Aside from showering the Kansas City facilities with compliments United States Men’s National Team manager Jürgen Klinsmann is looking forward to going top of the qualifying group with a victory over Guatemala in the final Third round World Cup Qualifier for CONCACAF.
After a stoppage time rescuing goal by Eddie Johnson the United States finds themselves coming into Livestrong Sporting Park knowing that only a positive result will allow them to progress to the fourth round of qualifying, commonly known as ‘the hex’. But that will keep the pressure on the team to find the right result on Tuesday.
While some players, such as Michael Bradley, are toting the straight line to the media it will be the showing on the field in the opening minutes that will set the tone for the deciding match.
Guatemala is a side that likes to play the long ball and has the players of quality of pace to play that style. The big names will be whom they look to for the needed special moment that is needed to come away with the positive result.
That rests almost solely on the shoulders of captain Carlos Ruiz.
Take away his goals and this side doesnt have three wins but four draws and a loss, which would’ve assured the United States and Jamaica of qualifying into ‘the hex’.
Other players of note are Marco Pappa of Dutch side Heerenveen, Manuel Leon of highflying Champions League side Xelaju, and the old but reliable boots of Dwight Pezzarossi who will be looked on to help Ruiz pull off the needed positive result.
For the US the hot boots of Eddie Johnson seem to be all that will be needed for a victory though other legs will be needed.
Michael Bradley needs to exert his influence on the midfield as through the middle is a strength over the visitors.
Strong spine with good work by central defenders, such as Geoff Cameron, will keep the attacking threats not just at bay but away from Tim Howard.
Prediction: Bring on the goals, let the gluteny begin, 4-3 USA in the best attacking display by America in the Klinsmann era
Brian Sanders
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