------Rui Patricio (Sporting)--------------------------------------------------- Joao Pereira (Valencia)-----Pepe (Real Madrid)-----Ricardo Costa (Valencia)-----Fabio Coentrao (Real Madrid) --------------------------Joao Moutinho (AS Monaco)-------Miguel Veloso (Dynamo Kyiv)----------------------------- Nani (Manchester United)----------------------Josue (Porto)-----------------------Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) ---------------------------------------------------Helder Postiga (Valencia)-------------------------------------------------- Bench: Eduardo (Braga) Bruno Alves (Fenerbahce) Andre Almeida (Benfica) Raul Meireles (Fenerbahce) Hugo Almeida (Besiktas) Silvestre Varela (Porto) Looks impressive, gotta admit.