USA 1 : 0 Honduras – Tactical Analysis

USA 1 : 0 Honduras – Tactical Analysis

The match will not be remembered in the history books, but three points and a clean sheet moved the US very close to Brazil.

Slow Tempo, No ideas

For the majority of the match, the Yanks struggled for ideas on how to create chances. Honduras played a 451 and kept ten players in their own half allowing the US to pass it around the back. Since the back four was so deep, the US was unable to play balls in behind.

Furthermore, Bradley and Jones were often closer to the defense than the attackers. Pictured at the top was a rare occasion of Bradley getting the ball and running through the middle. This passage of play winded up in a decent cross from Johnson. But, last night runs like these were not frequently made.

With little central penetration, the attack would have to turn to the wide players.

Seen above, Zusi tucks inside and releases Fabian Johnson down the left. The left back had a couple great overlapping runs in the first 15 minutes but they stopped as the match went on. On the right side, Brad Evans was a non factor going forward.

His defensive work was sound but he did not get forward. As Zusi and Eddie Johnson constantly switched sides, the attack was more potent down the left due to the presence of Fabian Johnson.

Seen above, when Honduras’ back line creeped up slightly, Eddie Johnson wasted no time trying to makes runs in behind. Here his diagonal run beat the offside trap but the pass from Dempsey was off target.

The element of a diagonal run is one Johnson can provide that other wide players have not shown.

While Eddie Johnson had an off night, Zusi had another solid outing. Seen above, his willingness to drift centrally and connect with Dempsey provides a second creator on the pitch. With the width coming from Johnson & Johnson, space to penetrate through the center is available.

The only issue is the absence of Bradley or Jones making a forward run to take a body away from marking Altidore. Without this element, the attack broke down.

 

Defense Rarely Tested

Honduras took an extremely negative approach to the match. Thus, the US defense was not frequently tested. However, in the first half two awful giveaways by Gonzalez and Besler nearly resulted in goals. Jermaine Jones was forced to commit a professional foul on the Gonzalez giveaway and earn a yellow card. Then Najar had a shot that was saved well by Tim Howard.

Amateur giveaways by the back line are a worrying sign for a defense that held up in two home matches without really being tested by quality attackers.

Conclusions

What a difference winning makes. Sitting pretty in the hex, the pressure is off Klinsmann and focus is shifting toward Brazil.

While many questions were solved over the past three games, some remain. We can go ahead and write in Altidore and Dempsey up front. The pair has blossomed this summer into the most potent attacking force in the region.

Also, Klinsmann has found some attacking depth. Eddie Johnson has shown up to be a viable wide player and Fabian Johnson can also be used on the flank. In the center, Geoff Cameron held his own and showed off his impressive passing range and is giving Jermaine Jones competition.

At the back, questions remain. Brad Evans filled in admirably at right back. However, he struggled in the first half v Panama and offers very little going forward. He needs to remain a squad player rather than a starter. On the left, Beasley has played well yet struggles with physicality in one v one situations.

Personally, I think Fabian Johnson is the best option. He has said he prefers playing in midfield but his crossing precision and the ability to arrive in the attack at the critical moment are vital traits for a fullback.
Centrally, Gonzalez and Besler do not seem to exude confidence.

They performed very well but simple mistakes are alarming warning signs for the pair. Klinsmann most likely will stick with the duo for the time being to try and form a cohesive partnership. But, if they are torn apart against Costa Rica or Mexico he needs to consider other options.

Who should start at the back? Tweet @kpngacleansheet or write on Keeping a Clean Sheet’s Facebook Wall.

More USA v Honduras

USA 1 : 0 Honduras – Match Report

USA (v Honduras) Player Ratings

Photo Gallery – USA 1 : 0 Honduras

Updated Table. Ticos and USA Win