U.S. kids face Italian test in second round
Wednesday, 04 November 09, 07:52 AM · Comments (1)
With the second round of the U-17 World Cup commencing for the U.S. team today, it's another European 'powerhouse' lined up as the opposition. Italy comes into the match with a similar group experience as the USA -- a underwhelming performance, despite topping their quartet. Like the U.S., they managed just three goals in their three games, winning 1-0, 2-1 and drawing Uruguay 0-0.
Perhaps not what you'd expect from a youth team comprised of Serie A players, but all the same it's a similar one to the Spain match. It'd be surprising to see the U.S. handed the same advantage as Spain gave them in the opening group game, when they had a player sent off in the opening few minutes.
After being cut open on numerous occasions by a 10-man Spain, the defense was able to regroup to earn back-to-back clean sheets that proved pivotal. Now, if the U.S. wants to make any kind of a run into the later stages of this tournament, they must end their profligacy in front of the net. Practically all of the strikers/attackers have proven to be wasteful, from Luis Gil, Stefan Jerome to Jack McInerney. Give McInerney credit for his two goals in the group stages, but both came off of keeper mistakes.
The simplicity of the challenge can't be overemphasized: the U.S. has shown that they can keep the ball, create scoring chances, but they have yet to prove that they can score consistently. If they add that element to their game today, crashing into the depths of the tournament remains a possibility -- if not, expect today's game to be a one-and-done experience.
Let's see what Bradenton is made of one more time.
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1 Comments · Add yours
American soccer has certainly come of age rescently and do not not the Beckhams of this world to promote soccer any more. As a regular visitor to Florida i have seen many soccer matches at youth level. But cannot understand it being the biggest female sport.