By FRANCO PANIZO
A win guarantees passage to the Round of 16 at the World Cup, and U.S. Under-20 Men’s National Team head coach Tab Ramos has made a handful of changes with that in mind.
The U.S. U-20s are looking to build on their group-opening win over Myanmar, but have the difficult task of playing tournament hosts New Zealand (3 am ET, Fox Sports 1). The match was already expected to be intense, but should be even more so after Ukraine routed Myanmar, 6-0, earlier today to move into first place of Group A.
Looking to help the Americans reclaim the top spot and book a place in the knockout phase of the World Cup, Ramos has inserted four players into the lineup that did not get the nod against Myanmar. Gedion Zelalem is among that quartet, as are Bradford Jamieson, Paul Arriola, and Desevio Payne.
SBI will be bringing you live commentary of this morning’s match, so feel free to join us by following the action here. You can also share your own thoughts, opinions and analysis in the comments section below.
Enjoy the action (live commentary after the jump):
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CCV, RR, Hyndman, Zelalem, arriola, Jamieson looked class. The way we dominated them is something i personally havent sen from a u-20’s group.
Very pleased with the performance. Ramos got it right with the adjustments, the team played with confidence. Ultimately, the early goal set the tone and we got an easy win that could’ve been even more lopsided.
Lots of good stories on the individual side too. But it’s bedtime, so I will finish with a prediction– somehow, the US ends up playing Ghana in yet another international tournament. Given the 3-0 lead they raced out to against Argentina (eventually finishing 3-2), I suppose I wouldn’t mind being wrong….
And…… Cesc Fabregas with the assist….
That was sweet!!
East Coast here. I had to power nap. I was in bed at 9: then I had Fox sports on at2:58.
Rubin has robbed Jameison of two goals so far this game. Not nice.
Good first half from the US, I thought:
-Vickers is a specimen and is dominating on set pieces, should have scored with the post that lead to the opening goal; he also had a crucial tackle on New Zealands first attack of the day
-Zelalem and Hyndman are the class of the midfield; though Zelalem seems to be trying to play a different style than his teammates at times
– Rubin is workhorse, harassing the backline, winning the ball, and bringing the midfield into play
– Arriola is also working his butt off on the right side, but besides a fierce long shot has not done a lot in attack
– Payne is super athletic and looks to be talented; though his yellow card was a careless lunge
– Haven’t seen a lot from acosta at LB, but Delgado grew into the first half and started making important tackles
– Jamieson staying pretty wide left and providing all the width on that side, acosta does not seem to be pushing up much
Looking good, might think about getting Miazga and Payne out, on yellows.
Idk who I like better zalelem or hyndman they both look great. What do you guys think bout the first half?
I’m looking forward to Zelalem getting more time with this group, to answer your question Hyndman is the guy…
Z certainly looks like he’s most comfortable in the middle of the field…
I’m sitting here wondering if the 4-2-3-1 with EH at the 10 , Rubin up top, with Z and Arriola in support would not only look good, but give Jameison the space to run
Yeah I’m w Bac. Hyndman edges Zelalem, who has shown a couple of really “ok this guy is definitely legit moments” though seemed to be trying too hard at times to be spectacular (he did just nutmeg some hapless guy ridiculously on the endline, in fairness). But yeah, there is definitely quality there.
Arriola just scored. He has had several very dangerous shots from distance. Seemed like a matter of time.
Good show thus far– big turnaround from the other night.
That’s the exciting part for me. Z has these moments in possession that jump off the screen at you, but you can still see the growing pains as he learns how to play in this team.
The interplay between EH and Z has just been special though. Can’t wait to watch them grow.
+1 Even as the game wore on and into the second half, you could see Zelalem’s confidence and understanding with the others growing. Hard not to be excited, even if it doesn’t all come together in time entirely at this tournament.
Bradford Jamieson looks like a flat-out boss out there today As an LAG supporter, I can’t say I’m shocked. Maybe a little bit, though. He has really stepped his game up hard in the last few weeks. This lineup looks a lot more coherent than the last.
In an unrelated note, NZ’s keeper is not good at sports.
On the record.. East coast fan… stayed awake to watch… about a dozen Dr. Peppers just like Forrest Gump.. volume loud to try and keep me awake….
Like what I see so far for the most part. Rubin Hyndman Zelalem some nice combination play, Jameison making some intelligent runs, and Arriola packs a wallop in that right foot.
You can see why Zelalem is comfortable in the middle of the field.. a little more chemistry with these guys and….. Well we just just scored again….. this is cool
Atta boy. Now you get a taste of what we West Coast folks go through on the weekends. Props to you for staying up on a Tuesday morning.
I was just thinking about that.. How the west coast guys have it.
Benefits of owning your own business… I CHOOSE to ignore Tuesday…
Hope we can get a 3rd here and get the guys sitting on cards outta there. Lot of cards in this tourney
Foxsportsgo is absolute garbage. It never works for me either. Truly pathetic on their part.
Anyone else having issues with foxsportsgo? Yesterday I could watch friggin’ Uzbekistan play, but now when I log in it doesn’t show me any WC games, but does show them as an option BEFORE I log in… what gives fox? Rather unpatriotic, it seems.
Let’s Go Yanks!!!