I think our group presents a major problem to our defense

I think drawing Germany makes it paramount that we call up Cherundolo if he is healthy.

Even if he doesn't start at RB, he could give the backline tips.

The back four was by far our weakest spot, regardless of the draw.

Timmy will have to be on his game, but if we keep a man (J Jones) on Ronaldo during the match, slow his progress, then we can def get a positive result.

The order of the games is important. The German game is last, meaning that we may not even need a result.

Fabian will be playing LB for the majority of the group stage unless we are down at halftime.

Beasley will not match up well agains the physicality of Germany and the majesty of CR7

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but if we keep a man (J Jones) on Ronaldo during the match

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If you're relying on Jones to be positionally disciplined to lead us to victory, you're probably in for some serious disappointment.

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but if we keep a man (J Jones) on Ronaldo during the match

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You don't need to do that to Ronaldo, and it probably wouldn't help, anyway.

You have to stay compact, get numbers behind the ball, and minimize space that he can move into: on and off the ball. Of course, this is problematic because he is a predator off the ball and unpredictable on it, i.e., he's almost as dangerous getting to the end line and crossing with his left as he is cutting in on his right. Then, when you have it all figured out, he drifts centrally or switches flanks.

That said, it can be done, and worse teams have done it.

Left back against Portugal will mostly be dealing with Nani. That could be good or bad, it's basically up to Nani.

I guess it would be Ayew for Ghana?

My preferred attacking midfield group would be Fabian, Dempsey, and Donovan, it's just a matter of whether or not we can get away with Beasley at LB.

As for RB, I've never really liked Cameron there until this year. He's really been playing well for Stoke though, seems to be growing into the position. RB is a position where, if everything worked out, we could have some solid choices and depth.

I want to see FJ at LB.
Dempsey in the hole, Aron on the left, Donovan on the right, and Josmer up top obviously. That would be deadly attacking, all creative players who can shoot from distance and can play with both feet, the interchanging runs would be fun to watch.

Dempsey playing anywhere other than centrally is a liability defensively. If we play Landon on the left, I like Zusi on the right because of his ability to put passes on a platter for Jozy, and he is an engine, he tracks back and helps defensively all match.

We need to bring back our shutdown stopper for CR7.

I know he doesn't, that's why I was saying him on the wing wouldn't work. And if JJ and MB are constantly covering wide to cover for overlapping fullbacks then we will be stretched thin in the middle big time.