Nitpicking the USA Gold Cup Roster

The USMNT 23-man roster was finalized yesterday for the biannual CONCACAF Gold Cup by Jurgen Klinsmann. All the names were on the 35-man provisional roster named a few weeks ago, and Klinsy had hinted at how this team would look various times since then. So, there should not be many surprises to the hardcore fan. 

In years past, this edition of the GC would be a throw away because it had no implication towards the Confederations Cup. However, this year's champion will battle the 2015 winner for a spot in the 2017 Confed Cup. With that said, let's break it down by position and see what we come up with.

Goalkeepers:

Bill Hamid (DC United), Sean Johnson (Chicago Fire), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)

No surprises here, at all. These three have been Klinsmann's go-to MLS 'keepers since he took over. I would imagine Rimando earns starting duties, but it really is a toss up. Rimando is 34 years old, and while he is probably the best out of the three, US soccer would be wise to start investing in younger 'keepers once Timmy Howard (also 34) is done. Personally, I'd like to have seen Brad Guzan get some minutes in meaningful matches for the Nats, since he is heir-apparent to the throne (aka goal).

Defenders:

Corey Ashe (Houston Dynamo), DaMarcus Beasley (Puebla), Tony Beltran (Real Salt Lake), Edgar Castillo (Club Tijuana), Clarence Goodson (Brondby), Oguchi Onyewu (Malaga), Michael Orozco Fiscal (Puebla), Michael Parkhurst (FC Augsburg)

There are some interesting names in this group. One would assume that these players are here to stand out as substitutes for the current preferred defensive line Klinsmann will put forth next summer. DeMarcus Beasley played pretty well in qualifiers, and he figures to be the starter at left back, but he defensive abilities are a liability. Castillo is far from a fan favorite, he'll try to silence his critics if given a starting role. 

Onyewu is back! I'm sure this has more to do with reputation and the potential to replicate, but he has not been the same since his injuries began, along with a handful of woeful career moves. I was never the biggest fan of Gooch because other than aerial ability and physical prowess (he is beastly), his ball skills and decision making leave much to be desired.

This group has a lot  to prove. Honestly, having any one of this cast of characters as a starting option come the World Cup scares me a little.

Midfielders:

Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Alejandro Bedoya (Helsinborg), Joe Corona (Club Tijuana), Mix Diskerud (Rosenborg), Joshua Gatt (Molde FK), Stuart Holden (Bolton), Jose Torres (Tigres)

If the defense was worrisome, this midfield needs to pick up their slack. Other than Beckerman (who is either a locker room guy, or a REALLY good practice player), every selection offers exciting potential. The trio of Scandinavian-based players have had solid runs for their clubs over the course of the year, while Corona and Torres have played consistent minutes in Mexico. Corona even has experience against big names in the Copa Libertadores (Xolos were a penalty kick save away from the semi-finals. They lost to Ronaldinho, Jo, and Bernard of Atletico Mineiro and Brazil), which is great for such a young player. There is no pressure on Holden, which should help him settle in and get his rhythm back.

One question still stands, though. Is there no holding midfielder worthy of fighting for a place, other than Beckerman? A position that seemed deep in 2010, considering Maurice Edu couldn't (and still can't) break the starting eleven, has run dry. Young MLS players will probably be given a chance only after 2014.

Forwards:

Will Bruin (Houston Dynamo), Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy), Herculez Gomez (Club Tijuana), Jack McInerney (Philadelphia Union), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes)

I would like to see Landon fill the Clint Dempsey role for the tournament because he seems to fit the position best. Though Landon is the only proven goal scorer at this level, it is encouraging to see names who have been performing well for their respective clubs. Wondo may not be at his best this season, but three consecutive seasons at the top of the scoring charts in MLS merits him a place on this team. At the very least, his and Herc's experience should help the younger guys.

Altidore finally found his shooting boots in June, but if he dries up again someone else will need to be relied on to find the back of the net. Hopefully McInerny and Bruin seize this opportunity and don't fall by the wayside like some other MLS stars have.

Outlook:

The fact that this is the Gold Cup, and not the Confeds, or the World Cup makes accepting this roster easier. There is a good mix of proven talent, players on the cusp of a breakthrough, and fresh blood. This team will have two games to start strong and potentially lock up a quarter-final berth. If the this group can jell quickly against Belize and Cuba, they should have plenty of confidence facing the toughest challengers Costa Rica.

With that said, there are no guarantees this squad will lift the trophy. Between whomever Mexico send (which I assume would also be a 'B' team), and other CONCACAF heavyweights, this figures to be a wide open competition. Expect lots of sloppy play.

Feel free to leave comments and feedback, suggest future topics to cover, whatever. Also follow me on Twitter @biasedsoccer

Highlights and Reactions: USA vs. Honduras (6/18/13)

Note: This post will be slightly bit different than my last recap post.

Honduras Tactics

It was always going to be a tough game, even with Honduras missing key players. With the US looking for sweet, sweet revenge on home soil, Los Catrachos can't be blamed for trying to prevent that from happening and escaping Rio Tinto with a point. Too bad for them. 

Now, I am not a fan of defensive, ten-men-behind-the-ball soccer, but it often works (see: USA vs. Spain - 2009 Confed Cup semi-finals; Inter Milan vs. Barcelona - 2010 Champions League semi-finals, second leg, etc..). Whenever it fails, as it did last night, I feel a smug sense of gratification. Why? The reason is simple: evolution of the game. The game is not improving by an inferior team suffering a barrage of abuse for ninety minutes, hoping for one counterattacking chance. Take the Tahiti vs. Nigeria match from the other day, for example. Sure, the South Pacific islanders were expected to sit back and try to absorb pressure and not be humiliated, but chances are they would have let in six goals that way, anyway. The fact that they didn't do that is the reason they scored their lone goal and accomplished, which I am sure was one of their objectives for the Confed Cup.

There's a reason they are called "negative tactics". Rant over, let's continue.

Recap

The USMNT controlled the match, but were often lacking in the creative third. The first half was a bit devoid of chances. Eddie Johnson got a good look in the 17th and Dempsey had an open header a minute later, but overall not much in the way of scoring opportunities. 

The second half was better for the US. Brad Evans had a clear header off a Graham Zusi free kick, but put it straight at the keeper, Noel Valladares (who had a good game, by the way). In the 59th minute, Timmy Howard launched a counter attack (remnants of USA vs. Algeria, World Cup 2010) down the left sideline which ended in Jozy slotting the ball home from an offside position. A little while later, Graham Zusi hit the post from the endline, a scramble ensued, and a Honduran handball was missed by the officials. Still scoreless in the 70th, Captain Clint pulled an Evans and smashed his headed shot straight at Valladares. Bradley should have done better with the rebound, blasting it over. The breakthrough finally came in the 73rd  on a perfectly worked play. Dempsey passed to Zusi, who dummied it to a streaking Fabian Johnson. Johnson pulled it back for Altidore, and the on-fire striker calmly put it into the back of the net. 

Final score, USA 1 - 0 Honduras. The Nats are now one step closer to Brazil, with 13 points good enough to lead Hex after six games.

Standout players

1. Fabian Johnson - He looked dangerous every time he ran down the left flank. This was the best I've ever seen him play. Defensively, he didn't seem to have much to do, but I'm convinced he should be there instead of Beasley.
2. Graham Zusi - The dead-ball specialist turned it up a notch. I wasn't a fan of Zusi and EJ switching flanks early in the game, but Zusi made the left side his own. Great vision letting the ball through on Jozy's goal.
3. Michael Bradley - He's just a beast.

Postgame Rant

What to do about the left side... Fabian Johnson has had a strong run of starts, topped off by last night. In my book, he has earned his starting spot, but at which position? He may be the best left fullback we have, at the moment, but he is equally as valuable in a purely offensive role. Personally, I would like to see two more scenarios and stick with the best option. The first would be Timmy Chandler at left back, with Johnson on the wing. Obviously, Chandler and Cherundolo would have to be healthy for this option to ever take effect. The second is Johnson at fullback and Landon in front of him. Why Landy? Why not? It's no secret that I don't exactly rate him, but the reason for that is because I've seen him at his best, and would like him to deliver it consistently. Which he doesn't. But if he could pull his act together, LD and Johnson could be a formidable tandem.

Man of the Match

After everything I've said about it, would you expect me to choose anyone other than Fabian Johnson?

Useful Random Fact

USMNT record under Klinsmann with Bradley in starting 11: 11-2-5. Without Bradley in 11: 5-6-1. (Credit @BrianStraus)

Feel free to leave comments and feedback, suggest future topics to cover, whatever. Also follow me on Twitter @biasedsoccer

Confederations Cup Breakdown: Group B

And here is the fun-filled conclusion to my two-part preview!

Pre-Tournament Biases: Group B

Team analysis:

Spain:

Does this aging Spain squad still have enough to win it all? It seems like they have the best chance. A team of proven talents with some fresh blood infused. However, Spain have looked somewhat beatable. More so now, at least, than over the past five years.

The shocking manner of the Champions League exits of Barcelona and Real Madrid combined with the fierce rivalry between the two sides (and their respective Spanish players) are signs that the best may be coming to an end. That doesn't mean it will just yet, or at all.

Strength:

The entire starting lineup, essentially. Their depth doesn't look too bad, either. Barcelona trio Xavi, Iniesta, and Busquets have been playing together for years. That type of stability just doesn't exist in the modern game, it is something that no other team in the tournament can boast.

Weakness:

Do I have to choose? Right fullback. Azpilicueta is a new face; he had an okay season at Chelsea, but he isn't anything to brag about yet. I have never been sold on Arbeloa. Overall, these two are about average at this point in time, but Azpilicueta has potential to be a solid starter for the next few tournament runs.

Player to Watch:

Pick one. Let's say Xavi, for argument's sake (and because we happen to share a birthday). He's getting up there in age (33) but is still a class act. Watch for him to pick out twice as many perfect passes in Xabi Alonso's absence.

Prediction:
Spain win their fourth major trophy in five years.

Uruguay:

The Copa America champions and World Cup semi-finalists have struggled in CONMEBEL qualifying. Currently sitting in fifth place, El Celeste are five points off the pace of the automatic qualifying spots. Like Mexico, this tournament could serve as a turning point in the qualifying campaign.

Strength:
Luis Suarez, Diego Forlan, and Edinson Cavani form a strike force that every other country in the world would be jealous of. Forlan is the all-time leading goal scorer for Uruguay - one ahead of the 27 year old Suarez. Cavani is, arguably, among the top five strikers on the globe right now.

Weakness:
Looking hard at the midfield, no names really stand out. My man Nicolas Lodeiro will be one of two players representing the mighty Botafogo this month, but he doesn't exactly stack up with what Spain has to offer.

Player to Watch:

Because you never know what he will do, keep your eye on Suarez. Past highlights include a spectacular save to keep Uruguay in the 2010 World Cup, and a career-high two vampirical bites - one at Ajax and the most recent at Liverpool. Just offensive.

Prediction:
Uruguay struggles against Nigeria, but earns second place in the group. They go on to finish third.

Tahiti:

Just happy to be here, Tahiti became the first Pacific island to win the OFC Nations Cup in 2012. They never even faced Oceania heavyweights New Zealand, who were knocked out by New Calendonia in the semi-finals of the tournament. The Kiwis' loss is Tahiti's gain as they gear up for their ever first major FIFA tournament.

Strength:

Two strengths really stick out to me with Tahiti:
1. Having forwards with uncustomary forward numbers (2 - Alvin Tehau, 3 - Marama Vahirua).
2. Blood being thicker than water, with four members of the Tehau family on the squad. Twins Alvin and Lorenzo join their brother Jonathan, and cousin Teaonui in their quest for the Cup.

Weakness:
Not having any household names on the team... yet.

Player to Watch:

Marama Vahirua - Tahiti's only professional player who plays for Panthrakikos FC in Greece. Interestingly enough, has never represented his national team.

Prediction:
The most spectacular Socca Haka you will ever see.

Nigeria:

The final country to qualify for the tournament, via the 2013 African Cup of Nations. Nigeria were surprise winners of the tournament, with their own Football Federation not believing in the team (specifically, the coach). 

This team is made up from many players of the Nigerian domestic league, meaning a lot of unknown quantities. They should be interesting to watch.

Strength:
The fact that they are little known. Teams may underestimate the Super Eagles, which would be a mistake.

Weakness:
You don't want to kickoff your preparations for a major tournament in this manner. Nigeria players threatened to strike after not receiving bonuses. Player mutiny? Smells of France 2010: an early exit.

Player to Watch:

John Obi Mikel. One of the most experienced players on this Nigeria team, he will be looked to for leadership. I don't necessarily think he is the man for that job, but he's all they have.

Prediction:
Second place should be a battle between Nigeria and Uruguay. Because of in-house instability, Nigeria goes home after the group stage.

Final Prediction:

1. Spain

2. Uruguay

3. Nigeria

4. Tahiti

Confederations Cup Random Thought:

There are a ton of Chelsea players in this tournament: Cesar Azpilicueta, David Luiz, Juan Mata, John Obi Mikel, Oscar, and Fernando Torres. The most notable absence from the Europa League champions: 

Bring Ramires back to the Seleção!

Confederations Cup Breakdown: Group A

It has finally arrived, the tournament that everyone has been waiting for... the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup! Okay, so it's a little anticlimactic with the bigger event right around the corner, but it'll be a fun distraction until we get there. Let's take a look at what the teams have to offer.

Pre-Tournament Biases: Group A

It's really not news, I am a Brazil fan. I will be cheering for the home team, unconditionally. They will frustrate me by pulling out unconvincing wins, hopefully to the finals, and beyond. Along with linking Brazil, I truly dislike Mexico. They have been a thorn in the sides of both of my beloved national teams for years and I hope losing this tournament causes a downward spiral that they will not recover from until after my lifetime.

Team analysis:

Brazil:

At first glance, this team seems much weaker than previous squads. Stars in their prime like Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, and Rivaldo are all but a memory at this point. So Brazil will have to make due by putting the weight of the expectations of the host nation on the 21 year old shoulders of their "brightest" star.

Neymar has not proven he is capable of taking over a game for the Seleção yet. He is a highlight reel waiting to happen, unfortunately those rarely come in a yellow jersey. For Brazil to win the cup, he will seriously have to step up his game.

Strength:

Surprisingly, Brazil's strength at the moment is their defense. The two fullbacks, Daniel Alves and Marcelo, where honored in the FIFA Best XI of 2012. David Luiz, whom I have always thought of as the "poor man's Lucio", has had a solid year for Chelsea defensively, while also scoring spectacular goals. Captain Thiago Silva is quietly one of the best center backs in the world. He plays in France, which alone adds a certain anonymity, for a PSG team featuring the everyone's favorite gargantuan Swede who gathers all the attention.

Weakness:

Striker. Plain and simple. Fred scores goals, he always has, but he never inspires confidence in his play. He seems to work hard and find himself in the right place at the right time. Fred is certainly no Ronaldo, not even Bebeto. When Leandro Damião withdrew from the squad with injury, the underwhelming Jo was called up to replace him. Upon hearing this, and watching his cameo against France, I racked by brain to think of anyone I would rather have on the team. Sadly, the only two names I could even consider (Luis Fabiano and Pato) have done nothing to merit a spot on this team, either.

Player to Watch:

Chelsea's Oscar. He has been one of the most consistent players for the team over the last few months. As Neymar putters around with all his flash and lack of substance, Oscar will be relied on to lead the attack.

Prediction:

Home field advantage inspires Brazil to make it to the finals of the tournament, but they fall short.

Japan:

The first country to qualify for the 2014 World Cup will be the host's opponent in the opening match of the Confederations Cup. Japan has some real quality in their squad, with many of their players plying their trade on some of the top club teams in Europe. 

Japanese soccer is very similar to that of the Americans. Ambitious, growing, but still with a lot of work to do. They have invested heavily in the sport, and it shows. Consider the fact that the first World Cup they ever qualified for was in 1998! Fifteen years later, they are an established powerhouse in the AFC. After their women's team won the 2011 World Cup, look for the men to match the feat in our lifetime.

Strength:

The two attacking midfielders will be a handful for any team in the tournament. Manchester United's Shinji Kagawa and CSKA Moscow's Keisuke Honda are world class. The fullbacks will be on display, as well. Inter Milan's Yuto Nagamoto and Atsuto Uchida of Schalke 04 have experience playing top-level football.

Weakness:

The fact that they play in Asia. If the USMNT played their final qualifying round against the likes of Oman, Jordan, and Iraq, I would breathe a little easier.

Player to Watch:

Kagawa wasn't exactly the second coming of Park Ji-Sung (I know Park is Korean, but let's be honest... everyone was thinking it) in his first season with United, but he was The Man at Dortmund, and he will be The Man for Japan.

Prediction:

Japan will push for a Semi-Final berth. Whether, or not, they achieve it will depend on how Italy does.

Mexico:

Unconvincing in CONCACAF qualifying, Jose Manuel De La Torre's side will look to use the Confederations Cup as inspiration to get back to Brazil in 2014, and perhaps save his job. The North American "Giants" have had a poor run of form lately, and De La Torre has been on the hot seat.

Since winning the Olympics last year (by holding firm after a very early goal), and the 2011 Gold Cup, Mexico has not lived up to their own standards. They were recently held scoreless by Costa Rica and Panama, and squeezing past Jamaica 1 - 0 in their last three matches.

Strength:

Mexico is one of the most experienced teams in the tournament. Names like Salcido, Torrado, Dos Santos, and Hernandez have been around the block. While it may be the first Confederations Cup for most, if not all of them, they are used to the big stage.

Weakness:

Mexico often seems to suffer from a combination of overconfidence and an inferiority complex. The have always been the big fish in a small pond, but put them on an intercontinental stage and they flounder.

Fun fact: No nation has lost more World Cup matches than Mexico.

Player to Watch:

Gio Dos Santos for three reasons:

1. Despite being just 24 years old, he has racked up 64 caps for Mexico. He dominates matches when on the field for El Tri.

2. His father is Brazilian.

3. He has recently been linked with a move to the LA Galaxy. Inside sources *cough*Shep*couch* tell me this move almost happened once before.

Prediction:

Mexico puts up a good fight in each of their matches, but the group proves to be too tough and they bow out in last place.

Italy:

Italy is one of the most frustrating teams to predict. Whenever I believe they are contenders, they crash out (See: 2009 Confederations Cup). Conversely, when I think they do not have what it takes, the Italians prove me wrong (See: 2006 World Cup, 2012 Euros).

This team is different than it has been over the past ten years. The big names are gone, replaced by up-and-comers, and local talent in a weakening domestic league. Do they have what it takes? Not even gonna try to lean one way or the other.

Strength:

They're the Italians. Expect to see a disciplined defense. Considering the fact that four of their back five likely starters (Buffon, Chiellini, Barzagli, and Bonucci) play for Juventus, the chemistry should be strong and tough to crack.

Weakness:

Mario Balotelli. You may say: Phil, he's one of their best players! How is he a weakness? And my response is just that. He is a good player, he knows it, and he is a liability because of it. His ego is too big for this team, or any team. Expect to see a goal, followed by a red card at some point.

Player to Watch:

How could it be anyone but Balotelli? What sorts of shenanigans will he pull? Will he, in fact, be the reason the Italians implode?

Prediction:

I want to stay away from making a prediction, but I will say this: the Azzurri are the masters of their domain. If early results against Mexico and Japan do not come, it's their own fault.

Final Prediction:

1. Brazil

2. Japan

3. Italy

4. Mexico

Highlights and Reactions - USA vs. Germany (6/2/13)

Before I get into the game, I just want to point out that I sat and watched this game from beginning to end with my undivided attention while the Brazil vs. England game was on at the same time. How's that for loyalty?

Pregame biases:

• I immediately hated that Beasley was at left back and that Brad Evans even dressed.
• Omar Gonzalez and Matt Besler were be the starting center back pair. Although Omar is my boy, this scared me. Let’s be honest, though… this is the best we've got at the moment.
• This German side was watered down, but still probably had enough quality to take this game.

Recap:

The US controlled the game in the early goings, and they were rewarded in the 13^th minute when Jozy Altidore scored his first goal in a US jersey since November of 2011. Minutes later, a huge blunder by German ‘keeper Mark-Andre ter Stegen saw him chase the ball into the net after he failed to trap a simple back pass. The first half ended with the Americans up 2 – 0.

After halftime, the Germans looked more dangerous, floating in crosses and winning corner kicks. Just six minutes after the restart, Heiko Westermann lost his marker and powered a header from one of said corners. However, Clint Dempsey scored two goals in the space of four minutes to put the game out of reach. With the score line at 4 – 1 and seemingly out of reach, the US appeared to relax until the final whistle. That whistle wouldn’t come until twenty minutes and two German goals later. Timmy Howard came up with a huge save on a shot from twelve yards out in the 90^th minute to ice the game.  Final score: USA 4 – 3 Germany.

First half breakdown:

What the US did well:

• Michael Bradley controlled the tempo well, making smart decisions in midfield both defensively and offensively.
• No mental mistakes by the defense, along with aggressive defensive play from  midfielders allowed the US to head to the locker room with a clean sheet.
• Created chances and scored goals! Altidore made the most of his opportunities; he and Dempsey looked dangerous throughout the half.

What the US did less well:

• The defense didn’t make many mental mistakes, but they were technically outclassed at times. Mertesacker and Schurrle each missed a sitter after beating Beasley.
• Tim Howard, somewhat dangerously, punched away a weak shot by Draxler which looked catchable, but if that’s his biggest blunder, I’ll take it.

Halftime tune changes:

• The 2 – 0 scoreline is a surprise, but it is well-deserved.
• Brad Evans has, surprisingly, not been half bad.
• The Germans are not looking very German.

Second half breakdown

What the US did well:

• Beasley had a couple of dangerous runs down the left wing, keeping pressure up.
• Dempsey was clutch in his finishing, scoring two goals, the first of which was quite pretty.
• Jones stepped in where Bradley left off, controlling the game from midfield. He looked tireless, continuing to close down opponents and surge forward when applicable.

What the US did less well:

• Checked out once the game was “out of reach”. It seemed like the defense completely lost focus at   4 – 1.
• Bradley looked out of breath at around the 70^th minute. His defending got to be pretty lazy, and that played a role in Kruse’s goal.
• Once the game was pretty much settled, the Germans did their best Bash Brothers impressions and started muscling our guys around. Man up, team.

Postgame rant:

I’ll be the first to admit that I expected the Germans to come in and boss the US around all day. That clearly didn’t happen, with the US dominating the pace of the game from the get-go. It’s obvious how badly Michael Bradley was missed in the Belgium match. Aside from being our most consistent midfielder, he is also a leader on the pitch. I've said it before, and I’ll say it again: that inspirational bald man should be wearing the captain’s armband. Nothing against Dempsey, but Bradley is the vocal leader this team needs.

The defense looked pretty good today, but it is still a work in progress. Gonzalez had a solid showing, redeeming his performance against Belgium (although he did lose his mark on the corner for the first German goal). He and Besler look comfortable together in the center. Evans held his own, but will he be able to do that on a consistent basis? Beasley had a good game, overall. He was very involved throughout the match and stepped up, for the most part. However, he is not a fullback. He is a winger. He cannot mark, or tackle, and he is easily pushed around. Beasley’s biggest strength at left back is getting forward. Which is what wingers do. Stop this nonsense and switch him with Johnson.

Jozy, Jozy, Jozy. Finally. I might just be getting too optimistic here, but let’s see if this sparks a fire in him to bring his club form to the Nats.

Man of the match:

Based on his production, Captain Deuce takes it. I am tempted to give it to Altidore, though.

Awkward moment of the match:

A few minutes before Germany’s second goal, Matt Besler was getting a little cocky. From the edge of his own box, he cheekily scooped the ball over a German player to Brad Davis. Davis, understandably flustered by the unnecessary flair, did his best Liu Kang impression to try to clear the danger. Luckily, Edgar Castillo was around to prevent the corner kick and quell the danger.