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There was a differential in USA's defending in BPO when they were facing the ball, keeping compact shape, and, when they were trying to defend accelerated attacks from Belgium, trying to defend running towards their own goal.
Within USA's game plan, Klinsmann would've observed that Belgium were more of an attacking threat, when conducting accelerated attacks.
The tactics from USA were plausible against a technically superior team. It nearly worked for them. So many Belgian shots, when USA kept the compact defensive shape, sitting deep, from slow methodical Belgian build ups, were made under US defensive pressure on the shooter. The shots were often hurried.
This was a very high calibre game, from both teams in different ways.
USA were brilliant in Ball Possession Opposition, against Belgium's slower, methodical build ups. They have great mental strength and powers of concentration, to compensate for their lack of technical ability, even though it has improved immeasurably.
Belgium, were very good in slow build ups and accelerated attacks, but lacked composure in front of goal. They have excellent technical qualities. They also panicked a bit in defence, and on the ball, when the game was tight in the latter stages of extra time. Their mental strength may be suspect.
Edited by Decentric: 2/7/2014 11:35:38 AM
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