(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
After the 3-0 massacre to the Brazilians, Bradley's hand was forced to find another forward while Donovan dropped to midfield. Only two options: Connor Casey, a poor man's Jozy Altidore(not saying much) who was awful against Honduras a week prior to the competition, or Charlie Davies, who could add pace to the counter attack and a different style from Altidore. Duh.
With just those forced changes, and a game plan that had to do more with heart and luck(Brazil's trashing of Italy) rather than tactics, the U.S. managed their way to the semi-finals.
Add a another 'blatantly terrible performance' from Jonathan Borstein(more so in the Italy and Brazil games), and Bocanegra was slotted in a left upon his return, adding a little more stability to the defence.
So there it was, through all of that, a very different looking team lined up against the likes of Spain and Brazil, world powers, and gave them a run for their money. The defeated Spain, ending their 35 game unbeaten streak, and unfortunatley collasped to Brazil after leading 2-0.
The squad against Spain/Brazil:
Davies Altidore
Donovan Clark Bradley/Feilhaber Dempsey
Bocanegra Onyewu DeMerit Spector
Howard
Had all the problems mentioned not happened this is what things would've looked like. This side would not have worked as well together at all.
Donovan Altidore/Ching(If healthy, BB would've tried)
Beasley Clark Bradley Dempsey
Bornstein Bocanegra Onyewu Hejduk/Cherundolo
Howard
It wasn't mastermind shuffling that found a great setup of players, it was luck and common sense.
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