Jurgen Klinsmann brought in a motivational speaker for the U.S. men’s national team before last week’s visit to Jamaica, which ended with a 2-1 defeat, the first U.S. loss to the Caribbean island nation.
Ahead of Tuesday’s rematch in Columbus, Ohio, the U.S. coach needs only a white board, the roster and a marker for X’s and O’s.
Recommended Stories
Klinsmann’s inspirational techniques have fostered belief in a side that pulled off upsets at Italy and Mexico. But his tactical acumen reached a new low when he botched his midfield alignment in Kingston. Not one of his four midfielders was a naturally wide player, and three of the four were defensive-minded. The fourth, Clint Dempsey, is more of a forward than a midfielder.
It’s no surprise the United States got overrun and struggled to possess the ball. Both Brek Shea, who makes a living on the left wing, and Graham Zusi, who despite his inexperience may be the best player available on the ball in the midfield, could make a dramatic difference in Ohio.
So could a sold-out Crew Stadium, where the United States is 5-0-3 overall and 4-0-2 in World Cup qualifying. A first loss there — and the second to Jamaica (2-0-1) in five days — would force the United States (1-1-1) into difficult must-wins at home against Guatemala (1-1-1) and on the road at Antigua and Barbuda (0-2-1) to advance out of Group A.
Klinsmann, of course, eschewed tactics when asked what another defeat would be like.
“No, we won’t [lose],” he told reporters. “Don’t worry.”
– Craig Stouffer
