US Men's National Team (7 Viewers)

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

I worry having an aircraft carrier in the middle might just clog things up -- seems like there's going to be a lot of people in that space today. I'd like to see someone who can tie all the surrounding pieces together. But Berhalter seems to have resisted that idea so far, so maybe not very likely.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

I worry having an aircraft carrier in the middle might just clog things up -- seems like there's going to be a lot of people in that space today. I'd like to see someone who can tie all the surrounding pieces together. But Berhalter seems to have resisted that idea so far, so maybe not very likely.

I think Ferreira is more likely to clog things up. Particularly if you're also playing Reyna. You have to assume Iran plays their fullbacks pretty narrow and let the US full backs have the overlap. So Pulisic and Reyna are not going to be hugging the touchline. They're going to be in the half-spaces. McKennie likes to drift into those areas too. If you play Ferriera, I think you just see a lot of side-to-side stuff at the top of the box.

In a vacuum, I like my 3 in the back formation best for this game as it gives Pulisic a kind of free role and lets Reyna and McKennie arrive late (which will be harder to track). But I don't know if Gregg has even trained the look. But in any case, I want my furthest forward striker occupying two CBs in either look. I don't want the CB's cheating to try to limit the space between them and the full-backs. I think Iran would be very unlikely to play two CBs tight on Jesus, because I don't think they'd feel that he could receive the ball with his back to goal and have the physicality to turn a single CB.

 

[ChiefD]

To me today is Shock and Ball time: get that damn ball in the box and take shots. We need shots on goal. The more we get the better our odds are at getting one in the net.

Enough of this move the ball around all day and hope we get a couple of shots. Be direct, flood the box, and make it happen. No more messing around.

 

[TripleThreat]

Can't. focus. on. work.

Thankfully another 45 min and I'm out

 

[The Z Machine]

Or maybe something like this tasty 3 at the back look:

-------------- Wright
--------------- Pulisic
--------McKennie-------Reyna
Jedi-----------Adams--------- Dest
-----Ream-----Zimm-------CCV
-----------------Turner

C'mon, there's no way we see 3 at the back. Furthermore, it takes an attacking player off the field in lieu of Dest and Jedi playing up higher. I'd rather have Aaronson, Gio, and CP on at the same time somehow.

 

[The Z Machine]

BTW, I started stress eating at 10:00 AM... nerves are not great, Bob.

 

[TripItUp]

We have small quick guys that can operate in tight spaces....wouldn't be surprised if we win with a PK.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Or maybe something like this tasty 3 at the back look:

-------------- Wright
--------------- Pulisic
--------McKennie-------Reyna
Jedi-----------Adams--------- Dest
-----Ream-----Zimm-------CCV
-----------------Turner

C'mon, there's no way we see 3 at the back. Furthermore, it takes an attacking player off the field in lieu of Dest and Jedi playing up higher. I'd rather have Aaronson, Gio, and CP on at the same time somehow.

Aaronson's not really an attacking player. His G+A/90 and chances created/90 are below average for a Premiere League midfielder (Musah, for all his great ball progression, isn't the finished product as an attacker either). Aaronson's best trait is his pressing, but do you think Iran is going to try to play out of the press all that much? I think they'll be happy to play it long.

And, yeah, one big purpose of the formation is to allow Dest, in particular, to play higher up the field without worrying so much about his defensive responsibilities. If I had to bet on a guy to score from outside the box, Dest is my first bet. I don't think this formation sacrifices a bit of offense. I think it sacrifices some ball-winning in the middle of the field, but that's because I think Iran is going to bypass the midfield.

 

[The Z Machine]

Or maybe something like this tasty 3 at the back look:

-------------- Wright
--------------- Pulisic
--------McKennie-------Reyna
Jedi-----------Adams--------- Dest
-----Ream-----Zimm-------CCV
-----------------Turner

C'mon, there's no way we see 3 at the back. Furthermore, it takes an attacking player off the field in lieu of Dest and Jedi playing up higher. I'd rather have Aaronson, Gio, and CP on at the same time somehow.

Aaronson's not really an attacking player. His G+A/90 and chances created/90 are below average for a Premiere League midfielder (Musah, for all his great ball progression, isn't the finished product as an attacker either). Aaronson's best trait is his pressing, but do you think Iran is going to try to play out of the press all that much? I think they'll be happy to play it long.

And, yeah, one big purpose of the formation is to allow Dest, in particular, to play higher up the field without worrying so much about his defensive responsibilities. If I had to bet on a guy to score from outside the box, Dest is my first bet. I don't think this formation sacrifices a bit of offense. I think it sacrifices some ball-winning in the middle of the field, but that's because I think Iran is going to bypass the midfield.

You might be right, but why not just play Dest higher anyway and ask Adams to cover his defensive role when he moves forward? That way you can keep another creative player on the field instead of another center back in CCV. Agreed that Dest (or maybe Gio) has the best chance to score from outside the box.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I really don't want to wait until 2pm ET for the game to start. My stomach is already in knots...

 

[NewlyRetired]

At least offensively, we have gotten nothing from the new set piece coach. We really could use one today, espcially if we can earn some corners again.

 

[TripleThreat]

At least offensively, we have gotten nothing from the new set piece coach. We really could use one today, espcially if we can earn some corners again.

Agreed CP had better services last match...McK and Zimm need to find those spaces.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

I started stress eating at 10:00 AM... nerves are not great, Bob.

I've been stress working to distract myself. How do I bottle this?

Is this what it's like for workaholics?

 

[The Z Machine]

I started stress eating at 10:00 AM... nerves are not great, Bob.

I've been stress working to distract myself. How do I bottle this?

Is this what it's like for workaholics?

I don't know and I'm not going to try and find out.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

I don't know and I'm not going to try and find out.

I managed to get a short meeting on the books for 12:30, so that gets me all the way to the lineups being released.

If the USMNT played a big game every day I might win Employee of the Year.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

I suppose it would be considered bad form if I showed up to Lego Club about four Manhattans worse for the wear.

 

[berndog]

At least offensively, we have gotten nothing from the new set piece coach. We really could use one today, espcially if we can earn some corners again.

Would be really nice to see CCV or Swag get their head on a set piece.
Hell I wouldn’t be mad to see short corner to try something different. What they’ve been doing so far isn’t working

 

[ChiefD]

I managed to get a short meeting on the books for 12:30, so that gets me all the way to the lineups being released.

You're playing a dangerous game here.

 

[berndog]

https://twitter.com/paultenorio/status/1597647343595257856?s=46&t=F24goy7VeCrpqiMeYA0tQA

USMNT starting XI is out:

Turner; Robinson, Ream, Carter-Vickers, Dest; Musah, Adams, McKennie; Pulisic, Sargent, Weah

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Lineup is out. Sargent in at the 9. CCV in for Zimmerman. No Gio. No Aaronson.

 

[zoobird]

If we fail to get out of group play without starting Reyna in any of the three games...that's really easy to second-guess.

 

[AAABatteries]

I am cautiously optimistic....

I am too but just started getting real nervous the last 30 minutes. Here's what I keep telling myself - if we win, and we should, we earned it and will have a fantastic chance in R16. If we draw or lose we don't deserve it - will be disappointed but there's zero chance we don't go for it today so either way I think I'll be ok with how we played over 3 games (unless something really unexpected happens today).

If we are up 1-0 at 75' I may not be able to watch the screen for the last 20 minutes.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

I had to drive down on Friday to see my Mom, so I ended up having to listen to the England game in the car. I understand Zimmerman had some nervy passing moments, but that he also made the defensive play of the game with an early block on Kane. So I'm a bit surprised unless this is a load management thing.

I know CCV has been good for Celtic. I don't think he's ever been great for the US. And I think he's a downgrade on set pieces.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Interesting lineup.

 

[AAABatteries]

You folks familiar with CCV tell me what he's bringing over Zimm - I hate to say it but Zimm was probably our "worst" player of the first two matches so I get why he might get subbed but I hate messing up something that was working really well.

 

[Ned]

Wild to see CCV starting in the most important game in almost a decade. When's the last time he started for the US?

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Chances I visit USMNT Twitter right now?

0.0%

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

CCV tell me what he's bringing over Zimm

I think he's probably quite a bit quicker. Which could be useful if you're expecting a lot of counters.

Or maybe Zimm's not available for some reason?

 

[Ned]

Do me proud, Sarge.

 

[gianmarco]

Weah puts one in before the 20th minute......

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Lineup is out. Sargent in at the 9. CCV in for Zimmerman. No Gio. No Aaronson.

Seems obvious now that Berhalter just plain believes this is our best lineup. Respect that he's rolling with what he thinks is best. It'd be easy to tinker to placate people, but he's willing to live or die with his choices.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Wild to see CCV starting in the most important game in almost a decade. When's the last time he started for the US?

Nations league this summer I think.

he has never played with Ream.

 

[NewlyRetired]

You folks familiar with CCV tell me what he's bringing over Zimm - I hate to say it but Zimm was probably our "worst" player of the first two matches so I get why he might get subbed but I hate messing up something that was working really well.

The one item that we talked about with Zimm was his field level passing in the last game, which was poor. Maybe GGG thinks we need to improve on that but I never really thought of CCV as a distribution type CB.

 

[BassNBrew]

Freaking Sarge. Glad my *** will be out cold for this disaster. I would be a better start than Sarge.

 

[Sammy3469]

You folks familiar with CCV tell me what he's bringing over Zimm - I hate to say it but Zimm was probably our "worst" player of the first two matches so I get why he might get subbed but I hate messing up something that was working really well.

The one item that we talked about with Zimm was his field level passing in the last game, which was poor. Maybe GGG thinks we need to improve on that but I never really thought of CCV as a distribution type CB.

It's really easy to envision a match where Ream and the other CB have to distribute and distribute well.

 

[BeTheMatch]

Lineup is out. Sargent in at the 9. CCV in for Zimmerman. No Gio. No Aaronson.

Seems obvious now that Berhalter just plain believes this is our best lineup. Respect that he's rolling with what he thinks is best. It'd be easy to tinker to placate people, but he's willing to live or die with his choices.

The guy wears a child's medium t-shirt on the sideline at the World Cup. I'm not going to miss him.

 

[TripleThreat]

My wife texted me

W - couch is shipping today
M - hope it doesn't come during the game, I'm not answering the door
W - seriously?

Guess I am going to the supporters pub.

Couch didn't show up I'm at the bar... good day for session beers

 

[FreeBaGeL]

I was so excited that Gio was finally healthy heading into the WC. What a disappointment it's been that he's been riding the pine the whole time.

Also I am a huge Zimmerman fan. I know he had the dumb penalty and some shaky passing at times but this dude was our rock all throughout qualifying. Maybe our most dependable player. And CCV has never impressed me in a US uniform.

Still optimistic, but scared.

 

[AAABatteries]

Prediction time

2-0

Snacks and CP with the goals.

LFG boys!!

 

[NewlyRetired]

Brian Sciaretta

@BrianSciaretta

Of the starting XI
- 6 made their U.S. debut under Dave Sarachan: Weah, Sargent, Adams, McKennie, CCV, Robinson
- 3 made their U.S. debut under Berhalter: Turner, Dest, Musah
- 1 made his debut under Klinsman: Pulisic
- 1 made his debut under Bradley: Ream

 

[Ned]

Prediction time

2-0

Snacks and CP with the goals.

LFG boys!!

Sarge brace.

 

[TLEF316]

Fine with the lineup. I like CCV and I don't think the moment will be too big for him.

Have to sub early if things aren't working. Can't wait until the 70th

 

[General Malaise]

In 2010 when the US played a WC game in S. Africa, trading volume fell 43% during the game. I expect that number to be much much higher today. I know a guy with two thumbs who won't be making a single trade between 11am PT and the close.....

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Freaking Sarge. Glad my *** will be out cold for this disaster. I would be a better start than Sarge.

Enjoy waking up to his hattrick.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

FWIW, the odds did not budge after the US lineup. 50/50 we advance before, 50/50 we advance after.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

I suppose a Gingergasm would make a pretty cool story.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

red meat for the MLS haters

Steven Goff
@SoccerInsider

For first time in US World Cup history, every starter is employed by a European club: England (6), Italy (2), France (1), Scotland (1) Spain (1).

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

red meat for the MLS haters

I was told there was a quota?

 

[Poke_4_Life]

Heard the team earlier called 'Baby Eagles'.

F that! These are grown F-ing men! Go beat the F outta Iran!

 

[TripleThreat]

LFG!!!