TheNearPostIn what was probably one of the gutsier and more clever tactical moves at the World Cup, Bob Bradley decided to go for it all by taking Oguchi Onyewu off and replacing him with Herculez Gomez, and switching to a back three.

This did a few things. First off, it retained the U.S.'s man advantage in the central midfield, allowing them to continue to dominate possession of the ball ( although Slovenia weren't really looking to take it like they were in the first half). Second, it dealt with Slovenia's front two buy playing a back three, giving the U.S. a spare man at the back. Slovenia were hardly threatening in the second half, but it was still a smart move to guard against counters. The U.S. also matched Slovenia's two centerbacks with two forwards, and this ended up being pretty crucial for the equalizer. Altidore, who assisted the goal with a terrific knock-down header, was being marked by Suler. Bostjan Cesar was busy minding the movement of Herculez Gomez. This cleared out space in the center of defense for Michael Bradley's follow-up run. The goal was also helped by the fluidity in the U.S. central midfield. Dempsey came deep with the ball, while Bradley surged forward unmarked.

Soon thereafter, Bob Bradley was seen holding up four fingers to Jay DeMerit and saying what looked like "four". Maurice Edu shifted into a left back role while DeMerit and Carlos Bocanegra were moved to centerback, and Steve Cherundolo returned to right back. It was an understandable move, but a slight shame considering the shift to a back three was absolutely marvelous and had an almost immediate positive effect. It may have even been unwise to shift back, with Slovenia finding a dangerous shot from distance in not to dissimilar fashion to the first goal on the night. That said, if there's an award for time between a tactical shift and a goal for your side, Bob Bradley wins it.

06.11.2012