Ugh. Miazga+Gonzo. On the other hand Cannon and Lovitz will offer some more cover than Lima and Ream, but still.
The thing I'm not looking for in tonight's match, even with a second-string squad: Moral victories This XI should be able to win Group D, especially with 3 strong subs to help them finish the job.
I argued for keeping the momentum but I’ve got full respect for squad rotation. Main thing I’m looking for is individual performances and continuation of a progressive system.
Wow, when I was editing this infographic it didn’t even faze me who started — now that I look at it again... What a weird lineup.
Escobar, Cummings, Nelson and Gabriel Torres are the only starters Panama is fielding, resting #1 keeper Mejia, Murillo, Davis, Barcenas, Cooper, Roman Torres & Quintero. Looks like a game intended to be a test of the bench, and a likely midfield battle.
Donovan's analysis after the segment is noteworthy. He stated that Trapp's not the type of leader that grabs people by the scruff of the neck on the field, but universally praises his presence in the locker room. Donovan then states that Trapp is effective in certain types of games for the U.S., but that Trapp needs to prove that he can hang in the hard, physical international matches to play more in tough matches for the U.S. If not, maybe Trapp is a rotational starter. I think that's a remarkably fair assessment of Trapp. Donovan is usually the best US analyst on Fox.
I kinda wish this game wasn't the last game in the group stage now. We finally face a decent team and everyone is resting lol
I'd love the commentating to weather the test of time. I heard multiple criticisms of McKennie in the last match and it was an excellent performance from him. I think commentating is a difficult gig live. However, they can at the bare minimum watch the match objectively.
They're never going to be to damning until after the fact, but Donovan is the best at being both positive and leaving room to read between the lines.