The USA have their squad, have their tactics, and importantly have plenty of belief for their chances at the World Cup. Take a look at Last Word on Football’s USA World Cup preview and find out what to look for in the side’s Group B matches.
World Cup Offers USA Huge Opportunity to Impress
Tyler Adams to Be Surprise Star Man For USA
Whilst Christian Pulisic is an obvious candidate for the key player within the USMNT, this isn’t necessarily the case for the World Cup in Qatar. A group featuring Wales, Iran and England means that the team needs to be defensively on point, with Gareth Bale and Harry Kane being some of the more obvious threats. Cutting these attacks out will be essential, and that’s where Tyler Adams comes in.
Adams’ main role at Leeds United is to act as a stern defensive midfielder, getting into crunching challenges and laying the ball off to some of the more creative players around him. Adding that to the Stars and Stripes means that the US will have far greater stability at the back and a foundation to build from in attack. The Leeds man also brings leadership, acting as the de facto captain for the USMNT.
Americans Like to Control Ball Play Before Pouncing
Jay Berhalter has the USMNT lining up in a 4-3-3 shape, with one defensive midfielder and fullbacks that have the license to attack. This combines with a pacy front line that likes to get in behind, with the team using intricate passing at the back to draw other teams forward before pinging a ball in behind.
Holding possession might not be a challenge in this World Cup. Iran and Wales both play a fairly passive form of football, and drawing out inexperienced defenders like those playing for Iran could be an ideal route to securing points. Expect Brenden Aaronson and Christian Pulisic to pick up some goals.
Valencia Youngster to Be America’s Shining Light
Yunus Musah could be a player that shines in this World Cup, in spite of currently being somewhat unknown. Musah is only 19, turning 20 on the same night that the USA faces off with Iran.
The midfielder is less of a passing presence at Valencia, focusing instead on ball retention and completing dribbles into the final third. He’s still a developing talent, but one that can make a difference at the World Cup.
Unexpected ‘Group of Death’ Hands America Surprise Chance
Group B is a slightly unpredictable “Group of Death”, in spite of its relatively understated nature. England, Iran, the USA and Wales can all beat one another on any given day.
With the English expected to top the group and the USMNT having the perfect tactical style to challenge Wales and Iran, the Americans have a reasonable chance of breaking out of the group. One of Wales and Berhalter’s men will be desperately disappointed come the end of the groups.
Last Word on Football recognise the human rights abuses and instances of corruption taking place throughout Qatar and in the background of the World Cup. Learn more about some of the issues surrounding the World Cup here.
