WORLD CUP MATCH PREVIEW: UNITED STATES VS. PORTUGAL

With the first week of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil having already been played, the United States finds itself in a very favorable position after defeating Ghana 2-1 in their group opening match. While the win helped them secure a very valuable 3 points, the United States faces some issues in their next matchup against a Portugal team looking to rebound after a 4-0 drubbing by Germany. This upcoming matchup for the United States might hold their key to the next round depending on what happens between Germany and Ghana, but there are some areas of concern and some potential roadblocks that the US must address if they want to advance to the knockout stage.

1. OVERCOME THE LOSS OF JOZY ALTIDORE: In the midst of the 2-1 win over Ghana, the US were dealt a severe blow in the loss of striker Jozy Altidore to a hamstring that could keep him out of the remainder of the World Cup. Clint Dempsey will need to take his game to the next level to compensate for the loss of Altidore, along with Chris Wondolowski and Aron Johannson, in order to at the very least keep it close with Portugal and Germany coming up.

2. THE MIDFIELD MUST BE BETTER: There were numerous chances during the game, especially in the second half, that Ghana was going through the midfield, which ended up leading them to the equalizer in the 81st minute. Michael Bradley needs to get back into form and play up to the level that he was playing at during his time at A.S. Roma, since he’s arguably one of their best players. You might be able to get away with it against Ghana, but that’s a no-no against Cristiano Ronaldo and the Portuguese.

3. EXPLOIT CR7’S KNEE INJURY: At the time of writing this article, there were question marks surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo’s knee injury and whether he would be at 100% at game time. While he most likely won’t be at 100%, Ronaldo still has the ability to be a difference maker and the thorn in the side of the US midfield and back four. If Ronaldo doesn’t play, the US needs to exploit the weakness with their best player off the field and a defense that’s questionable at best.

4. DON’T PARK THE BUS: This will coincide with what happens in the Germany/Ghana game, but if Germany defeats Ghana, all the US will need to do is draw with Portugal and they will move onto the knockout stage. They can’t sit back and park the bus with Portugal since the Portuguese do have the ability to score goals if they are fully healthy. This Klinsmann coached team does have the discipline to avoid this mindset and score a few goals in order to give themselves the best opportunity possible.

5. DEAL WITH THE HEAT: The Brazilian heat has gotten to some of the teams, leading to a good amount of players cramping at different times throughout the tournament. The United States will need to be in good condition, especially with their game in Portugal playing in Manaus, which is located within the Amazon jungle. The conditioning will lead to less cramps and less potential for serious injuries.

 With this matchup between Portugal possibly being the ticket into the knockout stage, the United States needs to come out with full intensity and not allow Portugal to dictate the pace of play in Manaus. If Ronaldo is not up to par with his play, there’s a possibility that the United States can make it out of this game with a win, or at the very least, a draw.

FINAL SCORE: 2-1 U.S.A.

*This article was contributed by Executive Producer Gregory Delaney, and completed before matchplay*