da realbet： GOAL takes a look at how the U.S. could line up in the Gold Cup last eight, with interim coach B.J. Callaghan having some big calls to make.
da betcris： Before the Gold Cup got going, U.S. men's national team interim coach B.J. Callaghan divided the tournament up into two halves. The first was the group stage, clashes with Jamaica, St. Kitts & Nevis and Trinidad & Tobago, which he could use to mix and match while figuring out his team. And then would come the knockouts, a chance to reset, refocus and charge forward towards another trophy.
Well, we're in the business end of the tournament now and, with a week between games, the U.S. heads into the knockout rounds with a clash against Canada. The time for rotating and experimenting is done; now let's see who steps up.
The Gold Cup, of course, is more about individual performances than anything else for the USMNT. The main team, by and large, is on vacation after their Nations League triumph. The players in this camp are largely on the fringes and pushing for more.
Several have seized their chance thus far, earning the right to keep their starting place for the knockouts. However, Callaghan does have some difficult decisions to make. With everyone fit and healthy, who does he leave out? And, with one key player on yellow card watch, does Callaghan make a change now to avoid a potential semifinal suspension?
GOAL takes a look at how the U.S. could line up…
GettyGK: Matt Turner
The time for experimenting is over, and, unfortunately, we didn't get to see Gaga Slonina get a run during the group stage.
This is Turner's time – if fit and healthy, the Arsenal goalkeeper starts every game going forward.
AdvertisementGettyRB: Bryan Reynolds
One of the standouts of the group stage, Reynolds has made this spot his own.
Could Callaghan be tempted to turn to the veteran DeAndre Yedlin? Sure, but should he? Absolutely not. Reynolds has been fantastic so far and has earned the chance to start the rest of the way. We'll see if he sinks or swims but, at least so far, Reynolds has been fantastic.
GettyCB: Miles Robinson
With another week of rest under his belt, Robinson should just about be 100 percent fit.
He was given a 45-minute runout in the final group-stage game, which was a nice rehab assignment. Now, Robinson should be feeling right for the knockouts, where he'll likely start every game, should the US progress.
Getty ImagesCB: Jalen Neal
A big, big decision for Callaghan.
It shouldn't be, to be fair. Neal has been the breakout star of this team, the player that has improved his stock the most with his performances so far. However, Neal is one yellow card away from being suspended for a potential semifinal match.
Looking ahead, though, this Canada game is likely the tougher match than a potential Qatar/Panama semifinal. Knowing that, we'll give Neal the start. If he makes it through the game unpunished, fantastic. If not, he'll get a rest for the semis against a team that is, theoretically, less talented than the one the U.S. will face on Sunday.