USA (the Yanks) in Brazil……..
They are the current top dogs of the CONCACAF, and they will be entering the competition with the hope of carrying the torch for the confederation. The United States are entering their 10th Fifa World Cup, and their 7th appearance in a row.
With a 7-1-2 (W-D-L) record in their fourth round qualifiers, the Yanks attained direct qualification as group leaders. Their rampant success in their confederation, raises the question about the balance of strength in the CONCACAF.
The strength of this team lies in solidarity of the team. The team chemistry of the Yanks is second to none.
The Venom
Donovan
Landon Donovan has been the star attraction of the team every since Brian McBride. He is the face of the team, as well as the leader of the offense. A hard working forward, who goes the extra mile to put in work as a playmaker. Donovan is a precise shooter, and one of the most composed player on the team who will efficiently utilize any of the chances that will come in the way for United States.
Along with Donovan are forward players that compliment his hard work on the pitch. Jozy Altidore, Herculez Gomez, Eddie Johnson,Juan Agudelo and the new comer; Julian Green.
The Control and Support
The team chemistry in the midfield is what carries the team. But there some key players here. Clint Dempsey is one key player who is admired both domestically and on European soil. Dempsey is an effective player and a great asset to the forward men. He is usually are secondary striker for the United States. A lot of traffic will go through this player.
Clint Dempsey
Another player who will direct a great percentage of the offensive traffic will be Michael Bradley. This will be his first World Cup without his father coaching his team.
Other key players who keep the midfield machine running are Maurice Edu, Jermaine Jones, Sacha Kljestan, Kyle Beckerman, Brad Davis and Stuart Holden. Keep these players in your radar.
The Bouncers
Since Carlos Bocanegra hanged his boots, there is an attractive vacancy in the back line that is needing to be filled. Key players to look for here will be; Clarence Goodson, Omar Gonzalez, the veteran Jonathan Spector, the big man in the back;Oguchi Onyewu, the winger turned full back;DaMarcus Beasley,Eric Lichaj and Edgar Castillo
So what is it for the United States? How will they fare?
Well Group G will be a bigger test than their qualifiers. Germany and Portugal are favorites to qualify from the group, and will be favorited against them as well. Their biggest chance will be in their first match of the tournament.
The match against Ghana will be a chance for United States to revenge the pain Ghana has been bringing to them in recent tournaments.
Historically speaking, the odds are not in the favor of the Yanks, but this is futbol, there will be some drama, suspense and surprises. And that is why we will have to be watching to see if United States will make their advantage count.
