The United States will play Mexico in the final of the Concacaf Nations League on Sunday, March 24, at 9:15 p.m. EST. AT&T Stadium will host the second meeting between these two sides in this young competition.
The United States
The U.S. was lucky to beat Jamaica in the finals after an own goal from Jamaican forward Corey Burke sent the game into extra time. However, the U.S. could not consistently break Jamaica’s defense down, resorting to lobbing crosses and long balls into the box in the last moments of regular time to create shots.
While they were more clinical and incisive in extra time, Jamaica also slowed down in extra time, allowing the U.S. to flourish. If the Americans wish to succeed, they must play quicker, be more focused defensively, and look to the bench for a spark.
Against Jamaica, it was Haji Wright and Gio Reyna who made the difference in extra time, but they aren’t the only players who can have an impact off the bench.
Aaronson, Adams, and Dest
Attacking midfielder Brenden Aaronson briefly appeared against Jamaica, coming off the bench for Malik Tillman in the 76th minute. He had a muted performance, finishing the game with one shot on target. However, he is very technically gifted, with the requisite dribbling ability to cause opposing defenders problems, especially in space.
Defensive midfielder Tyler Adams only played 45 minutes off the bench against Jamaica as he is recovering from a hamstring injury. He is a poised and aggressive defensive midfielder capable of moving the ball well and regaining possession. The fact that U.S. head coach Greg Berhalter brought him into a losing situation speaks volumes of his confidence in Adams despite his recent injury history.
Right back, Sergiño Dest served a suspension against Jamaica but will likely return to the starting eleven for the Final. He is fast, direct, and very skillful with the ball at his feet. Furthermore, he offers more dynamism in attack than his counterpart Joe Scally, who started at right-back against Jamaica, all the more reason to suspect his return for the final.
Mexico
Mexico looked unnerved in their 3-0 victory over Panama. Goals from midfielders Edson Álvarez and Orbelín Pineda, as well as forward Julián Quiñones, sealed the game as Mexico did very well to exploit gaps in Panama’s defense on the counter-attack.
Head coach Jaime Lozano has a core of players he trusts, indicated by consistent appearances in his starting elevens.
Defense and Midfield
Defenders Jesús Gallardo, Johan Vásquez, and César Montes have started in Mexico’s last three competitive matches. All three are comfortable on the ball, helping Lozano’s side play out from the back. Gallardo provides verticality and width on the left side when Mexico is in possession, while Vásquez and Montes provide cover in the air and on the ground. On Sunday, they will have their hands full against fleet-footed forwards like Timothy Weah and Folarin Balogun.
Ahead of the defenders mentioned above, you have crucial midfielders Edson Álvarez, Érick Sánchez, and Luis Chavez. They each play a unique role in Mexico’s midfield. Álvarez plays as a 6, dropping deep to assist in the buildup and providing cover for his center backs when Mexico defends. Chavez plays slightly higher upfield and uses a wide range of passing and his dribbling ability to move the ball into dangerous areas. Finally, Sánchez lines up as a 10, looking to find spaces between the opposing midfield and defense to link play between the midfield and attack.
Thank you for reading The Game Haus’ coverage on the Concacaf Nations League Final.
Be sure to stay tuned to our wide ranging esports and sports coverage as well.
1 Comment
Clear comments and review
Excellent analysis.