The Confederations Cup ended today with Brazil winning 3-0 against the defending World Cup and Euro champ Spaniards. With a home field advantage in next summer's World Cup, one would have to think Brazil enters as the favorites, especially after exploiting Spain's seemingly unexploitable style.
- Brazil's 3 man front involving Fred, Hulk, and most importantly Neymar may be the best attacking trio in the world. Neymar is incredibly gifted with the ball at his foot, and made countless plays today for himself an teammates. His upcoming transfer to Barcelona should make him better, and more knowledgeable about many of the other Spaniards should Brazil and Spain meet again.
- Jesus Navas may be the most important player on the Spain squad that was highly heralded before today. His ability to change speeds, and create space on the wing gave Spain their best chances. Upon entering the game at the start of the second half today, he earned a penalty and a corner within a few minutes- though Sergio Ramos blew the opportunity. For a team now searching for an identity, I would suggest a 3 man front, as they like to play, involving Pedro, Villa and Navas, while bringing on Torres and Fabregas as the next two options. Saldado may be better suited playing Xavi's current role- a spot he may lose before the World Cup kicks off next summer.
- The United States' team has played better as of late, but miscues in the back and in central midfield are still worrisome. Michael Bradley is solid as a central midfielder, but Jermaine Jones is a yellow card waiting to happen, and is often out of position after an attack. Omar Gonzales and Matt Besler have looked pretty good overall in center defense, though outside back play has been less ideal. For the time being, Demarcus Beasley and Brad Evans solve the issue some, though I have to think Eric Lichaj and Fabian Johnson need more looks at outside back.
- Up top the Americans' long standing issue of poor striker play seems to be solved by Jozy Altidore, who has scored in his past 4 games. As our #9 forward, he has been good playing quick one-twos with Dempsey- a relationship that needs to keep blossoming. Here is how I would line up the American squad for the start of the World Cup, though lots could change until that day.
ST- Jozy Altidore
RF- Clint Dempsey
LF- Eddie Johnson
CAM- Graham Zusi
RCDM- Michael Bradley
LCDM- Jermaine Jones
RB- Brad Evans
CB- Omar Gonzales
CB- Matt Besler
LB- Eric Lichaj
GK- Tim Howard
Bench:
GK- Brad Guzan, Nick Rimando
DEF- DeMarcus Beasley, Geoff Cameron, Maurice Edu, Timmy Chandler
MID- Landon Donovan, Fabian Johnson, Brek Shea, Edgar Castillo
FWD- Terrence Boyd, Hercules Gomez
With Johnson and Dempsey on the wings, the team has speedy players who like the ball at their feet, but can also make runs off of Altidore. Zusi is a good choice to play behind Altidore, rather than on the wing, because he makes plays so well.
My guesses for the top 8 seeds:
1 Brazil (host nation)
2 Spain
3 Germany
4 Italy
5 Argentina
6 Netherlands
7 Uruguay
8 England
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