Facing off with Argentina will never be an easy task, but the U.S. Men’s National Team’s Copa America semifinal will be all the more difficult given several notable absences.
Heading into Tuesday’s semifinal clash, the USMNT will have to overcome suspensions to Jermaine Jones, Bobby Wood and Alejandro Bedoya. The trio’s absences will leave the USMNT without several key pieces in the starting XI, leaving Jurgen Klinsmann’s side shorthanded against Lionel Messi and the highly-favored Argentines.
The return of DeAndre Yedlin does provide Klinsmann with his favored right back, while several other performances in the team’s quarterfinal win against Ecuador could prove to be the difference-maker as Klinsmann puts the pieces together to take on Argentina.
With that said, here’s a look at one potential lineup Klinsmann could go with for Tuesday’s semifinal:
Some thoughts:
Heading into the match against Argentina, one thing is clear: the USMNT will have some major shuffling to do.
Suspensions to Jermaine Jones, Bobby Wood and Alejandro Bedoya rob the USMNT of three definite starters. In their absence, the U.S. will be without their top No. 9 and two pieces of a three-man central midfield, leaving Klinsmann with some major decisions to make when it comes to reassembling his starting XI.
Starting from the back, DeAndre Yedlin will rejoin the starting lineup following suspension, while the centerback tandem of Brooks and Cameron will look to build on what has been a magnificent tournament. The main decision comes at left back following Matt Besler’s strong showing against Ecuador.
Against Argentina, the left side of the field will be vital, although Wood’s suspension leave the U.S. in need of adjustment on the flanks. Whoever starts at left back will be charged with the almost impossible task of keeping an eye on Lionel Messi. Besler provides a defensive-minded option, one that will almost certainly avoid being caught out of position throughout Tuesday’s match.
Fabian Johnson would be pushed up the field to his preferred left wing position, allowing him freedom to use his speed to get forward while also keeping him local to keep an eye on Messi should a double-team be necessary. The only way to mark Messi is by committee, and having two players with defensive chops on one side of the field will only aid the USMNT cause. Johnson will need to pick his spots of when to get forward and when to get stuck in, but the USMNT’s best chances at stopping Messi will be by fully utilizing his ability in the midfield.
Next to him will be Michael Bradley, who will need to adjust to a new partnership one way or another. Given his performances, Klinsmann will likely be hesitant to move Bradley away from the No. 6, making the inclusion of Kyle Beckerman a bit of a negative one. Throughout the tournament, the USMNT has looked to be proactive in the face of challenges, and adding in Beckerman from the get-go would seem to be an invitation to break the USMNT down for 90 straight minutes. However, given everything Argentina possesses, Beckerman is the logical choice.
Defensively, he can protect the backline in the moments where Messi cuts inside, while also keeping an eye on playmakers like Ever Banega. The inclusion of Darlington Nagbe is a tempting one, but given his inexperience and Klinsmann’s comments about his need to improve on the defensive end, it’s hard to see the USMNT going with him in a winner-take-all clash with Argentina.
Sticking with the 4-4-2 formation that has proven successful, the right midfield spot remains open following Bedoya’s suspension. Graham Zusi appears the obvious replacement. Although he doesn’t defend as well as Bedoya, Zusi is another player that can grind and grind, making him a valuable presence down the line against Nicholas Gaitan or Erik Lamela. To this point, Zusi has impressed whenever he has gotten time, and his introduction provides a potential goalscorer and playmaker down the right side.
Up top, Dempsey will drop deeper as he typically does, helping the USMNT facilitate an attack against Argentina’s backline. Despite all of their talents, the Argentina backline is prone to mistakes, especially out wide. Dempsey will be key in exposing those mistakes and the spaces that come, while the Seattle Sounders star remains the USMNT’s most potent option in front of goal.
While Dempsey facilitates play, Zardes serves as the USMNT’s battering ram. The forward’s athleticism will pose a problem for even the most talented defenders, giving the USMNT a chance at creating those one or two moments that will need to lead to goals. Venezuela provided a blueprint in a game that could have been much close than it was, and it will be up to Zardes and Dempsey to take advantage of the chances that Venezuela wasted in what turned out to be a rout.
Depending on the situation, the USMNT will have options off the bench. Perry Kitchen seems a logical substitution should the U.S. need to hunker down, while Nagbe could provide an attacking spark in place of Beckerman should the U.S. need to push up. Christian Pulisic remains an option, despite limited minutes, although an introduction against Argentina would be a lot to ask of the young star.
Given the hand they have been dealt, the USMNT face a difficult task, but one that isn’t impossible. They will need to play mistake-free, while the U.S. will also need to capitalize in ways that Venezuela could not. Even with the personnel limitations, Klinsmann still has plenty at his disposal to orchestrate what would be one of the most memorable wins in USMNT history, one that would send the team to a major tournament final.
This line-up is a joke. When are we ever going to play to win. Its embarrassing, not only should Wondolowski not have made the team. He’s starting against Argentina.
Oh man. Tonight’s lineup: Brad Guzan, DeAndre Yedlin, Geoff Cameron, John Brooks, Fabian Johnson, Michael Bradley, Kyle Beckerman, Graham Zusi, Chris Wondolowski, Clint Dempsey, Gyasi Zardes.
You have to be kidding me.
When I saw Wondo is starting I let out a yell of rage. He has no business being in the lineup on a game of this magnitude. Hope he proves me wrong but I highly doubt it
I think SBI is lineup correct. We have no chance of winning with it but knowing JK thinks, it is highly likely.
If my name was Nagbe, I’d be asking myself…why did he bring me if he had no intention of using me? Im just glad he didnt waste Nugyen’s time as well
i have thought about this too much.. conclusion go for the win or go down swinging..
—————–Dempsey————
-Johnson——————-Zardes-
——–Zusi———-Nagbe———
—————Bradley—————–
-Besler-Brooks-Cameron-Yedlin-
————–Guzan——————–
the four players on the wings – big game for all them.
offensive subs: Pulisic, Wondo
defensive subs: Beckerman, Orozco, Birnbaum
if we get into PK’s: Tim Howard?
Beckerman does not have the side to side quickness or pace required to play against Argentina. Besler is not a RB and should not be asked to play against he best player in the world. Play Fabian with Pulisic in front. Both are quick and I think Pulisic would be a good fit against a team that relies on pace of play more than physical strength. This lineup would also give the option of moving Zusi pushing Dempsey up top and Zardes wide to change things up.
————————————-Zardes—————–
———————-Dempsey—————————–
Pulisic————————————Zusi————-
—————Nagbi——–Bradley———————
–Fabian——–Brooks——Cameron——–Yedlin
—————————Guzan—————————
really depends on what klinsmann wants from this tournament; he’s playing with house money at this point (and arguably throughout his ussf tenure, but that’s another subject), so he could choose to just go for style points and see how pretty we can lose–in that case, i see pulisic for wood, nagbe for jones, zusi for bedoya.
if he wants to try and eke out a win, i see beckerman, zusi, and besler.
Don’t see JKlings. playing a 4-4-2 It will be a 4-5-1 ( 4-2-3-1 )
Zardes has to be playing over Nagbe because of his D, he has been very good tracking back. The idea of putting him at forward with Dempsey playing behind him may or may not be good, but it will not happen.
That’s where he has played if Wood or Dempsey have been out throughout the tournament I don’t know why anyone would say “it will not happen”.
4-3-3
Pulisic———Dempsey—–Zardes
——————————————
Nagbe ———-MB———-Zusi—-
——————————————-
Johnson——JAB—-Cam—–DY—
——————————————-
—————Guzan——————–
No fear. Fortune favors the brave. Attack them from jump street. Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth, except Mexico.
“Skill is the only thing that matters”
– Rob
Was trying to move Pulisic and Dempsey more centrally, but it failed lol.
I think we will look back on this tourney and feel ridiculous for not playing Pulisic more. If we are down please put him in at the 60th min. None of this 77th min nonsense. The kid can play and though he is slight of build, if you actually watch him play, he is very strong on the ball. Our three strongest players on the ball are Dempsey, Pulisic, and Nagbe. They should all play in this game
Not comparing anybody, but at the age of 17 even Messi wasn’t yet playing for his national side. He first played at 18 and his first meaningful start for Argentina came later that same year when he played in a WC qualifier. We shouldn’t overlook Pulisic’s youth and inexperience. Maybe you bring him on late, but start against the #1 team in the world in a tournament semifinal? I think that’s asking too much of a young kid.
messi wasn’t being kept out of the side by zardes, zusi, or bedoya, either.
and mike didn’t say pulisic should start against argentina; he said pulisic should’ve been playing against colombia, costa rica, or paraguay. i agree: this was an ideal low-expectation high profile tournament for pulisic and nagbe to cut their teeth in.
I’m not sure I understand the reticence to start Pulisic. Sure, he’s a kid. He’s also schooled backs better than Mercado for Dortmund. I’m sure he’ll be nervous to start the game, but once he gets a touch or two I’m guessing he’d be as confident as anybody on the field. It seems like a low risk, high reward scenario. It’s unlikely he does anything to cause us to give up a goal, and if he looks like he’s in over his head you can sub him out at half. If it’s a choice between him and Zusi, I’ll take him.
We have a 3-1 record and won our group even with the one loss. The tournament could not have gone any better to this point. How can we look back and feel ridiculous? If we had needed a goal and/or hadn’t played the last two 2nd halves down a man CP and Nagbe would have played.
“The tournament could not have gone any better to this point.”
i guess we disagree. i was hoping this tournament would be an opportunity to test out some new blood before the real games resume this fall.
of course, i’d rather win than lose, but i just can’t get too excited about this tournament, which–even in the world of international soccer–is simply a bald-faced cash grab along the lines of the international champions cup.
I was speaking result wise, even if we had beaten Colombia we would be in the exact same game as we are today so it couldn’t have gone better.
It isn’t about what we want as fans. If you are JK and your job depends on this tournament you are going to try unknown players?
Every international tournament is a cash grab. Do you think they didn’t add 8 teams to the Euros to make more money? Every team in the Copa brought their best team except Brazil, who saved some to play in the Olympics. Tell Clint Dempsey this tournament is meaningless.
“If you are JK and your job depends on this tournament”
there is no way klinsmann’s job depends on this tournament.
“Every international tournament is a cash grab.”
so you think teams take the international champions cup as seriously as the champions league? as i said, even among cash grabs, this one was meaningless.
“Tell Clint Dempsey this tournament is meaningless.”
okay, dempsey doesn’t count. he’d go 100% if it was a game in my rec league.
Pulisic————–Dempsey——
———————————————————————
——————————-Nagbe—————————–
——————-FJ———Bradley——Zardes——
———————————————————————
Besler————–Brooks——Cameron-———-Yedlin
———————————————————————
——————————-Guzan—————————–
I’m a big fan of Matt Besler, but I don’t think he should be at left back for this one. Messi is almost certain to be deployed wide right in the 4-3-3 for Argentina so the only player on the USMNT I want defending him is Fabian Johnson. I would go with this:
—————Zardes—-Dempsey————–
Pulisic—–Nagbe———Bradley—–Zusi
Johnson—Brooks—Cameron—Yedlin
————————-Guzan————————-
Or
Pulisic————–Dempsey——
———————————————————————
——————————-Nagbe—————————–
——————-FJ———Bradley——Zardes——
———————————————————————
Besler————–Brooks——Cameron-———-Yedlin
———————————————————————
——————————-Guzan—————————–
Pulisic————–Dempsey——————-Zardes—-
———————————————————————
——————————-Nagbe—————————–
——————-FJ————Bradley————
———————————————————————
Besler————–Brooks——Cameron-———-Yedlin——–
———————————————————————
——————————-Guzan—————————–
Pulisic ——- Dempsey ——- Zardes
FJ ———— Nagbe
Bradley
Besler —– Brooks — Cameron — Yedlin
If I were betting money, I would bet on the SBI lineup. As much as I love the guy, however, I worry that Beckerman starting this game could be a Rico Clark 2010 kind of moment. Also, I simply don’t see any scenario where Nagbe starts in a two-man central midfield, thus the 4-3-3. I still maintain that what we need on the field is skill and speed and this is the best lineup to do it. For those who say it isn’t defensive enough, it worked pretty well against Colombia and would probably work even better against Argentina who will be more likely to attack through the middle of the field.
See, that is the thing… this isn’t Colombia, Chile or Ecuador who play super fast. This is Argentina. They play a relaxed low tempo game. If it were the other teams, I would say, no way beckerman starts… he doesn’t have it. but vs. Argentina, we can absolutely use him to provide some DM fire. Argentina will be happy to not play direct… and our 4-3-3 can be used to trap and counter (like what chile did in 2015) and can be used to bunker (by dropping guys into MF).
Thinking about it more… FJ is our best outfield player… maybe you stick him on Messi?
I agree with you about the 4-3-3 and I would be less a lot less concerned about Beckerman holding in that formation. I think Beckerman and Bradley in a 4-4-2 would be passed around all night long. There’s no way they can hang with a 3 man midfield as skilled as Argentina’s. If you want to push Bradley forward with Nagbe and keep FJ at left back I would be fine with it.
When has Fabian Johnson ever played centrally? You stick him in a three-man midfield against the best team in the world? No way, he’s a wide player, either in midfield or defense.
He played as the left mid in a narrow diamond against Slovenia in 2011, which is a very similar position tactically and looked fantastic. He’s the best all around outfield player we have. I would not hesitate to put him in that role and I think he would do very well.
Reading tweets that the US practiced like this yesterday:
Pulisic, Dempsey, Zardes
Bradley, Beckerman, Zusi
FJ, Cameron, Brooks, Yedlin
Guzan
It makes sense…
Definitely wouldn’t be the worst lineup I could think of, but I’d rather have more speed in the midfield (Nagbe).
You have some offensive spark off the bench if you add Nagbe’s speed to the starting lineup there is no one in midfield on the bench besides Kitchen and Beckerman. I can’t see Zardes or CP playing in the central mid role in that formation either.
I don’t like it, but this will be the lineup. Book it
———Dempsey———-Wondo———-
Zusi———-Bradley—–Beckerman—-Zardes
Johnson—–Brooks—–Cameron——-Yedlin
———————Guzan———————-
we should be going for it and so Nagbe should start over Beckerman. we don’t have to be dumb about it, but we need an outlet to relieve pressure. having Nagbe there could help connect Bradley to Dempsey.
if we are getting absolutely overrun, then make an adjustment.
The few times I have seen Nagbe play for the nats, his control of the ball, passing, ability to help our team keep possession was impressive. I think the questions is still whether or not he can do that against a team like Argentina. Although I would love to see him try, Klinsy will go with Beckerman as he did in Brazil. That I am sure of.
agreed, but only one way to find out. we got to the semis, this was our objective. i’m not saying that gives us the freedom to be dumb about it, but it seems a perfect game to get experience. but yes, i would agree JK will start Beckerman.
I am not as convinced that JK will start Beckerman, despite him playing in the last two games. Those matches did not call for an offensive spark with a 3-0 lead that eventually became 4-0 and hanging on for dear life to a 1-0 lead where we needed somebody else in the middle when it was 10 v. 10. I do not see JK going with Pulisic…keeping Besler on the left and moving FJ up with Zusi on the right is spot on. Our captain, although he has had a number of bad giveaways, is better as the 6, and Nagbe can and will relieve some pressure and roam through the midfield to do so. How JK views this match and wants to play will be so telling just by that one decision… Nagbe or Beckerman?
Bradley can relieve pressure… throw pulisic on for wood… he can relieve pressure… do the FJ/besler thing if you must… but you absolutely must gameplan for MEssi. Argentina is good… Messi is what makes them extraordinary. It is like when you play sweden or Portugal… 1 guy is assigned to take their superstar out of the game and you build a 10 v 10 shell… if Messi drags Beckerman over to the corner/flag for 90 minutes… then fine… that is where he plays and you give up on offsides traps… if Messi goes to play goal, then Beckerman stands next to him on the other side of the field. you absolutely gameplan for him and stop him… and Beckerman is a perfectly expendable 45 minutes (though kitchen is an intriguing prospect too)
Just a friendly reminder. Higuain scored 38 goals for Napoli last season and I think that was the league record. Messi is the greatest, but you can’t ignore their other attackers.
The projected line up is spot on, but if we are down with 20 minutes to go…..
Zardes——Pulisic
FJ————Nagbe——–Yedlin
Bradley
Bes—Brooks—-Cameron–Orosco
Kill them with speed. May be interesting. Go USA!
but can they finish? You leave Dempsey in as long as he can go, IMO.
I don’t see how we can play a 4-3-3 against Argentina. Up top, I don’t think you can give young and slight of build Pulisic a start against Argentina. But, you need speed to create some danger, so you have to let Zardes play instead of Wondo.
I like the midfield and defense, keeping Besler in and allowing Johnson to move to midfield; with one exception.
I have always been concerned about Beckerman’s speed at the international level. What about moving MB 90 into a clear holding role and putting in Nagbe?
3-5-2 worked well against Chile, albeit a while ago, and will clog the middle.
Dempsey — Zardes
Johnson — Nagbe — Bradley — Zuzi — Yedlin
Besler — Brooks — Cameron
Guzan
Only leaves Pulisic & Wondwow for spark off the bench. But ideally the guys are leaving it all on the field.
Unfortunately, everybody but Klinsmann understands that Nagbe needs to start this match.
While SBI’s lineup seems logical I have a couple of problems with it.
1. The formation goes against everything this team has worked so hard to achieve. The team has worked so hard and gone thru all the hard times of trying to transition away from the empty bucket and the bunkering mentality. This tournament they have played more attacking soccer (minus the red card situtations) and it has paid off.
2. Moving FJ to midfield is necessary because of the suspensions, but expecting him to play defensively is neither realistic or smart. It’s not really his thing, and we would be better off anyway with him attacking to relieve pressure.
My only change is Nagbe for Beckerman. Lets go for it.
You really,really need a true defensive midfielder for this game, after Jones, the next best is Beckerman, without a defensive Mid, you face a Mexico-like score against Argentina. Beckermen’s best days are behind him, he is a lot slower than he should be, but his experience, toughness, and fitness give him a start. Fabian Johnson in for Bedoya as Bedoya’s position called for running and Johnson can do it.
The problem with having Zardes up top with Dempsey, is that Klinsmann is using him to run the flanks and drop back for defense and it has worked. Leave him at the top and you take away that. in a 442 Pulisic would be my option or in a 451, Dempsey up top w/ Zardes and pulisic withdrawn and Bradley Beckerman Johnson
If we put in Besler for the left back, we will be having him run at by Messi all day long. He will have his hands full to say the least. Needless to say, Klinsmann will not throw the left back into the attack.
The key for the US is to not upset the current chemistry unless you see its not working. Keep the group together, but add a Pulisic first and maybe a Nagbe later to bring some uncertainty to the Argentinian defensive strategy
Losing pretty may satisfy fans, but it doesn’t really cut it. I remember a Copa final in 2007 where Argentina came in playing beautiful football and winning easily in all its games. Brazil, unlike earlier Brazil teams, played grind it out football. In the final Brazil pressed and hassled Argentina all over the field and ended up winning 3-0. I’m not saying we could replicate that, but playing beautiful football often isn’t enough.
Just a reminder that we have won a very similar game before! Harken back to 2009 Confed Cup against Spain. All we need is two lucky deflections that lead to two goals again!
This Argentina team is much better in attack than that Spain team. Just a reminder folks, last season for their club teams Messi had 41 goals, Higuain 38, Aguero 29 and di Maria 15, all for top teams in top leagues. We done’t have one player who did as well as any of those 4. But I think we need to play the same way, defensively with counter attacks. I don’t see how we keep them from scoring, though.
Pulisic————–Dempsey——————-Zardes—-
———————————————————————
——————————-Nagbe—————————–
——————-Bradley————Cameron————
———————————————————————
FJ————–Brooks——Besler-———-Yedlin——–
———————————————————————
——————————-Guzan—————————–
No way you break up the best CB pairing we have had for years. I see your thinking, but Cam and JB must play the backline. Put Besler in for FJ, who should move to the midfield to give us some offensive threats on the outside.
If I were going to go for it… it would be Pulisic, Dempsey Zardes… FJ Bradley zusi… Besler, Brooks, Cameron Yedlin… but I think you need an expendable DM to harass Messi (Beckerman).
I like your lineup, but I would rather sacrifice Bradley because I trust him to do the job better. If the number one thing we need to do is contain Messi, give Jr. the job. We can find offense through the other guys you have out there.
I actually like that lineup but like Jonathan G said, you don’t want to mess with the Brooks-Cameron tandem right now. They have been the top CB tandem for my money this tourney and we will need our defense to be at their best vs Argentina.
Very interesting line-up, especially if we were cashing in and going to go for it (because Argentina will get theirs). What good is a solid back-line when you know the attack is better or if you dont have an attack to relieve pressure or a midfield to maintain possession?
Cameron is light years ahead of Beckerman for the role of DM, plus he loves coming forward anyway and has the size and speed to help the back-line……very risky experimenting at this stage of the tournment but that line-up is very interesting
Pulisic-Zardes-Yedlin
Dempsey
Bradley-Nagbe
Besler-Brooks-Cam-FJ
Dump and chase hockey. Use speed, the one advantage we have, to lengthen and widen the field and keep their defense honest. Yedlin proved effective this way in the World Cup. The US can defend all it wants but will get killed in transition if there are no viable outlets down the sides. The more the ball is kept away from Messi’s favored spot on the right the better.
all of this tinkering around the edges probably doesn’t affect the outcome much. What does change things however is substituting Beckerman in for Jones. These two are not on the same soccer planet. Jones is athletic, aggressive and meaner Warden Norton. Beckerman is intelligent, defensively minded but just can’t run with world class speed. I don’t know how we fix the problem.
If it were me I would still play a 4-4-2 that looks like this:
——–Zardes—-Dempsey——–
FJ——Bradley—–Nagbe——–Zusi
Besler—-Brooks—–Cameron—–Yedlin
Have Nagbe be the free roving CM and let Bradley hang back in the 6. You can bring on Pulisic if you are chasing a goal and beckermen if you are protecting one late.
Yes please!
This is the correct lineup. Please leave Beckerman on the bench. He doesn’t have the pace or skill to compete against this team.
Oh my goodness yes…..please!!!
Yes, this. Please not Beckerman.
I’d rather have us try to play agressive, attacking soccer and lose 1-4 than to park the bus like we did at WC-14 against Germany and Belgium and lose 0-1. Start Pulisic and move Fabian Johnson up to midfield. He’s not a very good defender and when forced to defend, as he definitely will be against Argentina, he doesn’t go forward.
The USMNT did not “park the bus” at any point during the ’14 Cup..
They faced a German team that just completed a pretty tough draw and clearly understood the danger presented by the US..
They took that game VERY seriously.. The US forced their players into some tough situations individually but they were composed, sharp, fast and electric on the counter..
The Portugal game was strange..
They did not dominate from whistle to whistle but capitalized quickly on their chances and made impact substitutions..
The US had a few good looks early and could’ve snatched it late..
This is an entirely different tournament and a very solid US squad
On a HOME field, in the semi-finals of a MAJOR international competition; this USMNT will attack from the opening whistle..
The group is in FANTASTIC form, and the guys obviously feel the strength of the moment.
There’s something extra going on here..
No way on this planet or any other that this team doesnt try to put a stamp this game and the competition as a whole
This is the defining moment of this program..
The US didn’t park the bus against Germany and Belgium in 2014? We must’ve been watching different games.
I think we will see the same shape we saw against Colombia, the 4-3-3/4-5-1, with Beckerman in for Jones and in the center holding spot next to Bradley, and Nagbe in for Bedoya at the advanced position. I would love Pulisic in for Wood, but I think we all know Klinsmann will put Zusi ahead of him.
IF we are going to move a defender up to an attacking position, I’d rather see Yedlin moved than FJ, maybe leave Besler at LB move FJ to the right and Yedlin ahead of him. Zardes can provide added defensive cover when needed.
You can’t gameplan for Argentina by building your tactics around stopping Messi. Messi moves everywhere. You gameplan for this team by picking a shape and holding it, only breaking your shell when you have possession and numbers on the counter.
All you, “we want to take the next step and play toe to toe with Argentina” fans need to pump the brakes and come back to reality. This is not the game to go charging into like Jon Snow.
Going All out with Argentina in the form they are in is a recipe for a repeat of Chile Mexico. Yes, we can beat them, but that does not mean we need to throw caution to the wind. we can still go “toe to toe” with Arg by playing on the counter.
Everyone wants to throw a Hail Mary while it’s still the first quarter of the game. I’d like to be Cowboys from Arizona or pimps from Oakland, but it’s not Halloween.
We have been successful this tournament by playing great defense first and foremost. Let’s keep our shape and try to hit on the counter and apply more pressure in the second half vs the tired legs on 2 days rest.
Yedlin is a Rb, has been all season for Sunderland and for the Nats so moving him up seems ridiculous to me with all due respect. Fabian is a natural midfielder and has played there almost the entirety of the Bundesliga season and he has been a near best XI bcause of his play there this year. It would make more sense to move him up and keep Belser at LB to defend. Besler has pace, which a lot of people don’t know, and is a natural defender capable of causing Messi problems i’d imagine. Beckerman has a place in my heart but i don’t think he has a place in a game of this magnitude anymore. His lack of foot speed and propensity to pass backwards is asking for trouble thus i’m hoping goes out on a limb and gives Nagbe the start to help relieve pressure and to create offense from the midfield. We’ll see but i’ll be excited regardless of who’s out there! COYY
If I remember correctly, Besler recorded the fastest 40 time on the team at some point last cycle. Comments about his lack of pace are very misguided. He may not be the quickest over first 5 yards which I know is important but his straight line recovery speed is there.
Argentina are not that fast but VERY quick and almost every player in their starting XI and the top of the bench can defeat their marker 1v1 or even 2 defenders with total control to then pass with accuracy or shoot with accuracy and power. Besler will be pit on skates back there. Honestly I would go super young vs this team. Keep FJ at LB, start Kitchen as Stay at home dmid and move Bradley up to a box to box CM role where his misguided touches and passes aren’t as much of a liability. I would start Nagbe at LM, Zusi at RM and use Zardes at RW role, Pulisic at LW and Dempsey as CF. in possession the outside backs overlap and deliver crosses while the wingers make diagonal runs into the box and dempsey drops back into a false 9 role to get second balls and turn them on goal or combine. We can beat them in the air but I do not know if even maximum defense can stop them. We must score first or keep it 0-0 so they have to keep running and the two days fewer rest might tell on them late.
Yes. This is a great strategy. When your back is up against the wall, sneak that 12th player out there to really make the difference.
Is Di Maria back for this game? In the group stages, their whole game went through him. He was destroying everyone. I really hope DeAndre is up for that.
di Maria mostly creates when he has space. Yedlin will be on him like a fly on #$$% if he does play. He has the speed to stay with him step for step and even recover even though he is fast as hell. Less worried about Lamella. There is no stopping messi. You zone mark him and shadow him when he has the ball but don’t worry too much. He will get his, Guzan will need to be on point on services over the spot from Messi and shots from strange angles. Good zonal marking and a committed and intelligent Guzan can help. I am wondering about them subbing on Kun Aguero against tired legs. It will be great TV. The intensity will be off the charts.
It’s just so very unfortunate not to have Jones and Woods for a game of this magnitude (Zusi is pretty much like for like with Bedoya, maybe not quite as good a motor but better at dead balls which we could use). Sorry, I’m having a hard time getting past that. Argentina only loses one to suspension (I was hoping for Mascherano). The Jones card was ridicuous (not saying it was right or wrong according to the rules, it was just situationally ridiculous). I think Woods, and the team in general, needs to have better composure. As a forward, and especially in games you’re leading (and games of importance) shouldn’t you expect and in many senses try, to earn fouls. And if so, why would you lose your temper and appear close to retaliation when you’ve done something good for your team. Obvious, I guess (passion, youth etc) but still puzzling to me
The lineup above sounds about right but you never know with JK. I wouldn’t mind seeing Kitchen for Beckerman or having Nagbe and Pulisic on the field but I can’t say I have a very strong opinion about it. Hoping for the best, but worried about being blown out which would for some, negate some of the positives of this tournament. I don’t think our temperament would allow a blow out but Argentina’s offensive lineup is intimidating.
We should start Messi.
Oh, crap, he’s starting for the other team.
Easy fix: Put in for his discovery rights to make him a designated player under the non-binding universal roster act and claim his international availability to be up for a blind draw lottery and offer Argentina allocation money with super draft selection considerations.
You’re welcome.
-Don Garber
I almost forgot. Per league rules: LA Galaxy has exclusive first right to refusal on any player abroad. So, any transaction must be through AEG/Bruce.
Thanks.
-The Don
RE: Messi
I was just notified that Messi would also be only available to play in Miami under our previous agreement with David Beckham.
So, in an addition to your negotiations you will now need to also compensate AEG/Bruce with targeted allocation money for their troubles. Also, Miami Beckham United will require core player designation for renting the services of Messi while playing in Miami.
Sorry.
-Donny Garb
RE:RE: Messi
Hi again.
Messi’s agent has notified me that he will be playing under the “Frank Lampard Rule” which means he’s only available the following season after signing a contract and will, unfortunately, not be under obligation to play.
We also aren’t sure who will own his rights after you make your trade agreement and compensation offers.
Happy to help!
-D.Garbage
Its funny because its true, at least partially true anyway.
The 12th man today must be the weather. Low 90s with humidity. Certainly a role player late on.
The game is indoors, humidity my still be a little higher than usual, but it will be around 70 degrees with the roof closed.
“Throughout the tournament, the USMNT has looked to be proactive in the face of challenges, and adding in Beckerman from the get-go would seem to be an invitation to break the USMNT down for 90 straight minutes. However, given everything Argentina possesses, Beckerman is the logical choice.”
No, the logical choice is to go with what got you there and that means not putting in Beckerman, who will be a traffic cone in the center. Put in Nagbe, who can hold the ball and release pressure so we can actually try to play with them. If you have Brooks, Cam, Besler, Bradley, Zusi, Yedlin, and FJ all working defensively, can’t we have someone who might be able to get forward from the midfield?
Argentina is not Spain and this is not 2009, we may not win, but we do not need to bunker in and hope for a miracle. Everything JK has said so far tells me he wants his team to go toe to toe with them, I hope they do.
This is spot on. The lineup will dictate how much Klinsy believes in what he’s trying to do. Sure, Argentina is the better squad, but throwing in Beckerman is asking for a bunker mentality. Get Nagbe in there, who can hold the ball in tight spaces, keep possession, and offer us something going forward.
If Beckerman is in the starting lineup (I fear he will be), it will be a reenactment of the Belgium game. I always was against the Beckerman experiment, but came around to kind of enjoying his play the last couple years. This tourney, however, in limited minutes, he has looked too old and too slow. Going to be an awful game tonight if he lines up there. Hoping Klinsy will pull a surprise (as he did with Besler instead of Orazco, which was tremendous), and leave Beckerman on the bench.
Yeah, Beckerman is great against CONCACAF opponents, but this step up in the level of competition is one step beyond him (in my opinion). He looked really outclassed when he was subbed in. He works hard but is a bit too slow in movement and thought for this game (He usually gets caught with the ball at his feet once or twice a game, that could kill us tonight). Crossing my fingers for Nagbe.
I think it is the most logical lineup. Absorb pressure for 45 mins and try to hit on the counter/set piece then apply pressure in the second half vs the team on short rest.
Let’s face it, Argentina will be playing in our half majority of the game. If we put FJ at left back it will be a repeat of Colombia where he was pinned down all game. Besler will be a stay at home left back and allow FJ to get forward when the opportunity presents. He will still be defending the majority of the time.
Zusi will do his best Bedoya impression on the right and hopefully Zardes can provide the threat over the top to relieve pressure and win free kicks. That will be vital to the game plan. Efficiency in front of goal will be the difference.
I think this is naiive. Sure throw Pulisic on… show your intent… but don’t be stupid. I don’t expect beckerman to touch the ball. What I expect is for him to shadow Messi and kick him for 45+ minutes and 1 yellow card. The De Rossi/Gattuso role. Then, if you need offense at any point, you have someone easy to take off to put Nagbe in…
You need some bite in the formation… and t would be stupid to sacrifice Bradley on the altar of Messi. Just take Messi out of the game and force Argentina’s other 10 to beat you 10 v 10. To do that you need Beckerman.
No way Beckerman can take Messi out of the game on his own. If we have to sacrifice anyone to take out Messi I choose Bradley, he can at least stay with him for most of the game. I have no confidence in Kyle to that against the best player in the world. He is a warrior and a good defensive player, but he does not have the speed or quickness to stay with the master, and against high quality opponents he gives the ball away in bad places. I choose Nagbe, but we will see soon enough my man!
I couldn’t agree more and am a big fan of what Beckman has brought to the Nats over the years. In general and especially at this point in his career, he is very vulnerable when the team gets spread, there is a player running at him in space- there will be in this game. A lot. Unfortunately due to lack of foot speed, Beckman is left w/ the choice of being blown by, or dragging the player down- cards- kicks in dangerous areas. If we plan on pressing, double/tripling, there will be space- there will be a need for a player to cover a lot of ground. There will also be a huge need for possession, dribbling out of trouble, a counter threat
I think we are better off giving up free kicks than allowing them to move the ball during the run of play. The big issue is avoiding red cards.
Yeah- a red/2 yellows is my biggest worry. Kicks on the flanks we may have to live with. Kicks front and center just outside the box.. likely where Beckman gives them?….. Messi will bury.
You’ve seen Messi take a free kick right?
We have NOTHING TO LOSE! Why the hell would we want to go back on our heels and invite “Belgium revisited”… I say regardless of the talent imbalance, we try to slug them in the mouth as early and often as possible. We play physical, we play as proactive to aggressive offense as we possibly can! All yellow cards have been expunged, so we have freedom to at least start out physical.. we should value that opportunity. If we get hammered, so be it, but we are not just chopped liver either, and pressure by us for a change (as opposed to the last WC strategy) is our best shot. I want to see Zardes on the roof with CP22 (both (stamina wise) will be all over the field for full time) and Deuce beneath him. I want Zusi on Yedlin’s side. with Nagbe available off the bench as need dictates I do NOT want to see Kyle Beckerman on the pitch unless we need to defend a tie or slim lead in the last 10-15 min’s where he can go all out with fresh legs. I say we worry more about aggressive offensive pressure than parking the bus defense, at very least for as far as that strategy shows acceptable. Last thing we want is to hand Argentina an invitation to maul us in an almost fetal position defensive posture for 90. Which I honestly believe that they expect to happen! The Referee’s are Paraguay, Caceres averages @32 fouls, 5YC’s/game and no straight reds in 2yrs. He officiated Mex/Urug and turned two YC’s to red (one for each side). but regardless I thought was relatively lenient in letting the two sides play-on physically overall as it appeared to me anyway.
I have confidence that we will be competitive and give Arg. much to react to. Positivity is a good thing and I’m anxious for tonight’s matchup.
Pulisic(or FJ)————–Demps——————-Zardes
———————————————————————
——————————-Nagbe—————————–
——————-Bradley————Beckerman————
———————————————————————
FJ(orBesler)——Brooks——-Cameron———-Yedlin
———————————————————————
——————————-Guzan—————————–
I say we keep the attack minded formation up top and on the wings, but we make out midfield more defense minded with Nagbe as an outlet for possession. Zardes and Pulisic can both work back on defense, and we have Zusi to replace either, or a defender comes in and pushes FJ or Yedin up the field if we are chasing a lead or defending one. The only problem is can Beckerman go a full 90 chasing Messi?
I say put in Pulisic, leave Fabian in the back on Pulisic’s side, and leave Besler out. Pulisic brings more of that high press forward mentality… and he is young enough that he doesn’t know we are supposed to lose this game… let him leave it all out on the field.
I agree. You need to start Puiisic. He is a talent. Also, if you do not start him, he will not play.
If the US get 2 or more goals down, before the hour mark, I do not see them getting back into this game, and putting Pulisic in would be useless.
If the US are tied or up a goal, a defender would be called in. I think if we are tied after the hour, our best bet would be to go for a penalty shootout, where our odds of winning would statistically increase (but still be low)
saw Juan Arango report on twitter that when the USMNT was practicing yesterday, Pulisic was with the starting squad.
It would great if Pulisic started, but I don’t see JK doing it (I hope I am wrong). As much as I have actually liked our lineups and overall style of play (minus our red cards), I’m not sure if JK continues with the idea of trying to attack and keep possession as much. I feel like it would be more defensive with some counter opportunities.
What I expect from JK (and isn’t terrible, but certainly changes the dynamic of keeping only Bradley back and allowing two midfielders to roam in front of him):
————–Dempsey—————
Zardes——-Nagbe———–Zusi
——-Bradley——Beckerman—-
FJ—-Brooks—-Cameron–Yedlin
—————–Guzan—————-
What I would like to see (one further option is to put Besler at LB and move FJ into Zusi’s spot):
Pulisic——Dempsey——Zardes
——-Nagbe——–Zusi———–
————–Bradley—————-
FJ—-Brooks—-Cameron–Yedlin
—————-Guzan—————-