The third time is the charm, right?
Well that’s what Jurgen Klinsmann and the United States National Soccer Team is hoping for when it comes to their friendly game against Nigeria. The Yanks have their final tune up in the States before they head on over to Brazil.
The USMNT has pulled out two victories in their first “Send-Off Series” against Azerbaijan and Turkey, though they haven’t had a quite complete performance. Some worry that USMNT will not get out of group G if they continue to make mistakes like they did in their friendly matches because once in Brazil, Germany, Portugal and Ghana will not go easy on them.
Nigeria ranked 45 in the latest FIFA World Ranking may be a harder task for the US. Nigeria will be putting the final touch on its squad in this friendly game, hoping to gain motivation on their way to Brazil. Nigeria hopes to advance to the next round in group F that consists of Iran, Argentina and Bosnia.
Both teams have played each other on June 11th, 1995 in Foxborough, Mass with a score 3-2 in favor of the US. The US overcame a one goal deficit twice in the game and got goals from John Harkes, Marcelo Balboa and Cobi Jones who netted the game winner in the 87th minute.
The USMNT left a lot to be desired in their first two “Send-Off Series” friendlies.
Against Azerbaijan, it was an overwhelming uninspired effort in a 2-0 victory against an outmatched opponent, perhaps to be chalked about tired legs fresh of a physical demanding camp. Against Turkey, despite the victory 2-1, the Americans were just plain outplayed for much of the match. Turkey dominated with 57% possession of the ball and dominated in the shots(23-8).
In this upcoming match, Jurgen has to review his squad. Will the 4-4-2 diamond formation be right for the squad’s personnel? Is it too late to take a look at it and change it? Because their was a lot of open space against Turkey. Also, can striker Jozy Altidore be considered a top choice along Clint Dempsey or will players like Chris Wondolowski and Aron Johannsson get a final look on? And what about the defense? Is Jermaine Jones the right guy for the defensive midfield?
There’s high hopes for the Africa Cup Of Nation Champions Super Eagles. Head coach Stephen Keshi, who MLS fans will note that he left Seattle Sounders forward Obafemi Martins out of his Brazil-bound group, has a lot of attacking power at his disposal. Starting with Chelsea midfielder, John Mikel Obi, who runs the show. Nigeria also features Liverpool forward Victor Moses and Fenerbahce forward Emmanuel Eminike. Nigeria is coming into this match with 2 drawn games. A score of 2-2 with Ireland and a 0-0 score with Greece. Forward Shola Ameobi said that he expects the games with the Americans to be “volatile” as both sides search for their perfect squad.
In this upcoming game, there’s one player I’m looking forward to see in the field and that’s Nigerian midfielder John Mikel Obi. He’s just the type world-class playmaker the US will see plenty of in Brazil. His strength, balance and vision will be a great test for not only Michael Bradley and Jones in the middle of the park, but his ability to unlock attackers will have all the back line players on their toes.
My Prediction: Nigeria-2 US-1
