Recapping USMNT vs Nigeria
The USMNT closed out their World Cup tune-ups with a 2-1 victory over Nigeria. The match featured a new formation for the US side as they deployed in a 4-2-3-1 formation instead of the previously used diamond.
This formation saw Kyle Beckerman added to the starting eleven next to Jermaine Jones with Michael Bradley being pushed up to the second line of forwards between Clint Dempsey and Alejandro Bedoya. Jozy Altidore remained in his normal position of center forward and finally broke out of his scoring slump netting two goals for the US.
Altidore’s goals could not have come at a better time. Altidore denies ever losing confidence but with such a long scoreless drought, scoring twice right before the start of the World Cup has to at least make him more comfortable on the pitch. Altidore must be in top form for the USMNT to pose a real threat to powerhouses Portugal and Germany and heading to Brazil still searching for his first goal since December would not qualify as top form. Netting two goals in the final friendly is certainly a boost to Altidore as well as his teammates.
Defenseman Fabian Johnson again showed his offensive value by pushing ahead with the ball and assisting on Altidore’s first goal. Johnson has played quite well in these friendlies and is proving quite valuable in the starting eleven. There is a great deal of pressure on the Defense heading into the World Cup, but Johnson’s positive play is certain to help relieve some of it.
The defense played better in front of goalkeeper Tim Howard, who was making his 100th appearance for the USMNT, but there is still room for improvement. Howard was well on his way to recording a clean sheet before Matt Besler took a bad penalty with a tackle from behind in the box, leading to Nigeria scoring on a penalty kick. It was the kind of mistake that is forgivable in a friendly but cannot happen once the team arrives in Brazil.
Beckerman also proved his value once again by freeing up Jones to play one of his better games for the USMNT. Beckerman’s steadiness in the midfield seems to compliment every player head coach Jurgen Klinsmann plays alongside him. With Jones’ talent and Beckerman’s control, the two make a formidable pairing in the midfield. I would not be surprised to see Klinsmann deploy the two together in Brazil, even if they are not together at the start of the game.
It is rarely wise to read too much into the results of friendly matches but the USMNT seemed to accomplish all that they wanted to in this “Send-off Series.” Altidore finally broke his scoreless drought, some continuity along the back line was formed, and the USMNT head down to Brazil with confidence. All in all a positive run for the USMNT as they head to Brazil for their opening match with Ghana.
