TheNearPostThis is basically the formation we saw success with in the Confederations Cup.

The general idea is that since the forwards aren't really of the calibur that we can create chances for them and they finish semi-consistently, we use them, as well as the full backs, to create space for Donovan and Dempsey, two players who HAVE shown an ability to consistently finish against the best.

The forwards make runs into wide areas, stretching play and creating space for Donovan and Dempsey to exploit. One of the forwards, Altidore, will sometimes drop deep to link play through the midfield. Donovan and Dempsey will also work what I like to call a "Chicken or egg" system with the fullbacks - Either Donovan and Dempsey come inside and create space on the flanks for the fullbacks to overlap, or the fullbacks get forward to stretch the defense and create space for Donovan and Dempsey to drift into without having to worry about a lack of width. Essentially, one pair creates space for the other.

A fairly good example of this system was the USA's goal against Algeria. Altidore and Buddle are in wide areas, stretching the backline and allowing Donovan and Dempsey to come inside, which eventually led to the winner in that game.

I think we should switch back and forth between this shape and the 4-4-1-1/4-2-3-1 I illustrated earlier. We're going to encounter a vast amount of tactics, styles, and formations in the Gold Cup, not to mention in the coming three years - tactical flexibility is key.

07.03.2011