re: United States of F#ck Yeah v. Atleti's kit sponsor | Tues., 9 p.m. CDT (ESPN2)

I really think Jurgen is pushing some of this diamond right now so that we can switch to it during games, as needed.

For instance, if we are down a goal in the last 15 minutes, he may want a more offensive formation. Or if he feels a game is opening up some and wants a more dedicated CDM and CAM rather than relying upon their communication. I could be wrong, as we all know Jurgen doesn't use tactics. Just yoga and belief.

The players on the field would essentially be the same for a 4-2-3-1 as compared to the diamond that he was going to start last night. So the ability to switch at desired times may be nice.

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"i'm forming my opinion partly from what landon said but also from a very small sample size a considerable time ago"

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struggling to get in shape
badly out of shape

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please stop with the out of shape shite.

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I'm not saying he's out of shape. I thought he was prior to the news that he aced the beep test, just like most everyone else thought it when he showed up fat to the Mexico friendly.

In the 4-4-2 diamond, is it any one player's job in particular to pick up the ball from the defenders and bring it upfield to the attack?

When we play the 4-2-3-1, it seems like that's mostly Bradley's job, and he is always available to do it.

He seemed less available last night, but maybe I just saw that wrong.

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I'd rather we play a 4-4-2 where Bradley starts a lot deeper than a diamond where Bradley can easily be marked out of the game.

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If Bradley passes like he normally does, him being the attacking mid means he sets up a lot of shot opportunities. The problem last night was that Bradley was really struggling with his touch on passing.

We did have some issues passing from the back line but I didn't see that as the fault of the mids. For the most part, USA just weren't getting the pace on their passes correct.

Just watched the game. All the hate that Wondolowski received in this thread is just pure silliness. I'm quite sure those posters were ones that have always hated him. Second header was quite good and was stopped with a good save.

I fully expect Bradley to not have to pass into a wall at the World Cup, but they will be bringing a lot more pressure on the team. Azerbaijan is just so different that it is hard to tell a ton for this game. This was like a home WCQ match.

I put a lot of faith in star players and veterans that they will right the ship. I think too many people are too obsessed with young players over proven vets. Bradley's performance was bad, but it raises no flags.

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In the 4-4-2 diamond, is it any one player's job in particular to pick up the ball from the defenders and bring it upfield to the attack?

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In the 4-4-2 essentially Bradley would be playing as a False CAM which I love but it requires communication with the other CDM to know when he is going to push the ball upfield. So offensively it would be more like the diamond but the problem we have is that our wingers are more like midfielders and they pinch in which doesn't give Bradley the space he needs to distribute

Just curious, will the #s worn last night be the same for the rest of the games this summer? Seems like that was the case in previous cycles, but would be good to know before I buy a new jersey.