Photo by Mike DiNovo/USA Today Sports
The U.S. Men’s National Team was in need of a statement performance, and they most certainly provided one on Tuesday night.
At risk of elimination from the Copa America, the USMNT throttled Costa Rica, 4-0, to leap back into Group A contention. A loss would have doomed the USMNT to another failed tournament, but, with the win, the U.S. now controls their own destiny heading into Saturday’s group stage finale against Paraguay.
It was a big-time effort from the entire squad, but several players stood out. Jermaine Jones unleashed a Man of the Match performance, while Clint Dempsey served as the focal point of the attack. The defense, although sloppy at times, held on for a clean sheet that could be crucial should goal differential come into play.
For the USMNT, Tuesday was a telling performance, one that showed there is still plenty left to discuss and debate before they depart this summer’s Copa America.
Here are some takeaways from Tuesday’s win:
JONES REAFFIRMS HIS PLACE WITH THE USMNT
Following the loss to Colombia, many, myself included, believed Jermaine Jones was destined for the bench. His critics couldn’t have been more wrong.
Jones put forth an elite performance on Tuesday night, outrunning, outmuscling and, quite frankly, outplaying each and every player on the Costa Rica roster. He scored a goal, he robbed Costa Rica of the ball consistently and, perhaps most importantly, he provided an edge and mentality in the midfield that said “We will not lose this game”.
At 34-years-old, Jones’ days in a USMNT jersey are numbered, but, in the here and now, he remains an integral part of the current setup. At his best, Jones remains a truly world class player, one that can harass the opposing attacks and defenses in equal measure.
Jones remains a leader for the USMNT, both with his play and with the bite he brings to the game. The U.S. will need that against the world’s elite, as Jones remains among the few USMNT players that can go toe-to-toe individually with some of the world’s best despite his age.
BROOKS EVOLVING INTO TOP-LEVEL CENTERBACK
John Brooks was a star for Hertha Berlin this season, but the centerback’s international form never quite lived up to his club performances. However, the Copa America has served as what appears to be a lunching point for the young defender.
Through two games, Brooks has turned in two elite performances. In both matches, Brooks showed the poise of a true international veteran, calmly cleaning up messes while preventing both Colombia and Costa Rica from scoring from open play.
It all serves in such stark contrast to Brooks’ efforts one year ago. At the Gold Cup, he looked every bit of the inexperienced centerback, one not ready for the big time. He was unsure of himself on the top level and not experienced enough to overcome it, and it showed.
Now, just one year later, it appears the USMNT have a central defender ready to lead the way for years to come.
WOOD STRIKES WHEN MOVED CENTRALLY
Bobby Wood is a striker. The 17 goals scored for Union Berlin this season serve as evidence. And on Tuesday, Wood was at his best when given the opportunity to be just that: a striker.
Played out wide in each of the first two games, Wood was a bit wasted on the left side. Against Colombia in particular, the forward was given few chances to get on the ball in dangerous areas. Instead, a bulk of Wood’s touches came with him one-on-one with a defender with no opportunity to work towards a shot.
A tactical shift to a 4-4-2 afforded Wood that opportunity on Tuesday night. Held in check for a majority of the first half, Wood struck just before halftime. Given just an inch of space at the top of the box, Wood executed the perfect three touches: control, turn, fire. Goal.
Wood, at the end of the day, is a pure striker, likely the best in the USMNT pool. He has shown the ability to hold the ball unlike any forward not named Jozy Altidore, while also showing trickery and ruthlessness in the box. Given the chance to work in the area, Wood is lethal, and the U.S. will be better served by getting Wood in dangerous positions as often as possible against Paraguay.
FORMATION CHANGE PAYS DIVIDENDS
Jurgen Klinsmann saw it wasn’t working. Despite a lead and everything seemingly going to plan, it just wasn’t working. In response, the USMNT head coach switched things up, and the USMNT never looked back.
After emerging in a 4-3-3, the U.S. switched to a 4-4-2 midway through the first half. Despite a two-goal advantage, it was Costa Rica getting the better of the play, and Klinsmann was not content with playing with fire despite the lead.
The switch to the 4-4-2 accomplished several things. It tucked Wood inside, allowing him time and space inside the box. It provided additional cover out wide, stifling Costa Rica’s fullbacks while giving DeAndre Yedlin and Fabian Johnson the opportunity to get forward. Most importantly, it stifled the midfield, as Costa Rica, without a true No. 6, was left hung out to try as the U.S. pressed them into submission.
For all of the criticism of his tactics, Klinsmann got Tuesday’s match right, even if they additional plan did not work as expected. It provided another look for a USMNT that now appears versatile with the ability to adapt to whatever challenge lies in front of them.
KLINSMANN, USMNT STEP UP WITH BACKS AGAINST THE WALL
The USMNT knew what was at stake on Tuesday night. A loss would signal the end of their Copa America and, potentially, an end of the Jurgen Klinsmann era. Even with the pressure that came with that in mind, the USMNT turned in a performance for the ages.
Let’s make one thing clear: the USMNT does not tend to lose due to lack of will. For years, the USMNT has prided itself on a lunch pail attitude and a blue-collar work ethic, especially in the face of adversity. When their backs are against the wall, the USMNT, throughout history, has tended not to fold due to lack of desire.
Tuesday was yet another example, as the U.S. showed they purely wanted it. Yes, they were more dangerous, and yes, they were more clinical, but plenty of Tuesday’s performance comes to straight up desire of players like Jones. The U.S. was first to every ball and quick to close down every opportunity, as they swarmed Costa Rica in submission.
While the players turned in a performance worthy of the occasion, Klinsmann deserved plenty of credit. Criticized repeatedly for shuffling USMNT lineups, the head coach stuck with his gut as his most recent XI was criticized vigorously following the Colombia loss. Klinsmann identified his ideal lineup and stuck with it, and it worked.
There is still work to be done. Paraguay is just days away and the U.S. is not locked into the knockout stages. However, for the time being, a team and coach that earned so much criticism just several days ago deserve the praise of getting it absolutely perfect when it mattered most.
