US v Portugal

The US is going into the game against Portugal with 3 points in hand and a chance to advance. Meanwhile, Portugal is looking to rebound after an abysmal display against Germany. Both teams enter the game with a bit of a limp and will rely on reserves to carry them through.

For the US, Jozy Altidore is ruled out while Matt Beasler, Demarcus Beasly and Alejandro Bedoya all suffered minor injuries. American captain Clint Dempsey suffered a broken nose in the game against Ghana but will play without protective gear. Portugal will be without defenders Pepe (red Card) and Fabaio Coentrao (injury).

This is a must win game for both sides; if Germany beats Ghana and the US beats Portugal, Portugal will be eliminated. If Germany beats Ghana and the US beats Portugal, the US will advance. Everything is on the line for the US and they have tough opposition.

All of the buzz surrounding this game is centered around Ronaldo. The man who is arguably the world’s greatest player has been hindered by injuries. Rumors of his doctors saying he shouldn’t play and will not play have encompassed the Portuguese camp. I will not by into those Rumors; I believe Cristano will play after all.

He will not appear to be injured as he is just as deadly as he is now as he was in Champions league final. He is still the greatest player on the face of the earth. He will be running at the US and creating chances. The defense will have to close him down and play physical against him. Playing physical is key in slowing him down but if they play too physical they risk giving up free kicks. Ronaldo is a master of the dead-ball and can score a free kick from 30 out.

The US will undoubtedly have their hands-full against Ronaldo. That puts the pressure on the midfield to limit his chances and close down on him when he gets the ball. But they have to be aware of Nani and Porstigia. The defense will need to close down on whoever has the ball and mark the movement of the players off the ball. When Portugal are on they have tremendous off the ball movement. They most effective in the transition game.

The US needs to hold the ball and create a good amount of possession. They need to play the game smartly and keep the ball at the feet of the play makers. Clint Dempsey has to be more effective then he was in the Ghana game. Clint needs to get the ball, make plays, run at defenders and score goals.

Clint Needs to be a factory both offensive and defensive. Another player who needs to step up is Michael Bradley. He is normally the best player for the US but against Ghana he was infective and sloppy.  It was arguably Bradley’s worse game in 5 years. Do not expect him to have back to back bad games. He will pick his game up, win balls, make passes and create something from nothing.

Without Jozy, the US will either turn to Chris Wondolowski, or force Aron Johnannasson to start. Neither player can replicate Jozy’s style of play. In the past, Aron has been effective playing alongside Jozy. Wondo is more of a poacher who capitalizes on his opportunities. They both rely on superior movement and have a habit of creating headaches for defenders.

Aron has a knack of finding the back of the net but has only had a few chances for the US. He has two goals in nine appearances for the USMNT whereas Wondo has nine goals in 21 appearances. Whoever plays will need to be a big factor in the game. They must shoot the ball and put themselves in position to have open shots.

This is going to be a nerve racking game that will start out very physical. The US have some defensive gaps that match up in favor Portugal. I believe that if the US win it will be their biggest world cup victory since Portugal in 02. Ronaldo will have an impact but ultimately Portugal will come up short. The US to win 1-0.