Legal Commentary

World Cup: USA v. Algeria Preview

By Big Tent Democrat

A win over Algeria today would put the USA into the round of 16. The USA is considered the better side. In the world FIFA rankings, USA is 14th and Algeria is 30th. The USA has had better results offensively than Algeria, who is yet to score a goal in its 2 World Cup games. However, USA has given up 3 goals and Algeria only 1.

Algeria looked a competent side against England and Slovenia, but neither of those teams seems especially strong to me. Algeria's Karim Ziani looked the best player on the field against England. But again, does that sya more about England than Algeria?

My view of how the USA should play this game tacticially is similar to my view of how they should have played against Slovenia. I'll repeat my advice on the flip.

After watching 12 days of the World Cup, I have become convinced that the new Adidas ball is not conducive to possession-based attacks with long buildups. It is conducive to long runs and passes, and shots from outside the penalty box.

USA should put on the field on the offensive side good shooters and players with pace. That of course means Donovan, Dempsey and Altidore. Robbie Findley, is out with two yellows. This is a blessing for the USA, since Bradley seemed incapable of taking Findley, who is not good, out of the lineup. Edson Buddle and Hercules Gomez are opportunistic and shoots. One of those 2 should start.

I think they won't. I think Bradley will move Dempsey forward from the midfield and Bradley will put Ricardo Clark and Maurice Edu in midfield. I would not do this.

Instead, as holding midfielders, I would play Michael Bradley and Maurice Edu (I still prefer Holden but Edu made a case for himself as a sub against Slovenia.)

The defense is what it is. Bradley is playing his best 4 and there is nothing more that can be done about that.

In short, I would play conservative at the back and hope that our stars- Donovan, Dempsey and Altidore - can find ways to shoot, and score.

Given the conditions (including the ball) and the relative skills of the teams, this is, in my view, the best strategy for USA.

Full post as published by TalkLeft on June 23, 2010 (boomark / email).