USMNT v. Nigeria - ESPN 6:00pm EDT
Last match for the Yanks before they head to Brazil. Nigeria is in the World Cup as well, and this will be a massive test for the US. Goal here is to avoid any injuries (which have plagued more than a few players in these run-up games on other big teams).
GO USA!
Gotta learn all of the words by the end of the month even though I probably won't see US (we'd have to win the group and win the first knockout game).
MGoBlogPreview: http://mgoblog.com/content/preview-nats-versus-nigeria
ESPN article on lineup: http://www.espnfc.us/united-states/story/1866394/jurgen-klinsmann-still…
Final send-off match before a closed door scrimmage in Brazil vs. Belgium.
LET'S GO USA!
Questions for the soccer experts...
Why is it better to have Bradley on the front of the diamond than in the back of it where Jones/Beckerman play?
It seems like that player has to be all over the field, active, on the back end of the attack and on the front end of the back line. A leader. Fit.
Why is he a better fit for the point of the diamond than the back of it? Do you think he'll move to the back for the 2018 World Cup. He'll be 30 at that time.
I personally like Bradley's attacking style in the supporting role at the top of the diamond, but since he is the best player on the team, he will likely be called on to be in the back if Jones/Beckerman flail about. Even up top, he has the capability to influence play from mid-field to our defensive side.
Makes sense though.
I just flipped on ESPN and they were talking about Jones, Beckerman and Bradley all playing together so I assumed they may have been discussing us playing a different formation today.
I forgot to preface my response by saying I am no expert (but I am already drinking). In any case, Jones, Beckerman and Bradley may all play at the same time if we go with a flatter 4-5-1 versus the 4-4-2 diamond.
He's (arguably) a better person to have up top of the diamond because we need someone to create chances for us. Like he did today with Altidore's second goal, and like he did against Turkey with Fabian Johnson's goal. That type of creativity is probably the most prized skill in all of soccer. Further pressing him into that No. 10 role is the fact that we don't really have anyone else who can do it, while we have several other guys who can play a holding mid or No. 6 role (albeit perhaps not all at the same skill level).
I said "arguably" in the first paragraph because there are people who think that Bradley is out of place up there. Alexi Lalas, I believe, was initially very critical of deploying Bradley up there. But Klinsmann obviously thinks otherwise. I wish JK would have put him up there sooner, actually.
Do you think Dr. Dre just sees dollar signs fly by everytime he watches this?
And yes, I will be switching over to the Belmont Stakes during this game.
Johnson - Cameron - Besler - Beasley
Jones - Beckerman
Dempsey - Bradley - Bedoya
Altidore
Revote on the 2022 World Cup? Get your bribes bids in now!
Zuzi and Davis were the set piece masters...neither starts.
It's clearly a former poster who's been banned and created a account a few weeks ago.
By far the biggest troll on MGoBlog.
Every time someoen mentioned Jozy's goal drought.
Anyone just see the navy guy take a HUGE swig from his flask? #AMURICA
WOO! 100 caps for Tim Howard!
...is so right side heavy...
Gosh this is boring. Lineup is probably "necessary" for WC for defensive purposes but its a counter attack lineup against a very average Nigeria.
No defensive breakdowns like 1st half v Turkey but you lose some offense out there with this system.
We might have some offense if our last passes to get into the box weren't too heavy.
I think we swung a little too far in the other direction...
That is why I asked earlier if Bradley can play in the defensive midfield.
If you put him them, you can shift Dempsey to Bradley's spot and bring in Zuzi for the crosses.
Zuzi has some excellent vision and long range passes. I can only assume his defense is lacking to be sitting.
I'd like to see our Icelandic hero get a chance in this game.
Love Johannsson,
but that's what I mean about Zuzi, still play this conservative formation, but drop one of Jones/Beckerman, put Bradley in the place of that one, and bring Zuzi on up front.
I could be completely off, but I just like having a few more weapons in this conservative formation.
Encouraging shot by Bedoya - liked it.
I predict a goal on this corner. :(
Jozy!!!!!
JOZY Fantastic goal - nice
SHOTS! SHOTS! SHOTS! SHOTS!!
DRINK!!!!!!
Totally worth it. Now I can drink responsibily since the Jozy game is over.
Or should the new game be "any mention of how this game compares to Ghana."
MONKEY OFF BACK for that poor guy
Was that Jones who kind of set the table there on Jozy's goal?
Great run by everyone right there...
Now that Jozy's scored, I'd lift him for your Iceman in the 2nd half.
I agree. He played in the first 2 prep games full time so now he has the monkey off back and you can tell him at half we want to rest you for WC... lets go Iceman.
Then lazy as shit the last 5.
I don't even care if it never had a chance, what a shot by Dempsey.
Good timing, can watch the horse race with no worries at half :)
I do realize we have to play like Greece in this group in the WC but I wouldnt think vs Nigeria it was necessary. Or if its necessary to practice it, I'd assume we'd get more offense out of it considering the opponent. Will be interested to see if they open it up a bit in 2nd half with the subs. #GreeceOfNorthAmerica
I always breathe a sigh of relief that no horses get hurt racing.
I start the 2nd half with...
Johannsson for Altidore
Gonzalez for Cameron
Guzan for Howard
---------
At the 65 minute mark...
Zuzi for Bedoya
Diskerud for Bradley
Wondolowski for Dempsey
currently 4th...
Aw, hamburgers....