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5 Keys for a Deep World Cup Run for USMNT
Published: January 15, 2014
Ghana has eliminated the USMNT from the last two World Cups, and the U.S. will also have to contend with world powerhouses Portugal and Germany in the group stage this time around.
So what would it take for the U.S. to get out of its group and, perhaps, even win a game in the knockout round to earn a berth in the World Cup quarterfinals?
Let’s take a look.
Tim Howard Needs to Stand on His Head
Tim Howard has been the starting goalkeeper at Everton for the past eight seasons and, as such, will be the most experienced European player the U.S. has on its roster in Brazil. Facing attackers like Cristiano Ronaldo, Asamoah Gyan and Mesut Ozil, just to name a few, Howard will be very busy in the U.S. net.
In 2010, Howard was clearly not at his best.
After a collision with Emile Heskey in the U.S.’s opening group-stage game against England, Howard suffered from severely bruised ribs and required pain injections to continue playing in the tournament. Against Ghana in the knockout round, Howard could have done better on both of the Black Stars goals.
If the U.S. is to succeed in Brazil, it will need a healthy and in-form Howard to help neutralize the vast attacking talents of the U.S.’s opponents.
The Defense Needs to Play Lights Out
One key worry for USMNT fans heading into Brazil is the relative inexperience of the American backline.
The likely center-back pairing of Matt Besler and Omar Gonzalez only has a combined 28 caps and both the left-back and right-back positions are still up for grabs.
The defense will have Howard, an experienced international, behind them to help keep things organized, but Besler and Go...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football
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