The U.S. Men's National team are in Guatemala City for tonight's vital CONCACAF World Cup Qualifier against Guatemala, and the match will be a significantly more difficult step for the Americans as they look to move a step closer to World Cup 2014.
The USA won the last time they were in Guatemala, four years ago, but it was far from an easy ride. For those who don't remember the national team's 1-0 victory in 2008, here is a match report to help with your memory.
Fast forward to today, and the USA is a veteran squad with several players who took part in that victory. As many as eight players who played in the 2008 victory could be in the starting lineup for tonight's match, experience that will prove vital when dealing with the hostile environment in Guatemala City.
Here is my Fox Soccer preview of tonight's match, which breaks down, among other things, the potential lineup permutations for tonight.
So what formation and lineup might we see tonight? That is going to depend entirely on the health of Fabian Johnson. If Johnson can't go, Jurgen Klinsmann will be forced to shake up his back four yet again, which could lead to problems against a Guatemala side boasting the ever-dangerous Carlos Ruiz as their target striker.
So who will start tonight? Here is a lineup we can see Klinsmann using against Guatemala:
So why this starting lineup? The three-man central midfield allows Klinsmann to deploy forwards in a 4-3-3, but Donovan and Dempsey are also versatile enough to turn the formation into a 4-1-4-1 when necessary. There is also a sense that Klinsmann has gone to this midfield to provide cover for a shaky defense.
Johnson's health is paramount, because if he can't play then Bocanegra slides left and either Onyewu or Cameron get the call. As bad as Onyewu has been, you get the sense Klinsmann still rates him ahead of Cameron. I would find it tough to trust Onyewu at this point, but Klinsmann may decide experience is something he wants at that position.
Will Johnson be able to go? He has looked unbothered by the injury in recent days, but will still be a game-time decision. Right now I would bet on him being ready.
So where is Jozy Altidore? As long as Klinsmann isn't completely comfortable with his back four, he will need to deploy the Edu-Jones-Bradley triangle, which means one target forward rather than a 4-4-2, which could feature a Gomez-Altidore tandem. Klinsmnn could start Altidore against Guatemala, but Gomez has done too well to bench at this point.
With the above lineup Klinsmann has the luxury of replacing Edu with Altidore if the team finds itself needing a goal, and this lineup can also drop into a 4-5-1 to defend a lead.
What do you think of the lineup listed above? What lineup would you like to see Klinsmann use against Guatemala? How do you like the USA's chances of winning tonight.
Share your thoughts below.
Normally I’d like to start off with the big body up front to wear on the defense then bring in the smaller faster guy as the game opens up, but in this situation I can understand starting Gomez as he’s built up a chemistry over these last few games and is on a roll.
Lately?
Did you notice he had a direct hand in all three goals against A & B?
Without him it might have been a tie.
I think it’s pretty clear you’re just looking for a reaction, obviously. Some call it “trolling.” However, it’s not very clear what your point is. Nothing in this particular article suggests what you’re saying. It’s just so far out or left field, it doesn’t make any sense.
Ives…have you ever considered a writing class. You write like a 3rd grader (who get’s C’s and D’s).
I think Cameron would be a better option than gooch. He has bested Ruiz several times on the club level. He’s used to his flopping fish antics.
The problem with the experience excuse is that the mistakes he is making are, in large part, mistakes that an experienced player should not make. This happens when you are so taxed physically, that you lose the mental aspect.
JK has come out and said that Jozy’s conditioning is not up to that of the rest of the team. Add to that, Herc is in great form. Probably nothing more to it than that.
We used to have a Wild Buffalo Wings in Tallahassee but it closed a year ago. Anybody knows of any public venues in Tally to watch tonight’s match?
Our lack of width has been a major reason for our weak attack the last two matches, and this lineup does little to fix it. Unless Johnson or Dolo are getting into every attack (not likely considering Johnson is coming back from injury), we’re likely to endure another stagnate 90 minutes from the US. At least in the second half against A&B there seemed to be more emphasis on Jones playing higher up the pitch to try to make penetrating runs from the midfield – this might be our best hope for breaking down Guatemala.
Anybody who says Gomez is better than Jozy is looking through tinted lens. While I respect Gomez’s poaching instincts, his ability to play passing, possession ball up top is limited. So many times in the A&B game, Dempsey is waiting for Gomez to pass the ball and Gomez is trying to shoot from an impossible angle. I like the way people forget what Jozy brings in terms of passing, physicality and shot taking. I think we are a more potent offense with rather than without Jozy.
I love how Gomez plays offense and defense.. Great player to have on the team…
Altidore——Boyd—–Gomez
—-Dempsey——-Donavan–
—————–Bradley————-
Johnson-Boca-Goods-Dolo
—————–Howard————-
Do it.. Doo it… LETS GO YOU YANKS!!!
this is true
That is the definition of hate. Jozy’s touch has improved the the point where he is one of the more skilled ball players we have. No one who watched him play this year for AZ can deny his balls skills.
The laziness thing has always bothered me b/c is such a load of crap. Some players run around more than others, but not all great players run 90 minutes and not all players that run 90 minutes are great. It one things fans notice, but it isn’t nearly as important as some of the more subtle tactical things like putting yourself in good positions and making good runs. I remember people calling C. Ronaldo ‘lazy’ early in his career b/c he didn’t defend and seemed to lumber around when he didn’t have the ball. Today he is regarded as one of the best in the world. This laziness thing is such a load of crock.
As far as scoring, he’s got 13 goals for the national team. That’s 10th all time in the history of the USMNT. He was responsible for a game winning assist in his last start against Italy, and I believe he scored a PK in his start before that.
Gomez has played great in his last few starts, and I would completely understand him receiving the nod tonight, but this misguided Jozy propaganda campaign has to stop.
***I meant a 4-2-3-1…not 4-3-1 sorry.
Altidore wasn’t very good playing out right. Gomez would be a much better option out there since that is where he plays for his club. But I like this as a 4-3-1 with Altidore up top, or even a 4-4-2 with Gomez/Altidore up top and Dempsey as the CAM on top of a diamond w/ Donovan to the left, Bradley to the right, and Jones as CDM.
Where do people get the idea that Jozy has a poor touch? How come I never see this?
Danny Williams really doesn’t strike me as being athletic. I don’t understand why people keep saying this. Edu’s cover speed is tremendous
——-Boyd——
Dempsey——Gomez
–Bradley—Donovan–
——–Edu———
Johnson-Boca-Goods-Dolo
——–T Ho———
I don’t see Jones surviving 90 minutes without a red in Guatemala. Donovan is more effective coming through the middle at this point in his career. I would start Jozy over Boyd but since Klinsy can’t see his way to it…
Unquestionably a better formation would be:
——–Gomez———-
Donovan———Altidore
———-Dempsey——
—-Jones——–Bradley–
——Same Back Four—–
Pretty much a 4-3-3, which is what it will turn into after the half if the game is tied anyway.
The type of formation you would use against European and South American competition is not what you would want to use against Concacaf teams. It’s that simple. All teams save Mexico will put 10 men behind the ball and defend tirelessly. Therefore, we need 2 forwards for a more offensive presence.
The above formation (if used) would make me question the supposed “easy” path to qualification.
Edu slows the game down drastically with his horrendous touch. I can’t see the point in starting him, let alone considering him for much more than a training camp selection.
We need Omar Gonzalez to come back and permanently step in for Gooch.
Although I wouldn’t mind Gomez in for Altidore if he keeps playing like he has. Also I could see Bradley and Holden swapping places.
the only thing that makes me nervous about this Klinsmann philosophy is that the great strength of the USMNT has been it’s team orientation and familiarity with the core 7-8 players or so. While it has left open complaints about who was not called in, etc. it also lends itself to more cohesion and less a collection of talent.
still think Spain’s greatest asset is that most of their core guys play together all year long for club, too…big advantage. I see Argentina over the past few years, for example, and it’s a collection of amazing skills and in-form players with little cohesion.
perhaps the US is good enough to rely on that management style at this point. it remains to be seen. I hope so since that’s what we’re going with!
At this point, the above lineup is our best option. One day, in an ideal world, maybe to start the Hex, this is what I’d like it to look like:
============Howard===========
Chandler==Boca=Gooch==Johnson
============Jones============
==Donovan===========Bradley==
============Holden===========
======Dempsey=====Altidore===
No hate, but Jozy has a horrible touch. And he’s lazy. And he doesn’t score much for the Nats.
If Klinsmann Shifts Boca and starts Gooch… He’ll have lost me. Im not sure id even put Gooch on the bench right now
Herc is starting because he is better than Jozy… end of story
Okay, I’m not going out of my way to argue with you, but it seems we disagree on a few points.
I get what you’re saying re: Jones, but I don’t think you can “sit him out.” If he gets an early yellow, maybe you re-evaluate, but his bite (IMO) is key for this game.
Why I appreciate your comments, I honestly don’t rate Gooch higher than Goodson. I don’t think you lose much, if any, aerial ability by going with Goodson and Goodson is MUCH more comfortable with the ball at his feet. Granted, I’ve never been a huge fan of Gooch, so take this for what it’s worth.
If Johnson can’t go, and you push Boca wide, I actually think Cameron would be a better option than Parkhurst. He is more athletic than Parkhurst and presents a stronger option. I actually wouldn’t mind if Parkhurst played on the left (but, if Torres is healthy, you’ll see him there in place of Johnson before Parkhurst).
I would remove Edu and put Dempsey on the top of the triangle as a withdrawn forward. I would have Freddy Adu move into Dempsey’s right wing spot. Finally, I would have Lichaj in Johnson’s spot if he’s not healthy. Adu and Lichaj aren’t in the squad? Darn it.
there are like 4-5 bars in DC listed by USSF as places to see the game. and another in Arlington (right outside DC). you’ll have plenty of options. Fado’s is great, Laughing Man is great.
Fado’s is good but there is another bar close to there called the Laughing Man Tavern where the Outlaws setup shop. Probably will be more people there. Both downtown/Chinatown.
I’m in washington dc for work…is there a recommended bar to watch this with other fans? Is the “official” bar listed on the ussoccer site the place to be? Thanks for any recommendations and sorry for being slightly off topic.
No hate. I agree on your comments about Boyd. I dont get what all of the hype is about. Jozy is faster and has a better touch.
I agree. I am not crazy about Edu, but with this formation it allows Bradley and Jones to be a little more aggressive and get the ball higher up the field. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that Johnson can start, he make s a HUGE difference.
for Guat City: 4-4-2 or 4-1-4-1
——-Gomez————-
————-Dempsey—–
-Torres—————-LD-
——–Bradley————
————-Edu———-
–FabJohn————‘dolo-
——–Boca–Goodson—-
———Howard———-
I agree with others that have said a 2 striker setup still seems most effective at this moment. Bradley is also at his best when playing higher up the pitch as well. Have Gomez up top getting behind the Gutalamala back line and Dempsey Torres Bradley and Donovan cycling through midfield.
Tactically, Jones has to sit this one out. We’ll need him against a big Jamaican squad later this month and I’ve watched enough CONCACAF to know that any american who even gives a whiff of being an enforcer gets a straight red and we can’t afford to lose him to a suspension. it’s nothing against him, it’s strictly a matter of not respecting the quality of refs. Edu will get the job done as the #7 and LD and Bradley (and Gomez) will track back.
I still rate Onyewu higher than Goodson and think he will find his form again, but this one has to be a shutout and in terms of short term, Goodson is in better form. Give Gooch the nod against Jamaica, when size and physiality is a bigger deal. I think you sacrifice his aerial threat for having two steady CBs stay at home. Still play a high line, but task your CB’s more to tracking back to keep tabs on Pesacdito. If FabJohn can’t go I would actually prefer a CB pairing of Parkhurst and Goodson with Bocanegra on the left. Parkhust has shown excellent positional awareness and very good ball control. His smaller size won’t be such an issue against Guatamala.
I also see Altidore coming in around 65-70 minutes.
I don’t often say this, but I feel that anything short of a win tonite will be a disappointment, but I easily see it being a 1 goal result or a draw. A loss will be a big disappointment. This team has the talent to score enough to overcome the fact that the back four is still adjusting to playing a high line style. ven with such a hostile environment and the Guatamala is currently in a pretty sad run of form. If the US play their game and stay patient and focused for the full 90 minutes, they should be fine.
Another huge question mark with the team tonight is which LD we will see tonight. I think many US fans have started to lose faith in Landon and his commitment to the team.
Clearly Donovan has what it takes to be our most threatening player; and when he brings his A-game he is irreplaceable. Yes we have players who could fill his roles and be serviceable. Bug LD is still a special player and is best at what he does. But we have seen lately that his lack of commitment does us harm.
Do you gamble and throw him on to start and hope and pray for the on-fire Landon? I think you have to. But for how long? How many subpar showings do we allow? Tough question.
He’s our most dynamic player with his intangibles. But when he’s not all there, it’d be better to have anybody else out there and play a little differently.
I am a bit worried that Jones will pick up a costly red card this game and we will suffer from being a man down.
nice lineup for this game Ives imo, and if no Johnson then Gooch, warts and all
Have to agree on Gooch tho his showing wasn’t inspiring on that goal he allowed and more
I just hope that if Gooch plays that he plays his game and not what he cannot do. If he plays, Guatemala will look to force him to make the plays and passes out of the back, so I hope he doesn’t try to get to cute
style means ZERO tonight…result is everything
Yes–I agree.
Torres was taken to the hospital after the match against Antigua and Barbuda and X-rays revealed no fractures. He has been receiving treatment and is hoping to be ready for the Guatemala game.
i am hoping for the SBI lineup for sure.
as for gooch, i re-watched the game and especially their goal. a few things i noticed, Dolo messed up which led to the counter in the first place. he gave the ball away while caught forward. so then Goodson runs over an positions himself TERRIBLY and gets burned. that left Gooch to cover. he did the exact same thing as Goodson, terrible positioning and then blown by. i think Gooch got the brunt of the wrath since he was the last guy. but he was only the last guy because two of our other defenders got burned themselves.
i might be crazy, but i would go with Gooch over Cameron since this is an away game. i’m hoping we don’t have to even worry about it though and Johnson can start.
I agree with this. Herc is playing great. I still think Jozy’s the better player but right now, in form, in fitness you gotta give the nod to Herc. Herc’s untested against stronger competition (where I think Jozy’s raw skills and strength give him the edge), but Herc definitely deserves the chance right now.
i’m with you. Gooch has not been good, no way to say it. but away to Guatemala seems like a TERRIBLE way to get Cameron into a meaningful game.
i just hope we have a LB ready to start so we don’t even have to worry about it.
i couldn’t agree more. i’ve been very frustrated with the lack of injury updates, or any updates regarding the USMNT since the Canada game. and it’s not just SBI, but just about every site. did the USMNT just refuse to talk to reporters after the Canada game? are reporters now not being allowed in training sessions? it just seems like there has been a massive drop off in coverage after having SO MUCH from the start of camp through the Canada game.
Not completely accurate (the vacation part is a straight up misrepresentation on your part).
Unlike the latest US Nats hype fixation T. Boyd (don’t get me wrong he’s legit), Jozy got actual playing time on a top league side (Villareal) at a younger age than Boyd.
Was a starter at BPL club Hull. Got a lot of playing time at Beskitas in Turkey. Now a leading scorer and starter at AZ.
He was benched at times at each of his teams but it was more for the inconsistency that comes with being a very young player. Shoot, Boyd hasn’t played a league game yet, Gomez was pedestrian in MLS and wallowing on the bench at age 26! And I like both of those guys but the hate on Altidore is ludicrous IMO.
could be you are correct Vic. We’ll see tonight if Fabian can’t go and something crappy happens in the back because Boca was forced outside
the ‘played only 10 games’ argument does not compute…10 EPL games at the end of the year means he’s match fit!
JK literally just commented on this exact issue:
“It’s an ongoing competition. I am not giving away starter spots because of whatever they did the last 10 years,” Klinsmann said of all position battles. “If I see they are 50-50, I will decide pretty much a day before the game and say, ‘You know what, this guy has the edge for me right now.'”
“It may sound strange that the 22-year-old would out of shape just weeks after the long club season had ended, but Klinsmann points out the difference between a player working out on his own and scrimmaging with teammates.
‘You have to actually show within those [practice] sessions that you’re bigger, stronger, faster than the other guys to make a difference,’ Klinsmann said. ‘If you don’t do that for two or three weeks, it takes you usually another five or six weeks to get into that shape.”
well said, and it’s a big challenge for all of the US players. Jones did well last Gold Cup not retaliating after getting baited (and he was baited), but on the road in Guatemala is a different atmosphere for sure. That limited Americans will see (or care) about this match makes the liklihood of shenanigans that much more prevalent, too imo…although they would occur anyway.
have to expect them and overcome them