(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
Some might expect Landon Donovan and Jozy Altidore to switch positions, but Donovan’s on-the-ball skills out wide will be necessary to expand the Italian back line and Altidore’s size and strength are better suited to attack the middle of the Italian defense.
Midfielder DaMarcus Beasley’s poor performance in Costa Rica has relegated him to the bench as Bob Bradley attempts to find the best fit for his skills.
Freddy Adu stands a chance to feature a key reserve role in South Africa. The number of injuries and players showing poor form has opened the door for a player with undeniable offensive skill.
Bradley’s reluctance to give Adu quality minutes due to his defensive indifference will be tested if the U.S. struggles to create any positive attacking results.
Another midfielder vying for time will be Jose Francisco Torres. Torres only played the first half against Costa Rica and will attempt to show his lack of composure in that game was a fluke.
Perhaps the most intriguing reserve that could see the field is Hammarby striker Charlie Davies. His speed and strength give him a commanding attitude on the pitch and the bulldog mentality he showed against Costa Rica was unrivaled by any other U.S. player.
The United States will likely start the game in a conservative manner due to their recent penchant to give up early goals. As the game progresses, the attacking skills of Feilhaber, Dempsey, and Donovan will be forced to show themselves in order to achieve a result against the Italians.
Prediction: A 1-1 draw.
0 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete