Today’s game against Italy is a rare chance for US soccer to gain a degree of respectability. I am not sure if anyone realistically expected Team USA to down the Czech Republic, but I doubt that many expected total embarrassment. I just have to wonder which team will show up today? The one that played a lazy endeavor against a clearly superior team, or will we get the team that is hungry for respect?
There has been a lot of talk about changing up the lineup today, but it will all be for naught if we do not figure out some basic principles of defense (clear to the sidelines folks!). I am not going to make any suggestions here because I have no idea how to fix this problem. The guys just need to figure out how to hold it together, close down any attacks, and play some sound defense. I really think steady play is all that is needed because Keller is a fine keeper if given just a bit of support.
As for the midfield, at a minimum Donovan needs to go back to the midfield and Beasley should be a very late sub to help stretch the field. Everyone seems to like O’Brien; I can jump on the bandwagon if needed, but Reyna will need to play like he is super pissed about the midfield’s poor performance last Monday.
Of course you have to score to win, and if no one can serve McBride, or whoever is playing to support McBride, I do not think we will score. This is really a huge problem for the US; no dominant strikers. I figured the US was going to play a classic defensive style of ball control, but after going down in the first five minutes, it was pretty much over. All signs point towards Eddie Johnson playing opposite McBride. I am going to keep my fingers crossed that we can at least get some quality opportunities and hope for the best.
The two things we do know are that we have to win or we go home, and what an utter disappointment (dare I say failure) that would be for US soccer. We also know that Arena is going to shake up the line up. Like I said, steady defense, solid midfield support, and a few quality opportunities for our boys will result in a 2-1 upset.
Go USA!
Its scary that even your optimistic prediction cant produce a shutout.
I really did not think the US could win the first game, but I if they come to play, I think they will get it done today. Afterall, it is win or go home.