World Cup Team Guide: USA

USA / Dave Farrar / 13 May 2010 / Leave a comment Free £25 Bet

Landon Donovan has proved he can cut the mustard at the highest level after strong performances for Everton and the USA

The USA's remarkable run to the final of the Confederations Cup last summer was the story of the tournament and has got a few people talking about them as possible dark horses this summer. But their two or three key players will need to be at their absolute best...

"One worry that I have is that they’ll be so pumped up for the 12th June that, should they fail against Capello’s team, they may just fade away against the other two dangerous and underrated sides in this group. They’re currently trading at odds on to qualify for the last 16, and on value grounds alone, they’re worth opposing."

The USA are becoming the fashionable choice as the outsider who may over perform in South Africa. There's a fair bit of logic behind that assumption, and it begins with their exceptional showing at the Confederations Cup last year.

They were spectacular in beating Spain, and fell gallantly to Brazil after they were overpowered. They now have a real feeling for the big time, and that will certainly help as they look to live up to expectations back home and get to the last 16 at least.
The US were involved in a couple of thrillers in the Confederations Cup, but their natural style isn't to be quite as exciting as that, and they'll work hard to build a platform for Landon Donovan to operate from. Goals may well prove to be a problem after their new striking star Charlie Davies almost lost his life in a serious car accident in France.

What happened to the thankfully recovering Davies will certainly motivate the US players and will act as a bond, but they'll miss him badly on the field. Jozy Altidore will start up front, but he'll need serious support from Clint Dempsey, and the burden on Donovan as both creator and finisher seems to grow bigger by the day. If you're thinking of backing the USA to do well, I wouldn't worry too much about their poor run of form after the Confederations Cup. The 5-0 defeat by Mexico was embarrassing, but they played a B team that day and their first eleven will be primed and ready for the opening game against England. One worry that I have is that they'll be so pumped up for the 12th June that, should they fail against Capello's team, they may just fade away against the other two dangerous and underrated sides in this group. They're currently trading at odds on to qualify for the last 16, and on value grounds alone, they're worth opposing.

Coach: Bob Bradley

I doubt that we'll see or hear much of Bradley this summer. He's understated and businesslike, and gets on with the job of getting the best that he can out of his players. He's used nearly 100 players in his four years in charge, but is fairly conservative and is likely to stick with the men that he trusts, a group which includes his son Michael. It might be easy to second guess his tactics and team selection, but he's a good organiser, and a quiet man who is perfect for the job, unlike his pouting predecessor Bruce Arena.

Key Players

Landon Donovan

For a long time viewed as wildly overrated and only capable of playing in the MLS, Donovan has done pretty well since his move to Goodison Park, and has certainly been excellent for his country in helping them qualify. Is he of the highest quality though? I'm not so sure, and if Donovan is the man that Bradley hopes will unlock some tough defences, then the USA could be in for a sterile time in front of goal.

Clint Dempsey

The unsung hero of Fulham's amazing Europa League run, and one of the most underrated players in the Premier League. Dempsey is able to play either out wide or as a central striker, and its in the latter role in which he could be influential, given coach Bradley's lack of alternatives. Scored five goals in qualifying, and I expect him to provide a bit of value when the market for top USA tournament scorer becomes available.
Michael Bradley

The man who carries the burden of being the coach's son would unquestionably have made it into the national side regardless of who his father was. He has pace and energy, and proved in his time at Heerenveen that he has a real eye for goal. He's become a better player in the Bundesliga, and will be key in linking the team together from the midfield.

Recommended Bet:

Lay USA to Qualify from Group C @ [1.84]

Tags: Bob Bradley, Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan, LAy, Mike Bradley, The USA football team, World Cup teams