The U.S. Men’s National Team was far from perfect against Paraguay on Saturday night, and Jurgen Klinsmann and co. may have had their Copa America ended if not for the heroics of their young centerback.
John Brooks played like an elite defender on Saturday night, and his numerous bailouts of his backline led the way in a 1-0 win over Paraguay. In addition to aiding the 10-man USMNT’s push into the knockout stages, Brooks’ performance earned honors as SBI USMNT Man of the Match.
Brooks’ biggest play came in one of the game’s pivotal moments, as three Paraguayan attackers closed in an early three-on-one. Brooks tracked back remarkably before displaying a burst of speed to recover. A sliding tackle ended the sequence while preserving the USMNT shutout, but it was far from Brooks’ only significant effort. The centerback made numerous interceptions, while repeatedly cleaning up messes left by his teammates along the backline.
The defender’s play earned him SBI USMNT Man of the Match honors over Brad Guzan, Gyasi Zardes and Clint Dempsey.
What did you think of Brooks’ performance? Which player stood out to you on Saturday night?
Share your thoughts below.
One of the advantages the US has over “most” South and Central American teams is our pace, speed and quickness.We just fail to use it enough.Time and again the midfield failed to connect on quick counters, waiting a second too long, or worse yet, underestimating the speed of the attack and mistiming passes. Zardes assist, as Landon Donovan commented, was due to his patience in waiting for the US players to get within the box, accelerating to the end line and getting the one or two feet of space he needed to cut the ball back to the top of the box where (hopefully)there is a player waiting. The US could have done that all day long on the wings, but lacked the initiative to do so.Almost every player on the US team was guilty of errant passes and missed opportunities on passing too late. Had it not been for some sparkling defensive play, it would have been a different story
The US will not have the respite they had with Paraguay IF they meet Brazil. Brazil has pace, lots of it, and the US cannot expect to absorb and counter like the previous games and win. They must control the ball and break presses with aggressive play on the ground. The big advantage the US have over Brazil is experience. Brazil might not identify take control of advantages they get against the US with a younger and less experienced squad.
Klinsmann needs to give Guzan more leeway to let the ball be played out of the backfield. The US lost about 80 percent of possession when the Guzan lofted his goal kicks, and while you can say Paraguay only got possession in their half, they still GOT possession. Needless giveaways of possession for field position. Let’s hope the US does not get Brazil in the quarters, and if they do , they play better more a possession focused game.
Umm??? South American teams have plenty of pace, speed, and quickness. However, they have the technical ability to keep the ball on the ground and complete passes all over the field.
Grit loses its shine when another opponent has control of the tempo with a succession of passes in the attacking third which results in a shot on frame. Too often the US “speed” get the ball caught in their feet while advancing on a counter or players lack of speed has them hold onto the all too long and gets dispossessed
Hertha made some money tonight.
I don’t think their manager needs to lose any sleep about JAB coming to camp out of shape anymore.
Hey Dortmund, I know where you can find your replacement for Hummels. Yellow Wall meet the Wall of Brooks. Dortmerica!!!!!!
Gyasi Z as a possible MOTM?
Great work on the cross but numerous counterattacks seemed to end when he got the ball.
I know. What is SBI thinking? Absolutely no way Zardes deserved to be considered for MOTM.
Poor matt besler
Brooks was a standout tonight and will hopefully continue his incredible play for years to come. As for Besler there are worse things than being a “Solid Back-up”. Cards and Injuries occur all the time. As long as Matt stays focused and does well when he is given his chances there is no reason that he won’t continue to be a part of the USMNT through the 2018 WC.
He could be our first world class American player ever?
Howard and Friedel qualify.
Yes,but I just have clarified in the first place: World class field player. I mean beyond our goalkeepers.
*just should have clarified*
Dempsey is world class son.
At least in his prime he was. Not sure he’d qualify today.
NO DOUBT ABOUT IT. HE WAS HUGE AND HE IS HUGE. USA! USA! USA!
yes, Brooks was excellent