source: Active ImagesBoth the United States and England played pre-World Cup friendlies this weekend. The United States played Turkey in Philadelphia (elevation 39 feet) on Saturday. England, on the other hand, played Japan in Graz, Austria (elevation 1,158 feet). Both matches were roller coasters, both matches had their shocking moments and both have left the fans and followers of Group C talking.
U.S. vs. Turkey
U.S. soccer fans everywhere had their eyes turned to Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia to see Bob Bradley's starting lineup. But when Bradley sent the squad out in a 4-4-1-1 formation with Michael Bradley anchoring a (theoretically) fluid midfield and an on-again-off-again attack comprised of Jozy Altidore as a lone striker and Clint Dempsey in support, confusion and bewilderment ensued.
The first half wasn't disastrous, but it was pretty close. The Turks easily and continuously exploited a cardboard like defense on lightening fast counter attacks. To be honest, the U.S. was lucky to get out of the first half with only one goal against them. The second half was a bit more promising when Bradley shook things up and added (among others) Real Salt Lake forward Robbie Findley to the mix and returned the formation to a more familiar 4-4-2. Robbie's pace and added attacking presence forced Turkey to adjust and play more conservatively. After Robbie helped to set up one goal, Dempsey put in a second, the Yanks won the game 2-1.
England vs. Japan
Man, oh man, was this match a shocker. Fabio Capello went into the match looking to finalize the last 3 spots up for grabs on his final 23 man roster. However, what he got was a bucket of cold water to the face after Japan scored a goal against the run of play in the 6th minute and continued to use their pace to frustrate the Three Lions' concerted build up play.
England's defenders and holding midfielders kept most of the possession and used most of it amongst themselves, with the occasional hopeful (and often unsuccessful) long ball to the forwards. And while England's a handful of changes made a slight change of tempo and complexion to the game, the Three Lions never got out of second gear. And it was luck and lack of experience on behalf of Japan that allowed England's wingers to create two own goals and get away with a 2-1 victory and a little bit of their dignity.
U.S. vs. Turkey
U.S. soccer fans everywhere had their eyes turned to Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia to see Bob Bradley's starting lineup. But when Bradley sent the squad out in a 4-4-1-1 formation with Michael Bradley anchoring a (theoretically) fluid midfield and an on-again-off-again attack comprised of Jozy Altidore as a lone striker and Clint Dempsey in support, confusion and bewilderment ensued.
The first half wasn't disastrous, but it was pretty close. The Turks easily and continuously exploited a cardboard like defense on lightening fast counter attacks. To be honest, the U.S. was lucky to get out of the first half with only one goal against them. The second half was a bit more promising when Bradley shook things up and added (among others) Real Salt Lake forward Robbie Findley to the mix and returned the formation to a more familiar 4-4-2. Robbie's pace and added attacking presence forced Turkey to adjust and play more conservatively. After Robbie helped to set up one goal, Dempsey put in a second, the Yanks won the game 2-1.
England vs. Japan
Man, oh man, was this match a shocker. Fabio Capello went into the match looking to finalize the last 3 spots up for grabs on his final 23 man roster. However, what he got was a bucket of cold water to the face after Japan scored a goal against the run of play in the 6th minute and continued to use their pace to frustrate the Three Lions' concerted build up play.
England's defenders and holding midfielders kept most of the possession and used most of it amongst themselves, with the occasional hopeful (and often unsuccessful) long ball to the forwards. And while England's a handful of changes made a slight change of tempo and complexion to the game, the Three Lions never got out of second gear. And it was luck and lack of experience on behalf of Japan that allowed England's wingers to create two own goals and get away with a 2-1 victory and a little bit of their dignity.
- The hype may be getting to England, but this wake up call could be dangerous for the U.S.. There's nothing more dangerous than a wounded animal looking to redeem itself.
- Rooney may be an X factor in every game he plays, but he will not be able to carry the Three Lions through the tournament.
- After watching the difficulty players like Rooney, Lampard and Gerrard were having trying to control the official match ball, it's clear that the ball will be a huge factor in who claims the World Cup Trophy this summer.
- The U.S. has some serious problems when it comes to balancing work rate, experience and pace in their formations.
- Dempsey may not have the best left foot, but he belongs on the wing.
- Findley may not be the pity project we had all previously thought.
Any other take away points from this weekend in terms of how Group C might turn out? How about your thoughts on Algeria's annihilation at the hands of the hard done by Ireland?
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