Team USA's Marquee Matchup May Not Be the One You Think

    

By: Jared Quient

Here is a statement you’re bound to hear at least a dozen times on ESPN before this Saturday’s World Cup opening match between the United States and England:  “This is the most important match in U.S. soccer history.”  

I’m not even sure it’s the most important match the U.S. will play this week.

Don’t get me wrong.  Saturday’s game against the Three Lions is going to be sick.  I cannot remember being more excited to watch a sporting event than I am to watch this game (especially with the venerable Martin Tyler calling the action).   It is certainly the most hyped game in U.S. soccer history. But to say it’s the most important match is a bit short-sited.  Because whatever happens in Saturday’s clash, it’s ultimately what the U.S. does in its next game against Slovenia that will determine whether it moves through to the elimination round.

In many ways, the match with Slovenia poses a more difficult test than England.  They are exactly the type of team that gives the U.S. fits – big, tactically disciplined, and organized.  Slovenia plays a similar style to the Czech Republic who beat the U.S. 3-0 in the World Cup opener in Germany four years ago and 4-2 in a friendly late last month.

The point is this:  if you are a fan of the U.S., try not to get too high or too low based on what happens in Rustenberg against England.  While it will be fantastic to beat the Brits at their national pastime, it won’t mean a thing if the U.S. doesn’t bring it’s A-game against Slovenia.

Here are some things to watch for:

1)    Who starts alongside Jozy Altidore? 

Since Charlie Davies was wrongfully omitted from Bob Bradley’s final 23, there has been rampant speculation as to who would replace him as the second striker to play next to Jozy Altidore.  My money is on Edson Buddle, the Los Angeles Galaxy striker who scored twice in the United States’ final tune-up against Australia.  Soccer is all about form, and in this case Bradley should play the hot hand with Buddle, who has a goal-scorer’s knack for being at the right place at the right time.  Starting Buddle also allows Bradley to keep stars Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan where they are most comfortable and effective – on the wings as attacking midfielders.

2)    How fit is the Gooch? 

Perhaps the biggest question mark during the team’s training camp has been the fitness of Oguchi Onyewu.  After spending the past seven months recovering from a torn patellar tendon, Onyewu looked sluggish against the Czech Republic and Turkey.  He’ll need to regain his leg strength to compete in the air with England’s front line.   If he can match the form he displayed prior to his injury, the U.S. defense ceases to be the massive liability the pundits are claiming it to be.

3)    Does Landon Donovan take the next step toward superstardom?

Coming off of a superb run while on loan at Everton, it is clear that Donovan has the ability to compete with the best in the world. If the U.S. is going to make a deep run in this tournament, Donovan will have to continue to score goals and make plays.  His form will be the key to the U.S. team’s success.  A strong performance on the world stage could also set Donovan up for an opportunity with a top European club team next season.