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This is the last time many Americans will be able to earn a spot at the world cup against a world class opponent ahead of this summer’s World Cup in South Africa.
I am eager to see some of the players that our on the cusp of the American World Cup team face up against world class talent and get put in pressured situations that will affect their game play. This is the best possible test for players trying to earn their stars and stripes. These players must face the reality that in the World Cup they will be put in dangerous situations against top players and their experience from a game like this will help them when that time comes this summer.
The likes of Arjen Robben, Dirk Kuyt, Ryan Babel, Mark Van Bommel, Nigel De Jong, Wesley Sneidjer, and the list goes on for the Dutch. These players will harrass and terroize the U.S. defense and I want to see how the players will deal with the pressure. A red card or a goal in the first five minutes will kill the game for the Dutch and dampen the spirits and confidence of the Americans.
I am really excited about this opportunity for the United States. Landon Donovan, the best player on the team in my opinion, thinks this is good test to see where the Americans stand,”It’s a good way to gauge where we’re at, a good way for Bob to gauge where the team is at and also in the bigger scheme to make some assessments on how guys are going to be and help make choices for the World Cup.” As posted on foxsoccer.com
- Landon Donovan must have a good game if the U.S. wants a result
Players like Stuart Holden, Jermain Jones, Jose Torres and players that have fallen out of favor with head coach Bob Bradley like Maruce Edue and Demarcus Beasley will get their chance to impress the Coach. These players will get their opportunity against the Netherlands because many of the regular starteers for the Americans are injured.
Three of, what I consider to be, our most important players for the National team are injured: Forward Charlie Davies, Defender Oguchi Onyewu and Mid-fielder Clint Dempsey.
If the Americans can play the way they played in the Confederations Cup then I think the U.S. have a realistic chance to get a result in this international warm-up before the World Cup. Landon Donovan and Tim Howard need to get thier squad to believe in themselves.
If they play with the intensity and desire that they belong on the same pitch with the Dutch then they have a chance.
The only reason we beat Spain this past summer is because we played with that intensity and desire. That is how you beat a world-class team. Now, I must say this is easier said than done and the Netherlands are one of the favorites to win the World Cup.
I think the Americans start Howard in goal with left back Jonathan Bornstien or Stuart Pearce, central defenders Jay Demerit and Captain Carlos Bocanegra. Right back will be played by Jonathan Spector. In the midfield the coache’s son Michael Bradley will be joined by Stuart Holden on the right, Maruice Edu at the left and Landon Donovan as attacking mid-fielder. Up top the stiker partnership will be Jozy Altidore and Brian Ching.
I think the final will be 3-2 to the Netherlands, but a good experience for the U.S. before the World Cup. Until tomorrow………I will see you at the back of the net!
