Photo by ISIphotos.com
The task is simple, but far from easy. Avoid defeat against Nigeria and the U.S. men’s Olympic team advances to the quarterfinals of the tournament. Secure a victory against Nigeria and the Americans advance AND avoid facing Argentina in the quarters.
The Nigerians aren’t going to make that easy, not when they enter the match needing a victory to assure themselves a place in the quarters. Throw in the fact that U.S. standouts Freddy Adu and Michael Bradley are out due to yellow card suspensions and you have a match that will define just how strong the USA really is.
After using the same exact starting lineup in the second match tie vs. the Netherlands as he used in the opening win against Japan, U.S. head coach Peter Nowak won’t have that luxury this time. Now he has to make some tough decisions about his starting XI. Here is one guess at the starting lineup he will use when the Americans face Nigeria on Wednesday.
USA Projected Lineup vs. Nigeria:
———–McBride———–Altidore—————-
Holden—————————————–Szetela
—————Feilhaber—-Kljestan——————
Orozco——Edu————Parkhurst———-Wynne
———————Guzan——————————-
With Nigeria missing two starting defenders due to yellow cards, look for the Americans to start McBride and Altidore with hopes of keeping pressure on a suspect Nigerian back-line. Robbie Rogers comes out of the lineup after another subpar performance against the Dutch. Stuart Holden slides to the left as he did at the start of the Netherlands match, with Danny Szetela sliding in on the right flank.
Benny Feilhaber should make his first start assuming he is fit enough to start (Feilhaber is coming off a knee injury that had sidelined him before the tournament). If he can’t go then Dax McCarty could get the call. I know some will suggest that Maurice Edu can slide into midfield but the U.S. team needs Edu in the back against Nigerian strikers Peter Odemwingie and Victor Obinna.
What lineup do you see the U.S. team using? What lineup would you like to see face Nigeria?
Share your thoughts below.
forgot to add this:
http://images.ussoccer.com/Images/Gallery/717_328531_600_561_ned_USMNTBS0810084795.jpg
you tell me who was jumping. . . and oh, he is the tallest player in the wall.
Oye Fumar,
Dos palabras. . . Sascha Kljestan.
He gave it away and he jumped over the ball on the following set piece.
Fumar,
Like most goals, it was a chain of events. If any one of these players had not made their mistake, the goal would not have been scored.
Kljestan – turnover in defensive third
Edu – playing too far off his man in the 18yd box
Holden – poor tackle
McBride/Kljestan – jumping in the wall
This is almost completely unrelated, but I guess it has to do with US team line-ups, so:
With the US/Guatemala game fast approaching (next Wednesday) is there a set date for US soccer releasing the roster to travel to Guatemala? I assume they want at least two days to practice before the game, so if they want to be together on the 17th and today is the 12th…?
Is there even the slightest chance they are waiting to see what happens against Nigeria so the full team could potentially have a player or two meet them in Guatemala if they are out of the Olympics?
-T
Green – How was it not just Holden? The US looked organized and there were NO OTHER SERIOUS THREATS by the dutch until his foul. So on what planet is the tie not on his sholders?
A lot of choices.
a few lineups for me:
—-Altidore—McBride—-
——–Feilhaber———
Holden————-Kljestan
———Szetela———–
*same back line*
Rogers could switch with Holden seeing as how every ones right about the fact he does stretch the defense(never manages to beat any defenders though). Now if he could just put a good cross in. Thats also another thing. I’ve yet to see ONE good cross from the USA. The only good service into the box was throw-ins, people. Kljestan could also switch with Feilhaber on this one. It would allow that creativity that everyone wants in the midfield and allow a defensive element on the wing.
Green’s right – Holden has been key. He’s been one of the better performers for the first two games. With few exceptions, his decision making has been solid and he’s been aggressive/skilled in executing – all while covering an enormous amount of ground.
Also, he appears to be one of the few people in the National team pool that can put in a good set piece ball with some pace.
“I guess some folks see, or should I say not see, what they want.”
We certainly seem to agree on that, at least.
“I give Holden credit for being in the right place at the right time for that goal against Japan. But other than that he’s been invisible.”
Invisible huh? I guess some folks see, or should I say not see, what they want.
If you think he’s done nothing but what you mentioned, that’s your thing. Your wrong. It’s clear SH was all over the pitch making things happen in both games so far. On offense and defense. The guy is a baller, and will be a key to our future accomplishments at the senior level.
Get over the fact that we tied Holland. It wasn’t just him that cost us that win, so you can stop blaming him now.
And no, not a Dynamo fan, just a fan of our future ballers.
I also think that klejstan will fill in for the playmaker role that Adu vacates and Dax should fill in for Bradley as a holding mid. The rest of the team looks the same. That is unless Nowak thinks dax is just too slow to deal with Nigeria, then we need to shuffle players out of their natural positions.
——–Davis——Altidore———
—————Klejstan—————
—-Feilhaber—————Zsetela—
————-McCarty —-Edu————
—Orozco——Parkhurst——–Wynne-
—————-Guzan—————
I think this will be a good lineup, lets give more speed at front and and bring as a sub Mcbride for either Altidore or Davis and Have Holden with Robbie come in a sub when we need fresh legs. I think we have a chance to advanced because having played against Cameroon and Ivory Coast before the Olympic help us to learn that African Team are very similar style of playing, remember that we lost against Cameroon by a penalty kick and we tied against Ivory Coast, and IC lost by one goal against Argentina. So I can’t wait to SEE USA in the Semi Final Play agaist ITALY so we can kick the A** of Guiss. Rossie.
It really does not matter. Just make sure Wynne stays home – no long runs forward- and tell him the game depends on his speed and covering ability because in truth it does. Also tell Orozco more or less the same thing.
Szetela is a dog. I would not expect anything of him in attack but maybe he could defend although he’ll never be a bulldog like Bradley.
Nice night for U.S. to play long ball. The draw is the thing.
“This Guy, Orozco won’t be pushing forward. It isn’t his game — which has been frustrating to watch, seeing what Wynne has done.”
Posted by: RK
I don’t know if you saw the Dutch game, but Orozco pushed up and ripped a cross across the 6 yard box, which jozy just stuck his but out to deflect. That was the cherry on top of the momnetum switch for the US.
Wow, not bringing a true LB is really stining now. If Nowak had brought in someone, anyone, who could play left back(Wallace, maybe?) than he could slide Orozco over and move Edu into Bradley’s spot. I fear we will keep no possession in the midfield against Nigeria.
Rogers comes in 60th for Holden or Kljestan
IF we need a goal, pull Wynne and put in McCarty for a 3-5-2
Ianni if we need defensive help at the end
McHead for strikers in last 15 minutes
We need to win to secure the group, i really dont wana play argentina in the 1st round of the knockouts.
Altidore-Davies
Holden-Feilhaber-Szetela-Kljestan
Orozco-Parkhurst-Edu-Wynne
Guzan
Subs:
Ianni
McCarty
Rogers
McHead
I think Rogers will start on the left wing, Szetela will start in mid along with Kljestan, and Holden will start on the right. Alternatively, Holden will start in mid and Kljestan will start on the right.
I was more impressed with Rogers contribution than Feilhaber’s. Along with Feilhaber not being 100%, I hope Nowak will go for Szetela instead.
Its also possible that Szetela and Feilhaber will start in the midfield and Kljestan will start on the right.
I think Dax McCarty can fill in ably for Adu, but it would be more of a controversial decision by Nowak.
Rogers is staying in the starting line-up. Yes Ives, his crosses leave something tobe desired, but the mere fact that he stretches the opposing defense on the lefts side is reason enough to leave him in. Nowak, if he’s samrt, will instruct Rogers to hold the ball up and try to pass back and not attempt those crosses that sail over the end line.
Ives, u wrote “here is one guess at the starting lineup he will use “, but what line up would u put on there tomorrow?
Dynamo fan, Green? I give Holden credit for being in the right place at the right time for that goal against Japan. But other than that he’s been invisible. Well… invisible except for a horrific challenge which resulted in the dfk tying goal for the Dutch.
Honestly I am not impressed with McBride at all. I wish we would sit him and go with a 3 man attack with Rogers – Altidore – Holden. I would use Feilhaber – Szetela – Klejstan in midfield.
“Holden should be benched, based on his play against the Dutch.”
HAHAHAHAHAHA are you for real?
Get over it mate, he’s one of our best players.
If it’s true Jozy is hurt, then:
———- McHead
Rogers–Kljestan–Dax—Szetela
———— Edu
Orozco–Ianni–Parkhurst–Wynne
If Jozy is ok:
—- McHead—- Jozy
——– Kljestan
Rogers————- Dax
———– Edu
Orozco–Ianni–Parkhurst–Wynne
who is going to win balls for us with this midfield? with this midfield, i see very little service for Mcbride and altidore.
” This Guy, Orozco won’t be pushing forward. It isn’t his game — which has been frustrating to watch, seeing what Wynne has done.”
He’s normally a centre-back keep in mind.
Besides he pushed up plenty on Jozy’s goal and had the presence of mind not to just chuck a shot towards side netting as many defenders do in that situation. He crossed the ball and something very good happened.
Klejstan should not be playing in a deep midfield role. Either play him on the wing or higher up, right behind the forwards. His greatest strength is creative, but risky, attacking passing. When those passes are made in the attacking third, they lead to great scoring opportunities, and when they fail, it’s no big deal. When those same passes are made deep in midfield, the payoff is much less, but the risk is much greater.
Szetela should play in central midfield, focusing on making simple passes and playing strong defense. Let Sacha roam around closer to goal and create opportunities.
If Ianni starts we go home. He’s too slow.
I’d liek to see McCarthy for Feilheber for a little more bite in the center.
Opinions are kinda all over the place on who the front 6 should be, as well as who has played well and who hasn’t amongst those players. I watched the Dutch game twice (pretty sure I was still drunk watching it live), and on second watch I saw Rogers turn the ball over almost without exception. I know he’s having a great year in MLS, but he hurt our cause last game. I agree with Ives, he’s gotta sit. Also, I’m out on a limb here but I think a fresh Charlie Davies would better stretch the Nigerian defense than McBride, who’s old legs have got to be tired right now. Here’s my lineup:
—–Altidore—–
Holden-Klejs-Davies
—Szetela-Benny—
I like FK Pirin’s lineup or Ives. I agree that Rogers should be left out. All he does is knock the ball, run fast and try and get it, and then gets tackled or loses control. It seems that everytime he touches the ball we lose posession somehow.
I think that’s the lineup, but Rogers stays in. This is just based on Nowak’s post game comments – he seemed to like the way that Rogers played against the Dutch. However, it would be nice to see if Szetela could show off some of that U-20 WC form.
This Guy, Orozco won’t be pushing forward. It isn’t his game — which has been frustrating to watch, seeing what Wynne has done.
————McBride—————-
Holden—–Feilhaber——-Altidore
———Szetela—–Klejstan——
Orozco—–Parkhurst—Edu—-Wynne
I think we need to play more defensively and compact to prevent counterattacks, so I go with the 4-2-3-1. The Nigerians only seem to be able to score on counterattacks, so playing short safe passes, keeping possession and staying compact with tactical fouling to stop their midfield runs seems smart.
Also I think that Feilhaber can play up top as the playmaker and hopefully make some defense splitting passes. Altidore can pinch in and play more offensive on the right with Wynne behind him, and Holden should play more defensive to help out Orozco.
Holden should be benched, based on his play against the Dutch.
I don’t understand why Szetela would start on the wing.
I’d rather see him central with Feilhaeber with Kljestan on the wing.
Other than that, Ives’ lineup looks good. Im really looking forward to seeing Feilhaeber get the start.
I’d be stunned and dismayed if Rogers wasn’t starting. It would be just another conservative move that takes us away from being the NT we want to be.
It doesn’t matter that he’s yet to provide end product. There has to be one proper flank player out there to stretch defenses and at least give the appearance of trying to get McBride aerial service.
So many posibilities. I came away from the last U-20 tournament thinking that Danny Szetela was a gamer. I think Nowak is going to turn to the young Pole and ask him to step up. Also,…I don’t think Dax would match-up well with the Nigerian U-27 team. Szetela on the other hand should be up to the challenge.
why not go with what worked against the dutch?
————McBride————-
–Rogers—–Holden—–Altidore
——Klejstan—-Feilhaber—–
Orozco—Parkhurst—Edu—Wynne
————-Guzan————–
I just finished watching both of Nigeria’s Olympic games. We can dominate the flow with quick wing play and a rushed middle.
So here is my best attempt.
————McBride-Altidore—————
—————-Kljestan——————-
——-Rogers—————-Holden——–
—————-Feilhaber——————
—-Orozco—-Edu—–Parkhurst—-Wynne—
—————–Guzan———————
Whatever the lineup, we know RB and LB will be Wynne and Orozco. The key is for them to push forward to create space for Benny to move into through playing position. Benny to Holden or Rogers and over into play.
I don’t know. It makes sense to me.
Actually, I see Benny and Danny SZ switching. I think with McBride and Josy paired we’re going to attack from the flanks more so than up the middle of the field.
If Jozy doesn’t start, we’ll know that ankle isn’t as healthy as we thought.
Man, you guys have such mancrushes for Szetela.
Whether its Dax or Kljestan that ends up in the middle next to Feilhaber, who I feel must be in there as the midfield link, is going to be crucial in getting this result.
I think Edu also is going to need a monster game and watch out for fouls he may have escaped with in the game against Japan given Nigeria’s team speed.
Lineup against Nigeria:
———–McBride——Altidore———–
—————–Klejstan——————
——-Rogers——————Holden—
—————– Edu——————
—Orozco——Parkhurst—-Ianni—-Wynne-
——————Guzan——————–
i know i’ll probably be alone in this one but dax mccarty really impressed me in qualifying and feilhaber has been nothing but disappointing since the gold cup (his goal is the only reason i think anyone here likes him). I’m not Nowak, but based on what i’ve seen from the two, i would go with mccarty in the midfield.
———McBride—
———Feilhaber—
–Rogers–Kljestan–Holden
———Szetela—–
Orozco–Edu–Parkhurst—-Wynne
———Guzan———
Jozy is not at 100% so he continues to be used as a supersub
If its not the starting lineup you posted, then I will hate Peter Nowak eternally.
I’d place Feilhaber behind the forwards (don’t want him w/ too many defensive responsibilities) and put Szetela in that defensive mid role. Then I’d move Sasha to the outside (right)…
szetela at outside??
id rather move kljestan outside and put Dax into the middle…. Feilhaber will add the cretivity we will be missing by adu, and Dax will add to the enforcing we will be missing by Bradley….
I think that’s probably the exact lineup Ives. Maybe Kljestan and Szetela swapping positions at time throughout the match.
I’d like to see more flank attacks and service to the two big boys up front and not so much attacking through the middle, and sans Adu there’s a good chance that’s what we’ll see. I think Kljestan might be able to pull this off moreso than Szetela, who can play in the middle in a Bradley-type role.
I think that line-up is likely, but I have a feeling Rogers will keep his spot.
Another option is Kljestan playing behind McBride or Altidore with Szetela and Feilhaber centrally in a 4-4-1-1 or 4-2-3-1. Holden could play centrally as well. I also think Nowak might use Altidore on the wing in a 4-2-3-1 with Holden and Rogers in the other attacking spots.
I think Mo Edu has to stay in the backline, mainly because the options are to 1) switch to a 3-5-2 that the team isn’t used to or 2) put Ianni in. I don’t think anybody wants to see option No. 2.