USA

Since hosting the World Cup in 1994, USA have always thought about creating a generation of players that would lead the nation to glory.

No Champions League players

Twelve years ago, with emerging stars like Landon Donovan, USA advanced into the quarter-finals. It gave them a lot of hope, but since then they never really threatened anyone at the World Cup.

A lot of thought has been put into teaching young players football in the US, certain philosophies have been established, but still, there are not many American players being important team members in Europe. Only one American has played this year in the Champions League but he was sold in January to Besiktas – it was Jermaine Jones for Schalke.

Jurgen Klinsmann has tried to encourage his players to elevate their game. He told Clint Dempsey that he needs to see him in the Champions League. Not only did the midfielder not qualify with Tottenham Hotspur, but also he was sold to Seattle Sounders in the summer – he did not feature in Andre Villas-Boas’ and Franco Baldini plans.

Donovan’s enigma

USA generally lacks game-changers and this is known throughout the country. That’s why Donovan is so liked – he is capable of turning a match and his omission from the squad has been so much discussed and not only in the US, but also in Europe. “The guys that I chose there are a little step ahead of Landon in certain areas, which is why we made that decision,” Klinsmann said.

Of course it’s the decision of the coach, but generally beggars can’t be choosers – Donovan is one of the most talented US players whether you like it or not. Klinsmann’s decision is especially surprising when you see, who has made it to Brazil instead. Julian Green of Bayern Munich chose to play for USA in April and was immediately called up for the US before the game against Mexico. He is undoubtedly talented but he still is just 18-years old and he played more minutes for his national team than for his club (31 compared to 0).

Average or solid?

USA looks solid between the posts with two experienced goalkeepers being called up – Brad Guzan of Aston Villa and Everton’s Tim Howard. The latter looks more likely to start games in Brazil.

In defensive department, USA has solid full backs with Geoff Cameron of Stoke City as well as Fabian Johnson of Hoffenheim playing regularly for their teams. Hertha’s John Brooks was a squad player this season, so has Timothy Chandler for Nurnberg.

In midfield Klinsmann will probably choose Michael Bradley, who epitomises the definition of a box-to-box midfielder but has deemed surplus to requirements at Roma, when the Italian club bought Radja Nainggolan. Alongside him, Jermaine Jones will probably start.

Clint Dempsey is likely to start games behind striker Jozy Altidore. The latter had a great last season at AZ Alkmaar and was sold to Sunderland, where he scored just one goal in 31 games. His high point of the season was probably the penalty kick he earned at Stamford Bridge which gave Fabio Borini a chance to put Sunderland upfront.

USA has average players and might see how big is the difference between winning games in qualifying than against the likes of Germany or Portugal.

Playing style

Americans can’t play a defensive brand of football, whole country was generally built on being aggressive and attacking. Klinsmann varied his formations throughout the qualifiers but generally kept the team attacking. He’s most likely to utilise a 4-4-1-1 formation during this World Cup.

Coach

Jurgen Klinsmann guided the Germans to a third place in 2006 World Cup but much has been about him being only the poster boy of the coaching staff with Joachim Loew pulling the tactical strings from behind. Klinsmann added fuel to that argument when he coached Bayern Munich. He was fired during the season and Jupp Heynckes was asked to helped rescue the team. He guided USA to qualification but this World Cup is his first true challenge.

Schedule and BETEGY predictions

16th June, Natal: vs. Ghana (0-1)

22nd June, Manaus: vs. Portugal (1-2)

26th June, Recife: vs. Germany (0-2)

USA is likely to finish their World Cup journey after three games. They have just 19% chance of qualifying and most probably will lose all their matches.