You wanted more World Cup upsets? You got it. I’m Roger Gonzalez and welcome to the Thanksgiving Eve edition of the Golazo Starting XI newsletter. There’s much to get to today, including Japan’s stunning win over Germany and a big decision for U.S. coach Gregg Berhalter.
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? The Forward Line
How did Germany lose?
A day after Argentina were somehow beaten by massive underdogs Saudi Arabia, four-time champions Germany joined the club in Qatar. The Germans laid an egg in 2018 and this time around with Hansi Flick, they were viewed as one of the potential title favorites. Much like the Argentines, the Germans conceded two second-half goals to lose 2-1. The two goals for the Japanese came in the final 15 minutes in what was an epic, unforeseen comeback.
So how did Germany let this one get away?
There were a lot of mistakes made by the Germans in this one. Questionable decisions and poor defending were the difference in this one, and now the mighty Germans could be one bad result away from heading home. Super subs Ritsu Doan and Takuma Asano each scored in a nine-minute span to give the Japanese their greatest-ever World Cup victory.
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Our buddy Jimmy Conrad pointed out, Flick’s team selection proved to be horrendous. It all starts with understanding that Japan have pace, and countering that with players who can move is a must. The decision to start Niklas Sule, a really slow player, at right back will haunt Flick. He’s got the velocity of Razor scooter being used by a four-year-old, and he was clearly partially at fault on both of the goals that Germany allowed.
So what else did he do wrong?
The back line did not keep shape. If you are watching on TV, you want your defense to be in an organized vertical line pretty much at all times in order to have an advantage when it comes to catching the other team offside. That’s how the Saudis pulled off their win over the Argentines.On that first goal, he was at the corner of the box, which is understandable considering he was at right back. But then, what happened next? Sule got twisted like a pretzel and did not get enough pressure, resulting in a free shot that was saved by Manuel Neuer. A loose ball falls into the heart of the box, and it’s put away by the underdogs. Just too easy. He needs to get inside and push that attacker wide, knowing a cross is a less dangerous opportunity to deal with. On the second goal, he was so deep and did not offer any cover, moving away from the ball instead of trying to double-team the attacker. He didn’t have anybody else to worry about, so why not approach the ball?There was another instance where Japan were played through over the top, and the only reason why the play was allowed to take place was because Sule was five yards behind the rest of the defense, playing the runner on.
He’s got to be benched, and Lukas Klostermann needs to take his place if healthy. If not, you are better off playing nobody there. Probably won’t tell the difference between that and Sule.
On a positive note, it’s not that the German attack were all that poorly — they did have the chances needed to win. Germany finished with 26 shots, 14 more than Japan, with nine on goal, and they had 74% possession. But as so often happens in this sport, it boils down to the most efficient team in front of goal, the one that can take their golden chances. On this day, it was Samurai Blue who shocked the world.
? Midfield Link Play
Reyna needs to start for USMNT vs. England
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The biggest question coming out of the United States’ 1-1 draw against Wales (other than, why in the heck did Walker Zimmerman tackle Gareth Bale like that?) was where in the world was Gio Reyna? The most talented player on the team did not feature at all, riding the bench for the 90 minutes. Look, he seemed like a logical player to put in, knowing his creativity and ability to run at goal could have led to a couple of decent chances in the second half. The U.S. attack was pretty awful outside of the first 30 minutes or so. Gregg Berhalter said after the game that the team did a check on him due to muscle soreness, with the player saying that he is 100%. Berhalter added that he will be available fo England, and he needs to be. He is a must-start against the Three Lions.
The United States, despite a strong first half and 59% possession, only recorded one shot on target in the entire match. That is simply not good enough. Reyna, on the other hand, already has as many goals this season for Borussia Dortmund (two), as he did all of last season for the German club.
The U.S. cannot play 45 minutes against a title contender, and they need somebody who can offer a bit of individual brilliance to turn a game. Reyna will be extra motivated facing his birth nation — he was born in Sunderland — and he seems like a logical choice to replace somebody like Weston McKennie or Yunus Musah as a substitute. It remains to be seen if Berhalter will tinker with the attacking trio of Christian Pulisic, Josh Sargent and Tim Weah, but after scoring just one goal, he may need to. My call would be to get Reyna in ahead of Weah for about an hour. You cannot swap him for Pulisic, and the U.S. really need a forward. Or could Berhalter mix things up and go with a false nine? Can’t see him doing that.
In the end, the pressure is on after failing to beat Wales. Getting a point from the England game would be huge, and the U.S. need their most talented player to have a shot.
Listen below and follow In Soccer We Trust: A CBS Sports Soccer Podcast where your three favorite former USMNT players cover everything you could possibly want to know about the United States men’s national team during the World Cup in Qatar.
Let’s get to some links:
Our Grant Wahl has the first of his USMNT mailbags from Qatar.Germany protest FIFA’s decision to ban “OneLove” armband.Man United and Cristiano Ronaldo have parted ways after the player’s tell-all interview with Piers Morgan.Now the owners of the Red Devils are weighing options to sell the club.Messi lost, Ronaldo left. Nico Cantor looks back on a dramatic Tuesday for the goats.German politician Nancy Faeser wore the “OneLove” armband while next to FIFA president Gianni Infantino.History was made at the World Cup as Stephanie Frappart became the first woman to officiate a match at the competition.England’s Jack Grealish fulfills promise to young fan with unique World Cup goal celebration.No Memo, no party. Day 3 of #MyWorldCup saw Midge Purce follow El Tri at a Mexican bar.Detective Jenny Chiu gets to the bottom of why World Cup attendances appear higher than stadium capacities.The injury bug has hit France again as they’ve lost Lucas Hernandez with a torn ACL.The House of Champions Crew on why the USMNT and Wales should both feel disappointed with only getting a point on Matchday 1.Remember you can catch the Champions League, Serie A, WSL and more on Paramount+ — get 50% off the annual plan with promo code ALLYEAR!
? The Back Lines
Best bets
Let’s pick some World Cup matches!
All odds courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook.
Uruguay vs. South Korea, Thursday, 8 a.m. p.m. ET ? THE PICK: Both teams to score (+115). Uruguay’s defense is aging and South Korea star Heung-min Son can exploit them. I have no concern about Uruguay scoring with all of their attacking talent, but this isn’t the same defense that dominated over a decade ago. The South Americans allowed on average over a goal per game in World Cup qualifying, including 11 in a four-game stretch last year. Brazil vs. Serbia, Thursday, 2 p.m. ET ? THE PICK: Brazil -1.5 (+130). The Brazilians are the most talented team at the tournament and I can’t see a way they don’t score three against Serbia. Because of that, I’ll like the value here of having them win by two goals with Neymar leading the charge. Serbia have talent in attack, but Brazil should be able to control the ball and dictate the game.