USA v. Slovenia Preview (and prediction)

No two ways about this, the U.S. should win this game. Minimal talking points:

• No early goals — it's a fire that the US just can't risk playing with again.
• The defense must maintain their level from the last 86 minutes of the England game. Onyewu and Demerit were solid against a higher class opposition than Slovenia offers, but there's no room for a let-up tomorrow.
• Center of the midfield has to control the pace of the ball and find Donovan and Dempsey on the wings. If I were making the lineup, I'd pencil in a more skillful partner for Michael Bradley—Francisco Torres or Benny Feilhaber—but I expect that Bradley to stick with Rico Clark. No matter, our game might be bolstered by creative play, but it doesn't depend on it.
  
• Lastly, I mentioned in an earlier post that I think Buddle would make a better partner against Slovenia back line. I think he and Altidore share a physicality that might upset Slovenia's own. But I expect Bradley and I disagree on this point, too. The argument for Findley's speed against the large, and presumably slower, back line makes some sense. Either way, it's key for the forwards to have self belief and to test the defense and goalkeeper early and often ... ask Clint.

If we do those things, even just passably, we should win. And I think this team is more than just passably prepared. I predict a 3-1 US win. It's a bit of prognosticating that has as much to do with desire as genuine belief, but I've never believed in a U.S. squad more.

It seems that every competitive match the U.S. plays has broader implications for the sport in our country, and this match is no exception. Win tomorrow and we will further burnish our bona fides as a legitimate footballing nation, this time as a team who can win when expected to ... and, hey, even lofty Spain has trouble living up to expectations.