jhf14
Player Valuation: £950k
I am going to go ahead and go out on a limb on this one. I believe that England vs. USA will be one of the most exciting opening matches of the tournament - here is why:
1 Being the first game of group play, both squads will be at full health and going at full-speed... the talent on the field will be incredible, particuarly for England. But even the U.S. squad's starting lineup boasts an international pedigree, a good number playing in the beloved EPL. Point is, these players won't be as "awe-struck" at the event... it will be down to business for both sides.
2a England is stacked and they have EVERY right to get to the finals IMO. Best squad I've seen in years and very well managed. To most teams, beating England in the opening round is a down right "impossible" task. However, I strongly believe that the USA confederations cup run will play a huge part in their mentality going into the game. Hell, they upset an on-fire Spain squad. Why not an England squad?
2b England's expectations have proven to be a burden in the past, which could *potentially* bite them in the butt again. Another key ingredient is that USA is the underdog (the only time they will be during group play) and they have notoriously played better from such a position - more so than other teams. Americans in general love underdog stories, and often love being the underdog. There is something in being an underdog it that connects it to our past... and despite what the odds-makers say, the USA will always believe they have a legimate chance.
3 The USA has a bit of a chip on their shoulder when it comes to football. This is largely due to international reaction to American players. Make no mistake, the USA are going to use this stage to "prove" to the world that "they too" can play the world's game. At the same time, this could prove to be reckless on part of the Americans if they try to play outside their limits (something I've seen often in the past when playing teams of high talent). England will punish recklessness.
In the end, I see it like this. England will likely take the day if they play their quick tempo posession game. They are the deeper squad and are on a mission. USA would be better off playing the counter-attack like they did against Spain and Brazil in the confederations cup, and like they did throughout the entire 2002 world cup. They should save the possession game for the other teams in the group.
Key players on the pitch:
- Wayne Rooney (if fully healed and back in form, he will absolute get one against the US backline)
- Stephen Gerrard (what can I say here, the man hardly ever plays a poor game)
- Frank Lampard (I hate him, but this guy always seems to be in the right place at the right time)
- Landon Donovan (If he shows up, expect him to cause problems on the wing and counter... IF he shows up)
- Tim Howard (Not an easy keeper to beat and often keeps the USA in games they shouldn't be in)
- Clint Dempsey (If he leaves his "Donovan Complex" at the door, he will be huge... most creative player in the U.S. squad).
Here are what I think the most likely outcomes could be in this action packed game:
England 2 - USA 0
England 1 - USA 0
England 1 - USA 1
and of course, the American in me believes there is a chance for:
USA 1 - England 0
1 Being the first game of group play, both squads will be at full health and going at full-speed... the talent on the field will be incredible, particuarly for England. But even the U.S. squad's starting lineup boasts an international pedigree, a good number playing in the beloved EPL. Point is, these players won't be as "awe-struck" at the event... it will be down to business for both sides.
2a England is stacked and they have EVERY right to get to the finals IMO. Best squad I've seen in years and very well managed. To most teams, beating England in the opening round is a down right "impossible" task. However, I strongly believe that the USA confederations cup run will play a huge part in their mentality going into the game. Hell, they upset an on-fire Spain squad. Why not an England squad?
2b England's expectations have proven to be a burden in the past, which could *potentially* bite them in the butt again. Another key ingredient is that USA is the underdog (the only time they will be during group play) and they have notoriously played better from such a position - more so than other teams. Americans in general love underdog stories, and often love being the underdog. There is something in being an underdog it that connects it to our past... and despite what the odds-makers say, the USA will always believe they have a legimate chance.
3 The USA has a bit of a chip on their shoulder when it comes to football. This is largely due to international reaction to American players. Make no mistake, the USA are going to use this stage to "prove" to the world that "they too" can play the world's game. At the same time, this could prove to be reckless on part of the Americans if they try to play outside their limits (something I've seen often in the past when playing teams of high talent). England will punish recklessness.
In the end, I see it like this. England will likely take the day if they play their quick tempo posession game. They are the deeper squad and are on a mission. USA would be better off playing the counter-attack like they did against Spain and Brazil in the confederations cup, and like they did throughout the entire 2002 world cup. They should save the possession game for the other teams in the group.
Key players on the pitch:
- Wayne Rooney (if fully healed and back in form, he will absolute get one against the US backline)
- Stephen Gerrard (what can I say here, the man hardly ever plays a poor game)
- Frank Lampard (I hate him, but this guy always seems to be in the right place at the right time)
- Landon Donovan (If he shows up, expect him to cause problems on the wing and counter... IF he shows up)
- Tim Howard (Not an easy keeper to beat and often keeps the USA in games they shouldn't be in)
- Clint Dempsey (If he leaves his "Donovan Complex" at the door, he will be huge... most creative player in the U.S. squad).
Here are what I think the most likely outcomes could be in this action packed game:
England 2 - USA 0
England 1 - USA 0
England 1 - USA 1
and of course, the American in me believes there is a chance for:
USA 1 - England 0
