Thank god this match isn't in the World Cup itself, or it'd be the excuse for rampant Hugo Chavez chest beating.
Following their poor performance against Morocco, the US should really be up for this. I'm guessing you'll see a totally different backline tonight: perhaps Lewis, Bocanegra, Conrad and Albright. Ben Olsen, and Clint Dempsey should also see some time. I wouldn't be shocked to see Jphn O'Brien, who so badly needs match sharpness, in another 45-60 minute outing. Perhaps Brian Ching and Eddie Johnson will be given a chance in the front line.
The big news from the US camp this week is that Cory Gibbs is out of the squad with a knee injury; apparently, his right knee just started swelling up after the Morocco match, and it will take potentially weeks to settle. It's terrible news for Gibbs, whose Feyenoord career was essentially scuppered by a similar injury last year. He's unsurprisingly replaced by Gregg Berhalter, who brings a very similar skill set to Gibbs: he's a left-footed central defender who will play left back if you need him to. Berhalter has been in form for Energie Cottbus, who just got promoted to the Bundesliga, and he should be very comfortable in Germany.
The main thing the US loses here is Gibbs's speed; Berhalter isn't nearly as quick. I think this also makes it increasingly likely that Pope is the first-choice partner for Onyewu in Germany.
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