Guzan should start in goal for U.S. soccer team against Spain
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The last time the U.S. soccer team played Spain, La Furia Roja won, 1-0, in a closely contested match. Let’s take a look at some of the selections U.S. Coach Bob Bradley could make for Wednesday’s match against Spain in the semifinals of the Confederations Cup.
Goalkeeper
Now that Brad Guzan has had an impressive Confederations Cup debut against Egypt, there can finally be some competition for this position in the U.S. camp. Tim Howard had a long season for Everton, which may be why he wasn’t performing so well in the first two matches in South Africa.
Guzan, who plays backup for American goalkeeper Brad Friedel at Aston Villa, was solid between the sticks against Egypt. Guzan didn’t punch the ball out into more danger like Howard did.
My choice: Guzan
Defense
The central defense was under question after the Brazil match, but now Jay DeMerit and Oguchi Onyewu have finally shown some cooperation. Those two also have done very well in the air. At right back, Jonathan Spector had a solid showing and is the clear choice to fill this position.
Midfield
Michael Bradley always puts his heart into a game, so he obviously holds a starting spot. I would put him in as a holding midfielder. On the left wing, I would put in Jose Torres, who is probably itching to play. On the right, I would slot in Landon Donovan.
The last time the United States played Spain, the main playmaker was Freddy Adu. He probably would have found a way to score if he hadn’t been taken off at halftime. I would put in Adu as the attacking midfielder. Either that or put Adu on the left, take out Torres and slot Benny Feilhaber as the attacking midfielder.
Clint Dempsey should be rested. Sure, he looked like he wanted to prove his critics wrong in the Egypt game (and in a way he did), but he also looked tired.
Perhaps coming on as a sub would be best for him, so he can be rested ahead of the final match of the tournament, whether it be the final or the third-place match. And I trust the guys I picked not to give away the ball so easily.
Forwards
Jozy Altidore has been a regular starter in the Confederations Cup, and I would stick with him. I would also stick with Charlie Davies partnering him. Davies did really well and didn’t give up. He scored a goal against Egypt.
Obviously, I haven’t seen the team training, so I don’t really know the current form of the players who haven’t been playing regularly for their clubs, like Adu.
Still, if I were the coach, and he was doing well, then I would definitely give him a chance. Also, guys like Torres or Feilhaber should be given more chances too.
-- Sudip Bagui