High Gravity goes soccer-mad. England vs. USA, Part Three

[Click here for Part One]
[Click here for Part Two]

What better way to start Match Day than with this legendary national anthem performance by the Prince of Motown:

It is so on, England. By the way, anybody taking odds on whether England midfielder Steven Gerrard will be listening to ‘In the Air Tonight’ on his I Pod during pre-game festivities?

Apparently, the Brazilian referee for the match has a less than stellar reputation back home. Chances that this guy will make a provocative, potentially game-changing call? I’m going with 99.9%. In other news, US manager Bob Bradley acknowledged yesterday that Jozy Altidore recovered enough from his ankle sprain to start today. I wish that we would play a 4-5-1 with Oguchi Onyewu and Jay Demerit in central defense, Steve Cherundolo and Carlos Bocanegra at the full back positions, Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey at the wings, and Michael Bradley, Maurice Edu and Jose Torres (playing slightly ahead of Bradley and Edu) in the midfield. This would leave Altidore the lone striker. But I’d guess Bob Bradley is going to play the traditional 4-4-2 with Edson Buddle starting up front with Altidore, Torres on the bench, and Edu replaced by Ricardo Clark.

This is one of the most talented squads we’ve ever had, but there are issues: 1) Defensive Vulnerabilities: Oguchi Onyewu is still recovering from a serious knee injury last October. He has not played a full 90 minutes since the injury and looked a little gimpy during recent cameo appearance in friendlies. He’s a big, physical presence that no other US defender can match. Carlos Bocanegra and Steve Cherundolo are pretty solid at fullback, but if Onyewu can’t play there is a chance Bocanegra will move to central defense and leave the United States vulnerable at fullback. Whatever line-up takes the pitch, there undoubtedly will be some harrowing moments on Saturday. 2) Midfield Questions: Stalwarts Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey are formidable at the wing positions, but questions remain about the middle. While Ricardo Clark is likely to partner Michael Bradley, Jose Torres remains an intriguing, more offense-minded alternative who could be subbed in if a goal is needed. 3) Striker Options: The injury to Charlie Davies, who ran Spain ragged last year, was a real blow to the United States. Altidore presents a big and athletic option up front and has experience in the English Premier League. While big target Edson Buddle is likely to start, the very fast Robbie Findley may be introduced at some point as a change of pace. If a late goal is needed, the fabulously monikered Herculez Gomez likely will appear as a supersub, given his ability to score goals off the bench.

So how will this match play out? I heard former Spin Doctor impersonator Alexi Lalas on ESPN picking the US to win 2-1. It’s very possible. But I think a more plausible scenario is a competitive match in which England leads 2-1 late, the United States pushes forward for an equalizer, but England punishes them on the counter attack for a decisive third goal. I just think the Rooney factor and the set pieces will be too much to overcome. PREDICTION: England 3 United States 1.

[Editor’s note: Connelly is a Cubs fan and a South Carolina Gamecocks fan, so pardon his pessimism—it’s hard-earned. The rest of of Paste predicts a 2-1 victory for the Yanks!]