The United States U-17 team takes on Italy in a round of 16 match-up Wednesday night in Kaduna, looking to advance against the European powers in the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Coach Wilmer Cabrera's team may like their chances against Italy, which like the U.S., has failed to demonstrate inspired soccer while doing just enough to win their group. The Italians edged Algeria, 1-0, before coming from behind to beat South Korea in their second match. They wrapped up group play with a forgettable 0-0 tie against Uruguay.
Unlike the Italians, whose opponents have controlled the ball against them, the Americans have managed to out-possess all of their opponents thus far. Only Spain was able to break down the American defense, to the tune of two first half goals in the opening game, the only ones the defense has surrendered in Nigeria.
That defense, led by central back Jared Watts and Eriq Zavaleta, has suddenly become a focus of the team noted more for its offensive threats. Cabrera will almost certainly keep the back line intact, with Zachary Herold on the right and Tyler Polak on the left to face the Azzurrini.
"We're improving each game. So we're hoping to keep on improving, work on the details, and get the win," said captain Jared Watts. "We've definitely improved in the back. We are getting a little more comfortable, we're getting some confidence and that's helping us out for sure."
The Italians are led by AC Milan youth product Giacomo Barreta, who figures to be the primary strike threat for an Italian team that, like the Americans, scored only three goals in the group stage. The Italian side also includes players from the youth systems of such traditional Serie 'A' powers AS Roma, Inter Milan, and Juventus.
"We don't watch too much film," said Watts of the team's knowledge of Italy. "We just focus on the things tactically that we need to improve on and win each game. Stay sharp in the back and make sure we're communicating, stay tight as a group and improve on the field."
Unlike recent American opponents Malawi and the U.A.E., the Italians are not likely to waste their chances in counterattack, meaning the Americans will need to take advantage of their scoring chances, something they have generally failed to do so far. The front line of Jack McInerney and Stefan Jerome, along with attacking flank players Luis Gil and Alex Shinsky, have been poor at putting the ball in the net through three games.
The Americans will once again be playing on short rest, having had only two days to travel back north to Kaduna, from the southern city of Ijebu-Ode, where they played their last group game. The Italians also played Sunday, thought their game was in nearby Kano, only a couple hours up the road.
Should they win this match, the U.S. would then travel back to Ijebu-Ode for a quarterfinal match with the winner of the Germany-Switzerland tie being played in Lagos. |
Wednesday November 4, 2009
11:38 am |
If you can get it, the game is broadcast on www.ESPN360.com. I've watched all the games on espn360, and the team has been playing with more and more confidence. Polak, Shinsky, Gil and Duran all have good ball skills to maintain possession. McInerney looks good, but he seems too isolated up front. There is some good wing play to penetrate the wings, but the central midfielders don't seem to come forward enough to support him.
— Phil
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Wednesday November 4, 2009
3:35 am |
Does anyone know were we can watch the game ?
— steven
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Tuesday November 3, 2009
2:24 pm |
All three Italian goals have been scored by Fiorentina players -- you might mention their contribution to the team as well, since the "primary strike threat" from Milan is yet to figure, and I believe they've contributed more players than Inter.
— Martha
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