Americans understand what they need to do
More than perhaps any other team in a World Cup that so far has lacked compelling play, the United States has shown a resolute sense of purpose. By coming from behind in each of their first two games, the Americans snared dramatic ties and stayed in contention for the tournament’s knockout phase.
To clinch its place, the United States must go one step further.
Only by beating Algeria on Wednesday are the Americans assured of a top-two spot in Group C. If they draw, a complicated set of tiebreakers could determine their fate, and if they lose, it’ll be time to pack their bags for the long trip back home.
The best way to ensure that the latter doesn’t happen is by avoiding the holes they put themselves in against England and Slovenia. In other words, the Americans need to play better from the opening kickoff.
“It’s easy in hindsight to say we need to start that way, but we do need to start games that way,” U.S. midfielder Landon Donovan told reporters. “Especially going into our third game, we have no choice but to win if we want to advance, so that’s the way we’re going to have to play.”
Only referee Koman Coulibaly knows why Maurice Edu’s would-be game-winner against Slovenia didn’t count, but the United States only can blame itself for needing late-game heroics in the first place. Edu, a second-half substitute in that match, could become the third different starter called upon to solidify the U.S. central midfield against the Algerians.
Another change will come at forward. Robbie Findley will miss the match because of yellow card accumulation. U.S. coach Bob Bradley could shift Clint Dempsey up front or use Herculez Gomez or Edson Buddle in a starting role.
The coach’s lineup choices share in the blame for the poor U.S. starts to this point. Like the players, there’s no choice now but to prove he can make the right adjustments.
“It’s a credit to the mentality of the players and to the fact that they’re going to fight for 90 minutes every game,” Bradley said. “We have a third match where we still have the chance to determine our ability to move into the final round.”
