Who Starts Against Ghana?

Whoever wants to run hard for 90 minutes, that’s who.

I think we go with a 3-5-2 for a few reasons:
(1) hedge that Ghana will not have as many good attacking options due to suspensions, so sacrifice D for an extra body going forward,
(2) put bodies in the midfield to discourage easy service to their less experience strikers, and
(3) have multiple bodies around Essen at all times

My projected line-up:
Keller
‘Dolo & Gooch & Bocanegra
Reyna & Beasley
Dempsey & Convey
Donovan
McBride & Johnson

* JOB could sub for Reyna at 60′
* I wouldn’t be surprised to see Wolff start and Johnson sub or the other way around
* Could we see Eddie Lewis revert back to L-Mid as a sub for Convey or Beasley?

I would like to see three in the back: Boca, Gooch and Conrad; two wide midfields who have huge responsibilities covering defensively and pushing up to the wings offensively to cross balls in to the forwards. I think Lewis and Cherundolo because they give the best service. I would like to see Reyna playing in the middle but deep with major defensive responsibilities. I know this isn’t his thing but he has to be on the field and without Mastro there really ins’t an alternative. I think Donovan and Convey (could be Beasley but he hasn’t earned it) shold be pinched in with primarily attacking responsibilities but of course giving some cover for the wide players rushing back. And up top I like McBride and perhaps Ching becasue he is better in the air than Johnson. I think an aerial attack might be a practical approach against a smaller and very fast opponent. Late inteh game we could sub on Albright for Cherundolo since he is another strong player in the air. It might be a bit radicle and perhaps not likely what we see but those are some thoughts.

Stuart had it right. There are all kinds of lineup options that might or might not work. I say go with the best legs at each position and sub as needed. Technique be damned! The US must run and run and run. They have to score against a very quick team or they go home. There’s no grey area here. The US needs to send ball after ball into the Ghana box early, even at the risk of giving up a goal.

The winning recipe: relentless offense.

The best solution yet:

we should run a 3-5-2 like Masked Writer said, and have Beasley shadow Essien the entire game.

Beasley looks terrible on offense but has been incredibly solid defensively. He also has good recovery pace. I would love to see him man-mark Essien for 90 minutes (with the close enough to elbow rule in effect)

Plus, afterwards neither he nor Bruce could complain about his offensive production!

I just want to see EJ. And Bocanegra should be a starter even without the red cards.

MaskedWriter,

I had posted a similar line-up (4-4-2, but with Conrad instead of Beas) somewhere else on this blog, but after reading yours, I tend to agree with you, in this respect:

Everyone talks about Essien (and rightly so), but Appiah is wonderful, too. Beas will hopefully provide two things that Conrad can’t:
1) congestion in the midfield to slow down the Ghanian attack; and
2) offense that will put the Ghanian midfield on their heels, forcing them to defend as well.

We can’t have Essien and Appiah racing down our throats all evening.

I am a little worried about only having 3 at the back in your line-up, but if Reyna plays defensively for 60 minutes (which he is quite capable of doing, despite what one reads on these boards), and then gets subbed out for JOB, then I think we’ll be okay.

ETucker: Plus, afterwards neither he nor Bruce could complain about his offensive production!

Very. Funny.

considering that man for man ghana is the faster team they will need to start a squad that has a fast mid field. if anyone slacks in the mid-field they get subbed no time for standing on your heels. the defense has to be tough, that means tackle hard but smart. no fouls resulting in pks, give up the free kick if you have to,keller can handle them, but no mistakes or lost marking. the way keller played last game that is a non-issue, he will excel.
forwards, well they have been nonexistant. so the best course there is “magic”, whos got the wherewithall to be creative in their box, let the ball do the work(case-in-point the ballack/klose goal against ecuador)…ring a bell, play with finesse’
there is no one line up that is gonna win them the game, its all about tactics, arena either has the right game plan or HE loses the next round for the guys! and for gods sake have the shot, even if its off the mark it will fuel the fire! they are all pros here so now its time for the guys to step it up a notch and earn their keep…because if italy beats the cheks and they lose because of bad coaching…whao is me this program will regress 10 years. so, lots of luck and show us what this team is made of!!!

I had the same exact lineup as Masked Writer. 3-5-2 in 4 lines, with Reyna and Beaseley playing defensively. Beas gets the left where he’s comfortable but has to think D first. Donovan gets the freedom he’s designed for.

Keller
Cherundolo-Onyewu-Bocanegra
Reyna-Beaseley
Dempsey-Donovan-Convey
McBride-Johnson

If the US wants a good training tape, they should watch the IC vs. Netherlands match. Watch how IC’s running took a better ball control side than the US has out of their game. I think this is going to be a raw contest, fasted man to the loose ball wins.

Who knows, maybe Arena will work some tactical magic and come up with a magically infuriating alignment that won’t allow Ghana the space to do their thing.

Very solid line-up MaskedWriter. That one makes a lot of sense to me.

THisis going to be a VERY VERY tough game. The US needs to be completely ready for it and play better than they did against Italy. Ghana is going to be completely up for it too and thinking that their team is just Essien and Appiah is a mistake. The constant attacking option is good because they are vulnerable at the back but you need to go into it assuming they will score at least one. That means the US needs to score 4 by my reckoning since you want to make sure you get enough to go through even if italy-czech is a tie. Since I am rooting for the czechs to BEAT italy, that actually means we would need at least 4 anyway – maybe 5.

I agree with Masked Writer’s lineup except for one position. Does anyone else think Dolo has looked shaky back there? I’m a big fan of Dolo, but he has looked outmuscled on D and has not been putting good crosses in the box. For my money, I’d go with Conrad instead of Dolo – big, strong back line especially if going with a 3-5-2.

>>Since I am rooting for the czechs to BEAT italy, that actually means we would need at least 4 anyway – maybe 5.

Not so. In that scenario, the combined GD would need to be 5, not the USA-Ghana GD. For example, if CZE wins 3-0, USA only needs to win by 2. So if the Czechs win, we want them to win BIG.

The US team needs a foreign coach. Look at Korea in 1992 and Australia this year. Get rid of Arena before he does anymore damage to the US National team.

We have to play to win. EJ has to play. WE HAVE TO SCORE. We can’t play to tie 0-0 or even 1-1 we have to score and put the pressure on them all match. My lineup would be…
EJ
Mcbride
Donovan
Convey
Dempsey
Reyna
Boc
Gooch
Conrad
Ch
keller

if we can’t handle them without their best scorer we’re not going to win anyway. We need to put the pressure on their backs and force their midfielders to play the whole field.

“The US team needs a foreign coach. Look at Korea in 1992 and Australia this year. Get rid of Arena before he does anymore damage to the US National team.”

So many comments, so little time … but hey, I’ve got time so I’ll give it a try:

(1) I’m not sure what happened in Korea in 1992. Must be something associated with Kim Il-Jong because there sure wasn’t a WC that year. Now, if you are referring to 2002, then Korea advanced 1 round further than the US and was put out by the same team that eliminated us.

(2) We all love the Aussies, but wait until they advance from Group stage at any point before pointing to them. Unless you mean Austria, then okay, Lloyd.

(3) I agree about Arena. I wish he could take this team to the quarterfinals like the US coach was able to in 2002. Oh wait …

SPEED SPEED and more SPEED! It was speed that led to Ghana’s win over the Czechs. If we can nullify that with our own speed and keep Ghana playing defense, we might just win it on set pieces. I know I know. The US win a match on set pieces? Blasphemous, I know, but these two teams are so close it’s scary. I can’t wait!

the us is unstoppable and will with the whole thing. look at how they played italia. its ova everyone look out the us is coming.

Well the US for sure needs a poacher, someone who isn’t afraid to take the shot from distance, and who can score.

I think the US needs to start Ante Razov, alone or possibly with Alecko Eskandarian.

Oh, wait, we have to put up with Wolff, Ching, and McBride (who I am the BIGGEST fan of, but apparently Arena is not as he refuses to play Lewis and Olsen on the wings to give him service.

I still can’t figure out who I’d start.

I’d be happy with this:

Johnson McBride
Convey Donovan Reyna Dempsey
Olsen (man marking Essian)
Bocanegra Onyewu Cherundolo

Also, why can’t Berhalter be used as a defensive midfielder?

IMHO, you don’t want Cherundolo in your back three in a 3-5-2 unless you’ve had to make an in-game tactical adjustment. He can play in that role, but his body type suits him better to being the defensive minded right midfielder (wing back), not one of the three centrals. Put Conrad or Berhalter back there.

A few words about tomorrow’s games, since these ones here are less than critical: too much is being assumed of a US victory over Ghana. The tone of expectations goes like this: The US will win, but the question mark will be whether Italy can defeat the Czechs. No one has thought of the likelier scenario: a 1-1 draw between Italy and the Czechs, whose form so far seems to fate them to just such a result, while Ghana will want to one-up neighbor Ivory Coast and beat the daylights out of the United States. It’s one thing for the elephants to hold off Serbia, a minuscule if mobbish country. It would be the story of the tournament, in Africa anyway, if Ghana were able to pull off a victory over the mighty Americans. That is what to watch out for tomorrow. And no matter what the United States do, it would all be immaterial if the Europeans draw their match. More unbound at
http://www.pierretristam.com

You’re Off topic “Total Football”
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!

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

- 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.

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!

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).

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

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:)

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

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.

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

I hear that the lineup will be as follows:

4-5-1

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

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.

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.

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…

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?

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!

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)

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.