Last night Uncle Sam's Army performed superb. Jurgen Klinsmann's decision to replace the suspended Graham Zusi with hometown favorite Eddie Johnson paid off well. In fact Eddie Johnson and Geoff Cameron, playing in place of Jermaine Jones, both put in very good showings. The rest of the starting XI, playing in a 4-2-3-1 formation, was as expected featuring Tim Howard, DeMarcus Beasley, Omar Gonzalez, Matt Besler and Brad Evans in defense. The midfield was composed Michael "The Maestro" Bradley, Geoff Cameron, Clint Dempsey, Eddie Johnson and Fabian Johnson with Jozy Altidore as the lone striker.
1st Half
Play began with the USA controlling the time of possession, flow and majority of attempts in the attacking third. Around the 15th minute mark Clint Dempsey volleyed a stellar cross from DeMarcus Beasley well over the Panama goal. The move was started around the midfield, with Beasley doing well to get to the deep ball on the left flank. The Red, White and Blues continued to press on the attack as Michael Bradley pushed his positioning further up field, closer to Clint Dempsey. Geoff Cameron, dropping to a deeper central role, allowing more freedom for the AS Roma midfielder. This alteration was noticed almost instantly as Bradley hit a thunderous low strike from the top of Panama's 18 yard box which clashed into Dempsey. As the half progressed the USA only flaw seemed to be Brad Evans lack of speed being exposed. However, his recovery ability and the coverage from the central backs quashed any hope for Panama.
All was quiet until around the 36th minute when Altidore received a well weighted pass from Fabian Johnson outside the Panamanian box. With his defender on his hip, he turned like a true "fox-in-the-box" beating his marker only to be taken down. Appeals for a penalty were denied by Roberto Garcia, the Mexican referee. This move of power and class was worthy of spot kick but proper play is always rewarded. A few short minutes later the USA put together a great counter-attacking passing sequence. Fabian Johnson's excellent low, left footed cross found an open Altidore for a tap in on the far post. The move was set up by a determined run from just infront of the midfield line by Bradley. As the first half closed you could see the confidence of the USA not only in their play but on their faces as well.
2nd Half
Unlike the start of the game, Panama looked poised to scored. The first 5 minutes was played in the USA's defensive third. As expected the one, two punch of Besler and Gonzalez held strong. The pair of young central defenders have begun to form better communication and coverage habits, which was seen the entire game. The crowd filled with Seattle Sounder's fans got what they wanted in the 50th minute. Geoff Cameron's precise struck deep ball found Eddie Johnson. His well timed run put him in one on one with the Panamanian keeper. A quick touch to aline himself, followed by a quality left footed volley put the crowd into a roar of excitement. 2-0 USA.
The game seemed to slow after the second goal. Jozy Altidore picked up a yellow card in the 55th minute and Panama almost scored on a header by Luis Tejada, the Panamanian all-time leading international goalscorer. The action picked up again in the 65th minute when Dempsey and Altidore took the initiate on a counter attack. A quick combination, a deep strike from Altidore and an awkward half-volley by Dempsey which struck the crossbar, had the crowd of over 40,000 jumping to there feet once again. The rest of the game was sprinkled with two more yellow cards. Panama's Marco Sanchez was rewarded for a great display of how not to dive while Geoff Cameron joined the long list of Red, White and Blues with yellow card problems. Brad Davis and Joe Corona were brought on to replace Fabian and Eddie Johnson in the 85th minute, both receiving praise from the crowd. Stuart Holden made his long awaited return to the pitch in the 90th minute, replacing Jozy Altidore. The only blemish of the game was Omar Gonzalez's near fatal mistake, leaving Tim Howard to make a quality save after he was caught ball watching. Beasley and Howard also both picked up yellow cards during injury time. With the final whistling blowing Klinsmann and the boys moved atop the final World Cup Qualifying group.
A Sign Of Things To Come
Overall, this was one of the best performances the USA has had to date. Yes, the opponent was not that great and yes, they were suppose to win. The most pleasing part is that played some real classy football. The numbers don't lie: dominating possession with 58%, generating 8 quality shots and allowing only 1 corner. All of these are signs point to the fact that the coaching of Jurgen Klinsmann is finally paying off. The tactical approach of a 4-2-3-1 formation seems to fit them extremely well. The ability to get constant service from the wings, as we saw last night, provides Altidore with more room to work and ample scoring chances. The USA looked dangerous on almost every ball played into the box.
The defense is starting to prove itself as well. Matt Besler put in another good appearance His ability to cover Brad Evans out wide was flawless. His communication with Gonzalez was on par and he showed full confidence when distributing passes out of the back. Omar Gonzalez on the other hand has some work to do. His biggest issue: ball watching. This meaning he must have sight on of his man as well as the ball when plays are developing infront of him. The largest example of this was seen in the final minutes of the game. He lost track of his man who slided behind him and in on Tim Howard. Luckily, Howard was prepared and made a nice save.
The play of the midfield was the strongest element of last night's win. The starting 5: Dempsey, Bradley, Cameron, E.Johnson and F.Johnson looked confident and composed. Bradley and Cameron showed why the pair play in Europe: displaying defensive and offensive tools through the 1st and 2nd half. Dempsey struck the cross bar with a second half volley and had a relativity quiet game. Eddie Johnson and Fabian Johnson had there best performances of WCQ so far. The duo combined for a goal and an assist, while providing speed and crosses from their respective sides.
Jozy Altidore played excellent. If he keeps this play up the future of Uncle Sam's Army will be very bright. He has worked hard on improving his physically and demonstrated this on his shielding of balls played to his feet. The shouts for a penalty in the 33rd minute were well deserved as the replay showed he had been fouled. Then to turn around and score a few minutes later validates my claim that he is slowly becoming a dominante,world-class forward.
Man of The Match
Michael Bradley put in another man of the match caliber perform. Bradley completed 78 passes with no turnovers. "The Maestro" conducted another eye pleasing symphony of deep, short and quick passes. He tallied an assist and should of found the back of the net on his thunderbolt of a shot, which was accidentally blocked by Clint Dempsey. His confidence has seems to be rubbing off on the rest of the team. Once again Bradley's name is the one being yelled the loudest by fans all around the United States.
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