USA

USA: Best XI?

The USA put in a fine showing at last year’s Confederations Cup, knocking out Spain 2-0 in the semi-final, and leading Brazil 2-0 at half-time in the final (Brazil eventually won 3-2). Coach Bob Bradley fielded a conventional 4-4-2 during the tournament, and there was sufficient solidity within this framework to prevent them from being overrun by teams such as Italy and Spain.

In their group game against Italy, the USA more than measured up to their European opposition in the first-half. Whilst there appeared to be a slight vulnerability from set-pieces, the defence was solid with Jay DeMerit and Oguchi Onyewu forming a redoubtable partnership in the centre. However, it was central midfielder Michael Bradley who perhaps caught the eye the most. Bradley was strong in the tackle, his passing was good and he also managed to push forward in support of attacks.

The USA contrived two impressive counterattacks in the first-half against Italy and deft tackles by Bradley initiated these. On both occasions Landon Donovan was able to break and set up clear chances, but neither forward Jozy Altidore nor Bradley himself were able to finish from close range. Ricky Clark provides further grit in central midfield, although at World Cup 2010 the US need to be mindful of discipline: Clark was sent off against Italy for a high challenge on Gattuso, whilst Bradley was sent off against Spain in the semi-final. Altidore provides the physical presence in attack for the US and he won a penalty against Italy when he was felled whilst turning Chiellini in the box. The spot kick was converted by Donovan to give them a 1-0 half-time lead.

Eventually the US, down to 10-men following Clark’s sending off, were worn down by Italy. However, they indicated in the first period that they were a high-functioning unit. This was confirmed by their later performances in which they beat Egypt 3-0, knocked out Spain and rattled Brazil. In these later games, speedy young forward Charlie Davies came into the team and performed well. Unfortunately Davies was badly injured in a car accident last year and is unlikely to make the World Cup. If Bob Bradley is seeking another partner for Altidore, then Conor Casey could be selected. (Casey scored two goals against Honduras which helped to seal the USA’s World Cup qualification). This approach pushes Donovan out to wide midfield and this format worked well in the latter stages of the Confederations Cup, but it could be the case that Donovan is best deployed in a central position. There had been a suspicion that Donovan went missing on big occasions, but his performances at last year’s tournament should have dispelled such misgivings. He’s also looked good for Everton during his current loan period.

Elsewhere in the side, the full-back slots may be taken by Carlos Bocanegra, currently with Rennes, and West Ham’s Jonathan Spector. The US also have a highly regarded keeper in Everton’s Tim Howard, who won the Golden Glove at the Confederations Cup. Clint Dempsey should take the left-midfield berth: he also performed well at the Confederations Cup and has been a useful goalscoring midfielder with Fulham for the past few seasons. Benny Fielhaber, who plays for AGF in Denmark, may be selected at right-midfield if Bradley plays Donovan in a central attacking role.