USA vs. Spain Preview
Well, it’s time for another US National Team game against a high quality opponent. This time around the Yanks will be playing a very skilled, full strength team in Spain. Currently ranked 4th in the world in the FIFA World Rankings, Spain has all the tools to have a very successful Euro 2008 campaign and will be looking to fine tune their preparations against the US.
After a disappointing showing against England, the US must rebound with some dignity; against Spain however, that may prove quite difficult. Let’s face it, Spain currently has one of the most talented attacking teams in the world, if not the most talented. Up top, expect to see the high scorers, and extremely dangerous forwards David Villa and Fernando Torres. An unbelievably strong midfield line consisting of Cesc Fabregas, Andres Iniesta, Xavi, and Xabi Alonso. Their back line will be anchored by Sergio Ramos and Carles Puyol. In goal, either Iker Casillas or Pepe Reina will be a brick wall.
Spain will be technically better than England was, they will be quicker on and off the ball than England was, yet they do have some weaknesses that the Americans can capitalize on. First, physicality. The English could match up toe to toe with the Americans on physicality, Spain can not. The US could take a bruising approach to the game and keep the Spanish attackers on the ground for most of the game. Yellow cards would be plentiful, but perhaps worth it if the US can get their playmakers and strikers frustrated. Second, Spain’s defense is no where near as equipped as England’s is against the set piece. This may be where the US has the best chance to do some damage.
How this game will go for the US really depends on the line up they come out with. Oh yeah, Landon Donovan is still out with a groin injury, so no Donovan. As we have seen, that hurts. While he can’t do it alone, he can make a difference in terms of making dangerous runs and opening up space for others to operate. Not having that doesn’t help. If the US comes out with a mind set on attacking and taking it to the Spanish regardless of the cost, I’ll say the US loses 4-2 or 5-2 in an entertaining end to end match up. If the US comes out in a defensive shell and tries to capitalize only on counterattacks and set pieces, I say expect to see the same, boring, uninspired, and passionless team we saw against England and we’ll lose 2-0 or 3-0.
So here’s hoping for the former, let’s see and end to end attacking game, let’s throw caution to wind wind and give Spain what we’ve got. Hardworking, physical play, and “grind it out” mentality that strives to win it all, regardless of how it looks or how exposed it might make you in the back. As we have all heard, the best defense is a good offense. They can’t score if we have the ball in their half of the field. So here’s hoping!
The game will be live on ESPN360.com at 4pm EST, or you can see it tape delayed on ESPN2 at 5:30pm EST! Watch it! Tivo it!
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