3) Klinsmann’s defensive tweaks worked
USA right-back DeAndre Yedlin picked up a second yellow in the 1-0 win over Paraguay, ruling him out of the quarter-final clash with Ecuador. His absence meant there weren’t ideal replacements for the 22-year old in the squad, but Jurgen Klinsmann made some changes to the backline that made light of his suspension.
The German moved Fabian Johnson to the right-back position and started centre-back Matt Besler on the left. Michael Orozco remained on the bench. The move was a risky one, but it eventually paid off up to some extent as the USA were able to thwart Ecuador from finding the equaliser, although they did concede one under pressure.
The strategy highlighted Klinsmann's tactical nous, and that will be put through the paces again when Argentina will most likely line-up against them in the last 4.
