U.S. Vs Canada: What We Are Watching
By Doug Smith
The friendly this evening has not been downplayed by those in camp this month. For many it is said to be an audition to make the club in a week as World Cup qualifying begins in Honduras. Jurgen Klinsmann stated before the camp that six to eight of these players will make that team and it could be even more now with injuries to Steve Cherundolo, Fabian Johnson, and Edson Buddle. The U.S. team will player a rather young Canadian squad that failed to move on in World Cup qualifying but still has the leadership of Dwayne De Rosario coupled with the raw talent of Kyle Bekker. We laid out our predictions for the starting line up but now it is time to see how these players perform. Remember to join us for our live blog tonight. Here is where our eye will be focused.
Did Chris Wondolowski seize his moment?
Wondolowski let us all know that he was still in the team’s plans for the future. Perhaps he was always in the plans for the Gold Cup matches, but whether he is in the starting 11 or not will go a long way to seeing exactly where he fits in. He likes to get his chances from another target player, but that is not what Klinsmann would typically employee. If Wondolowski is out there to start it will feel like a vote of confidence from the coach.
Does Klinsmann change tactics drastically with substitutions?
Sometimes a change in formation makes a lot of sense when you bring in different players. However, the game situation dictates that more in most cases. When Klinsmann decides to use his substitutes in the second half will he change his formation? He has been noted for inconsistency in approach and line up card. Also, will he be worried about what Canada is doing or simply run a game plan to be used in the hexagonal?
How will Matt Besler and Omar Gonzalez communicate?
Ap 7, 2012; Kansas City, KS, USA; Sporting KC defender Matt Besler (5) chases the ball against the Los Angeles Galaxy in the first half at Livestrong Sporting Park. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
One of the biggest issues with the back line has been communication. Carlos Bocanegra and Tim Howard are te vocal leaders at the back, but they are not here. Besler and Gonzalez should do well with their physical abilities but it is the communication that could cause a break down. These are two players looking to impress the coaching staff.
Will we see a dancing bear?
Will Bruin has had a great camp by all accounts. He seemed to be in the right place at the right time for the Houston Dynamo. In a match that should feature goals for the U.S., will this be the time for Bruin to come out as the revelation of camp?
Will a game plan be as easily seen as it is spoken from Klinsmann?
In other words, has this young group bought into the philosophy of the German coach? If the game plan is forced upon Canada until it works and a breakthrough is scored then the message is clear. Klinsmann’s body language and just how into the game he is will be key indicators or the team’s performance in accordance with his plan. We do not want to hear anything about being nervous or unsettled. We do know Brad Davis is on the same page.
Hope to have you back here for our live blog tonight.