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May 27, 2014
“I’m not looking for the best players, Craig. I’m looking for the right ones.” –Kurt Russell as Herb Brooks in Miracle (2004)
Early Thursday evening, a full 11 days before the FIFA deadline, United States Men’s National Team coach Jürgen Klinsmann shocked the nation and world when he released his final 23-man roster for the upcoming World Cup in Brazil1. The shocker: the conspicuous absence of 32 year-old midfielder and U.S. soccer icon Landon Donovan. That was everyone and their mother’s (and their second cousin Billy Joe’s) main takeaway from the roster announcement, but before we get to Donovan’s exclusion and its implications, let’s take some time to meet and discuss the 23 men who will be traveling to Brazil to don the Red, White, and Blue.
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There were no surprises in goal where Tim Howard is the entrenched starter in spite of a 2013 back fracture that allowed Brad Guzan the chance to shine in a few World Cup qualifiers. Guzan, the Aston Villa2 keeper, is a more than capable backup should any injury or horrific dip in form befall Howard, but that’s highly improbable. Nick Rimando, the starter for MLS’s Real Salt Lake, will also head south with Klinsmann’s squad.
While Donovan headlined the cuts, there was another curious decision on defense. Brad Evans, a regular during the qualifiers, was sent packing. Evans, who plays as a midfielder for MLS’s Seattle Sounders, had been regularly used by Klinsmann as a right back during the 2013 qualifying campaign. His June stoppage time game-winner on the road against Jamaica – out of position and in his first start of the Hex, no less – galvanized the Yanks in the second of what would eventually become a 12-match winning streak. That clutch goal would earn Evans four more qualifying starts, but, with the chips on the table, Klinsmann opted for Evans’s Seattle teammate, 20 year-old Deandre Yedlin, and 24 year-old German-American Timmy Chandler of Nürnberg of the Bundesliga (Germany), over the 29 year-old Evans.
With Evans out of the mix, new Borussia Mönchengladbach signing Fabian Johnson is likely to start at right back. Johnson is versatile; able to play either right or left back and as a wide midfielder, but Evans’s exclusion more or less locks him into the right back position that Klinsmann has played him at through most of his qualifying appearances. Opposite him will likely be utility man DaMarcus Beasley, whose career has been so long that he’s managed to play as a forward, midfielder, and now finally a left back. While he may not be an ageless wonder – Beasley has lost a step or two and would surely struggle with the assignment of stopping Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo – Klinsmann favored him as the starting left back through much of qualifying. He projects to maintain that role, although don’t be surprised if Yedlin (2 career caps) or Chandler (10 caps) take the veteran’s starting spot if he struggles. Even if Beasley is solid, Yedlin or Chandler figure to make a substitute appearance or two to spell the 32 year-old, who will seek to become the first American to ever appear in a match in four different World Cups.
In central defense, the inexperienced pairing of Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City) and Omar Gonzalez (Los Angeles Galaxy) figure to get the starting nod While both are top defenders in MLS and have been regular starters for Klinsmann through qualifying, they lack experience against the level of competition that the USMNT will face in Brazil. Their play will go a long way towards determining how far the U.S. progresses in the competition. Stoke City’s (England) Geoff Cameron and German-American and Klinsmann favorite John Brooks of the Bundesliga’s Hertha Berlin will provide depth at center back, although that pairing is similarly unproven against world-class competition.
Moving to the midfield, we are confronted again with the question of Donovan’s absence from the roster. The selection of defensive midfielders Jermaine Jones (the likely starter) and Kyle Beckerman (his dreadlocked and capable backup) were pretty much foregone conclusions. The decision to bring central midfielder Michael Bradley, the U.S.’s engine and best player, was even more obvious. Graham Zusi’s consistency through qualifying earned him one spot as an attacking midfielder out wide in Klinsmann’s preferred 4-2-3-1 formation. He should be an obvious starter in Brazil on the right side of the three forward midfielders.
That leaves the question of who will play in an attacking position on the left side of Klinsmann’s lineup. MLS veteran Brad Davis, who, like Donovan, is 32 years old, was somewhat of a surprise selection for the final roster. A strong left-footed player, he is the most naturally suited to playing the currently vacant position in the U.S. lineup. He may begin the tournament as the starter, but I fully expect either Alejandro Bedoya of Nantes (France) or Bayern Munich 18 year-old Julian Green, a German-American who only chose to represent the United States in March, to start at least one of the three group stage games. Rounding out the midfield is Norwegian-born Mix Diskerud, who will most likely serve as a creative-minded substitute in late game situations requiring an extra attacking player.
The 23-man roster includes four forwards. However, one of them is American captain Clint Dempsey, who is a near certainty to start as a central attacking midfielder. While striker Jozy Altidore struggled through a miserable year at Sunderland, he is still in the midst of a sparkling run of form for the national team, and there is no reason to suggest he won’t begin the tournament as Klinsmann’s starting center forward.
That leaves Aron Johannsson, Altidore’s replacement at Holland’s AZ Alkmaar, and Chris Wondolowski of the San Jose Earthquakes as the final two forwards. While Wondolowski is a prolific scorer in MLS, he is a long shot to see game action in the World Cup. I am thankful for his presence on the roster for the sole reason that it means I will never have to ponder the possibility of Terrence Boyd entering a World Cup match for the U.S. Johannsson is a much different story. The Icelandic-American striker tallied 26 goals in all competitions for AZ this past season and has seemed to be a Klinsmann favorite since his one-time switch from Iceland to the U.S. was approved by FIFA in August of 2013. He could be used to replace a tired or ineffective Altidore when the United States needs a late goal, but I see bigger things for 23 year-old. Mark this as my first bold prediction for this World Cup: Aron Johannsson will start a group stage match over a healthy Jozy Altidore.
All of this brings us back to Donovan and what his absence means for Klinsmann, this version of the USMNT, and U.S. Soccer in general. First off, those suggesting that the risk that Jürgen has taken by leaving the greatest ever American player stateside will likely mean his dismissal if the U.S. does not advance to the knockout rounds is kidding themselves. Throughout his almost three years at the helm of the United States team, Klinsmann has regularly displayed a willingness to buck conventional wisdom and safe decisions in favor of high-risk, high-reward options. However, this decision does not fit neatly in that category.
Yes, Donovan is the most recognizable and talented player to ever come out of the United States. However, U.S. Soccer finally has the talent pool to support a choice of this magnitude. Leaving Landon home does not mean the same precipitous drop-off in talent that it would have in 2006 or 2010. Klinsmann is still traveling to Brazil with a roster of 23 very capable players – players who he thinks can succeed in his system. ((For the record, I think cutting Donovan is a mistake. As I survey this roster, I don’t see a player that can be a game-changing substitute in the midfield3. Brek Shea, who has consistently played the role of super sub for the U.S., did not even make the 30-man preliminary roster. Even if he wasn’t going to start, Landon Donovan could have offered that attacking option off the bench who can singlehandedly alter a match.
Even worse than that is the fact that there are certain players (Wondolowski, Brooks, and possibly Green come to mind) whom I judge to have no shot at playing a minute at this World Cup. If he was going to bring bench filler, why not include Donovan, a proven fan favorite and recognizable face who can help to market the team and provide a connection to fond memories of World Cups past.))
This 23-man roster leaves myriad questions that pundits and the Twitter mobs have been raising since the announcement. I can’t claim to have the answers to them. What I do know is this: Jürgen Klinsmann took risks with his selections, but he’s also given himself and his squad 11 extra days to grow accustomed to each other, and, in a tournament like the World Cup, that added familiarity can be difference between a group stage flameout and a run to the knockout stages. While I disagree with some of Klinsmann’s choices, I can’t claim to possess anything nearing his extensive soccer knowledge and technical acumen.
Regardless of your own personal opinions about the final roster, what can you do but embrace the 23 who will represent our nation in Brazil? You’re not going to flip sides and start rooting for England, Brazil, Germany, or anyone else, so at this point there is little reason to fight it.
Say it with me: In Jürgen We Trust.
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The full United States squad:
Goalkeepers: Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Tim Howard (Everton), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)
Defenders: DaMarcus Beasley (Puebla), Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City), John Brooks (Hertha Berlin), Geoff Cameron (Stoke City), Timmy Chandler (Nürnberg), Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy), Fabian Johnson (Borussia Mönchengladbach), DeAndre Yedlin (Seattle Sounders FC)
Midfielders: Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Alejandro Bedoya (Nantes), Michael Bradley (Toronto FC), Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo), Mix Diskerud (Rosenborg), Julian Green (Bayern Munich), Jermaine Jones (Besiktas), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City)
Forwards: Jozy Altidore (Sunderland), Clint Dempsey (Seattle Sounders FC), Aron Johannsson (AZ Alkmaar), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes)
Projected Starting Lineup vs. Ghana:
4-2-3-1
Johnson Gonzalez Besler Beasley
Jones Bradley
Zusi Dempsey Bedoya
Altidore
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AP Photo
- Games begin on June 12, and the United States opens against Ghana on June 16. [↩]
- That’s Randy Lerner’s team that he’s now trying to sell. [↩]
- With the possible exception of Diskerud. [↩]
27 Comments
Mark this as my first bold prediction for this World Cup: Aron Johannsson will start a group stage match over a healthy Jozy Altidore.
Not to be snarky, I think you are not realizing the impact of the Brazil summer. I’d be surprised if Altidore starts all 3 games, as I would for many of our starters. I think Jurgin will play conservatively vs. GER and aggressively vs. PORT & GHANA, trying to use young legs and conditioning to create an advantage in a group with the worst draw for logistics/playing conditions. And a knock on Donovan is fitness. I am not saying his exclusion lacks discussion, but I keep hearing “shocking”. It wasn’t that shocking as it was made out to be. His exclusion has always been possible.
While its unfortunate for Donovan, him not being on the roster is probably better for US Soccer as a whole. Realistically, the chances of getting out of the group stage are minimal because of the impossibly hard draw, so you might as well build for 2018. Bedoya and Green have the chance to be difference makers in the future, so might as well give them time now to be on the big stage, even if it its just watching for Green.
Dempsey (who IMHO is the US’ best player, not Bradley) and Howard can provide the veteran leadership, as can Gonzalez and Bradley.
I could see Donovan over Brooks or Wondolowski, I guess, but I don’t mind bringing Green to expose him to the atmosphere, maybe get him some late PT when they’re getting blown out by Germany.
I’d love to see Johannson over Altidore, honestly. Seen too many games where the latter is a complete non-factor. And the only time I heard his name during the Premier League season was when he drew that late foul against Chelsea.
I’d like to see Cameron start over Jones in the defensive mid position. I think Cameron/Bradley is a more balanced pairing than Jones/Bradley, and I like him more than Beckerman. It’s not likely to happen at the start of the tournament, but could happen once Jones starts racking up his customary yellow cards.
Advancing out of this stage isn’t likely but not impossible. IMO, the key is to keep the loss to GER to 1 goal and then advance on goal differential. Obvsiously they need to do no worse than tie PORT and beat Ghana. 0-3-0 is absolutely possible but I think the odd travel/weather might work to our advantage.
I wouldn’t be surprised if the decision to cut Donovan was made when JK decided that he wouldn’t be starting. It could be a major distraction to have someone with LD’s credentials on the bench, especially if the team struggles (as it may well do given the tough draw).
Klinsmann has made it pretty clear through qualifying and camp thus far that he prefers to play Cameron at center back. Cameron has said as much himself in the past week or so. With Brooks so young and inexperienced, I’d think that if you see Cameron it will be in the backline. Further, I’m not really sure why JK would have included Kyle Beckerman if he wasn’t going to be the starter or primary backup to Jones.
The weather factor is a very solid point that I completely (and idiotically) overlooked. Thanks for pointing it out.
Including Donovan over bench fodder would have improved the team, at least somewhat. He’s not what he used to be but still has a way of making things happen, and doesn’t panic in front of the goal. That being said, it shouldn’t matter in this one. We are outmatched in our group and will do well not to finish last.
I was fortunate enough to see Yedlin play at the U of Akron, where he was extremely effective as a wing midfielder. It would be great to see him there again. They routinely passed the ball 20 yards in front of him toward the corner, and he’d beat the ball there and send in a cross before his defender could catch up. He’s the quickest player I have ever seen, and my guess is he’s the fastest guy on the US team.
I’ve always liked our aggressive style of play in past WC’s and hope we don’t change that in favor of a more defensive approach. That could really backfire since it’s not at all our strength.
I think you’re absolutely right, just wish it weren’t the case. I’m really not a Beckerman fan.
Donovan has been completely out of form for the Galaxy. He would be a much bigger distraction for this team on the bench (and probably not in the 18 selected for games) in Brazil than he will be at home cheering the team on.
Yedlin, Brooks, most likely Green are going to be along side Rimando most of the WC on the bench not included in the 18 for the game. Better to send the youth than Donovan for the experience.
Most of you guys forget that Jurgen did this with Germany in 2006 when he went with young guys over the old guard and that worked out pretty well for them. (Yes, I understand we don’t have their caliber of youth and we aren’t playing on home soil but this wouldn’t be the first time he’s had success with it).
Look forward Cameron to start at CB and Jones to be the only DCM with Bradley playing ACM vs. Ghana. Willing to bet they will come out in the 4-4-2 with a diamond midfield and the wingers tucked in that they experimented with against Mexico. This will allow us to press higher up the field and our OBs more freedom to make overlapping runs. Additionally, it gives Zusi and most likely Bedoya more freedom to come into the middle. Dempsey will start up top with Altidore up front if they play in this formation with Altidore being the point man and Dempsey having the freedom to roam.
Just my thoughts.
While I consider both to be extremely unlikely, I prefer their chances to successfully park the bus against Germany than to check Ronaldo for 90 minutes.
Whatever we want to call the formation, I think Dempsey will play more as a withdrawn striker who can come back into midfield to receive passes rather than a true midfielder or true striker. I wish Jermaine Jones wasn’t cemented as a starter for Klinsmann… his play is erratic from exceptional one game to disastrous the next and he gives the ball away in bad spots that lead to good counterattacks for the other team. I’d much rather see Beckerman start even if he doesn’t have the same talent level, he almost always makes the right play. I expect Jurgen to trot out Jones until he picks up his second yellow card in the first round, though (and he will).
I could also see Geoff Cameron getting the start at right back, which is also where he plays for his club. In that situation, Fabian Johnson would likely be the starter at left back. If I’m starting Timmy Chandler, it’s going to be at right back as he is much better with his right foot than his left, so again I think we’d see Johnson on the left. My best guess for Klinsmann’s starters:
Altidore-Dempsey
Davis-Jones-Bradley-Zusi
Johnson-Besler-Gonzalez-Cameron
Howard
I do too. Honestly, is there a better team out there to upset Germany? USA played them well in the last friendly (yes against their B/C team, but those players are extremely talented too) and more importantly, nobody is going to know their tactics better than Klinsmann. I’m not saying I’m going to put money down on the USA to win it, but I’d give them a better shot than Ghana or Portugal.
Is that true? I could swear I’ve seen Cameron at right back during qualifying and friendlies more often than at center back… strange. I certainly wouldn’t mind if Cameron jumped Gonzo as a starting CB, but I can’t envision Cameron being on the bench. He’s too good of a player not to be out there somewhere, regardless of position.
I like Johannsson as a second-half sub where his speed and precision is just murder on a tired defense. He’s only started a couple games for the US, but he didn’t seem to provide the same punch in that role. I like Altidore to wear them down and Johannsson to finish them off.
A lot depends on how that first game goes between Germany and Portugal. A German win, and they’re almost certainly going to be sitting on six points and guaranteed top of the group with just a draw against the US. A perfect time to give some regulars a rest from that blazing hit Brazilian summer in preparation for the knockout stage. They might come out even more conservative than usual and be more than content to go 0-0.
wheres brek shea or eddie johnson?
wheres brek shea or eddie johnson?
I agree–in fact I could have seen Altidore cut instead of Donovan. Altidore’s attitude on the pitch seems half-a__ed away from the ball. We need forwards creating plays, not only waiting to be fed.
I would have said the same of Donovan before he returned from sabbatical, but I sense Donovan wants this every bit as much as us lowly US fans. I wish I could say the same for Altidore.
Sure, it’s the group of death, but the US has a chance! They are probably a better team than Ghana, and stand half a chance against Portugal if they can get a defense strategy together. Portugal finished 2nd behind Russia in the qualifying stages, and the US could probably take Russia…
Have faith!
Azerbaijan shut Ronaldo down in qualifiers. The US will be watching their defense tonight to get some pointers.
IF Ronaldo can be managed–which is possible with aggressive play–the US stands a chance. (but yeah, I’m not betting the farm on that one)
I’m on board with Shea, but Johnson was probably asleep when they cut him–same as when he’s on the pitch.
If JK was thinking 2018, he wouldn’t have kept Beckerman, Davis, Beasley, Wondo, Jones, Rimando, or Howard. Whatever Klinsmann was thinking, it was about this tournament.
Neither were even on the 30-man preliminary World Cup roster for training camp.
Precisely. And Donovan may be looked at by fans as a veteran leader, but he hasn’t shown much of that in the past couple years with the national team. Were he capable of going and being “bench filler” and acting as another manager and support guy, then taking him would be reasonable. But his attitude doesn’t appear to be one that would allow him to fill a role like that. The bright lights of the Cup are enough, there’s no need to have Donovan there in person as distraction match after match.
They kept Ronaldo out of the back of the net, but Portugal went 5-0 on the aggregate over the Azeris in qualifying. Everyone else went a combined 6-7. Portugal is exactly the type of team that the Azeris, who pack it in deep and pray, struggle with.
You’re exactly right that the US has to be more aggressive with Portugal. I’m not sure it was going to work. When the Azeris did decide to apply some higher pressure, the US was not holding on to the ball well last night. That’s going to get real ugly against a talented team.