Who Starts Against Ghana?

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No one has assumed anything.
Go Away

Gregg- good point about Dolo. He is definitely a small defender and can get outmuscled. However, he is confident bringing the ball forward (even if his crosses are off) and he is VERY FAST (which will be key).

TOTALFOOTBALL- good point about the US being overconfident. It seems like the US focused too much on our first two opponents and took Ghana for granted. Kasey Keller’s blog reeks of blind faith.

Its importat to play confidently, bt we have to respect Ghana.

Also, I love the respect people have for the MLS, but Eskandarian? Come on? That guy wold not last one set piece at this level (he has a history of concussions).

I also think Olsen may play, but do not expect much out of him (he is a) slow, and b) a poor distributor at this level)

I think the US needs to start off with a 4 man backline just to make sure we don’t give up a goal in the first fifteen minutes.

If we can do that, we’ll be in good shape as I think overall we are a better technical side.

GO YANKS!

Posted from  Dominican Republic

If the US comes out playing like they did against Italy, I think the worst they’d get would be a draw. And if the other game in the group is a draw, at least the US team can go home knowing they played two great games in a row against quality competition. Something to build on, at least.

Gentleman, it’s very simple-ATTACK-ATTACK-ATTACK! Force the ball down Ghana’s throat! Let them make the mistakes! Force corner kicks! Keep the ball on the ground and PASS-PASS-PASS! Also,run without the ball to get into space! It’s simple fundamental FOOTBALL! LET’S GO USA!-ADIOS

Posted from  United States

- yes, 3-5-2, definitely
- yes to the masked lineup
- As we’ve seen, lineup and formation are second and third to “fighting spirit” on the priority list.
- Interesting proposal from Gregg. It’s true, Dolo has been a little off and we don’t need his forward pressure out of a 3-man back-line so maybe Conrad could make more sense there.
- Yes, O’Brien for Reyna makes sense but perhaps only if we’re ahead to add possession and in that case maybe it’s O’Brien for Beasley.

- On the other hand, if tied or behind going into the second half we’re playing for our lives, in which case the top three priorities come together in the following manner: “Convey, McBride, Dempsey. You need to play balls out on attack until you score or you’re gassed and then we’ll sub you out for Lewis, Ching and Wolff.” Believe me, I know that’s not the world’s most intimidating strike force, but what better option do you have at that point.

Posted from  United States

yes, my boss is letting me take an early lunch to catch the second half of the game!

Go USA! Donovan and Dempsey will both get a hat trick (of shots at least)!!

I am so excited I can hardly stand it! If our boys play like they did Italy, I don’t care what the result is…I just want to see a gritty, hardfought effort!

Give’em hell boys!

Posted from  Dominican Republic

I would go with a 3-5-2 because I don’t think Ghana have played against this formation much. The important point is to break up their mid field play.

Cher Gooch Bocengra
REYNA
Demp Donavon Beasley (on Essien) and Convey

EJ & McBride upfront

Otherwise go 4 at the back and slide in Conrad and take out Beasley (he doesn’t seem to be hungry enough on the pitch at the moment).

Posted from  United Kingdom

LET’S FORGET THE PASS, AND LET’S
PLAY HARD LIKE IF THERE IS NO TOMORROW. WIN U.S.A WIN

Posted from  United States

I am thinking we need to play something like 3-5-2. We need goals and it is conceivably the last game of the tournament if we don’t score. So, put everything forward, and hope for an early goal or two. Then, if successful, drop back some people.

I agree with having McBride and E. Johnson upfront. Dempsey needs to continue to play as a starter. Donovan plays in the middle but he needs to do even better than his improved performance against Italy.

..and we will need lots of luck:)

Posted from  United States

I’d love to see USA beat Ghana but it ain’t gonna happen.

Posted from  Canada

Ghana will be representing the entire continent of Africa so a win would bring glory and honor to the country. There have been African representatives griping about the lack of success in the WC from African teams and this could be the time where Ghana shocks the entire world.

The Ghanians are a formidable opponent, but are missing key strikers this match. Yet, the Ghanians are a very disciplined team and the U.S. needs to capitalize on every opportunity they are given in the game.

In order to go far in the WC tournament, the squad needs to be more spirited and believe in themselves. They need to want the win and not be complacent.

Posted from  United States

I have faith the U.S. team will be successful tomorrow. =)

Posted from  United States

I hear that the lineup will be as follows:

4-5-1

dolo, gooch, conrad, Boca
lewis, reyna, dempsey
beasly, donovan
Mcbride

Posted from  United States

If they do go with the 4-5-1 shown by Drwho, I’ll be pleased. That is a speedy lineup (Reyna being the one slightly slow spot). If Dempsey and Lewis push forward aggressively (and often), that’s a formidable goal-scoring group! The only downside I can see in that scenario is that it leaves Reyna very vulnerable to quick counter attacks. But I think that is the correct risk to take, because if we can’t get some balls into the back of the net, we go home anyway. I’m all for a speedy, offense-oriented lineup! SPEED SPEED SPEED!

I think that if BA goes with a 4-5-1 it will be a mistake and IMHO, the end of a sad WC for the US… unless it is meant to be a 4-3-2-1… we need to attack and score… this 4-5-1 thing, its not working… as many noted before the WC began (and i didnt believe them)- McBride CANT do it… and I love him esp after his performance against the dirty WAPS (pardon my Italian)… I think that the 3-5-2 idea was legit… no one can replace Pope, esp not Conrad!!! we are asking for trouble with Conrad on the field IMHO…

also, has anyone else noticed that Reyna has not pulled his weight this WC and that all the hype as el capitan hasnt been proven or backed up? I just feel that he does not fit the NEW US game and hence, we were really successful in 02 without him because he is slow and does slow the attack A LOT! maybe i am off my rocker but- he has done nothing and he doesnt close well enough defensively, too SLOW… i actually think the 3-5-2 would be better without him. JOB should start and if we go up early, after half, bring on the captain and let him slow it down and control the ball- its lovely then. but to begin, speed and goals and recovery speed are MOST important.

Good luck US- i just dont see it happening though as much as i’d like it to.

Posted from  United States

Steve - as an Italian first of all it’s WOPs - it stands for “without papers.” A reference to when Italians were the immigrant group xenophobes used to worry about.

Secondly I really can’t believe some of the lineups posted here. People suggesting Berhalter should play midfield - oy. People suggesting Conrad play outside - oy. People suggesting Convey or Beasley play inside - triple Oy.

Keller
Dolo-Onyewu-Conrad-Boca
Dempsey-Reyna-JOB-Donovan-Convey
McBride

That’s it - we are what we are. I expect EJ and Olsen as subs.

Posted from  United States

Guggy, thanks for the info, actually i had no idea and proved ignorance by the statement but it was meant as a semi-joke so sorry for the offensiveness…

with soccer, i disagree about the education… i actually think that beasley inside would work tomorrow because of essien and appiah… the speed on the inside would be gladly taken… also he has much MUCH to prove… third, he and donovan work quite well together and Donovan would let him go left ALL day and to give him his due, DMB really hasnt had a chance playing his side at all and even with a man down, when he did, he scored so? (well its no goal but…? IMHO, the Italians are good at paying people)…

anyway, i stick to it that we need more up top and a 4-5-1 doesnt work tomorrow…

Posted from  United States

At the risk of sounding like a broker record, Steve, I think you are being too hard on Reyna. He has pulled his weight plus one. He is doing what he is supposed to do. He sets the tempo, he sets up the attack. He ran his ass off versus Italy. Who has come closest to scoring? (Help me ETucker!)

Granted, he can’t dispossess folks in midfield as well as he used to, certainly not Essien. But have you seen him be dispossessed? He doesn’t just play the ball into space and make the easy pass. His mindset, and abilities, are to attack, and usually with an interesting pass. He needs help in defense. If Beasley plays (or had played) like he can and should, this would not be an issue.

Drwho, do you have an inside line to the team?

[...] While we’re praising you, brilliant move starting Clint Dempsey against Italy – he was the best American threat all afternoon. Who Starts for Pablo in the middle? Hey, that’s your job. But we’d like to respectfully submit: Johnson and McBride up front, underwhelming Donovan and Reyna in the middle, and just like last time, Convey and Dempsey on the flanks. As much as we love Beasley, he’s a second-half sub at this point. [...]

Steve A -”Who has come closest to scoring?”

Um, but for an ill-placed Brian McBride, DMB? Wait…You mean in legal play…

Yes, of course, in legal play. Beasley did score, but for the “ill-placed” McBride. Which is closer? Who knows…?

My point was in response to Steve suggesting Reyna has not pulled his weight.

Cheers.

I noticed during the Italy game… that the USA team plays offense as if they’re playing basketball! Several times I saw them bring it upfield, line up along the 3 point line, and pass it along the “top of the key”… unfortunately it does not work when playing futbol.

Did anyone else notice this or is it just the magic mushrooms kicking in?

Posted from  United States

minhoca- passing along the three point line and displaying patience are exactly what Argentina does….except they have forwards who make incisive runs.

Bruce’s 4-5-1 means the US’s best/only offensive plan is crosses in the box. Unless we get another forward out there, it will be all airballs.

Reyna without a doubt has been the best US player this world cup. His problem is that he has 1 forward making runs, and that is McBride (who is not a threat on the ground).

Also, Reyna is QUITE GOOD defensively. He is a Typical #10: he contains to slow down the offensive rush, not necessarily to disposses and get a counter attack. (that is Mastro’s job)

His vision is unparalleled and he feels a game’s tempo like no other. There is one word to describe him: “irreplaceable”

But to be honest, in soccer its all relative. Here is the alternative to Reyna: Ben Olsen.

Olsen is probably slower. Think about it

Good debates though people! Glad to know other people care about US soccer like I do!

Posted from  Dominican Republic

On a plus side, I think Bruce’s 4-5-1 (which he will indubitably use) may actually work this game:

Ghana is going to attack, and attack fast, but that a) leave them open for counters, and b) leave their midfielders way up the field.

If Convey and Dempsey play like they did against Italy, this could be a very fun match (up and down)

Posted from  Dominican Republic

I like this lineup so long as he plays the midfield/forward as follows:

Reyna (central)
Dempsey (Wide Right)
Lewis (wide Left)
Donovan (Attacking Right Central)
Beasley (Attacking (Left Central)
McBride (Center Forward)

It’s like an arrow with a target.
Dempsey needs to demonstrate the ability to cross, otherwise Olsen should have been started wide right.

Posted from  United States