The Olympic men's USA soccer team entered the match against the Netherlands with several question marks after their mediocre performance against Japan. Would the defense play more cohesive as a unit and would Michael Orozco improve his horrid performance from the first game? Uncertainty loomed around the attacking prowess of Freddy Adu and his attacking ability which was neutralized due to his weak play on the ball and unfamiliarity with Brian McBride. The offense earned for the free flowing passing and attacking of Kljestan whose Japan's performance was probably his worst since wearing the red, white, and blue. Kljestan, Adu, and Orozco were given the opportunity for redemption when Coach Peter Nowak fielded the same formation and personnel only switching Holden and Rogers at the left and right wings. Their performances would not disappoint their coach with a stunning turnaround in play allowing the Olympic men's USA soccer team to earn a 2-2 draw. Although the game did not end they would have liked, Olympic men's USA soccer team can hold their heads high as they neutralized the Netherlands' play, maintained possession, and creatively attacked the group B favorites.
The Netherlands fielded a 3-5-2 formation fielding star-players such as Royston Drenthe, Ryan Babel, Jonathon De Guzman, and Kenneth Vermeer. The Netherlands applied pressure clogging the center of the field with a five man midfield and covering passing lanes. Their initial strategy was to exploit their right flank pressuring the inexperienced Michael Orozco. Beerens began attacking the flank in the 7th minute as he sprinted down the line crossing to an open Drenthe who heads over the crossbar. The Netherlands were looking to score early by applying offensive and defensive pressure. Olympic men's USA soccer team started a little hesitant and seemed to be lost at the beginning.
Sacha Kljestan starts running at defenders early on the Netherlands' side as Marcellis collided/tackled the sprinting Kljestan. The aggressive, hard foul could have merited a yellow as Kljestan laid on the pitch grimacing in pain. Stuart Holden asserted his presence in the 10th minute with a steal to transition the ball to Freddy Adu. Freddy Adu passes to an open Michael Bradley who strikes with his left but unable to connect cleanly resulting in a goal kick. Michael Parkhurst initiated a long ground pass which arrived to a Netherlands' defender. Michael Bradley retreated and recuperated the ball which silenced a potential break away.
Beerens implemented his coach's strategy in the 14th minute by working the right flank crossing to Drenthe who missed the header. In the 15th minute, Arsenal's Ryan Babel received a cross which he headed on goal. Babel's shot deflected and was able to rebound the miss striking it high near post. Goal 1-0 Netherlands. Maurice Edu was in the area and should have sealed off Babel after the first header while Parkhurst was playing the near post. If Edu seals off Babel, it would have been unlikely that he would have scored.
In the 21st minute, Freddy Adu started the game scared and timid missing a good pass into space. His play changed after that moment in the 27th minute when Freddy Adu dribbles 40 yards juking and jiving through several defenders. Adu calmly worked his way into the box moving left and positioning for an off balanced strike that sailed 10 yard over the crossbar. After that excellent display of aggression, Adu began to utilize his creativity, vision, and attacking skills to open up the game.
Olympic men's USA soccer team raised their offensive level in the 33rd minute when Bradley switches fields to a sprinting Robbie Rogers who is detained by savvy defender. During the 30-35th minutes, Olympic men's USA soccer team possessed and attacked very well as they gained momentum going into half time. Adu showcased his smooth skills in the 35th minute dribbling through four defenders drawing a foul just outside the middle of the 18 yard mark. Freddy Adu was now displaying why he can be so dangerous with the ball at his feet. In the 38th minute, Stuart Holden's free kick was almost converted by the diagonally sprinting Orozco whose dive just missed the open net. Olympic men's USA soccer team continued their pressure in the 40th minute when Adu gave a great heel pass to an overlapping Marvell Wynne sending the ball to Stuart Holden. Holden's volley strikes low while the impressive Vermeer bounced the ball out and Michael Bradley followed up the rebound with a missile that went wide left. Before the half ended, Drenthe made a bad first touch, and Marvell Wynne seized the ball in the penalty area sending a dangerous cross into open space. It was unfortunate for the Olympic men's USA soccer team that a player was not positioned there to follow-up the play. Going into the second half, the men's USA soccer team had gained the momentum and appeared that Coach Nowak's pep talk did wonders as they increased their offensive pressure.
The Netherlands maintained their same strategy in the second half possessing and countering when the situation would be ideal. In the 48th minute, Real Madrid star Drenthe's free kick caused concern as Bradley was beat by Maduro who headed it left far post hitting the post. Tactically, Netherlands switched both wingers Drenthe and Beerens to opposite ends to try to exploit the flanks since they were detained for the majority of the first half.
Stuart Holden showed his excellence on set pieces with a great free kick to Brian McBride whose snap-header was deflected by Vermeer's reactionary save just over the crossbar. Olympic men's USA soccer team started to assert its'attacking presence when Marvell Wynne steals the ball in the 59th minute. He moves down the right flank passing to Adu who was covered by three players and dispossessed. In the 61st minute, the team pressures the Netherlands in their final third on a throw-in which created a steal that allowed a combination play with Kljestan. Kljestan avoided two defenders hesitating and pivoting to find McBride who sent a shot on goal that was stopped by Vermmer. Brian McBride's sensational hold-up play in the 64th minute allowed him to pass into open space to the sprinting Orozco who sent a beautiful cross into the middle of the box. It was unfortunate that Freddy Adu had over pursued the service with the balling rolling past him far post. In the 66th minute, Marvell Wynne's lock-down defense stifled Drenthe and was dispossessed. Wynne's pass to Kljestan allows a give-and-go with Adu who send a perfect ball through the defenders legs connecting Sacha Kljestan in open space. Kljestan splits his defenders shifting right, opening his angle on goal, and attacking the vulnerable Vermeer sending it into the back of the net GOALLL!!!! One can imagine the redemption that Kljestan felt after scoring the exquisite equalizer. It is not certain if Kljestan had reviewed my Japan game analysis LOL, but it is evident that he faced his adversity and took his game to another level with a spectacular performance.
The momentum had swung in the direction of USA soccer as they appeared more energetic than the gassed and dejected Dutch. Michael Orozco inspired by Kljestan's play received a loose ball eight yard out near the bi-line and crossed the ball to a well positioned Jozy Altidore who deflected the cross of his torso in goal. Was this a dream? It was still early in the morning. Perhaps, my dream convinced me that the goal was real, but when I pinched myself I felt the jitters go through my body and knew that it was for real. Goalazo azo azo!!!!! 2-1 USA soccer was now leading the favored Netherlands. What a turnaround for all three players who struggled to impress in the first game.
In the 78th minute, Freddy Adu receives a misconduct for a stud to the face of Vermeer. It was fortunate that he was not awarded a red card. Adu will miss the Nigerian game due to card accumulation. Brad Guzan displayed his leadership and presence in the 80th minute making a crouching save on Sibon's strike. Stuart Holden could have demoralized the Netherlands with his right flank hesitation and run that created space shooting the ball wide left. It was disappointing that Holden did not opt to pass to the open Kljestan who would have had a great angle on goal 1v1 against Vermeer.
This play would come back to haunt the Olympic men's USA soccer team because in the 93rd minute Holden fouled 19 yards out from goal. Sibon rifled a low powerful strike underneath the aerial wall and entered cleanly in goal. The Netherlands found the equalizer 2-2. Although the result was heartbreaking, the team controls their own destiny going into the match against Nigeria and can advance with a tie, win or Netherland's loss.
The whole team contributed very well and will look to carry their momentum into the Nigerian game without soccer star Freddy Adu and Michael Bradley due to suspension. What is your opinion of the match? Who was the MOTM? Who will Coach Nowak start against Nigeria? The Olympic mens USA soccer team transforms themselves when they play a collective and attacking style of soccer. The USA soccer team closed down space incredibly and dispossessed their opponents transitioning well into attack. The backs combined well with the midfielders disrupting the Netherlands' desire to play possession oriented soccer. The USA summed a 12:8 (shots/shots-on-goal ratio) to Netherlands' ratio of 9:4. Kenneth Vermeer's performance was impressive with six saves to Guzan's two. My MOTM honors goes to Freddy Adu and Sacha Kljestan for their great collective performances.
USA soccer players Report Card (1-10)
Freddy Adu (8) seemed to struggle to find a rhythm in the first 20 minutes but later illustrated his phenom status with his adept dribbling and passing. If the USA advances, Adu will need to utilize his vision, combination play and attacking skills. His through the leg pass to Kljestan was incredible considering that he was being pressured maintaining his composure on the ball.
Michael Bradley (6.5) controlled and disrupted the middle of the pitch not allowing the Netherlands to attack through the middle. His work rate and defensive coverage was great and integrated occasionaly into the final third of the attack.
Maurice Edu (6.5) provided a solid game and looked more comfortable with Parkhurst. He should have sealed off Babel after his header to prevent Babel from scoring on the rebound. How good will Edu be for the USMNT?
Brad Guzan (6.5) showed his poise, leadership and anticipation to limit Netherlands' opportunities on goal. He seemed to be more comfortable with the back line coordinating and managing its' organization.
Stuart Holden (5.5) provide great defensive coverage and set piece deliveries. He is very consistent and brings a tenacity to the team always working hard. His risky tackle resulted in the late minute free kick resulting in a goal.
Sacha Kljestan (8) Due to his poor Japan performance, Kljestan displayed his best game for the USMNT with his defending, distributing, of-the-ball movement, offensive support, and excellent goal. His work rate was excellent and appeared to cover space providing a link to the midfield and forwards. What a drastic improvement! It is great that Nowak had the trust that Kljestan would face adversity and perfom at an exceptionally high level. The only negative is that in the final minute Sacha Kljestan should have possessed the ball instead of passing to Feilhaber which was deflected and lead to the free kick.
Brian McBride (7) drew various fouls allowing the offense to take set-pieces. He improved his chemistry with Adu and teammates holding up the ball to allow the midfield to transition into attack. He maintained his intensity throughout the ball and provided a great aerial header on goal.
Michael Parkhurst (6) showed his improvement over last game and displayed his consistent tackling and positioning.
Michael Orozco (7) looked very impressive in Olympic qualifiers and added to his resume with excellent play shutting down the flanks (struggling defensively in the beginning), combining offensively with teammates, and assisting on the Altidore goal. Hopefully, he can contribute against the quick and agile Nigerians which will utilize their pace to exploit Orozco.
Robbie Rogers (4.5) did not seem to have his normal rhythm. His first touch was suspect and seemed to lose the ball various times in important attacking position being knocked off the ball. In his defense, it seems that most players do not provide offensive support because he usually outruns everone on a break away. He must continue to play hard and not become frustrated when things do not go his way. His play will be essential if the USA makes a run at the medal rounds.
Marvell Wynne (7.5) provided a shut-down defensive effort against both Drenthe and Beerens who were unable to exploit his defensive territory. Offensively, Wynne made some great overlapping runs and combined well with the offense proving that he has more than just speed to his game. If his consistent Olympic performances continue, it is probable that his agents cellular will be ringing from various European clubs. He makes a case for more selections to the full USMNT.
USA soccer subs
Jozy Altidore (7.5) looked more inspired than his Olympic qualifiers' performance and his 08 Red Bull's term, maintaining possession and scoring a goal. His intensity and confidence radiates as he is taking on players and attacking goal. It will be intersting to see how he compliments McBride in the the Nigerian game.
Benny Feilhaber (5.5) made a couple of solid defensive plays utilizing his fresh legs. He will look to better his professional and international status with a good performance against the Nigerians.
The Nigerian contest will be a difficult challenge for the team. In order to neutralize Nigeria's athleticism, it will be important that the Olympic mens USA soccer team fields a team that can dispossess and frustrate the Nigerians so that they will commit errors leading to goal scoring opportunties. The Olympic men's USA soccer team must play disciplined and attack collectively. It is to their advantage to score first so that they can utilize their possession and fatigue the Nigerians. With the increased Nigerian pressure, the counter attack will allow the USA to find the seams and spaces needed to create
scoring opportunities. This is the formation that I would field against the Nigerians.
McBride--------Altidore
Holden----Felihaber---McCarthy--Kljestan
Orozco----Parkhurst---Edu-------Wynne
With Dax McCarthy adding defensive coverage to the middle, Benny Feilhaber can be used as the link to the forwards with his vision and possession. Kljestan can interchange with McCarthy and also pinch in for defensive coverage. Stuart Holden will provide solid offensive/defensive coverage and can take freekicks. McCarthy must provide the defensive spark as he did in the Olympic qualifiers challenging and possessing most loose ball. If he provides this defensive stabilty, Feilhaber and Kljestan will be freed up to provide the vision to create chances and win the game.
Depending on the midfielder's performance, I would bring in Sztela either as a wing or defensive mid depending on the scenario. Robbie Rogers would come in for one of the wings to offer break away speed. If the USA is up a goal in the last 15 minutes, I would bring in Charlie Davis for defensive pressure in the final third and his game changing speed which can be utilized if the Nigerians send to many players forward. My prediction is that the men's USA soccer team wins 2-1 with goals by Kljestan and McBride.