US Soccer: Yanks' Poor Defense Will Ultimately Lead to Downfall in World Cup

For the United States men's national soccer team, 2013 was a year to remember.

Overall, the Yanks finished first in their World Cup qualifying group and reeled off a national team record 12 straight matches.

Players like Alejandro Bedyoa, Aron Johannsson and Fabian Johnson have all appeared to solidify spots on the American roster that will play in Brazil in seven months' time thanks to their great performances this past year.

Advancement for the Americans in the 2014 World Cup seemed like a strong possibility following qualifying.

Today, the dreams American fans had of a long run in the World Cup were severely hurt following today's World Cup draw.

The Yanks will face their toughest group since the 2006 World Cup with Ghana, Germany and Portugal all opposing the Americans in Brazil. 

Historically, the U.S. has struggled defensively in the World Cup group stage. In the 15 matches the Yanks have played in the group stage since 1990, the United States has just one clean sheet, which was in 2010 against Algeria.

The Americans have only recorded one other clean sheet in the World Cup over the last 24 years—against Mexico in the round of 16 in the 2002 World Cup.

Since 1990, the Americans have either led or tied for their World Cup group's lead in goals conceded during five of their six appearances in the tournament. The only time they did not do so was in 2002, when they conceded six goals in the first three matches of the tournament, while Poland allowed seven goals.

When looking at the group the Yanks have, they certainly have a difficult road ahead, considering their three opponents have reached the knockout stage during the last two World Cups.

Granted, the United States have overcome drastic odds in the past in their World Cup group.

The Americans won some improbable matches in the past, like their victory against England in the 1950 World Cup and their 3-2 win over Portugal in 2002.

Unlike in those two campaigns, though, the United States will be exposed with this group due to a lack of experience in their defense.

In previous World Cups, the United States had been fortunate to have defenders like Carlos Bocanegra, Eddie Pope, Jay DeMerit, Oguchi Onyewu and Steve Cherundolo.

From this year's probable squad, only two defenders—Geoff Cameron and Fabian Johnson—are starters in major European leagues. In Johnson's case, he could also be one of the starting midfielders for the Yanks.

Cameron, who could either play right back or a central defending role, will likely be partnered by Los Angeles Galaxy defender Omar Gonzalez if he were chosen to play central defender. 

Although Gonzalez has registered some impressive performances, his stats against World Cup opposition in 2013 were less than impressive. During the eight matches Gonzalez played in 2013 against sides that have reached the World Cup, the Americans were outshot in six of those performances.

Granted, Gonzalez did have some strong performances in those matches where the Yanks were outshot, including the United States' historic draw against Mexico, where El Tri outshot the Yanks 19-1.

However, this trend is disturbing. Especially considering the United States recorded more shots versus potential 2014 World Cup opposition in all three matches when Gonzalez did not play this past year.

With Gonzalez on the field, the United States conceded 64 percent of all goals scored. Gonzalez played in 14 matches of the United States' 23 matches this past season.

Gonzalez's less-than-stellar statistics against World Cup opposition is not the only problem with the national team. At both left and right back, there is no player who is a deserving starter.

The left back position has been in flux for the national team since before the 2010 World Cup.

This past year, DaMarcus Beasley played well at left back when he was asked to captain the Yanks at the Gold Cup. However, it is unlikely Beasley, who will be 32 years of age once the World Cup begins, will start all three group-stage matches.

Johnson would be the natural replacement to start left back if coach Jurgen Klinsmann decides to use Beasley as a substitute once the tournament begins. But if Johnson is needed to start in midfield, the Yanks will need to find a suitable replacement to start at least one group-stage match.

On the opposite side of the pitch, the Yanks have no certain starting right back.

Brad Evans had a good run of form during this past summer's qualifying matches. However, following some questionable performances at the end of the qualification campaign, Klinsmann admitted the position is completely open shortly before the end of the qualification phase.

There is a chance Cherundolo could make his fourth World Cup squad and start in the championships after making his first appearance of the season last week for Hanover 96. The right back may be able to play in the World Cup for the Yanks. However, Cherundolo, who will be 35 once the World Cup starts, probably cannot start all three group-stage fixtures.

Another option the Yanks have at right back is Timmy Chandler. Although Chandler committed himself to the United States squad a year ago, the Nurnburg right back has not played for the national team since February.

Klinsmann stated the German-born defender is behind others on the American depth chart before this past August's friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Although he may not have earned a call-up to the national team in months, Chandler could again play for the national team considering he has played on a consistent basis in the Bundesliga.

If Chandler is not called up to the national team roster, Cameron could become the starting right back. The Stoke City defender is currently attempting to start at the position in England on a weekly basis.

Assuming Cameron excels at right back, that allows Matt Besler to reclaim a starting position in central defense.

However, Besler has little experience with the national team. He only received his first cap in January.

The confusion in attempting to learn who will be starting for the American defense signals that much good fortune will be required for the Yanks if they are to advance in the World Cup.

Klinsmann will have the opportunity to advance the United States into the knockout stage should he find an appropriate solution to the impending defensive crisis facing this squad in Brazil. If he is able to do so, the United States could advance into the knockout stage of the World Cup for the third time in the last four tournaments, but right now, that's a big "if."

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