2011 Gold Cup Final: Onward and Upward, Things to Learn from U.S. Loss to Mexico

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at Internationaled.org

Published: June 27, 2011

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For fans of Mexico this was a game that reinvigorated belief in their team. For neutrals, this was one of the most exciting international finals in modern times. For fans of the U.S., that was a double-you-over gut-punch that left questions unanswered. Questions such as:

 

What do we make of the U.S. tactics?

While Mexico’s coach, Jose Manuel de la Torre, stayed with the same team that defeated Honduras in the semifinal, the U.S. coach Bob Bradley shook thing up a bit by starting striker Freddy Adu.  

In the previous game, Adu showed the skills that years ago made every U.S. fan believe he was the answer to their prayers. Adu showed flashes of it against Mexico, and Mexico took him seriously, triple-teaming him every time he was within striking distance of the goal.

It was a gutsy call by Bradley to take the game to Mexico, the tactic being that such an aggressive approach would take Mexico out of their game, that the best defense is a good offense. 

It quickly turned into an end-to-end game with the U.S. having little control of the midfield. Given the skill level of Mexico’s players, the U.S. was never going to dominate possession but Mexico was getting the best chances as well.

Just six minutes in, the U.S.’ Jermaine Jones lost possession in the midfield. Two passes later it turned into a shot that Giovani dos Santos sent just wide.

But while Mexico controlled possession and the pace of the game, to the surprise of many, the U.S. took the early lead. It came from their first attack, and it was a counter-strike that highlighted the team’s strengths.

Steve Cherundolo and Adu worked the ball down the right side, won a corner kick that Michael Bradley nicely placed into the opposite side with a glancing header. It was beautiful in its power, efficiency and ruthlessness.

The play took advantage of Mexico’s we...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football

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