Izuchukwu Okosi
We conclude our Group B teams preview with the highlight on USA.
How would the Yankees fare at the mundial? FIFA’s official website here attempts to Ander this question.
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They’re back. USA’s last appearance on the big stage stage was an epic, Tim Howard making FIFA World Cup™ history in a thrilling 2-1 extra-time loss to Belgium in last 16 in Salvador.
Their fans, who had travelled en masse to Brazil, wowed the sport with their passion.
Those same supporters were agonisingly forced to watch Russia 2018 on TV.The roar of the Americans, and the catchy tones of the Star-Spangled Banner, will nevertheless be back at the World Cup in Qatar.
Now coached by Gregg Berhalter and boasting arguably their best-ever generation, headlined by Christian Pulisic and boasting players owned by Arsenal, Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea and Juventus, USA are targeting a place in the knockout phase and beyond.
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USA’s Group B matches
21 November
USA-Wales (22:00 local time, Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium)
25 November
England-USA (22:00 local time, Al Bayt Stadium)
29 November
IR Iran-USA (22:00 local time, Al Thumama Stadium)
Gregg Berhalter’s approach and tactics
The former defender employs an adventurous 4-3-3 system. Wingbacks Sergino Dest and Antonee Robinson are encouraged to attack, and Weston McKennie and especially Yunus Musah advance from midfield, leaving significant pressure on Tyler Adams to protect the centre-backs.
Further north, Christian Pulisic and Brenden Aaronson flank a lone striker, which could be Jesus Ferreira, Josh Sargent or Haji Wright.
Berhalter’s charges press high up the pitch, attempting to force the opposition into mistakes, while in possession he wants them to be objective, trying to make something happen rather than keeping the ball for the sake of it. The 49-year-old also favours early substitutions, which could mean the likes of Giovanni Reyna and Timothy Weah being sent on to exploit tiring teams.
Key player: Christian Pulisic
“He’s unbelievable on the ball – one of the most creative players in the game,” raved Berhalter of his No10. “Then you have his energy, his pressing, his leadership. I think he can have a big World Cup.”
Big is exactly what the man himself is dreaming. “We’re going to go in with the mentality and mindset of wanting to win the World Cup,” Pulisic declared. “Because if you believe, I think you can do it.”
The 24-year-old already the most decorated American player of all time, having won titles galore including the UEFA Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup™ with Chelsea. He has also excelled with the USA badge on his chest, scoring 21 goals in 52 appearances.
Prime Business Africa’s prediction: The USA and Wales will battle for the second place slot with Wales in Group B behind expected leaders England.
Izuchukwu Okosi is a Nigerian sports and entertainment journalist with two decades of experience in the media industry having begun his media journey in 2002 as an intern at Mundial Sports International (MSI) and Africa Independent Television (AIT), owners of Daar Communications Plc.
