By Mike Woitalla
It was, no doubt, a big victory for the USA. The Americans outshot host New Zealand, 30-11, in a 4-0 victory that clinched a spot in the knockout stage of theU-20 World Cup.
Under-20 World Cup:
New Zealand-USA Player Ratings
Results & Schedule
Coming off a 2-1 opening win over Myanmar, the USA won itsfirst two games for the first time in 14 appearances at the biennial competition. And for the first time since 2007, the USA will survive the group stage.
Much of Coach TabRamos’ team’s soccer against the Junior All Whites impressed, particularly after a disjointed performance against Myanmar, a World Cup debutant that lost its second game, 6-0, toUkraine.
The midfielders combined more often instead of rushing aimless passes to the frontline. Gedion Zelalem, the highly touted Arsenal boy, played a superb second half andalong with captain Emerson Hyndman carved out chances for attackers Rubin Rubio, Bradford Jamieson and Paul Arriola – a trio that combined welleach other.
Tommy Thompson came off the bench and never lost the ball. Like Zelalem and Hyndman, he’s capable of keeping possessionunder pressure, finding the smart pass, and dribbling past opponents.
But before one reads too much into the result or the performance, one must consider the opponent.
New Zealand, anation with only one professional team (Wellington Phoenix), has played in three previous U-20 World Cups without winning a game (seven losses, two ties). Anything but a dominating performance by theUSA would have been a disappointment – and it did not disappoint.
The USA put itself in position where even a tie against Ukraine will earn it first place in Group A, which would set upa round of 16 game against a third-place finisher. The second-place finisher in Group A faces the second-place finisher in Group C, which is comprised of European runner-up Portugal, South America No.2 Colombia, Senegal and Qatar.
The Ukraine game will reveal more about the U.S. team. Can it establish a rhythm against a formidable foe? That is, keep possession long enough to control longstretches of the game and set up unpredictable forays.
How good is the backline? Cameron Carter-Vickers — only 17! – not only marshals the central defense with powerand composure, he helped set up goals in both games and forced two good early saves against New Zealand.
His partner is Matt Miazga, whose yellow card against New Zealand cameon a foul that made it look like he’s vulnerable against a quick dribbler. None of the outside backs have been particularly effective moving forward, which will be needed against betteropponents.
Also, for the U.S. midfield, however skillful it looked against the All Whites, will need to be able to combine with its defenders to keep possession against teams that will markmuch tighter in midfield. How the U.S. defenders handle the ball under pressure will become crucial.
The Americans sparkled at times while beating New Zealand. But the real tests are stillcoming.
USA LOSES STRIKER. Maki Tall, who scored the first goal in the USA’s opening win, 2-1 over Myanmar, will miss the remainder of thetournament with a broken toe.
Tall, who was replaced by Jamieson in the 49th minute against Myanmar and was unavailable for the New Zealand game, scored two goals in the USA’s final fourtournament warmup games. Ramos added him to the squad after January qualifying tournament.
Born in Washington, D.C., Tall moved with his family to Senegal at age 7 and to his parents’homeland, Ivory Coast, at age 11. He spend last season playing for French third division Red Star on loan from Lille.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
“Today didn’t goas we wanted it to. We conceded a goal early, that hurt us and made the game very hard for us. … The USA has very, very good players. It is a massive challenge for us, if you come up against acountry like the USA with those players, that were quite impressive today. To compete at this level, you need to be mistake-free and have to have a very good day.”
— New Zealand coachDarren Bazeley. (FIFA.com)
Miazga YC was a Direct result of Delgado letting the guy go right thru…Miazga had take a Stab at the player… I would like to see Carter-Vickers in Holding Mid for Delgado… Maybe we have another Big Chopper Central Defender to make that switch happen???