AMSTERDAM – Regular readers of mine know I love to make lists. Those not as familiar with me will learn, and the lesson begins here with a look at U.S. national team boss Bob Bradley's checklist for his team’s final World Cup tune-up against Australia on Saturday in Roodepoort, South Africa.
The coach has worked for three-and-half years to build his side for South Africa, and he's now down to the final chance for tweaks and tunings. The time is nigh, my friends. I'd be willing to bet dollars to donuts that Bradley has his own to-do scrawl down in South Africa. In the list below, there will be a bit from column A (picking the coach's brain) and a bit from column B (my own pushed agenda).
No. 1: Have fun, play some ball
The idea here is that the team playing loose and confident soccer is often the one that feels free enough to make big plays.
Conversely, the tight side is often the one making mistakes, and worse, letting mistakes drain confidence. A World Cup group phase goes by quickly and teams playing not to lose can easily be ousted after two games. It would be appropriate to point out that many of the biggest national teams (Argentina, Brazil, the Netherlands and Spain, to name but a few) are the ones who play with the most joy and won't be deterred by fear of a mistake.
However, we shall focus solely on the 'Nats. When they are at their best, their off-the-ball runs increase and, as a result, the creativity and pace of their play rises. They have the ability to unleash quick moves or swarm with a possession spell.
On the other hand, a tense USMNT makes for a beautiful game that isn't so pretty. If one wants to fare well at World Cup, one has to want the ball and be comfortable moving it.
No. 2: Spread around doses of fitness minutes
The squad is healthy, but some of the players are still shaking off a bit of rust. Certain guys will have pre-set clock targets to get them ready for England.
The most important area of concern is central defense. Against Turkey, the recovering trio of Carlos Bocanegra, Jay DeMerit and Oguchi Onyewu worked a combined 210 minutes. I had hoped to see 180 out of them, so it was encouraging night even before factoring in the captain's play at left back and Gooch's visibly improved mobility.
DeMerit appears to be the rustiest despite 90 minutes against Turkey, but Onyewu is the higher on the depth chart. Stationing Bocanegra out at left back could again occur on Saturday, if only to free up central minutes.
Others aren't recovering from injuries, but need some pitch time to regain sharpness lost through inactivity. For this reason, look for DaMarcus Beasley, Hercules Gomez and Stuart Holden to be in line for weekend duty.
No. 3: Build momentum
The energy and mindset seen after the break against Turkey need to be replicated. Those who took part in the second half that will also start against the Aussies are charged with showing the way.
The Americans have shown they are fit to fight back. Now, they must try to run as a lead pony. Should they burst from the gate, they can then try to put in a 90-minute performance.
At that point, they would certainly be eligible to peak at just the right time.
No. 4: Settle the England lineup
It's not ideal that Bradley has to wonder about spots on the lineup card a week before the Cup opener, but this one has been forced upon him.
As covered above, the back line remains a puzzle. Steve Cherundolo seems to have won the right-back job, despite Jonathan Spector's advanced familiarity with England players. The West Ham man could well turn up at left back for this match, especially if DeMerit and/or Onyewu have struggles against England play-alikes Australia.
It appears, however, that Bocanegra will man the left, leaving Bradley still with a central dilemma. It does seem safe to assume that whoever starts Saturday is at least penciled in for June 12.
Moving to midfield, it remains unclear who will partner Michael Bradley in central park. Ricardo Clark and Maurice Edu seem up for this role, with José Francisco Torres perhaps a surprise option. Again, Saturday's starter provides an England clue.
With four true strikers along, it stands to reason that the coach is planning to go with stars Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan in the wide playmaking roles. Jozy Altidore will be one starter up front against England, but the audition for his running mate could go until the final whistle this weekend.
This time, Saturday's starter is not necessarily an England indicator. I'd expect all three-strike candidates to see some action against Australia.
No. 5: Emerge unscathed
This can easier said than done, especially against a sturdy outfit like Australia that plays with Premier League intensity. The good news is that World Cup entrants facing each other in the final warm-up match generally will make a united effort to tone down the rough stuff and get through it healthy together.
That being said, there is always the chance of a non-contact injury, and you can be sure Bradley has his backup options identified. Let's all just hope he doesn't need one.
Greg Seltzer’s “Postcards from Europe” appear on MLSsoccer.com every Tuesday.
