Posted at 8:52 p.m.
The strike force
Advantage Canada here. Even without Alphonso Davies, the attack is, quite simply, this team’s greatest strength.
It has three of CONCACAF’s best attacking players in Cyle Larin, Jonathan David and Tajon Buchanan.
Thanks to the depth at each position, coach John Herdman can fluidly change his starting line-up and opt for different strategies depending on the opposition. It is therefore difficult to predict his choices on Sunday.
PHOTO DELMER MARTINEZ, ASSOCIATED PRESS ARCHIVES
jonathan david
The constant, however, is that he advocates a style of play based on speed and counter-attacking. It will contrast with the possession game that Gregg Berhalter prefers, on the other side.
On the other hand, the attack is probably the most obvious weakness of this American team. We don’t want to insinuate that Canadian goalkeeper Milan Borjan won’t be busy, far from it. But the team’s big star, Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic, is currently significantly less effective than Larin, David or Buchanan.
Forward Tim Weah, not adequately vaccinated according to Canadian rules, even had to turn back at the border. Most of USA’s chances against El Salvador have come from their feet.
Canada will however have to be careful with Ricardo Pepi, a young nugget (excuse her) from Texas who has just been transferred to Augsburg, in the Bundesliga. He already has 3 goals and 3 assists in 7 games since his selection debut in September 2021.
PHOTO ALBERTO PIZZOLI, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE ARCHIVES
Weston McKennie
The middle battle
Against a Canada that should offer open and enthusiastic offensive play, the American trio of Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams and Yunus Musah will probably be able to dictate the game in the middle. They are expected to face Sam Adekugbe and Tajon Buchanan on the wings, and Atiba Hutchinson and Liam Fraser in the middle. Don’t get me wrong: these Canadians are quality players, but this position still seems better filled among the Americans.
It would be surprising if defensive midfielder Samuel Piette, who started the match against Honduras well before sustaining a minor injury, would recover in time for this game.
Against El Salvador, the Americans had deployed Jesús Ferreira as a “false number 9”, a term for the position of a striker who retreats in the middle. We wanted to counter a congested Salvadoran midfield. It should be more fluid against Canada, who will want to wow the gallery by opening the game.
PHOTO JEAN-YVES AHERN, USA TODAY SPORTS ARCHIVES
Kamal Miller
The walls
In defense, the two selections are neck and neck.
John Herdman can fully trust the Montreal defensive contingent made up of Kamal Miller and Alistair Johnston. The latter is an indisputable holder. His withdrawal leading to a crucial tackle at the start of the match against Honduras is proof of this. Combined with the experience of veteran Steven Vitória and the passion of Miller and Richie Laryea, that gives only five goals against in nine games.
On the other side, the Americans have awarded four so far in the Octagon.
PHOTO BY PAU BARRENA, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE ARCHIVES
Sergino Dest
Right-back Sergiño Dest, playing for FC Barcelona, is obviously the biggest threat at this level. Antonee Robinson, left, is the other starter at the back. In central defense, we alternate between Walker Zimmerman, Chris Richards and Miles Robinson.
Canadian goalkeeper Milan Borjan saved the day several times against Honduras, stringing together spectacular saves in the second half. The United States will rely on Matt Turner, goalkeeper of the New England Revolution, who has just been transferred to Arsenal.
It’s going to play hard on defense, folks.
Canada has not always fared well against the United States. He shows a record of 9 wins, 17 losses and 11 draws against the Americans, historically.
But the rise of Canadian soccer seems unstoppable. After Mexico in November, will the momentum be strong enough to counter this other CONCACAF powerhouse?
United States vs. Canada, this Sunday, 3:05 p.m.