The United States are in a tough group in the Copa America, amongst the likes of Colombia, Paraguay, and Costa Rica. However, with the best 16 teams in the CONCACAF and CONMEBOL it’s hard to imagine having an easy road out of the group stages. Regardless, I think the U.S have a very good shot at advancing to the knockout stages, so long as they follow these keys to success:
Consistent Center Back Play: It’s still not certain who Klinsmann will be going with for a center bac
k pairing, but whoever it is, need to perform at the highest level. In the past, our center backs have been very shaky; not communicating, not covering for each other, and finding themselves out of position. I’m not asking for anything spectacular out of our backs, just that they have good positional sense, go hard into tackles, and don’t make any silly mistakes
The Wunderkind: Christian Pulisic. I’m usually not one to buy into this kind of hype, but after watching Pulisic against Bolivia, it’s hard not to. Pulisic looked phenomenal the last couple of games. While I think he is good enough to start for the side, I think he is better suited as a spark of the bench, like he has been during the recent friendlies. His movement off the ball, quick and accurate passes, and workhorse mentality on winning the ball back are all well beyond his years. I could see him coming on in the 70th minute each game and making a big difference.
Midfield Stability: All the teams the States are facing in the group stages feature quick midfielders and forwards that are very shifty and are creative on the ball and with their passing. This means the United States midfield, in a defense sense, need to be very stable and keep their shape throughout the game. The most important person here is Michael Bradley, who I assume (and hope) will be playing in the “pocket” (in front of the defenders and behind the midfielders). If Bradley stays strong in the center of the midfield, it will benefit the whole team greatly.
The Copa America is only days away and I can’t wait for the first kickoff. It’s going to be a good tournament. Go red, white, and blue!
~ Steven Hold
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