Beginning seemed slow, but as the game went on it seemed as though that was the way the US wanted to play it...strong defense, clog the midfield, and counter with number. Defense looked great until subs were made. Omar just seemed to not fit in there with 2 other CBs.
I thought Beckerman played solid defense with the offense infront of him but when the ball was won, he seemed to struggle trying to make a turn a get it to Bradley, Jones, etc. Don't get me wrong, I like this formation (4-2-3-1) and Beckerman starting but I can see that as a liability for a potential goal.
Isn't it a little ironic under Bob we always conceded in the first 15', now under Klinsmann it's the last 15'?
I hate the defender for forward sub, more often then not its a terrible move that just invites pressure.
The WC is going to depend on Cameron and Besler staying healthy/ avoiding cards. Brooks is inexperienced and Omar is not 100%.
That was a GREAT tactical approach to the game -- it took some time for us to settle down. We missed a LOT of easy passes in the beginning, but once we settled down --WOW!! I don't think Howard faced a shot in the first 45.
The problem was that they were playing with 3 CBs and only the penalty play, OG was playing a FB position. Horrible placement.
At this point, Brooks should be the CB coming into a game if JK wants to play 3 CBs to protect a lead.
I don't like the 3 CB backline either, but neither it nor Gonzalez's performance are worth blowing out of proportion.
OG looked really slow and not able to compensate with position today. Brooks v. Turkey was great on positioning, and should have more pace. I see Brooks over OG as a late game sub despite the experience v. inexperience.
My thoughts on the game today: Altidore--our boy finally has his game back. JK's plan to play him basically all 90mins these games and to get him max PT up front along with making sure to keep him mentally there and confident finally paid off. The 10min to go til the end sub so the crowd cheers for him as he leaves with two goals on our final game, smart/good move. We played essentially JK's 4-5-1 from early on with 3 CM's (Bradley, Jones and Beckerman). --------------------------------Howard--------------------------- ---------------------Cameron------------------Besler----------- Fab'------------------------------------------------------Beasley ------------------------------beckerman----------------------- ------------------Bradley---------------------Jones---------- ------Bedoya-------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------Dempsey----- -----------------------------Altidore----------------------- This is the perfect line up to start our WC, because it's nice and conservative, but can also break out into a strong attacking 4-3-3 when our guys push up on a counter. The way JK subbed out Beckerman for Mix, could be a sub that we could see too depending on the score. I see JK just sticking with the 4-5-1/4-3-3 early on but if we show strong, he can switch to our 4-4-2 with Bradley as the offensive mid again. Bradley has been excellent for us. His service is pure class now--and is becoming that '10' we've been looking for for a long time. That pass to Altidore to his chest was everything I llove in a classic CM. It was sooo etcheverry'esque that I am sure mike would admit that too (wiht his dad being asst. coach at DCU back in the day). This is the lineup to play with, with Fabian as a RB too, he's strong on both offense and defense with the help of Jones or Bradley. Cameron was a lot better, but still has some work to do. Beasley is the guy we start at LB. Simple. Dempsey looked good, but lacked some finishing tonight. No worries though--he knows how to come through big at WC's. Jozy will score his first goal vs. Ghana--I calll it though. Bedoya is my starting RM over Zusi who plays too conservative if he doesn't have a chance to make one of his trademark long passes. He's not that confident with his through balls where Bedoya is more confident, but still lacks the skill a bit. His confidence is important though, and I want him starting because he can help a lot on offense and defense. I am very happy for Jozy though. This is what he needs, and JK's tinkering wtih his head has paid off. We have our World Class striker back boys!! That second goal was stuff we saw him do ove and over again for AZ'. His cut in and then bodying of the defender to bury a bomb that th ekeeper couldn't stop was the icing on the cake. Let's take that GHANA HEAD OFF BABY!!!!
Jozy, Bradley and Fabian were the most impressive this match. Bradley is the most important player and if Fabian can get free on runs in the WC like he has then he is going to be dangerous.
One thing that I am a bit curious on, is what JK's substitution pattern is going to be. That might be the one thing I'm not clear on going into next week.