Gold Cup 2011: 7 Questions for Team USA Leading into Gold Cup Quarterfinals
Later this afternoon, the United States men's soccer team will battle Jamaica in the quarterfinals of the Gold Cup in Washington, D.C. Prior to 2009, the U.S. had won three of the previous four tournaments and appeared to be the biggest threat from CONCACAF to make noise on the international stage.
After a loss to Mexico in the 2009 edition, and a subsequent disappointing performance in the 2010 World Cup, questions begin to surround the team. Bob Bradley has gotten some heat (deserved or undeserved), and a strong performance in the Gold Cup would go a long way in securing his job through the next World Cup.
A strong performance has yet to manifest itself. The U.S. has skated through the group stage in unimpressive fashion. A shocking 2-1 loss to Panama and two narrow wins against Canada and Guadaloupe have failed to inspire much confidence amongst the fanbase. A better display is needed for the U.S. to capture its fifth trophy.
Here are seven questions facing the United States as the Gold Cup reaches the knockout stages.
Who Will Score the Goals?
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Most recognize that the United States are a gritty bunch that will fight tooth and nail and make the opposition earn a positive result. Their defense and midfield is usually compact, and once they get in the flow of the game, they are difficult to break down. This was on display in the World Cup, as opponents only had success early on in games finding the back of the net.
However, what has been lacking, both in international play and so far in the Gold Cup, is the presence of a consistent goal scorer. When you look at the top scorers in the history of the men's national team, you will see that this is a long-time problem. And remember, they play against teams that are quite inferior, which makes the low totals even less impressive.
The trio of Chris Wondolowski, Jozy Altidore and Juan Agudelo have to step up and put their chances away if the United States are to become a more formidable team.
Where Is the Killer Instinct?
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This has a lot to do with not being able to score on a consistent basis, but in addition to the lack of talent and ability to put chances away, the U.S. team often drifts in and out mentally.
Having a killer instinct is one of the most important attributes of beating a team that is inferior. The United States have rarely played the role of superpower (in soccer that is), and have yet to have success demolishing the smaller nations. In the games against Canada and Guadaloupe they were rarely threatened, but they didn't look convincing themselves.
As the U.S. continues to develop as a soccer nation, they should develop this skill of cruising by lower opponents. They will also need this trait against the stronger teams in CONCACAF, because it appears it will not be an easy stroll into the Gold Cup final.
They are no longer the underdog they once were.
How Will the Youngsters Perform as the Tournament Wears On?
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One of my earlier slide shows outlined the young players that needed to develop for the United States to continue their excellent progress over recent times.
While it is far too early to determine how they have done, the fact that they are about to make another deep run in this tournament will serve as experience for everyone on the roster. It is interesting to note that the U.S. went with a far more veteran team against Guadaloupe, so it appears that Bob Bradley isn't completely ready to hand over the keys to his youngsters quite yet.
Eric Lichaj, Jozy Altidore and Juan Agudelo could be the heart of a deep run in the 2014 World Cup, and the Gold Cup could be the groundwork that is laid for the future. The more the younger players get on the field in pressure situations, the more it will pay off in the long run.
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Will Jamaica Pose a Threat?
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The Reggae Boyz have one of the most dangerous squads in the tournament, and could provide a stern test against the U.S. today. Jamaica had three wins and a plus-seven goal differential in the group stage, and Theodore Whitmore's men are full of confidence heading into the quarterfinal matchup.
History is not on their side, however. In 18 all-time games against the island nation, the United States has not been defeated (10 wins, eight draws). Given the form each team is in right now, this could finally be the year Jamaica gets their first win against the United States.
According to Bodog.com, the U.S. has 1:2 odds to progress to the semifinals, while Jamaica has 5:1 odds of pulling off the surprise victory.
How About Panama/El Salvador?
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Should the United States get by Jamaica in the quarterfinals, they will meet the winner of the match between El Salvador and Panama. Yes, the same Panama team that upset the U.S. in their first group stage loss in tournament history.
The defeat to Panama probably served as a wake-up call for the United States, and I can't imagine them losing twice to La Marea Roja. They still have reason to be guarded, however, as they have yet to show they can dismantle a team in this competition. Panama played a decent game against the U.S. and proved they belong on the same field.
El Salvador would probably be the easier game for the United States in the semifinals. The smallest nation in the tournament played well against Costa Rica after getting destroyed by Mexico, but their defense is atrocious and will probably get handled by Panama in this round.
That said, the United States would still be heavily favored in either match, and for good reason. They are a better team, and should have a pretty easy road to the Gold Cup Final.
Do They Have What It Takes to Beat Mexico?
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Despite all of the turmoil the U.S. has endured over the past 12 months, they are still the overwhelming favorite to make it to the final. In all likelihood, they will meet their arch-rival Mexico for the third straight tournament.
Mexico cruised through the group stages, but struggled in last night's 2-1 come-from-behind victory over Guadeloupe. Although they played reasonably well, Jose Manuel de la Torre would have preferred a more comfortable evening against such a weak team.
We have documented the struggles of the United States already, and their outlook in a prospective game against Mexico would largely be determined against Jamaica and the Panama/El Salvador winner. So far, they have done little to inspire confidence that they could defeat a team with the strength of Mexico.
Mexico would have the best player on the field, should the teams meet at the Rose Bowl in next week's final: Javier Hernandez.
While having Chicharito on the back of his jersey recalls the days of the XFL, he is an amazing talented who provided a lot of crucial goals to propel Manchester United to their 19th English Premier League title.
The 23-year-old has 20 goals in 27 caps, and could put up historic numbers should he continue to perform at this high level.
The last time these two teams met in this competition, in the 2009 final, it was a one-sided affair in Mexico's favor. The Mexicans destroyed the United States 5-0 at the Meadowlands in a dominating performance that completely embarrassed the host nation.
If a repeat of that result happens on Saturday, Bob Bradley could find himself in hot water from the U.S. Soccer brass.
Will Homefield Advantage Play a Role?
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As a result of many factors, the United States have hosted the majority of Gold Cup tournaments. This has usually provided them with an advantage over their opponents that don't have the comfort of playing in their homeland for a major tournament.
If they continue to struggle on the field against the likes of Jamaica and Panama, the crowd could be the difference between winning and losing. Playing at home against Jamaica today should be enough to carry them through to the next round.
This advantage should last until the final, especially if they play Mexico. In the 2009 final, 90 percent of the crowd donned the Mexican Green, which spurred on their heroes and probably played a role in such an emphatic victory.
If I was a U.S. player, I would have been disheartened to see that in my own country, and it would be naive to think it didn't play some factor in the result.
If a rematch of the 2009 edition occurs, let's hope the U.S. turnout is a little better, not to mention the result. As we all know, in every sport, homefield advantage is an advantage, and the United States need to capitalize on it in order to lift the Gold Cup.
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