Advancement Scenarios for US
The US must win for them to have any chance to advance. If they win, one of the following scenarios must happen:
1. Italy win over the Czech Republic.
2. Italy/Czech Republic tie 0-0 or 1-1 AND a at least a four goal win for the US over Ghana.
3. Italy/Czech Republic tie 2-2 or with a higher score AND at least a five goal win for the US over Ghana.
4. Italy/Czech Republic tie 2-2 or with a higher score AND a four goal US win AND the US outscoring, by three goals, the Czech Republic in their tie.
5. A Czech Republic win over Italy AND the total combined margin of victory for the US and Czechs is six or more.
6. A Czech Republic win over Italy AND the total combined margin of victory for the US and Czechs is five AND the US score at least three goals more than the Italians do in their loss.
7. A Czech Republic win over Italy AND the total combined margin of victory for the US and Czechs is five AND the US score exactly two more goals than the Italians do in their loss AND the US win a drawing of lots by FIFA.
Bottom line is win, control what you can. Find a lineup that can score goals. Ghana is in the same boat as us needing a win to guarantee themselves a chance at the second round. It should be a wide open game with both teams pressing the attack. The Ghana team is physical and fast but they don't strike me as the most tactically sound squad, they can be beat.
I'm just hoping we go in with the same attitude we had today and have the right gameplan.
I'd like to see the following lineup
GK--Keller (of course)
Right Back--Cherundulo (he played a great game and was dangerous on the flanks)
Center Back--Onyewu (he played good not great--a huge improvement from the Czech game)
Center Back--Bocanegra (he had a good game as well)
Left Back-- Lewis (he adds an attacking edge similar to Cherundulo although he didn't really play well versus the Czechs)
Left MF--John O'Brien (well rested, more of a threat in the attack than Mastroeni--smarter and better passer than Convey)
Center MF--Claudio Reyna (good match he settles the field well when he is in good form like versus Italy--not much of a threat to score though)
Center MF--Landon Donovan (good game versus Italy, caused some worried moments for the Italians)
Right MF--Clint Dempsey (he was confident, played hard and was dangerous)
Forward--Eddie Johnson (its a shame he didn't play versus Italy)
Forward--Josh Wolff (his speed coupled with Johnson's could cause Ghana's back-line fits)
I am not impressed with Brian McBride's play--in this tournament especially, he has never been great with the ball at his feet and his headers have been off target. A good late game sub if the game is tied or we are trailing but he isn't able to go the full 90 and provide a good consistent game. But McBride will start as long as he is healthy no matter what I think, Arena is loyal to him.
I could see Convey starting over O'Brien, Convey did play well against Italy. Beasley will probably be a guy coming off the bench the rest of the tournament. O'Brien could even possibly start at RMF with Dempsey going back to the bench--although I think Dempsey deserves another start.
The back line could have Bocanegra on the left and Conrad in the middle, leaving Lewis on the bench.
I would really almost like to see Arena throw caution to the wind and go with a 3 - 5 - 2 so he can get both Dempsey, O'Brien and Convey all on the field at the same time but I doubt that will happen...he can do that and have Reyna play the more defensive/holding MF role and let O'Brien direct the attack with Donovan.