Why Jozy shouldn't be the main striker

A rather lively discussion ensued at CounterAttack headquarters yesterday:

After three matches in the World Cup, the US has played excellent on attack, held the ball well in the midfield and have been composed in defense. The MNT deserves to go through to the Second Round and further, to be honest.

One of the most exciting developments has been the progress of Jozy Altidore. He's been a monster, running down the wing, bringing the ball in a linkup from defense to offense, taking shots when possible, drawing fouls that leave defenders more cautious. There's no doubt he's one of the best players on the squad and a genuine star for the future.

BUT.

He is effectively playing as an attacking midfielder. And Jozy is a striker. If you look all the things he’s done well, there is one glaring omission. A striker scores goals and Jozy hasn't. In fact, in all of 2010, he has exactly one goal. That's not an indictment, it's just a statement of fact.

Good strikers need to score because they get into grooves. With that confidence, everything they touch turns to goal. Scoring is just infectious and feeds on itself and right now, the US player in that sort of groove is Clint Dempsey.

The difference between Deuce and Jozy is that Clint has been scoring for Fulham and the US. This doesn't mean Jozy shouldn't be on the pitch, but the CounterAttack would argue that he should switch roles with Deuce. What happens if Jozy moves back a bit, into that attacking midfield role, and Clint slides forward? We think it would create a more lethal strike combination.

Why not come out in a 4-3-1-2? That's with Bradley, Edu and Landon in the midfield, and Altidore just ahead of them. Play Deuce in the #10 role and Gomez as the #11 up front.

This creates a triangle formation with several options. Gomez at the apex, Deuce just off to the left or right, as needed. Jozy, meanwhile, plays right behind them and switches with Deuce; whenever Clint moves one way, Altidore goes the other. That leaves Donovan with a wing man at all times.

Effectively, this is a 4-3-3 but it means that Jozy doesn't need to run so much. If you watch his matches, he tends to lose the ball if he has too much green to run. So let’s limit how much he needs to roam, shorten that distance while still providing options up front for him to pass the ball. Or, to be fair, to take the shot if it's there. Why not, he's nearly scored twice.

Now, with Ghana you need to move quickly and decisively. This formation would provide two genuine goal-scoring threats in Donovan and Dempsey, plus Gomez, who we think still has a lot to offer, and Jozy’s potential to score. Now you have three- and four-pronged attack options from Gomez, Dempsey, Donovan and Altidore.

Meanwhile, Baby Bradley and Edu can hold the ball, a critical need against the Ghanese with their wide-open speed rush. The midfielders can start the attack off counters to feed Lannie, who can either take things up on his own or use Jozy as a wingman. Deuce and Gomez are still up front, denying defenders the luxury of leaving their marks to double-team any US attacker. Oh, by the way, Bradley can score too.

It also means that the US will have at least five or six men defensively protecting against Ghana’s counterattacks and yet not lose anything shifting towards attack. If Ghana attack down the right, Edu and the center-halfs can push the ball out towards Trumbolo. Ol’ Man Dolo has been completely overlooked by many as the true spark as wingback. He has started so many counterattacks with his runs down the wing and has not been beaten badly down his side in defense. So add yet another attacking option without losing anything in defense.

So right now, and only right now, and only based on these three recent matches, Jozy Altidore absolutely belongs on the pitch but as an attacking midfielder or a winger, to provide service to Clint Dempsey and whomever else is lucky enough to be paired with him up front.

Of course, that's a step too far for Bob Bradley. That’s not a criticism, especially as he has gotten more attack-oriented as the tournament has progressed. Bradley deserves enormous credit just for that alone, as it is a monumental shift in US tactics. But dropping Altidore back is too much for Bradley to envision, beyond his comfort zone.

But it could work.


Image via Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty from LA Times

Let the smack talk begin, US-ENG style

Following up on assessing England’s frailties, the CounterAttack came across an article from London. The Times of London claimed the US exposed their weaknesses against Australia. While the article is not wrong, it also missed the point as badly as Robbie Findley going on goal.

We would expect that Carlos Bocanegra would slide into the other center-half position alongside Gooch Onyewu. The two have worked in tandem for the US until Carlos was recently converted to the left wingback role. While the US would miss his attacking forays, they make up for it with a more solid defensive center.

That means Jonathan Spector, a steady if unspectacular back, takes the right side while Steve Cherundolo shifts over to the left. Spector is accustomed to English attacks, playing at West Ham as he does. The US backline may not be as mobile as it could be with a healthy Gooch. It has, however, worked together as unit for some time now and, in fact, does work well.

The US tactic is to bend, allowing teams to enter up to 30 yards from goal, and then quickly break on a counterattack. Can it stop Rooney? Perhaps not but then, few can. But Rooney is prone to overreaching, leaving himself isolated, with few options. It could happen, if the US shuts down passing lanes as it has done with great success recently. That requires some other Englander to step up and do the business, as they say. Can they?

The American midfield is a lot stronger than the English might give it credit. It works well as a unit and they play off each other with effectiveness. No one at the level of Stevie G or Frank Lampard, of course, but Donovan was an instant hit with Everton and Dempsey is a key player at Fulham. Unglamorous clubs all…but all in England.

So yes, the Times is correct that they aren’t at Manchester or Chelski. On the other hand, US players (don’t forget Altidore) at least have a good idea of how English players like to defend. They can prepare mentally for what they will see because quite a few – including goalkeeper Tim Howard – do it every week in the Premier League.

We already discussed England’s weaknesses. The idea is that Rooney might beat you, just make sure no one else does. But factor in an intangible: while neither side has to win this first group match, a loss is more damaging to England than the Americans. After all, the English did not look good v Japan, and little (literally) Mexico gave the English fits. The US is a better team than the first and matches up well against the latter.

There is also the Unknown factor. This is where the US actually has an edge. The Times correctly points out that Heskey, Crouch, Lennon, Defoe, Joe Cole, et al could rise to the occasion. The CounterAttack, well, counters that all are players that are known to the US. Their playing styles are well known to both Howard and Hahnemann, the backup keeper. That doesn’t mean the English Unknowns can be overcome, it’s just that they present no surprises.

The contrast is the US: how do you play a Gomez or a Buddle? What about a Jose Torres, do you know what he can do? Gomez and Torres both play in the hypercompetitive Mexican league, and play well. Truth be told, even the MNT is not 100% sure of what they bring because they literally are unknowns on the international stage.

Most of all, the ball is round. Anything can happen. But while the MNT would be disappointed with a loss, they would likely bounce back in their next two games, probably wins both. How do we know? Because they’ve done it before, recently.

For all the hype surrounding England, despite their fantastic qualifying record, the English have much more to lose than the Yanks and that could be a bridge too far for them on Saturday. One thing is sure: it should be a fun match.

Fingers crossed for that, at least….

MNT marches on, getting ready for ENG

Some positives came through after yesterday’s final tune-up match v Australia:

The midfield seem to get more solid with each outing. This is an increasing trend since WCQs. The unit is tidy and and seems to be hitting its collective stride at the right time. On the attacking end, they offer options, hold onto the ball against pressing defenders, and distribute as and when; all have been historical concern. In defense, the MF work well to disrupt attacks, continuing a formula they discovered v Spain in the Confed Cup semifinal. These days, they seem to spring counterattacks much quicker…and with more accuracy.

The squad knows each other very well. Team chemistry is overrated but players that actually like each other tend to fight harder for one another. These guys seem to really enjoy playing as a squad. This can be a critical edge – a player having a rough patch can be buoyed by his team mates, restoring confidence. There also very much seems to be an us-against-them mentality at work in the US locker room. As Sir Alex Ferguson would say, a tough mental edge can often be more important than physical fitness.

Scoring is suddenly a feature. Let’s take that in context – we’re not saying the US has the next coming of Pele, or even Paolo Rossi. But with Gomez and Buddle clearly in form, Jozy Altidore no longer needs to think he must carry the scoring load. Less pressure might help him. Add proven midfield scorers Dempsey and Donovan into the mix, and the US suddenly seem a threat up front.

Of course, a few negatives have also emerged:

Jay DeMerit cannot start at center-half. He’s looked shaky throughout the warm-up friendlies, unsure of himself and not mobile enough to defend properly. Yesterday, he committed three fouls within 24 minutes. But his replacement would likely be Goodson, which doesn’t exactly inspire confidence. Hopefully Gooch Onyewu is ready and fit for ENG, paired with Chuckie BlackMouth from his inspiring role as left wingback to the center again. Cherundolo on the left and Spector on the right could minimize a lot of damage. It’s all moot, though, if Gooch isn’t ready to be effective.

Robbie Findley and Rico Clark should not get meaningful minutes. Findley wasted two golden scoring opportunities. Goals are at a premium at the World Cup, so Findley condemned himself to the bench with those. Contrast with Hercules Gomez: forced a save and created a corner within two minutes of entering as a sub, and then scored the third US goal. THAT’S how it’s done. Rico is a slightly different issue: he just doesn’t offer enough to leave Torres (our preference) or Edu on the bench. A borderline inclusion to begin with – the CounterAttack thought Robbie Rogers should have been on the Final 23 at Clark’s expense – Rico has done nothing in these friendlies to show otherwise.

Coach Bradley’s conservatism could be a problem. Torres and Michael Bradley would be an excellent pair. There is very little chance, however, of Bob Bradley doing that. Baby Bradley and Torres seem to play the same role – holding MF – so Bradley won’t want to “waste” a spot. But Baby Bradley is more attack-minded, while Torres prefers to be a field general. They could start together no problem. Similarly, Torres and Buddle should start v ENG, with Altidore coming off the bench. Again, Coach Bradley is too dogmatic to even consider either.

Overall, the problems are about lack of depth on the MNT than anything that has to happen on the pitch. That’s ok – few squads have a solid starting lineup throughout, much less depth on the bench (just ask Fabio Capello). Remember: a US “B” side just played the Czechs to a standstill (final score aside) and then beat the Turks. Just five years ago, the MNT A side would have had a tough time against either.

Perhaps the most encouraging sign, however, is that no one seems to take the US seriously. Yes, some MNT supporters are a bit over the top but few others have caught on. The truth is, this is a very talented side. No top-tier superstar, but few are as solid top to bottom. It’s strong enough to go far with a little luck, and the US is due more than its share of breaks this time around. For once, the ball might bounce for the MNT.

Bring on the Three Lions!

Note to US national team: forget Rooney

The match v ENG looms on June 12th for the US and all supporters of the Men’s National Team are on tenterhooks. It’s the sort of match that in some ways is meaningless but yet could mean oh so much. An hour ago, England coach Capello released his final roster, with few surprises. It’s a fine squad, with some illustrious names but eminently beatable.

Since the WC draws were made, the CounterAttack and a Dutch friend have been mystified how anyone can rate England as one of the favorites to actually win the World Cup. The Three Lions should advance from Group C, yes (along with the US), and they should even advance to the quarterfinals. But the key word is “should” because the reality is that they could lose to the US and they could lose to Slovenia, who after all beat a Russian team that are only out of the tournament because they self-destructed.

For all the acclaim and hoopla surrounding England, the reality is that they have exactly three players that truly scare anyone. Wayne Rooney moved onto a higher plateau this past season and probably would have won the Golden Boot in the Premier League but for being injured most of the last month of the season. Rooney, however, is a workhorse and goal-scorer who is unable to take over a match on his own. He is not Messi or Torres or even Henry, strikers who can take over the match and make it their own. Rooney can be shut out and get frustrated – and the longer he is shut out, the more frustrated he gets. We follow Manchester United; we know this about Wazza quite well.

Steven Gerrard, despite having a sub-par season, is a class player. We would fully expect the real Stevie G to show up in Rustenberg on the 12th to create havoc. Now he is a player that can take over a match. But will he?

The only other English player who should scare anyone is…Frank Lampard. Ironically, he is a given on the squad but is rarely mentioned as a tipping point. The CounterAttack will propose that Fat Frank (we never understood this – he isn’t) is precisely that game breaker. His ability to create goals from distance and to force GKs into action is not to be taken lightly. The ball, as they say, is round and anything can happen. Lampard plays to that axiom better than any other Englander. He is impossible to shut down because he just pops up when you’re not paying attention to him. Easily overlooked, until he blasts a shot from 30 yards on the wing.

And that’s it. Sure, you can talk all you want about Aaron Lennon (a player the CounterAttack rates very highly, btw), Jermaine Defoe or the (non-brothers) Coles. Whatevs, we are unimpressed. Yes, perhaps they step up. Perhaps. They haven’t done so yet, so the question really is, when?

The England defense is quite suspect – nothing speaks louder than the fact that international retiree Jamie Carragher was called back into service. He and Rio have suddenly and shockingly lost a full step on the ball in a very short time. The CounterAttack has always considered John Terry to be overrated. Better, perhaps, than most American defenders, but still overrated. Let’s not even talk GKs….

The way to beat England is actually quite simple: isolate Rooney. Don’t lose sight of him, of course, but make sure his shots and passing options are limited. In other words, force England’s other players to rise to the occasion. Easier said than done but can be done.

Because that’s where the questions begin: Can Stevie G come back to form? Can Lampard be more than a threat and actually score? Can Terry link between defense and attack without leaving holes? Will the ENG second striker (probably Heskey) step up to the challenge? Will Defoe or some winger become the new hero? Will Glenn Johnson offer more on offense than he surrenders on defense? Can Barry continue where he left off with City?

Look, let’s be quite clear: any and all of these could very well happen. But will it? We just don’t believe it will, at least not enough to get past the second round.

The Japan match on Sunday was not a uniquely sub-par performance from England. The score line flattered to deceive, what with two JPN own goals. There was no “oomph” from anyone in a Three Lions shirt, not even with a few roster spots still at stake. Instead there was a rather tepid performance. It’s not just this match – little Mexico gave England fits, again with a score line that flattered.

Absolutely 100% the final score is more important than how you play in the World Cup. The CounterAttack fully expects that England will try play better when it really counts, because that's the problem: playing well is not something you just switch on.

We expect ENG to get out of the group but we would not be shocked if they didn’t get past the second round. They could beat Serbia (but then again not) but Germany? So it all depends on beating the US, setting the tone and winning the group.

And that all comes down to the MNT forgetting about Rooney. Just make sure the other Englanders don’t beat you.

Image via Getty Images, from ESPN Soccernet

US national team pieces falling into place

On the day after the afternoon before against Turkey, the CounterAttack found some causes for optimism ahead of lineup choices that Bob Bradley will have in South Africa. Certain things became more clear during the match. What is most encouraging is that certain players have started to step up, becoming impossible to overlook.

The experiment to use Carlos Bocanegra as a left wingback seems to be a success. Ok, it won’t work against teams with very quick wingers. On the whole, however, Chuckie does a good job bringing the ball up to provide more attacking options without losing too much on the defensive end. Think “Gary Neville Lite” (er, but on the left side).

It is also clear that gammy leg or not, Gooch Onyewu is the only choice for center-half. Too often the back line gave the Turks space to move. This led not only to their goal but also to several clear-cut opportunities. Gooch is a physical presence who presses his marks and doesn’t allow them space. He seems to inspire DeMerit when they partner, so hopefully Jay will have a better match than last night’s game.

Cherundolo as the other wingback is, in the CounterAttack’s opinion, a given. Trumbolo is too experience and yesterday showed what happens with unsteady players. The back line should therefore be set because Spector, Goodson and Bornstein all had iffy nights. It is difficult to see any of them called into a critical match.

Up front, let’s hope that Bradley will cut out the Dempsey-for-striker nonsense. An effective Clint Dempsey is a Deuce that has space to play into. He is most lethal from 20-30 yards out. Playing as attacking MF, he forces defenses to stretch further out from goal, opening up holes that can lead to goals. Deuce is neither a back-to-goal striker nor a go-ahead striker. He can, however, carve up a defense, create opportunities for himself, or lay passes off for teammates to run onto. These require space to roam and Bradley should harness Clint’s abilities properly.

Meanwhile, at this point Landon is the closest thing the MNT has ever had to an unstoppable player. He can move the ball at will and open up space. In fact, ever since the Italy match in Germany ’06, he has only been stopped by his teammates when they don’t score of his creations. Pairing Lannie as creative MF, with Dempsey as attacking MF, suddenly there are options for the US to score from distance and inside the area.

But the really good news is the emergence of Jose Torres. Immediately the Pachuca midfielder came on to replace the (again) ineffective Rico Clark, the complexion of the midfield changed instantly. Rushed passes do not mean quick decision-making; quite the opposite, they indicate that players are uncertain of what to do with the ball. Torres asserted a calm on the pitch, and suddenly passes were less rushed and more accurate. With Torres on, his teammates found space instead of clogging themselves up. Having a possession midfielder who knows how to hold, move and distribute the ball will do that.

Torres is a very different midfielder than the MNT has enjoyed in some time, since at least the Tab Ramos days (damned shame he was born about 10 years too soon). The only problem is that it will be either Torres or Michael Bradley as starter. Baby Bradley has too much experience and a scoring touch that cannot be ignored. But the emergence of Torres means that Bradley is going to be pushed – a bad series of plays, a stupid foul or caution, and by rights Torres should get the call straightaway.

The US still does not have a player that breaks into any top international side as a starter. But this is definitely a tight squad whose best players know how to play amongst each other quite well. There is a very skilled midfield that can match up well against all but the best squads. The MNT have developed into a really tough lineup, top to bottom, that few will want to face. The last remaining question is “will they score” – but then, that’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it?

Image via AP Photo/Matt Slocum on The Morning Call

Handicapping the Final 23

The CounterAttack is back, just in time for the 2010 World Cup. To get started, we’re going to predict Bob Bradley’s final 23 for the roster to South Africa.

First, we can eliminate some players after last night’s match v Czech Republic. Defense was poor in Hartford, so Heath Pearce made the wrong mistake at the wrong time. Considering that Chad Marshall didn’t play, that speaks volumes. In the midfield, Sacha Kljestan is also out – we never liked him and always wondered why the hype. Forward Robbie Findley is out because he didn’t play, while Eddie Johnson is out because he didn’t do enough last night and is still recovering from injury. Now for who's going:

GKs
Brad Guzan – the Villa keeper still has some work to do. Third-string but on the plane.

Marcus Hahnemann – in our view, the best keeper on the squad but inertia will keep the Wolves man as backup to…

Tim Howard – the US No. 1, his job for this cup and at least the next one too.

DFs
Carlos Bocanegra – a solid, experienced and physical defender. Prone to silly yellow caution cards, but Chuckie Black Mouth is a no-brainer and will captain the squad.

Jonathan Bornstein – we want him to do well. He can do well. He can also stink it up. Let’s hope the Good Bornstein shows up in South Africa.

Steve Cherundolo – the man from Hannover is solid, steady and knows how to bring the ball forward. He’s recovered from injury so he gets a ticket to South Africa.

Jay DeMerit – another one graced by lack of options. A bit slow and not that great moving forward but has done enough to claim a spot.

Clarence Goodson – a work in progress but a decent match last night, on a night where few defenders shined, should be enough. Besides, Bradley said he liked him. Oh well.

Oguchi Onyewu – he looked tired, very tired in the second half last night but that’s match fitness. Two more friendlies should be enough to put the Milan defender back.

Jonathan Spector – the CounterAttack has always liked the West Ham man. He’s unspectacular but calm. He can be beaten by speedy attackers but Fernando Torres and Lionel Messi are in other groups.

MFs
DaMarcus Beasley – Run DMB has had to work his way back into contention. He’ll be going to his third World Cup and if there is any justice, will get a goal to make up for his disallowed goal v Italy in ’06.

Alejandro Bedoya – the CounterAttack has to admit not knowing much about him but he was a calming presence v CZE last night. And, everyone seems to think he’ll go. We won’t argue.

Michael Bradley – no question. The attack will run through him and Donovan.

Ricardo Clark – a stronger squad might leave him off but he’s come on strong. Rico seems to have learned from his mistakes. Not a starter but he’s going.

Clint Dempsey – there are quite a few no-brainers. The Fulham man is one of them.

Landon Donovan – (no comment, none needed)

Maurice Edu – he’ll likely make it after last night’s performance. Scored the goal and offers some options as a defender. That’s key in tournament play.

Benny Feilhaber – oh, we like the kid who scored that wonder goal v MEX in the 07 Gold Cup final. We want him to do well.

Stuart Holden – we have been impressed with Holden since his Dynamo days. It’s his brain that makes him so important. Apparently Bolton were impressed with his match last night – they’ve just offered to extend his contract while he’s still inexpensive.

José Torres – nice to see the Pachuca man out there. We think he did enough to impress.

Strikers
Jozy Altidore – but we think he should come off the bench v ENG.

Edson Buddle – World Cup history is full of strikers who got hot at the right time. With his hot streak in MLS right now, it's tough to leave him out. We're going out on a limb on this one.

Herculez Gomez – the CounterAttack has been screaming for his inclusion. He came on last night, everyone expected him to score. He did. End of.

Wild Card
Robbie Rogers – we like him. A lot. Think he should go. Might go. Don’t be surprised, probably at Rico's expense.


image via John Dorton/US Soccer

One step back, then moving forward

There is nothing more frustrating than a buzz kill. And just as there is nothing more derisive than a German laughing at you, there are few things more condescending than being dismissed by an Englishman.

To whit: a good time was had by all when the US beat Spain in the Confederations Cup semifinal last Wednesday. Well, maybe a few (million) Spaniards, and some Liverpool fans (cheering for Torres and Alonso, hah), were put out. Most football watchers, however, enjoyed a good match. Who, after all, doesn’t enjoy watching an underdog beat the Big Bad Bully? Record-setting unbeaten Spain was as big a bully as they get.

So the reaction in the States about the win was over the top. Suddenly soccer was in the news. American soccer was in the news. One can excuse a little irrationality -- like some saying that the Men’s National Team were legitimate contenders to win next year’s World Cup -- from US soccer fans and media. They have been constantly overlooked, reviled, treated like third-class citizens. Heck, even ESPN, the channel fighting for international soccer broadcasting rights, seem to favor the X-Games more. Why else would ESPN condemn US fans to broadcasts with Tommy Smythe?

A good result against a Very Good Team was always going to be a release for long-suffering MNT fans. It would be the same anywhere, to be honest, to beat the top-ranked team in a FIFA tournament. Celebration and a little chest-thumping is the norm. Enter Football365’s sarcastic Mediawatch, buzzkillers.

The day after the historic win, Mediawatch wrote:

Perhaps understandably, the three people that care about football in America are quite excited this morning after their brave collection of Bobby Sues and Jimmy Maes beat Spain in the Very Important Confederations Cup last night.

'U.S. Victory Was a Miracle on Grass,' reads the headline from the usually sober New York Times.

The paper goes on to say: 'A performance like Wednesday's, if it can be repeated often enough, could change the way the world views American soccer and perhaps even the way American players view themselves, not as merely able to challenge the top international teams but to beat them.'

Hmmm. Steady on there chaps.

Sigh. “Miracle on Grass” is something that any American sports fan recognizes, echoing as it does the then-equally improbable 1980 Olympic win against the Soviet hockey juggernaut. And duh -- those are girls' names. Mediawatch piled on:

Finally, Fox News comes up with the goods to reassure any confused Yankee Doodle who didn't understand why they weren't picking the ball up with some textbook, utterly baffling and largely meaningless numbers:

'Meanwhile, the United States had been 1-7-1 against No. 1 teams, beating Brazil in the 1998 CONCACAF Gold Cup and tying Argentina last summer in an exhibition at Giants Stadium.'

It is that last bit that really got to the CounterAttack. Yes, there are times when American soccer media resorts to the need for statistics but bringing up previous performances is legit. (And yes, we are fully aware it is a Sarcastic Site. No matter -- CounterAttack still wanted to punch the English column. Figuratively.)

The English football forums were little better. After the US let a 2-0 half-time lead slip away to Brazil in the championship match, even non-Americans were impressed. One forum started a ‘The US Comes of Age!’ thread. Most of the comments were positive, commiserative in the “join us in the bitter taste of defeat” mold, and supportive. Like most things, however, it was the few ruiners that, erm, ruined it (typos in original, but sadly, no way to properly convey the tone):

• Soccer ball rules. Fuck yeah!
• fuck football...its all about SOCCER!!!! get your baseball caps on lads and crack open your miniture cans of beer…
• What an awful thread
• They are just deluded

Ugh. It is tired. It is annoying. It is...frustrating because to a certain extent, it is still true. The irony is that the US does have a history. One of the oldest FAs, semifinalists in the 1930 World Cup and…. Ok, it is quite a thin history.

The US is on course to qualify for its sixth consecutive World Cup. Still, it is a no-win situation, those pesky results getting in the way of consistent respect. That is a bit galling. Weak confederation, never-win-in-Europe, Mickey Mouse tournaments…

The team is getting better. Media coverage is improving -- the Confederations Cup was the first time that the American soccer media went after the coach for poor tactical decisions. Never before has a USSF president had to give an MNT coach a vote of confidence. Players were criticized, and then responded by word, perhaps by deed.

Soccer fans in the US are great. They are often knowledgeable about the overall game beyond the shores of England, even as they are loyal to their (usually English) adopted clubs. On that note, Americans demonstrate an inspirational level of dedication to follow their adopted teams. East Coast fans get up as early as 7 am (that's 4 am in California) to watch those games.

But because they did not grow up in the shadow of a stadium, they are considered ‘plastics’, fake fans, by English media types looking for an easy target. Accidents of birth do not impress most Yanks, but this is another annoyance they have to bear.

Unloved at home. Dismissed abroad. A schizophrenic national team that alternates between flashes of could-be-good and embarrassing. One might ask: is it all worth it?

Last week in South Africa, for 90 minutes on a Wednesday evening, for 45 minutes and 20 seconds on a Sunday evening, including one world-class goal, it surely was.

Here endeth the rant, as the CounterAttack looks forward to the game v Mexico, and another chance for the MNT to make history. Again.

Photo via Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images, @Soccernet.com

Smiling through the tears

The better teams simply know how to step it up.

In tonight’s Confederations Cup championship match, the US men’s national team played a brilliant first half, taking a 2-0 lead at the half, only to fade and let it slip away. The difference between fifth-ranked Brazil and the US, at #14 just one tier below: the better side knew how to raise its game when forced. Brazil roused itself and dominated the second half, winning 3-2 and taking the tournament championship.

The MNT nevertheless took a step forward tonight because it clearly won the first half. Small consolation but an enormous step for a team that had never held a two-goal lead against Brazil. The Americans continued to show that they know how to play intelligent, tactical soccer. For 45 minutes and 30 seconds, the MNT frustrated the Seleção to a standstill.

Pouncing on counterattacking opportunities, the US scored two unanswered goals, including a beautiful breakaway goal that would have made any Italian proud. The MNT clogged Brazil’s passing lanes and maintained defensive discipline, just as it had against Spain. The CounterAttack had hoped that the US fullbacks would hold a high defensive line to force Brazil to shoot from distance, as they had done against Spain. The American defenders did just that, forcing Brazil to shoot from distance because they simply could not get into the penalty area or create one-on-one opportunities.

But in soccer as in warfare, “good offense” will usually defeat “great defense”. The US defense was only good, not great while Brazil’s offense was unstoppably great -- in the second half. The final score was an inevitability. What the Americans still have not learned is how to close out opponents. This manifests itself in many ways, not least of which is the inability to stomp on minnows it plays in friendlies or World Cup qualifiers.

There are plenty of positives to take from this tournament. First, the US maneuvered through the vagaries of tournament play. Down two losses, goal differential and goals allowed got the MNT into the semifinals, scoring enough goals to give the team a chance to advance if other situations worked out. That is how tournaments are. The end-results are all that matter, not how the side played. Even if the MNT had not gone through (after all, how many times will Italy give up three goals, the last from an own-goal), the play against Egypt was encouraging. The MNT continued this impressive tactical display v Spain and then in the first half v Brazil.

So second was a consistent demonstration that the US is starting to play tactical soccer. It is not enough to just show up and play balls to the wall. Against Egypt and Spain, the US demonstrated patience in waiting for opportunities to pour forward in attack. The defense really stepped up, marking attackers out and overlapping when necessary. Spector showed that the US can play an effective wingback, while Gooch Onyewu, Bocanegra and DeMerit showed that they can play in the center. Spector and Boca, however, also showed their limitations when they are on the right and left backs. Both were beaten by Brazilians in this match. Overall, however, it was a good defensive showing. It is telling that only Brazil was able to penetrate the American defense to score from short-range, in both games. The opposition does not get more difficult than Italy, Brazil and Spain, so this was no one-off.

Third, as the tournament progressed, the midfield got stronger. Michael Bradley showed why he is an integral part of the US lineup. He makes players around him better, including Ricardo Clark, who finally stopped giving the ball away cheaply. The US now has a starting playmaker in Bradley and with the arrival of Jermaine Jones, will have a defensive midfielder to partner with Bradley.

Donovan and Dempsey continue to improve as an attacking tandem behind the forwards. Both scored against Brazil, with the Donovan goal coming five touches after the US stole the ball from Brazil in the US penalty area.

Tim Howard is a category unto himself. He is already one of the best goalkeepers in the world. He made critical saves in the last two matches that gave the MNT a chance to win against two of the world’s toughest teams. The spine of the US lineup, from keeper to the center-halfs on through the midfield is set for at least the next year and perhaps as far as 2014.

The strike force, however, is still being worked out but there is room for cheering here. Jozy Altidore, definitely the future of the US attack, is demonstrating he is worth the hype. He was shut out against Brazil tonight and only scored one goal in the tourney but it was a big one, v Spain. His partnership with Charlie Davies looks as if it may pay dividends in the future. At the very least, the US has another option to Brian Ching to play up front. The team scored 8 goals this tournament -- since they scored only one in the first two games, that is a massive output from a side that tends not to score in tournaments.

FIFA.com interviewed Landon Donovan after the match. This tournament will not mean anything for the future of the MNT if it does not build on its positives. When asked what the US has to do as a next step, Donovan’s response holds promise:

“(W)e need to learn from what happened today. If we don't learn from it, then all this achievement will have been for nothing. Hopefully the next time...we can kill the game off and hold the trophy over our heads instead of wearing silver around our necks.”

Photo by Antonio Scorza/GettyImages via Soccernet.com

Is that opportunity knocking?

As the Confederations Cup championship match looms, the CounterAttack is getting bored with all the talk of “miracle” about the US victory over Spain.

The American media, which doesn’t pay attention to soccer, has no idea how good its Men’s National Team is. The foreign media, on the other hand, is still stuck in 1998.

Fair enough. After all, the MNT performances are not anything you can call consistent. In order for the US to gain the proper respect it should receive, it needs to start win the matches is has to, dominate the sides it should beat, and if necessary, lose while playing smart, attractive football.

The loss to Italy was a tough one. Playing a man down for an hour, the US actually had the better play most of the first hour. Against Brazil, though, it reverted to history. Carlos Bocanegra, captain and a defensive anchor, admitted the US “came out a bit timid”, bedazzled by the canary yellow shirts.

Against Egypt, the team buried three opportunities created in the run of play. Similarly against Spain, the MNT played to its potential, scoring when it could, creating opportunities without leaving itself exposed, and creating a defensive wall that the Spaniards could not breach.

But which is the real US team? Earlier this year the MNT scored late goals to save a point in a World Cup qualifier against El Salvador. This was a positive but the need for a comeback was an indictment in itself. Then a WCQ against Costa Rica, where the hostile crowd, artificial turf and better-prepared Ticos took apart the MNT.

A review of MNT World Cup performances: 0 victories (1990), second round (1994), 0 victories (1998), quarterfinals (2002), 0 victories (2006). The last two Cups were formed around young players still on the MNT, so the shutout in Germany was so devastatingly disappointing. Taken together, the question remains: When will the real US Mens team show up?

So when a Dutch friend asked for a prediction of how the US would do against Brazil, the CounterAttack deferred. The US can win this match, make no mistake. The first five minutes will tell all. If the MNT comes out cocky, it will get careless and there will be a replay of Brazil’s 3-0 win two weeks ago. The key, as ever, is the midfield. If the MNT can stall Brazil in the midfield, it could upset the Brazilian rhythm. Not having Michael Bradley will be a problem, so Rico Clark will have to play intelligent ball again. It will likely be Benny Feilhaber with Clark, but Feilhaber has to step up and play like its 2007, not his recent injury-plagued form.

Brazil has individual talents that can win matches on their own. The US will need to be vigilant against individual breakaways. The problem is that chasing down a Kaka or Robinho could open up holes that trailing Brazilians will fill. A drop-off pass, an exposed hole in the back, and a goal is sure to come.

Brazil is also tough because it has strength and size to match its skill. The US will be hard pressed to create openings and find opportunities. The MNT has to do what all good teams do when pressed: one-touch football, cross in and out of the wings, shoot from distance when a window opens, and press without losing defensive shape. Simple, no?

The CounterAttack expects the defence to maintain its qualtiy play. DeMerit, Boca, Gooch and Spector are a formidable back line. All play in Europe and know how to handle sophisticated attacks. Staying in a flat back formation, however, will gift too many opportunities to Brazil. The backs need to defend high, above the penalty area, but ready to sprint back if a Brazilian breaks through. Pushing a high line would also allow the midfield to play higher, which could disrupt the Brazilian flow.

Feeding the ball to Landon and Dempsey, the US has to force Brazil to come out to defend. For whatever reason, Bob Bradley has decided not to use JF Torres, an adept ball handler, but Bradley can hardly risk a new partnership in a championship match. So the midfielders need to hold onto the ball because giveaways will sink the squad.(Incidentally, one drools over a Jermaine Jones-Michael Bradley partnership that would present quite a formidable midfield.)

Based on tournament form, there are no concerns about Altidore and Davies. Could the US have created a prolific partnership? Davies is the Energizer bunny to Altidore’s more traditional striker play. Jozy showed against Spain that even close man-marking is not enough to stop the 19-year-old. There was enough power and swerve on the shot against Iker Casillas that getting a hand on the ball could not stop it. Against Brazil, Altidore will have to be more selfish, hone a predatory instinct that has resulted in seven goals in just 15 international matches.

Ironically a win would not mean much to the US preparation for next year’s World Cup. The press and TV claim this is the first FIFA championship game for the US but four Gold Cup medals beg to differ. Put it this way: Spain has never made it to a “FIFA championship match” either, by that definition. Win or lose, a strong performance will have a much longer effect than a simple win. Let’s not forget that in tournament play, results do not need to mean good performances.

So playing to potential again, followed by dominating performances in WCQ matches and warmup friendlies, will do more to improve the MNT standings among the world’s elite sides. It would help get some bandwaggoners to start watching US games. And maybe MLS will stop scheduling matches on days when the MNT plays.

Ah, who are we kidding? Pardon the unprofessional emotion but the CounterAttack wants a win. That would stick it to Jim Rome and Giuseppe Rossi.

What can we say? Soccer is all about passion....

Photo via Chris Brunskill/isiphotos.com, @ USSoccer.com

And now, the Spanish Armada

This afternoon, the CounterAttack and Fellow Football Junkie Friend were discussing the improbable: how the US can beat Spain in the Confederations Cup semifinal on Wednesday.

Almost all will say, that's impossible, and with good reason. This is the hottest team on the planet: European champions, winners of a record 15 consecutive international matches, unbeaten since November 2006, FIFA's top-ranked team, home to the attacking force that includes Fernando Torres, David Villa, Andrés Iniesta, Xabi Alonso, Cesc Fabregas....

No, we're not insane, on drugs or for some reason thinking that it's actually a basketball game (or this basketball game) coming up. It is definitely a long shot and admittedly several factors have to go right, but it is not impossible that the Men's National Team beat Spain. We are not the CounterAttack for nothing, after all.

First, it was exactly 12 months ago that the US fought Spain to a veritable standstill for 80 minutes. It took an excellent effort from Xavi to bring the MNT down, 1-0. In this match, the US played smart and disciplined, cutting off Spanish passing lanes and preventing the Spaniards from spreading out and overwhelming the US.

That's one of the keys for the US to beat Spain: squeeze the Spanish attack so that they cannot use their killing speed. It can be done but it would take the same discipline as in last year's game. This time, however, they must also concentrate the entire match.

Michael Bradley will have to be the link between defence and attack. He has to sit back a little, in front of the defenders, shoring up the back and cranking up the attack. His job will be the most critical of all. As important, Donovan and Dempsey will have to fill the slots ahead of Bradley, spinning out to the wing when necessary, crashing inside as needed. All three have demonstrated they can fill these roles, which is encouraging.

Up front, coach Bradley has to pair Jozy Altidore with Charlie Davies again because skilled attack will be vital. Davies' work rate can complement Altidore's goal-facing style. But Jozy has to step it up. He has wasted opportunities in this tournament. This could be the coming-out party for the 19-year-old, but he has to make it happen.

The CounterAttack would have wanted Mastroeni as the midfielder behind Bradley for this match, for his size. By rights, that spot should fall to Jose Torres, who would have the chance to play the game of his nascent international career. There is no margin for error, and Kljestan and Clark just make too many mistakes. Torres can play on the ball and he knows Spanish style football, playing in the Mexican league.

The backs simply have to play as they have but without overcommitting. Gooch Onyewu and Jay DeMerit have created a physical presence in the back. If they can play physically against the smaller Spanish forwards, it might be enough to throw Spain off track. Spector needs to know when to stay home and when he can cruise up in the wingback role.

Most of all, the US has to finish its passes and take their shots on goal. Score early, inside the first 15 minutes, and then keep attacking without getting careless. The squad will be harassed and harried by the Spanish midfielders. If Bradley and (hopefully) Torres can hold the ball and spray it around, it will keep the Spaniards on their heels. Then the US has to score. Altidore showed in the Beckham Game that he can take over a high-profile match. If ever there was a time for him to explode onto the international scene, to prove he deserves a starting role for club and country, this would be it.

The tactics have to be set according to what the US can do, not what they will try to stop Spain from doing. That has proven to be impossible over the past 35 matches. So the MNT mentality must be to play their own game, adjust as needed, and play to the limits of their talents. The physical gap is not enormous, it is the mental hardness that the US has not yet honed consistently. It could be done for this match.

To be honest, while the CounterAttack and FFJF can see a potential US win, it is not likely. It would be enough to suffer a loss in a match where the US goes toe to toe for 90 full minutes. Let the MNT slug it out with the European champions, to show that they do belong. That would be sufficient. But why not try for it all?

After all, mighty Spain had similar overwhelming odds going for them 421 years ago, against another wannabe power, and look how that turned out.

Fine Michael Bradley, now get it done

After leading the Men's National Team to a 3-0 win v Egypt, Michael Bradley rounded off on all MNT critics. His legitimacy was the squad's improbable advance to the Confederations Cup semifinal:

"All the fucking experts in America, everybody who thinks they know about soccer, they can all look at the score tonight and let's see what they have to say now. Nobody has any respect for what we do, for what goes on on the inside, so let them all talk now. You play Brazil and Italy. Breaks don't go your way. We play down a guy for 90 minutes out of 180 minutes against two of the best five teams in the world. It's not easy. We didn't for one second feel sorry for ourselves. We didn't give up. We kept running, We kept fighting. We did the same thing tonight. So what goes on in the team the last two or three days? Nothing different. Guys get ready for the game. Guys believe in one another. Guys are ready for 90 minutes to go out and run and fight and give everything they have for the next guy, put their heart and soul on the field."

Fair enough, Michael, fair enough. A historic win, a tough result v Italy, all true. But now, the CounterAttack's rebuttal:

You talk about heart, running, fighting, giving everything, putting heart and soul on the field?

Prove it.

Play lights out when you're up against a team like Spain, in a match no one thinks you deserve. Show them you do belong. Give the fence-sitters a reason to jump on the MNT bandwagon. Be flashy, athletic, clever, attractive... be American. Own your shirt, your status as an elite player going up against other elites. Be the ball.

You want to say "up yours" to all the critics? Good, me too. Give me a reason to not be disappointed. Because it wasn't about the scores, it was about the silly send offs, the casual goals surrendered, the botched passes, the missed crosses. But we want to believe, desperately and with all our hearts.

Because we're the ones that have to hear the mocking laughter from the other countries' supporters. We're the ones that have to rage against the SportsCenter machine when they list the scorers of the ITA-BRA match... but not of our own national team. We're the ones that have to see our countrymen wear the shirts of other national teams but are embarrassed to wear that of the US. We're the ones that are bothered because American players get valued less or are relegated to the bench, simply because they are American. We seethe, silently.

You see Michael, we're in this together but you're the one that can get it done. Specifically you, Michael, you lovely cocky bastard, you are the one who can make your teammates better because you are that good, the best of your generation, the best on the Men's National Team, one day the best-ever American player. All we can do is try to hold your feet to the fire.

So don't rest on last night's fantastic laurels. Get it done again on Wednesday. Whatever it takes, just get it done. And know that to the true fans, 'getting it done' doesn't mean winning. It just means giving us a chance to win.

It's all we ask and honestly, it's as much as we deserve.

Photo via ISIphotos.com

A great result and a saving performance

Wonderful result, absolutely wonderful on so many levels. The US indeed did win their match v Egypt, 3-0.

Brazil did the US a favor by beating Italy by the same score, so as improbable as the MNT's performance in its first two matches were, the US will advance to the Confederations Cup semifinals v Spain.

This is by dint of having scored four goals in the first round to Italy's three, and having given up one less goal than Egypt. Donovan's PK v Italy turned out to prove that in tournament play, all goals matter.

Considering the CounterAttack's last proclamation, the MNT stepped up when the opportunity presented itself. The US seized the moment, while Italy and Egypt folded, either of whom needed just one goal to advance. It was the most improbable win in US national team history for 59 years, since the 1-0 World Cup victory over England in 1950.

So is Bob Bradley's job safe? Yes but not because of the results. It mattered that the US won and that they scored three goals. More important, however, was the way in which they played. It was intelligent football, attacking when the opportunity opened, staying in formation when falling back to defend. It was mature football, the kind that gets results during international tournaments. Indeed... it did.

The give-and-go between Donovan and Bradley on the second goal was pretty, and the cross that resulted in Dempsey's goal eight minutes later was equally picturesque. It is this sort of upfront partnership that is needed if the MNT is to improve its stature on the international stage.

Playing with this sort of discipline is well within this squad's ability. The problem was that it hadn't been on display in the first two matches. It could be a matter of "playing the shirts", awestruck by Brazilian yellow and Italian blue. Or it could simply be that the US did not have anything to fear in Egypt, a side that the US rightly reckoned it could outplay. This manifested itself in more deliberate play. The MNT did not stumble even when losing the ball. Egypt held onto the ball for stretches at a time but the US never panicked. Disciplined, the defence held against Egyptian incursions.

Still, Egypt had stifled Italy just three days earlier, 1-0. It was a result the US might have been able to get had they been able to finish. Without question, the US should have offered more of a result to the Italians. So American presumption of winning against the Pharaohs was by no means a certainty. Still, the MNT appeared more confident, relaxed, if not swaggering.

This time, Bob Bradley made the right player selection, putting Davies up front with Altidore. It was energetic and physical, with skill on display. With Dempsey, Donovan (who really thrives in the wing support role) and Michael Bradley behind Charlie and Jozy, it was a pyramid that formed a wedge that could spread out when necessary. Coach Bradley also made the right substitutions, particularly with the 82nd minute insertion of Conor Casey. The bull-chested forward was able to hold the ball and keep the Egyptians from retaking possession immediately upon stepping onto the pitch.

Things got a little dicey at the last few minutes, but only because the ball is round and anything can happen when you need to keep a team from getting even a fluke goal. But this was the MNT's day and the ball bounced their way. The MNT has plenty of talent. Not as much as some, certainly not a Brazil or Spain, but definitely enough to consistently get through to the knockout rounds of the World Cup and Confed tournaments.

Hopefully, the US will recognize that tournament play is about intelligence as much as talent. This afternoon, both were clearly on display. Teams build their futures off improbable results such as this one, and the US got it right when it mattered.

And that's why Coach Bradley deserves to continue on.