Costa Rica typically plays with a 5-4-1, so they will play from the wings and make it difficult for the US to score on crosses. To get around that, the US should play with more players in the middle of the field so they can dominate the ball and dictate the play.
Morrow hasn't looked good so Villafana gets his spot back. I think Miazga and Besler have paired well so they start. Lichaj is faster than Zusi which we will need to defend the wing. Having McCarty (ahead of Acosta) allows for more bite on defense which is needed vs. Costa Rica. He should pair well with Nagbe and Bradley in the middle to keep possession.
With more possession in the middle, this should allow for more balls to Altidore's feet and to play Agudelo and Arriola. Agudelo isn't exactly a wing player which is ok since vs. a 5-4-1, we need him more centrally
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Jake Owens
almost 7 years
Costa Rica typically plays with a 5-4-1, so they will play from the wings and make it difficult for the US to score on crosses. To get around that, the US should play with more players in the middle of the field so they can dominate the ball and dictate the play. Morrow hasn't looked good so Villafana gets his spot back. I think Miazga and Besler have paired well so they start. Lichaj is faster than Zusi which we will need to defend the wing. Having McCarty (ahead of Acosta) allows for more bite on defense which is needed vs. Costa Rica. He should pair well with Nagbe and Bradley in the middle to keep possession. With more possession in the middle, this should allow for more balls to Altidore's feet and to play Agudelo and Arriola. Agudelo isn't exactly a wing player which is ok since vs. a 5-4-1, we need him more centrally