United States Vs Jamaica World Cup Qualifier Preview
By Doug Smith
When the United States and Jamaica kick off tomorrow night at 8 pm from Independence Park in Kingston, Jamaica, the home side will have plenty of confidence. The U.S. has yet to win on Jamaican soil in a game that really counts. Although the U.S. is unbeaten in 18 against the Reggae Boyz, they have difficulty scoring against Jamaica. The formation employed by coach Jurgen Klinsmann will be intriguing, especially if Clint Dempsey is fit. Does he go out looking to score or sit back in the familiar defensive posture?
Many eyes have been on Dempsey as his transfer to Tottenham was just completed. He missed the start of the English Premier League and his overall fitness is in question. He last played a competitive match on June 12. There has been positive signs that he could play in the match although the quotes have yet to confirm his play.
Jul 18, 2012; Vancouver, BC, CANADA; Vancouver Whitecaps forward Darren Mattocks (22) and Los Angeles Galaxy defenseman Tommy Meyer (21) rush the ball during the second half at BC Place Stadium. The score was tied 2-2. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-US PRESSWIRE
"I feel good. I got some training sessions under my belt. It’s been good to get back in with the guys. We’re looking forward to these games and making sure we put ourselves in the driver’s seat [in the group] and take advantage of the opportunity ahead of us."
Dempsey also address direct questions about his fitness level.
"I was able to do some fitness in England. When I got [to U.S. camp], we were able to see what my base [of fitness] was. They were happy with that, but you can’t really replicate what it is like to play in a game until you get out and play in it and train in the type of conditions with humidity and heat."
If Dempsey can start he could play in the middle to try to find a tandem of strikers up top, but it is more likely he will be on a wing opposite Brek Shea. The team will be lacking offensive chemistry at first but it would be nice to see two players up top in a 4-4-2. Fabian Johnson and Steve Cherundolo will be asked to overlap and give some action outside. Regardless, it could be a sluggish start offensively for the U.S.
Knowing this, Klinsmann will most likely employ Kyle Beckerman and Jermaine Jones as holding midfielders. Maurice Edu could fit in there as well depending on who starts at the center back positions. The idea is generally to get a point on the road in qualifiers. However, a win in Kingston will put the U.S. is control of the group.
Given the emotion around sport in Jamaica currently, the holding midfielders and back line will have to match an early test of speed and size. MLS rookie, Darren Mattocks, will challenge the wide backs for the U.S. There are nine MLS players on the roster for Jamaica. Luton Shelton will also be a player to watch as he tries to get in behind the center back tandem.
The beginning formation will set the tone. Look for the U.S. to settle in by the 25th minute and then swing the tide looking for goals.