TheNearPostThis lineup is what we saw against Mexico in the Gold cup final. I'll say it again - the issue in that match was that the USA didn't press so Mexico had time on the ball, but they didn't sit deep, so they had space in behind our defense to play the ball into for their pacy runners, namely Giovanni Dos Santos and Javier Hernandez. Playing a false nine that game was hardly the problem, although it would have helped to have a target to fight for some of the clearances and long balls we played out of pressure.

The general idea in attack for this lineup was that Donovan drops into the midfield from a target/lone striking role. This can drag a centerback out of position, leaving a gap in the backline for another attacker to exploit. If the centerback doesn't follow, then Donovan is left unmarked in the midfield to pick up the ball and drive at the backline. The second goal against Mexico was a direct result of this - Donovan dropped into the midfield, picked up and layed off the ball to help the play on, then proceeded to make a run through the backline with neither centerback tracking him and Mexico's central trio to concerned with our central trio. Dempsey and Donovan tended to switch alot, and this is a role that suits both of them. They also both like to play on the left so them switching makes both of them happy. Adu and Bedoya tended to switch positions alot as well.

This lineup is probably better used for games against teams that allow us more possession, as the movement of Donovan can drag defenders out of positions and cause gaps in defenses that like to sit in a shell. Moreover, Donovan moving into the hole allows us numbers in the central midfield to pass around our opponents in that zone, meaning more possession.

09.07.2011