Gold Cup 2011: 5 Bold Predictions for Team USA in the Final

The United States find themselves back in the Gold Cup final. Once again, they will face their biggest rival, Mexico.

While this was the predicted final, it was not a formality. Both teams struggled at times, but they persevered. Now, they will face off in the Rose Bowl on Saturday (9 PM ET).

There are many opinions about how the match will turn out, but I am looking at bold predictions for the United States. I have compiled a list of five things that the American side could accomplish, and each of them are slightly ambitious.

Feel free to let me know what you think!

An American Striker Will Score

For the most part, this is not usually an ambitious prediction. For the United States, however, this is a reach.

There has not been a consistent goal-scoring American forward in nearly a decade, and Bob Bradley continues to search for one. Finally, in the Gold Cup, it appeared that Jozy Altidore was going to break out. Then, he strained his hamstring in a 2-0 win over Jamaica.

Perfect.

Now, Bob Bradley will look to any striker to contribute. I think the United States will have plenty of opportunities, and I expect Juan Agudelo to have another big-time goal for the American side.

United States Will Be Aggressive

On many occasions, Bob Bradley has out-thought himself. As a result, he usually puts his team in a position to fail, unless they capitalize on their lucky chances (see: Spain 2009).

I don't think that will happen this time.

Bradley realizes the magnitude of this match, and he can't afford to play conservatively. While I don't expect the United States to play a reckless, attacking style, they will play more openly than they have against good opponents.

Sure, Mexico is not on the same level as Argentina, Brazil or Spain, but they do have the ability to score a lot of goals. So, while Bradley may be tempted to recede into a defensive shell, I think he will instruct his team to be aggressive from the get-go.

Defense Will Contain Chicharito and Gio Dos Santos

Chicharito and Gio dos Santos are incredibly dangerous with the ball at their feet. If given any space, they will do tremendous damage to any defenses. In the Gold Cup, they have been able to dominate each of their opponents.

The United States, however, has the toughest defense they will see. They have good size and athleticism, which could cause problems for the quick Mexican players. In addition, Tim Howard is always there to bail his team out.

Bob Bradley understands that he must slow these two down. With that in mind, the Americans will be able to shut down two fantastic attacking players.

Freddy Adu Will Make a Difference

Did anyone see that pass Freddy Adu made? He made a spectacular pass to set Landon Donovan up with the game-winning assist against Panama.

Seriously, without Adu, the United States may have lost in the semis. A year ago, that would have sounded like a ludicrous statement, but Adu is slowly working his way back into the mix for the United States.

Especially with Jozy Altidore and Stuart Holden injured, Adu has the chance to fill an attacking void for the United States. While he may not start (even though I think he should), he only needed 12 minutes to set up the game-winning goal against Panama.

Even as a substitute, Freddy Adu will make the difference against Mexico on Saturday.

United States Will Win 2-0

Remember the 5-0 final in 2009? The United States National Team does.

Embarrassments like that leave an incredibly stale taste in a team's mouth. The United States will have a chip on their shoulder, and they will want to win in their own country.

Mexico is an incredibly talented team, but the United States matches up well with them. They have strong enough athletes to contain Mexico's playmakers, and they have enough focus to convert their chances.

I think the match will be tied 0-0 at the half. Then, I think Juan Agudelo will break the tie around the hour mark, before Clint Dempsey ices the game shortly before stoppage time.

Bob Bradley's side is focused, and they will not accept a loss on Saturday.