Everyone seems to agree on the problem, even the coach and the players. And the stats back it up. But there are only so many combinations possible with this roster. For me, the key is still Bradley - I am still somewhat stunned how his performance has fallen off. Our passing is worse than sloppy, it is horrendous.
--------------------
The U.S. had just 72 attacks during three group-stage games, according to FIFA. That ranked 31st among the 32 teams, ahead of only Costa Rica’s 69.
The Americans were dead last in attacks from the left with 21 and tied for last with Iran with 29 from the center. Right back Fabian Johnson seems to be providing the spark for most forays upfield, advancing more often than left back DaMarcus Beasley.
While Klinsmann wants his team to play attractive, attacking soccer, it hasn’t worked out that way. The Americans had scored in eight straight World Cup games before getting shut out Thursday..
“It’s definitely something that we learned out of the Germany game. We were too deep — especially the first 20 minutes,†Klinsmann said. “I was screaming my lungs off there to get the back line out and to move the entire unit high up the field. We will work on that in next couple days in training, to shift our entire game up forward. So that will put more pressure on the opponents and create more chances.â€.
The U.S. had 41 percent possession in its 2-1 win over Ghana, 48 percent in its 2-2 draw against Portugal and 37 percent versus Germany. The Americans have been outshot 54-27 in the three matches
And this had occurred in a World Cup in which offense is up. There were an average of 2.83 goals a game in the group stage, up 35 percent from 2.10 in South Africa four years ago and the highest in the initial phase since 1958’s 3.37, according to STATS.
* * * *
In the last two games, Klinsmann opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation with five midfielders to feed Clint Dempsey as the lone striker.
Thus far, the U.S. has had just four solo runs into the penalty area, in a four-way tie for 27th, and the formation frequently morphs into a 4-4-1-1.
“We have to bring up the players higher up and create chances, get more support for Clint and come down the line more often on the sides,†Klinsmann said. “This is something we will work on in the next few days.â€
http://www.stltoday.com/sports/soccer/u-s-seeks-more-offense-for-next-world-cup-match/article_e0faf146-0f5d-51e2-bc3e-c291b226d8be.html
