The US Men’s National Team took tournament favorites England to the brink, finishing in a 1-1 draw. England came out swinging, and within the first 5 minutes found the back of the net through a Steven Gerrard shot. The Americans were not to be undone, however, as a gritty side battled back and tied the game late in the first half from a long range effort by Clint Dempsey.
The United States ran step-for-step with England. On the US side there was one small defensive gap early in the match that led to England’s goal. For England, there was one small goalkeeping gaffe that led to the American’s goal.
Day 2 of the World Cup kicks off tomorrow at 7am EST. South Korea will face off against 2004 European champs Greece.
Both teams are down this year as opposed to a few years back (2002 when S. Korea made it to the World Cup semi-finals and 2004 when Greece won the UEFA Cup). That being said, Korea will try to bring it to the Greeks who are expected to set up in a defensive formation and strike quickly on the counterattack. Greece deployed this strategy late in qualifying to positive effect. Meanwhile, South Korea is still one of the top teams in Asia, Ji Sung Park of Manchester United will lead the charge. I see this as a low scoring draw. 1-1.
For Team USA here is my projected starting 11 against England.
———————————Howard———————————–
—Cherundolo——–Onyewu——DeMerit———-Bocanegra—
—Donovan———–Bradley———–Clark———–Dempsey—
———————-Altidore————-Findley———————–
I see Cherundolo getting the nod over Spector because he has been the better right back in the warm-up. Onyewu will get the start. Period, although there is plenty of talk about Onyewu’s knee not being ready, Bob Bradley would be foolish to leave him on the bench to start the game. He’s too valuable to not have out there, even at 85-90%.
In the middle, pretty much standard form, I take Clark over Edu or Torres simply because of his more defensive minded mentality. I know Bradley has said they will play for the win, but I’m sure he wouldn’t feel too terrible with a 0-0 tie. I see Torres coming up as a 2nd half sub help spark the attack if necessary.
Up top, Altidore is a lock and I think Findley will be his partner. Despite missing two sitters in their warm-up against Australia, Bradley will want Findley’s speed. Buddle or Gomez in the second half as super sub.
Check out England’s projected starters after the jump…
On Saturday, the US National Team will kick off against England in the World Cup. It is no surprise that this one match is the most anticipated game in US Soccer history, and it certainly is the one that brings the most intrigue.
The two largest factors driving soccer in America are the US National Team and the English Premier League. Despite the best efforts of Major League Soccer, the current dominant professional league in America – at least in terms of fan following and interest – is the EPL. The EPL is packed with the best players in the world and some of the best teams in the world. Add to it a shared Western culture and language and it’s not surprise why the EPL is heavily favored in America among soccer fans.
Now, add in the nature of the relationship between America and England – a relationship that goes back for hundreds of years. Currently, England is America’s biggest ally politically and militarily. There is a shared interest and respect from both sides of the pond, yet at the same time, the relationship is rife with rivalry and competition. The best way to describe the England-America relationship would be that of brothers – teenage brothers for that matter.
Respect, admiration, and trust coupled with rivalry, jealousy, and competition. It shouldn’t have to be said, but this will be a game for the ages.
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