In the latest soccer news: The US Men's National Team are set to face the 2nd place Ticos of CONCACAF at Saprissa Stadium on Wednesday. Several interesting developments have emerged with the news that Jozy Altidore has been declared fit to start and the inspirational Frankie Hejduk will be sidelined with a groin injury. In addition, Maurice Edu, who raised the level of his game the past few months at Rangers, will miss the game due to a thigh injury. His replacement, Ricardo Clark, continues his strong play in MLS stifling the potent TFC midfield winning 3-0.
With many question marks remaining before the game facing a Costa Rican side that has never experienced defeat in Saprissa in qualifying against the USA, Coach Bob Bradley faces several difficult decisions. What formation should he deploy against Los Ticos; the 4-4-2 or the 4-5-1? If experiencehas taught him anything, the El Salvador qualifier indicates that the ultra conservative approach might be his second option as the El Salvador midfield controlled the USA in the first 65 minutes of the match. The inclusion of Jozy Altidorein the second half ignited the offense by scoring a goal and providing more offensive pressure allowing Ching's hold up play to flourish with Altidore's dangerous runs and off-the-ball movements.
A conservative approach might take priority over a Altidore-Ching pairing, but most US supporters would like to witness the 4-4-2 that saw an exciting comeback and an Altidore hat trick against Trinidad & Tobago. In this case, a more offensive approach could take precedence over the preferred 4-5- formation that has caused offensive anemia playing opponents on the road.
What interests many is who will start at right back. Could Marvell Wynne earn the start at right back and would Jonathan Spector move to left back? This uncertainty has many US Supporters staying up late night blogging until dawn or tossing and turning at bed at night counting the proverbial sheep (or in their case counting Landon Donovan) to fall asleep.
With his familiarity playing on turf and great recovery speed, it is possible that Coach Bradley might look to play Marvell Wynne at right back if he assembles a 4-5-1 allowing for an endless amount of overlapping runs. If he deploys a 4-4-2, Coach Bradley might opt for Jonathan Spector to start at right back and start DaMarcus Beasley at left back to assume a more advancing position from the back-line.
Judging from recent statements from the media and past decisions, I opine that he will opt for a 4-4-2 with Jozy and Ching up top. The interesting decisions will lye with the wing back positions. Here is a possible starting Xl that we might witness on Wednesday.
-------Ching---Altidore-------
Donovan-Bradley-Mastroeni-Dempsey
Beasley-Bocanegra-Oneywu-Spector
------------Howard---------
If he opts for a 4-5-1, it is possible to see this starting Xl
------------Ching---------
Donovan-----Torres-------Dempsey
--------Bradley-----Mastroeni----
Beasley-Bocanegra-Oneyewu-Wynne
-----------Howard-----------
With a 4-5-1 deployed, Torres would provide the added dimension of being able to possess the ball under pressure. Donovan and Dempsey would create mismatches forcing Costa Rica to focus on their flank play and off-the-ball runs. Bradley and Mastroeni would provide the two defensive midfielders to control and limit the offensive displays that Costa Rica will attempt. Wynne and Beasley would provide the overlapping runs with the ability to recover defensively. This formation would focus on playing wide with overlapping runs which would spread out the Costa Rican formation.
Whatever the formation and lineup offers, it is important that the USMNT team start out strong and plays aggressive. If they provide the same effort and performance against El Salvador, the game will be a long and arduous for both the USMNT and its supporters. Costa Rica will enjoy the momentum of the home crowd, but the US must limit their mistakes and Costa Rica's chances to limit their fan participation. The USMNT must dictate the tempo and the level of play.
Other columnists have suggested that the US will play for the tie and will be happy with the result. However, I say, winning in Saprisa under the unfriendly confines will break one of the US chains that have oppressed them previously in CONCACAF qualifying. The other chain still waits to be broken, playing and winning against El Tri and Azteca. Perhaps, a win will create a inner confidence to take the next step to CONCACAF dominance, defeating their bitter rivals in August in Distrito Federal.
What did you think of the Author's starting Xl? Who would be in your starting Xl? Will the US earn six points? Wynne or Spetcor, who would you start? Share your thoughts.
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