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| photo by philosophyfootball |
- by Hiten Mandalia, writing from West London
England just about got a couple of shots on target, they couldn’t manage to get six or seven successive passes together and they had to get at least ten players behind the ball, especially in the second half. It goes to show how reliant England were on set pieces against the World champions.
However, England didn’t have their strongest team playing at Wembley, yet they managed to produce a 1-0 victory. That goes to show that England has a strong in-depth squad, and that any player who played last night, can be called upon whenever needed.
In the absence of John Terry and Rio Ferdinand, Phil Jagielka and Lescott both had great games. Their defending was quality, especially as they had to face the likes of Villa, Iniesta, Xavi, Torres and Silva. Johnson had a solid game at right back, but it’s beyond me why Capello didn’t choose Richards in the squad. I believe he should have started last night as he’s been playing really well for Man City.
Phil Jones had a fantastic game in midfield. He had lots of space in the centre of midfield on a few occasions, but he chose the wrong pass more often than he did the right pass. We did learn that Jones can play well in that midfield position, despite his strongest position being in central defence. Frank Lampard had a good game, scoring the winner, and that’s proved the doubters wrong. Just when people were thinking if Lampard’s international career was over, he goes out, puts in a performance and scores the winner against Spain. That’s a strong enough message to send out to the doubters.
Darren Bent was struggling alone up front, but I don’t blame him. It was difficult for the supply to reach him, as England kept losing the ball every time they regained it. I don’t think he’s good enough to be in the England squad for Euro 2012, but last night was just an experiment. However, Danny Welbeck looked promising and is certainly a hot prospect for the future.
So what did we learn?
England can play ugly and get a win. They didn’t play their strongest starting eleven, yet were still victorious. It just goes to show England’s depth in their squad.
The players that were missing from yesterday were Terry, Richards, Ferdinand, Smalling, Cleverly, Gerrard, Wilshere, Young, Rooney and Defoe. Add them to the list that played against Spain and I believe England can go far in Euro 2012.
In order for them to do that, they need to stick together, play for each other and all the egos have to go.
Since the world cup, Spain have lost 4-0 against Argentina, they’ve lost against Portugal and Italy. It’s possible for them to be beaten, but at the end of the day, the only statistic that counts is the score line. Spain can dominate possession, have more shot, less tackles etc, but if the score line is against them, than all the hard work goes undone.
Capello has a bunch of players who are all willing to play for England, but he has to find out his main starting eleven before Euro 2012. The upcoming friendlies are important, so it’s important he gives everyone a chance to prove their worth. I hope he doesn’t pick players on reputation, but on merit. He needs to choose players who deserve to be there instead of picking players just because of names.
It may have only been a friendly, but this defeat may have hurt Spain, but nonetheless, it has boosted England’s confidence and morale.
The reality is that they can beat the best if they put their mind to it, but how will they cope in major tournaments and under immense pressure?
- by Cole O'Brien, writing from Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
The win over Honduras Saturday night was a perfect example of what soccer fans are hoping to see happen under Klinsman. Possessive soccer that leads towards plenty of chances that will hopefully be converted into goals. While the stars and stripes did miss plenty of chances (yes that would be you Oneywu) there was still plenty of encouraging signs.
New Bundesliga recruit Danny Williams had an impressive debut for the American side. While he didn't display show-stopping dribbling like Messi he was exactly what we hoped for from an outside midfielder. He displayed smart passing and wasn't always trying to go forward not to mention his constant dangerous runs behind the Honduras back line.
Another fantastic star for the US was Oneywu. After coming on for the O-J he displayed the anchor the Americans have been missing in their back line. Sure he missed a volley into an open net from six yards out, but that doesn't put a damper on his brilliant second half performance.
One of the greatest highlights throughout the match was Clint Dempesy. He displayed a true Number 10 performance of which rivals those of his counterpart Landon Donovan who couldn't play in the match due to injury. Dempsey was helped out by the left wing tandem of Timothy Chandler and Brek Shea who protruded an onslaught of attacks to the Honduras back line. Not to mention it was Shea who sent in the cross that led to Dempsey's beautiful goal during the match.
Now we must see progress from this American squad. Klinsman's experiments with his Starting 11 must continue as they are the only way he will find himself the perfect lineup come World Cup Qualifying this spring. He must also learn to not give into the pundits that now plague the football world. They have already pressured him earlier than most expected given he went three games without a win and only one goal scored.
Now imagine the American squad come 2014. We are bolstering an attack that has Jozy Altidore, Clint Dempsey, Break Shea, and Landon Donovan. Our midfield will boast a recovered Stuart Holden and Michael Bradley. The midfield used to be a place where the US struggled and while we still don't boast a midfield capable of free flowing football such as the Dutch and Spanish we are making progress. This is only helped by the Latin and German flair our dual breed Americans have brought to the mixing pot.
Brazil will be an interesting tournament for the US. While we all hope for a breakthrough for our American side, like any other tournament it can easily turn into a disaster.
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| [photo by Philosophy Football] |
- by Adam Huntington, writing from Dundee, Scotland
The game started well for the English, controlling it competently for the first 20 minutes or so, then they just seemed to fade away. Ashley Cole was subbed thirty minutes in after picking up a suspected ankle injury, which possibly unsettled England, because almost immediately, the Swiss scored. Barnetta's freekick, dangerously whipped into the box, left Ferdinand jumping under the ball and Hart with no chance. No more than three minutes later Barnetta had scored again, from another free kick. From a wide left position, he smashed the ball through a ludicrously flimsy wall and into the net at Hart's near post. 2-0 down, England had a figurative mountain to climb. Fortunately for them, Jack Wilshere was playing, the only Englishman with some drive and determination in the first half. On the thirty seventh minute, Wilshere went on a powerful run that ended in a penalty, with his Arsenal teammate Djourou bringing him down unfairly. Lampard stepped up and duly dispatched, but score remained 2-1 at half time. Ashley Young came on after the break and instantaneously brightened up their attacking play, scoring in all of six minutes. With the score now level, most would have thought that the English would go on and take the game to the Swiss. It just never happened. They were decidedly lackluster up front, unable to capitalise on a nightmarish performance from Johann Djourou and the unfit Senderos, who had only played three games this season. They found themselves fruitlessly chasing the ball for long periods, with Inler and Dzemaili doing a very efficient job of keeping the ball from them, specifically in the closing stages. The English can blame the result on a combination of fatigue and bad luck if they want, but the sole reason England didn't win is because they're not as good as their fans are led to believe.
The English media play an unmistakably large part in masking how average their team is, creating a cloud of confidence which envelopes and deludes the fans. Andy Townsend, who played for Ireland, but clearly wants to be English, is a particularly bad offender. His refusal to acknowledge that the Swiss were actually the better team was infuriating on Saturday. Adrian Chiles managed to patronise the visitors seven seconds after the final whistle blew, saying; "They were actually not bad them boys." with an embarrassed grin on his face. The problem is that this happens with almost every England game, newspapers and pundits give fans this overconfidence in their players, and then when they inevitably don't play to expectation, uproar ensues. Poor excuses are dug up; "the players were tired", "it's the manager's fault for playing conservatively at home". Most fans seem to swallow this down, and suddenly scapegoat Capello's in crisis, when in reality Capello's doing the best he can with the players available. It's not Capello's fault that Darren Bent missed an absolute sitter which would have won the game, thus preventing the excuses and accusations from the papers. There's a small number of fans who get defensive, and claim that their opponents were actually a good team. Unfortunately this doesn't apply to Switzerland, who are, like England, an average team. Scott Parker, the man who captained the Premier League's worst team, started, possibly just because of how much praise he'd received from the media. Parker's a good player and was inspired for West Ham this season, but he's simply not good enough to play internationally. With the exception of Wilshere and Young, the entire England team are nowhere near good enough to mount a serious challenge in the coming European Championships. Ferdinand is really showing his age, Terry's movement is getting poor, and Glen Johnson is a full back who can't defend. Lampard looks firmly past his best and Milner only played half the season for his club.
England's next game is a friendly against the Dutch in August. By then, the disappointment from this game will have died out and the papers will call that game a chance to prove to the world just how good England are, by taking on, and hopefully beating, last years World Cup finalists. Based on Saturdays performance, they'll be lucky to score. I'd like to see the national papers adopt a much more honest opinion, starting with the admission that England are just not that good a side. This is undeniably true when it comes to tournament football, with the exception of Italia '90 and England '96, two tournaments that resulted in semi final finishes. Concentration deserts them and they fizzle out with a whimper. The media usually blame their exit on a refereeing decision (latest World Cup) or one player (Beckham at France '98) when in truth, their exit is simply down to their average ability coupled with their inability to play in tournaments. Nothing else. Being Scottish, I've not exactly got a high horse to sit on, but at least the Scottish media isn't ignorant to the fact that we're not as good as a lot of other countries, and that's the reason we don't win games. It's high time the English media adopted the same attitude, because the national team's latest performances have enforced just how average they really are, leaving fans frustrated and melancholily nostalgic.
- by TJ Ferguson, writing from Boston
Going into the match with Spain, I think winning is the last thing on Bob Bradley’s mind. Ultimately the goal is to win the Gold Cup with this group of players that has been brought in. Beating the Spaniards doesn’t help that goal, and losing doesn’t hinder it. What this match needs to be about is solving any problems relating to who sits where in the depth chart and figuring out what combinations of players does and doesn’t work.
The only place where it is pretty clear there are no questions is in goal. Tim Howard will be the starting goalkeeper, barring suspension or injury he’ll probably start every game for the US. At right back, Steve Cherundolo is pretty strongly entrenched in the job. At left back and center back, this is where the questions start to pile up.
For starters, where do you put Carlos Bocanegra? I personally feel that he plays better in the left back role, but he is also our best center back. Behind him on the left is Jonathan Bornstein who, with the exception of his World Cup performance, has not been a very good option for the US.
In the middle there is Clarence Goodson, Tim Ream, and Oguchi Onyewu. Onyewu was our best center back and was a very big force in the air before injuring his knee in World Cup qualifying two years ago. His recent performances should have him relegated to the three or four spot on the center back depth chart. He will likely start against Spain to have an opportunity to prove he is still worth giving a prominent role in the Gold Cup.
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| [photo by Jason Wojciechowski] |
In the midfield, Landon Donovan is the constant. He will more than likely be the left winger for the Americans against Spain and through the Gold Cup. Central midfield is where there are questions. You have Michael Bradley, Jermaine Jones and Maurice Edu essentially competing for the two central spots. Based on Jones and Edu being the two of three that were playing for their clubs, they are my first choice for the midfield.
However, you can’t write off Michael Bradley, he was one of the best players for the US at the World Cup and was a very integral part of the team over the previous cycle. Assuming he finds a club situation that allows him to play he will likely be a well established part of the US first 11, but right now, I just can’t put him ahead of Edu and Jones.
On the right side, Clint Dempsey, aka Deuce, has been the go to guy. There has been some discussion that maybe he will get run out as a forward, or an attacking midfielder behind a lone forward. An option Bob Bradley has employed in the past was a five man midfield with Edu, M. Bradley and Jones in the center, which would allow for Dempsey to be used as an attacking winger and take away some of the defensive responsibilities that seem to be the part of his game that lacks.
If this lineup gets used at all, then Dempsey and Donovan would play more as forwards behind and out wide from a lone striker of Juan Agudelo or Jozy Altidore. There job would be to get the ball wide and open up the middle of the pitch then provide service or bring the ball into the box. Defensively they would need to provide cover on any runs by the opposing backs.
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| Freddy Adu with DC United - [photo by Jarrett Campbell] |
Benny Feilhaber was likely to be one of the first off the bench, but an ankle injury may force him to miss the tournament all together. It would be a small miracle if he even dressed against Spain. Alejandro Bedoya has been called in to train and if Feilhaber is deemed unfit to take his place.
Robbie Rogers and Sacha Kljestan round out the corps of midfielders. I can’t see them getting much playing time through the tournament; they may get run out vs Spain just to see what they can do, but they probably won’t move themselves up as a result of their performance.
Up front, Bob Bradley only named three forwards, again Clint Dempsey might get used as a forward as opposed to a midfielder, but I’m going to assume he doesn’t. Agudelo and Altidore seem to be the first two choices up front. If the formation calls for a loan striker it should be Agudelo, but could be Altidore. Either way I’m not sure either have the style of play to do well by themselves up front. However, Agudelo’s movement off the ball leaves him better suited to try.
Chris Wondolowski is the third forward. I probably wouldn’t use him over Dempsey or even Landon Donovan, but he has a knack for scoring goals. His ability to get into great positions to score is uncanny. If he plays and gets good service it will very likely lead to him scoring. His role is pretty clearly defined and while he may not get a lot of minutes, he could very easily make a big impact on the team.
Spain will more than likely come out with what they feel is their best 11 to try and win this game. They have not done very well in recent friendlies and considering they aren’t playing much the rest of the summer, they will want to win this match and turn out a good performance.
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| [photo by FermÃn R.F.] |
Defensively they should line up Sergio Ramos, Carlos Marchena, Gerard Pique and Joan Capdevila. Iker Casillas, arguably the best keeper in the world, will likely start in goal.
Coming into the match, Spain are pretty clear favorites. Their roster is one of, if not the most talented pools in the world. Their ability to control the game in the midfield and move the ball around just waiting for a defensive breakdown is unreal.
The United States will have to break up the Spaniards passing. The easiest way they can really win this game is by forcing Spain to start their sequences over and over to the point they get frustrated and make mistakes. If the US can play perfect defense and capitalize on just one chance they have a shot.
On Saturday March 26th, in front of a New Meadowlands Stadium record 78,986 people, the USMNT faced #4 team in the World - Argentina. Coach Bob Bradley went with his beloved 4-5-1 formation. The Midfield Triangle of Bradley-Jones-Edu was the foundation. Not much was accomplished in the first half. It didn't look too good right from the start, four seconds Michael Bradley's pass sailed over Dempsey's head out of bounds. Argentina's front three Lionel Messi, Ezequiel Lavezzi, and Angel di Maria had their way with the US defense. Lionel Messi played like Lionel Messi and cut through the defense like a knife through butter. Then we have Tim Howard, who played like Tim Howard. He made a huge save in the 23 minute when a one-two pass freed Messi and put him one-on-one with Howard, who quickly swallowed up the ball.
Edu was needed for Bobby's great defensive triangle in the midfield, but all that defense doesn't really help offensively. Yes it could be possible that the injury to Stuart Holden left Bob Bradley no choice but to go with this triangle midfield, but it just doesn't work in my honest opinion.
Bob Bradley came to his senses at the start of the second half and subbed in Juan Agudelo for Jermaine Jones, moving the US into a 4-4-2. Jonathan Spector was also replaced by Timmy Chandler. Both substitutes made an instant impact. The US offense was now stringing together passes and creating more scoring chances than the first half. In the 58th minute a Landon Donovan freekick met the head of Carlos Bocanegra. Juan Agudelo then swooped in to put in the rebound and tie the game at 1-1.
Jozy on the USMNT's formations: "I think just for our team in general, whoever is playing up front, I think 4-4-2 we work better, but we've got to try different things, because I think we have a lot of very talented midfielders, so you've got to try and get everybody on the field."
Overall, I thought the US played well. First half was frustrating, and the midfield triangle made it difficult to create scoring chances. The triangle was able to tire Argentina, and with the addition of Juan Agudelo in the second half gave the US new life. Second half was very impressive, it looked like Argentina began to do everything they could to waste time and slow down the US attack after the Agudelo goal. It is exciting to see the young guys step up and make a difference in games. The future really does look bright, and when Charlie Davies gets back to 100% the US is going to look scary.
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| [photo by sdhansay] |
- by Matt Narvaez, writing from Florida
ESPN2 - France Vs Brazil - 3PM
This game is great matchup of two of soccer’s historic powerhouses. Both will be fielding top flight squads. Brazil will feature the likes of Pato and Robinho for AC Milan up front. Mid field will have EPL players Anderson, Lucas, Ramires, and Sandro. Dani Alves, David Luis, Marcelo, Rafael will be some of the stalwarts in the back. Mano Menezes will also have plenty of fire on the bench to draw from so this should be a formidable test for Les Bleus. The French side will have some familiar names on it. The big man Karim Benzema will have to show some of the form that has been missing this year during at Real Madrid. Also Guillaume Hoarau from PSG and Loic Remy from Marseille will be featured in the attack. Diaby and Malouda will be the big names in the middle of the pitch; while the back line might as well be known as gunners light with 3 players from the London squad called up to hold back the Brazilian onslaught. The French team has been playing well of late. After what was just a humiliating world cup new manager Laurent Blanc has more than righted the ship and well on their way to their rightful place in world football. Notable absences are Ronaldinho, Nelmar, Kaka, and Nilmar for Brazil. Ribery, Evera, Lass, and the internationaly retired Nicolas Anelka. Since this will be airing on the world wide leader plenty of people should have a chance to watch this great international match.
GolTV Argentina vs Portugal 3PM
If a matchup with 2 of the best footballers on the planet right now can’t get you excited I can’t help you. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi will be squaring off in what has to be the glamour match of the day. German and Italian fans would argue that, but when the last two players that have received the Ballon d'Or are on the same pitch it makes for a special night. Add the fact they are neck and neck for the battle of the Pichichi, it’s definitely one not to be missed. They of course won’t be playing 1 v 1 and both of their nations teams will be fielding impressive squads. Messi will be joined by Milito, Lavezii, and Gaitan in the attacking half. Barcelona teammate and ex Liverpool player Mascherano will be roaming mid field with Inter star Cambiasso, Di Maria and Gago from Real Madrid, Pastore, and Sosa. The back will be anchored by Zanetti, Zabaleta, Milito, and Garay. The men from the Iberian Peninsula should certainly hold their own against the Argentines. Ronaldo will have the Red Devil’s Nani and Danny to send shots at the opposition goal. Manager Paulo Bento will hope Raul Meireles current great play with Liverpool will continue tomorrow. Bosingwa and Bruno Alves will be missing Real Madrid’s Pepe and Carvalho in the back, out due to injury. Hopefully the two main stars can play decent minutes and get an opportunity to display some of the brilliance that they have all year for their clubs.
Other Notable Matches:
Turkey Vs South Korea 1 PM
Denmark Vs England - 2:15 PM on ESPN3
Germany Vs Italy on ESPN3
- by Angel Soto, writing from California
Bob Bradley decided to start Robbie Findley up top alone and with five midfielders that included, Robbie Rogers, Eddie Gaven, Brian Carroll, Logan Pause, and Alejandro Bedoya. The defense was experienced with Brad Guzan, Jonathan Bornstein and Clarence Goodson leading the way for the back. Eric Lichaj earned his first start for the USA as did New York Red Bull Rookie, Tim Ream. Many expected MLS veteran Nat Borchers or Jonathan Spector to beat out Tim Ream for a start and to the benefit of the US, it was quite an experience for the young centerback.
First Half
In the first few minutes, South Africa came out with a fury against the US trying to bring the raucous crowd more into life. The United States was able to settle down and calm the storm of the South African attack. Tim Ream was beaten a few times in the first 20 minutes that had captain Brad Guzan step up and become a hero, and Guzan was up to the task. The first US opportunity came in the 22nd minute when the young Aston Villa fullback, Eric Lichaj ran up the right flank able to keep the ball in bounce to find Eddie Gaven who slid it to the leftwinger Robbie Rogers who hit a low driven hard shot straight to the South African goalkeeper, Itumeleng Khune. In the 26th minute the United States had a golden opportunity when it had a free-kick about 25 yards away from goal, and the young squad decided to try to desguise a trick play that went begging. Alejandro Bedoya kept the South African defense very worried; as the first half wore on, the US flanks were outplaying the South African wings and the US center mids disrupted anything that came through the middle. Even though the US midfield had been outplaying a more experienced South Africa midfield, Robbie Findley created nothing dangerous to give the South African defense any nightmares. He would receive the ball in promising positions but he would simply turnover the ball without ever threatning the home sides defense or goal. The first half ended quite unfavorable for either team as no team took the true iniciative of the game. This played into the hand to the young US squad as their confidence grew as the game wore on.
Second Half
Bob Bradley made some changes at the break bringing in Kansas City's young striker, Teal Bunbury for the very disappointing Robbie Findley. He also took out the most experienced player with the team in Jonathan Bornstein, for Jonathan Spector, who did not improve a mediocre performance that Bornstein had brought out. The US kept South Africa at bay for the first few minutes of the second half even creating a possible opportunity as a clearence from Lichaj had reached Bunbury who slipped to Bedoya who found space and over hit a throughball to Gaven was would have been alone against the South African keeper. The first true chance came in the 55th minute as Eric Lichaj came up on the flank again and chipped a pass to Teal Bunbury who on a half turn laid a hard low shot that Khune was able to keep out. The half chance was almost good enough to break the score. A minute later Eddie Gaven released a long distanced shot that went straight to the South African keeper. in the 58th minute South Africa had half chance as Davide Somma was sent a throughball but Eric Lichaj and Clarence Goodson were too atletic and fast to avoid and stopped him in his tracks. In the 60th minute Bradley decided to step away from the 4-2-3-1 formation and brought in 17 year old Juan Agudelo for Robbie Rogers to spark an attack and switch to a 4-4-2 formation. Right from hims inclusion the US front attack looked dangerous and would prove to be a very important substitution for Bob Bradley. in the 65th minute South Africa had a chance as Jonathan Spector turned over the ball again but the shot went wide of Guzan's post. in the 67th minute Tim Ream was taken out for Nat Borchers who had a very good debut, shaky at first but later controlled Somma for the rest of his playing time. Steven Pienaar's lone chance came off a Jonathan Spector turnover, who then recovered in time to only conceive a corner. In the 78th minute the 4th player to receive his debut for the United States came in, as Alejandro Bedoya was subbed out for Mikkel Diskerud. Mikkel Diskerud made an immediate impact as he was able to open up the midfield making diagnal rns in front of the strikers. On one occasion it worked perfectly as Diskerud was positioned almost as a striker when, Juan Agudelo slot him a through ball, and with a bit of craft and skill "Mix" was able to slot a perfect pass to Agudelo who put it past Khune up to the crossbar and fell into the net to bring the US in front. At 17 years of age, Juan Agudelo is the youngest player in US soccer history to score a goal in a game! In the 87th minute, the youngster who was born in Togo, Gale Agbossoumonde came in for the veteran, Clarence Goodson. The United States was able to hold on to a surprising 1-0 win away in a hostile environment in South Africa with a young squad.
Overall
Juan Agudelo and Mikkel Diskerud have shown what potential they have, and could be important players sooner rather than later. Teal Bunbury showed that he can deserved his call up as he was able to open up the stubborn centerbacks that had muted Robbie Findley. Eric Lichaj could be giving Bob Bradley a good problem, who may now be second on the depth chart behind Steve Cherundolo, who is quite a bit older. Tim Ream looks like he has potential and it seems like all he needs is more chances to display his talents. Again with Mikkel Diskerud, he's shown his skill set, although it was just a flash, but he also showed great defensive ability. Jonathan Spector looks far away from his best form, who would have that a year ago that Spector would be third on the depth chart for right back. He played left fullback today but he struggled with clearences and would turnover the ball too easily into the United State's half. Brian Carroll, Eddie Gaven and Logan Pause were the unsung heroes, they struggled in the second half a bit but they controlled the midfield not giving the South African Centermids anytime; Steven Pienaar was shut down and unheard of. Alejandro provided an offensive spark in the first half, as did Robbie Rogers but, they both died down in the second half. Clarence Goodson showed great leadership and can definitely contend to take a starting spot from Carlos Bocanegra or Oguchi Onyewu. Brad Guzan also showed great leadership and it helped his young defense that grew confidence as the game grew on. Jonathan Bornstein was decent, not impressive, but he looks to be the better option than Jonathan Spector.
- by Angel Soto, writing from California
The true battles will be along the flanks of the pitch and right down the middle of it too. Key players for the US flanks could be Robbie Rogers, Alejandro Bedoya, Eric Lichaj, Jonathan Spector, Jonathan Bornstein, and maybe Eddie Gaven. For South Africa, Tsepo Masilela, Anele Ngcongca, Steven Pienaar, and Siphiwe Tshabalala should give the young American wingers and fullback a real test. In the middle of the park the United States will have a 2009 Gold Cup veteran possibly leading the midfield, as Logan Pause makes a return to the team. Brian Carroll also gets a second chance and could very well get an opportunity to play. Columbus Crew teamate, Eddie Gaven could also play in the middle as he had played with the Crew during the MLS campaign. But the young player every US Mens National team fan should be ready to see will be Stabaek (Norway) midfielder, Mikkel Diskerud. He is one of many young players US fans are excited about seeing, others would include Juan Agudelo, Teal Bunbury, Tim Ream, and many others on this squad.
Here are the players to look out for in the match:
Teal Bunbury
He is a big central foward with surprising pace and has a great knack for goals. He tends to shoot from outside the box but also loves to play the final pass for an assist. He brings a combination of power and speed, he is very young and can be definitely have a future in Bob Bradley's squad.
Juan Agudelo
The young New York Red Bull striker, as the US has had no depth in the fron line, it seems Bob Bradley has took the opportunity of this friendly to look at two very talented and capable strikers in Bunbury and Agudelo. Juan is quick and has a great first touch and could be a threat for South Africa, Wednesday. He is a bit smaller than Bunbury but he is also faster, he is stronger than most people give him credit for and can easily change speeds as he showed in his first start vs. San Jose in the MLS Playoffs. He too loves to find an incoming teamate for a goal but like Bunbury he is not afraid to shoot either.
Mikkel Diskerud
This young up and coming midfielder can be the next one of the great crop of midfielders the US has been able to produce. He is a very accurate passer, and he can score from anywhere. He is a creative midfielder, something the US hasn't really much of, although there are the likes of Benny Feilhaber and Jose Francisco Torres, but he brings a natural central attacking midfielder mentality. He like Feilhaber can also play on the wings.
Tim Ream
There is no question that the defense needs to be rebuilt, and one solution can be Tim Ream. The New York Red Bull star has made a name for himself in the MLS in just his rookie season, although he did struggle early in the season, he has mastered the play of MLS. He brings a big pressence in the box and can pass out of the back really well, something the US has been lacking for quite some time. He brings in a big soccer brain, and like man US defenders, on set pieces he can score in loads too.
Eric Lichaj
Eric Lichaj has been under the radar for quite some time and his club team has shown confidence in bringing him in really important games. This past weekend he came in on the 88th minute to try to stop the juggernaught that is Manchester United that had just scored 2 brilliant goals to tie up the match. Lichaj's Aston Villa was able to hold the giants to a tie. Lichaj showed great speed and great crossing ability from his fullback spot against Columbia in the last USMNT game and looks to build up more on his very early career. This could be either Jonathan Soector or Bornstein's time may be up. This South African team with Steven Pienaar and Shipwe Tshabalala should give hime a real test.
Alejandro Bedoya
Yes we have seen Bedoya quite a few times over the last few months, but I believe this will be his most important match so far, as the United States' attack will rely much upon to provide the service to either Robbie Findley, Juan Agudelo or Teal Bunbury. He will have a leadership role in this match and many hope he grabs it by the horns.
Gale Agbossoumonde
Gale was a big surprise for many fans to be included here, but he had a succesful 2009 U20 World Cup last year and looks to impress Bob Bradley. He is currently on loan with Sporting Braga(Portugal) from his team Miami FC, but he seems to be another option Bob Bradley might look upon to for rebuilding his once reliable defense. with very little veterans on the team it seems Gale will have an opportunity to play with only Clarence Goodson, Nat Borchers and Tim Ream in competition for playing time.
- by Sabrina Blanks, writing from Charlotte, NC
The upcoming friendly, Wednesday, November 17th at Wembley, is more notable for the most part for players who are not included in each squad. According to recent form, France looks to be the stronger side, having won the last 3 of their 4 international qualifiers since the World Cup. England, also plagued with an injury-ridden squad, have won 2 and drawn 1 of their 3 post-World Cup international qualifiers.