If there is one constant in the world of international football it would be that the game is always moving. Perhaps it is fitting that a game in which play very rarely stops that the world’s attention shifts from events just as quickly. So just as the bars and pubs are mopping up the fermented yeast on their floors new bottles are being cracked. The hangover from the U.S. Women’s National Team and their World Cup glory may still be raging but pre-gaming has already begun for the U.S. Men’s National Team in their run at the Gold Cup.
Although the stakes might not be the same (winning World Cup> earning the right to play in the FIFA Confederations Cup) this is still a very important tournament for the USMNT and for the region. With the U.S. Department of Justice’s recent indictment of fourteen FIFA/CONCACAF officials, the U.S.A. is now perhaps even more tied to an area that is often referred to as ” USA, Mexico, and everyone else.”
Sidebar: how disappointing is that we will likely not see suspended (apparently there is a Subway sandwich indictment ticket that FIFA members have to fill up before being fired) FIFA Vice President/CONCACAF President Jeffrey Webb presenting the winner of the Gold Cup in an orange jumpsuit? Let’s all hope that HBO can procure a live debate between John Oliver and ex-FIFA vice President Jack Warner during half-time of a match.
As Scott Nicholls points out in his brilliant piece on CONCACAF reform the region is undergoing a massive change. And it is not limited to putting a big “No Racketeering” sign in their Miami offices. The globalization of the game not just in North America but also abroad have improved scouting in the developing world. Players from countries like Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago, among many others, are being given the opportunity to play at higher levels at an increasing rate. Costa Rica’s run to the Quarterfinals of last year’s was not the sign of a lucky team but rather an indication that the quality of play has improved.
The improvement in play in the Caribbean and Central America, coupled with an improved Canadian side and a Mexican team looking to humble their arch-rivals pose a challenge to the USA. Since taking over as U.S. Men’s National Team coach, Jurgen Klinsmann has placed an emphasis on putting his team through difficult circumstances to help advance the program. Taking on improved rivals in the region and having a chance to tie Mexico with six Gold Cup victories in the modern era (post-1991) seems like bulletin board material.
Much of how the U.S.A. fares in this tournament will depend on their defending. Klinsmann’s constant tinkering with his back three or four has yielded some very interesting candidates but produced little chemistry. 4-0’s victory over Guatemala may look good on paper but the match itself was littered with defensive miscues and poor decision-making. Center-backs Omar Gonzalez and John Anthony Brooks must figure ways and methods to communicate with one another to avoid leaving the gaps that were available in Friday’s match against Guatemala. Stronger opponents like Costa Rica and Mexico will exploit them.
Right-back also continues to be a concern. Much to the chagrin of many U.S. supporters Timothy Chandler is back with the USMNT and appears to be Klinsmann’s choice to start. Fabian Johnson seems to have settled in at left-back and appears to be more cognizant of when to commit to the attack in Klinsmann’s system. But counter-attacks could be a problem if both he and Chandler are not marking their opponents.
Things are not as questionable in the midfield. With the non-controversy over Michael Bradley being captain over, the skipper can look towards improving his communication with fellow midfielder Mix Diskerud. The duo have very similar styles and at times they can overlap one another. Depending upon how Klinsmann chooses to build his midfield the two could find themselves aligned next to one another or with Mix back as a defensive midfielder.
That alignment will also prove pivotal for the other two midfield positions. It is clear that Jurgen wants DeAndre Yedlin playing. The question is where (left-back? midfield?) and when (starter? super-sub?) Alejandro Bedoya has also proven to be a difference-maker for both club (28 appearances, 3 goals for Nantes) and country this year. Kyle Beckerman and Graham Zusi could also see times as starters depending upon the opponent.
USMNT captain Clint Dempsey gave the US a 2-0 lead in the 37th minute, after taking a pass from Gyasi Zardes and fighting off Harold Cummings.
Up front the obvious two candidates in a 4-4-2 system are Clint Dempsey (7 goals with Seattle Sounders FC in 2015) and Jozy Altidore (6 goals with Toronto FC in 2015). But keep an eye on Gyassi Zardes. The Los Angeles Galaxy forward has come into his own during recent friendlies for the USMNT. His speed and pace draw the attention of defenders and give Altidore something he really has not had since a young Charlie Davies was working with him up front: space.
The biggest factor for success for the USMNT in this tournament will be how serious they take this tournament. In year’s past the U.S. has struggled in the Gold Cup when they overlooked opponents or sleepwalk their way to the semi-finals. The level of play is not at the point where supporters should fear losing in the Group Stage but teams like Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama, and Honduras are not jobbers. This tournament will have some challenges and how serious USA takes it will play a factor in their success or lack thereof.
In three weeks time, U.S. Soccer supporters will either be dousing their friends with the suds of victory or glumly staring at the bottom of a drink with their just bought third kits wondering where it all went wrong. Either way, the Gold Cup should prove to be an interesting tournament for players and supporters and provide excellent insight into the team as they enter World Cup qualification.
