Avoiding the Drop

One in Philly today, one in California. Hardly fair.

What may be a rainy afternoon in Philadelphia might determine the course of the upcoming World Cup for the United States Men’s National team.  Today, in Lincoln Financial Field, everything from the starting lineup on June 12 to the substitution patterns will be inspected heavily.  Rightly so.

From the US perspective, Turkey is a high quality opponent who will not be in South Africa, much like their recent opponent the Czech Republic.  They feature some well-known names such as Semih Senturk, Arda Turan, Tuncay Sanli, Hamit Altintop and Colin Kazim-Richards.  Make no mistake about it, Turkey are a major test for the recently named United States squad.

So what is the United States looking for out of this match?  A number of things, I’d suspect.  For one, under friendly rules, there are six substitutes per side.  So, while not exactly competition conditions, it gives the staff a chance to evaluate what should be the expected starting eleven against England, and then try to positionally handle the game day needed substitutions based on performance.  Turkey is a very veteran group of seasoned players, and is mostly the same side that took Germany to the brink in the semi-finals of Euro 2008.  They are managed by Guus Hiddink at this point, who took over after Fatih Terim resigned following the somewhat disastrous attempt at qualification for South Africa.  To say that this side will present a challenge is no understatement.

Most of the concern regarding the named United States squad relate to what’s considered to be a shaky-at-best group of defenders.  They will be heavily tested today without question.  The Turkish strikeforce is solid, professional and lethal at times.  Certainly, the USA will need to control the tempo and pace of the match, and also boss possession of the ball in order to neutralize the Turkish attack.  Organizationally, the defenders must stay in their lanes, they must defend against the quick and talented midfielders, and they must be extremely prudent on set pieces.  Set piece defending will be a massive undertaking for the USA, given some of the physical limitations that were apparent against the Czechs.

This match should also feature the full US attack, finally.  One would assume that Jozy Altidore, Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan will all start (assuming health isn’t an issue for any of them) along with whomever the staff selects to start opposite Altidore.  I would think that the United States would operate with a 4-4-2 at this point, but what you should see based on formation is what you’ll likely see on June 12 and moving forward.  I expect that the attack will put much more pressure on the Turks than was placed on the Czechs, but the USA must resist the thought of funneling everything through Donovan, as has been seen in the past.  If Benny Feilhaber is so untouchable at this point as to earn a free pass by not having to play against the Czechs, he must then be utilized as a slashing, cutting midfielder.  Can he play that role effectively in matches when it matters?  Clearly Bradley thinks he’s the answer opposite Donovan.  At times Feilhaber has looked the real article, at other times he’s looked sadly underwhelming.  Let’s hope that he rewards Bradley’s confidence with a great performance moving forward.

Ultimately, this match is important for the following reasons:  Squad health, team morale and result.  Do not think for one second that they are not concerned about winning this match.  The mood and morale of the squad heading to South Africa must be right, and a winning (or high quality draw) in this match is absolutely a priority.  It’s important, obviously, to not pick up any knocks coming out of this, as well.  I anticipate a highly-charged atmosphere, a well-prepared set of players and a cracking match.  The bottom line here is the USA wants to win AND look good.  Can both happen?  We will see.

Your matches available for viewing today, with Eastern time listed:

8:00 am – Slovakia v Cameroon – FIFA.com [International Friendly]
10:00 am – Milwall v Swindon – FS+ [England - League One Final]
1:45 pm – Hungary v Germany – ESPND [International Friendly]
2:00 pm – USA v Turkey – ESPN2 [International Friendly]
2:00 pm – Spain v Saudi Arabia – ESPN3 [International Friendly]
4:30 pm – Flamengo v Gremio – GolTV
7:30 pm – Columbus Crew v LA Galaxy – Direct Kick [USA]
7:30 pm – DC United v Chivas USA – Direct Kick [USA]
8:00 pm – New York Red Bull v New England Revolution – Galavision [USA]
8:30 pm – Philadelphia Union v Houston Dynamo – FSC/FSE [USA]
9:00 pm – Seattle Sounders v Colorado Rapids – Direct Kick [USA]
9:00 pm – Kansas City Rapids v Real Salt Lake – Direct Kick [USA]
10:00 pm – Toronto FC v San Jose Earthquakes – Direct Kick [USA]

Enjoy the matches, have a great Saturday and make sure to get back here tomorrow for my match report.  I’ll be in the Linc today.  I’m sure the lads will be in the various places you’re used to.