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World Cup 2010: USA 1-0 Algeria - USA Forward Analysis
Goal.com breaks down the front men.
Jun 23, 2010 12:16:00 PM
Steven Streff
Who Was Good
At different points during the match, the United States employed four different players up top. It was somewhat of a surprise to see Herculez Gomez get the start alongside Jozy Altidore, but Gomez had a decent first half. He could have had a goal, but he did not seem afraid to shoot when the chance arose. Altidore had his usual ups and downs throughout the match as well. He definitely should have put his chance away in the first half, but he was active throughout the match. And in the end, he’ll be remembered for putting in the cross that led to the goal that one the game.
Edson Buddle came in the second half, and while not known for his impact off the bench, put in a decent shift. His one real good chance was a powerful header straight at the ‘keeper, but when called upon, he was usually useful in linking up play. There was no standout performance from the strikers against Algeria, but for the most part, all three contributed throughout.
Who Was Poor
Clint Dempsey had a short stint as a forward, but missed just about the best chance USA had all game. After he broke through into the box in the 56th minute, the goal was begging, but Dempsey put his shot off the post, and screwed the rebound horribly wide, when some control was needed. Dempsey also struggled to win any headers against Algeria’s Bougherra, which was rather disappointing.
However, the indictment against Dempsey should just be for his play up top. He had a solid game overall, but that came from when he was placed on the wing. Many US fans have wanted him up top to partner Altidore, but it just seems that Dempsey has not been able to replicate the magic from last summer, when he scored two goals from the forward position during the Confederations Cup.
Who Should Start
There is a next game for the US in this tournament, thanks to Landon Donovan’s late, late goal. The question is, who is coach Bob Bradley going to call upon in the Round of 16. The opponent is yet to be determined, which might affect who Bradley picks. But, barring any injury, Altidore will be starting for sure on Sunday.
The choices to partner Altidore are Robbie Findley, Gomez, and Buddle, with a small shout for Dempsey to get the start. Neither Gomez nor Buddle set the world on fire tonight, which tends to favor Findley. Although he did not contribute much in either of the first two matches, Bradley seems to want to utilize the speed of Findley as that x-factor which can turn the game around on a dime. If not Findley, Buddle seems the more logical choice to start, with Gomez looking to make the impact by coming off the bench.
The 2010 World Cup is finally here, so keep up to date with all the news at Goal.com's World Cup homepage and join Goal.com USA's Facebook fan page!
At different points during the match, the United States employed four different players up top. It was somewhat of a surprise to see Herculez Gomez get the start alongside Jozy Altidore, but Gomez had a decent first half. He could have had a goal, but he did not seem afraid to shoot when the chance arose. Altidore had his usual ups and downs throughout the match as well. He definitely should have put his chance away in the first half, but he was active throughout the match. And in the end, he’ll be remembered for putting in the cross that led to the goal that one the game.
Edson Buddle came in the second half, and while not known for his impact off the bench, put in a decent shift. His one real good chance was a powerful header straight at the ‘keeper, but when called upon, he was usually useful in linking up play. There was no standout performance from the strikers against Algeria, but for the most part, all three contributed throughout.
Who Was Poor
Clint Dempsey had a short stint as a forward, but missed just about the best chance USA had all game. After he broke through into the box in the 56th minute, the goal was begging, but Dempsey put his shot off the post, and screwed the rebound horribly wide, when some control was needed. Dempsey also struggled to win any headers against Algeria’s Bougherra, which was rather disappointing.
However, the indictment against Dempsey should just be for his play up top. He had a solid game overall, but that came from when he was placed on the wing. Many US fans have wanted him up top to partner Altidore, but it just seems that Dempsey has not been able to replicate the magic from last summer, when he scored two goals from the forward position during the Confederations Cup.
Who Should Start
There is a next game for the US in this tournament, thanks to Landon Donovan’s late, late goal. The question is, who is coach Bob Bradley going to call upon in the Round of 16. The opponent is yet to be determined, which might affect who Bradley picks. But, barring any injury, Altidore will be starting for sure on Sunday.
The choices to partner Altidore are Robbie Findley, Gomez, and Buddle, with a small shout for Dempsey to get the start. Neither Gomez nor Buddle set the world on fire tonight, which tends to favor Findley. Although he did not contribute much in either of the first two matches, Bradley seems to want to utilize the speed of Findley as that x-factor which can turn the game around on a dime. If not Findley, Buddle seems the more logical choice to start, with Gomez looking to make the impact by coming off the bench.
The 2010 World Cup is finally here, so keep up to date with all the news at Goal.com's World Cup homepage and join Goal.com USA's Facebook fan page!
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