USA’s Key Weapon and Achilles’ Heel at 2014 World Cup

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: June 11, 2014

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Just like every team that will enter the 2014 FIFA World Cup this month, the United States has its strengths and weaknesses.

One player on the team in particular, Fabian Johnson, will be the key weapon for the Americans in Brazil, but he is also a part of the team's biggest Achilles' heel.

Johnson, 26, has been involved in the American setup since 2011, but his true role in the squad was never determined until the beginning of the team's pre-World Cup camp at Stanford University.

During the camp, Johnson was moved to right back, a position that has been filled with uncertainty since the injury and retirement of national team stalwart Steve Cherundolo.



By the time the World Cup ends, American fans could end up putting Johnson in the same discussion as Cherundolo in regards to who is the best right back to ever wear the Stars and Stripes.

Yes, that is an ambitious thought, but Johnson could have that big of an impact on the three Group G games played by the Americans over the next two weeks.

As we saw against Azerbaijan, Turkey and Nigeria, Johnson has the ability to surge forward in attack to provide an extra element to an American offense that already possesses strong players in Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey and Jozy Altidore.

Against Turkey, Johnson impressed with his movement and speed, as he played a terrific give-and-go with Bradley to create the team's first goal in the 2-1 victory at Red Bull Arena:



Having the German-born defender overlap on the right wing to partner Graham Zusi caused the Turkish defense loads of problems and showed that he is the key weapon to American success in Brazil.

However, Johnson's attacking prowess could end up becoming the Achilles' heel of the United States against Ghana, Portugal and Germany.

By marauding forward to exploit the opposing defenses, Johnson leaves a gap on the left wing f...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football

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