Greg’s system requires a lot of cohesiveness. Only the best teams in Europe run it successfully. Injuries to key players hasn’t helped at all with the consistence. We will do better on the counter against an attacking team than breaking down a low block.
Did he say that half of our qualifying goals were set piece?? That is totally wrong. The only game we scored set piece goals was the chiller in Minnesota. Even if you count Pulisic's two penalties against Panama that is only 5 of our 21 goals.
Great conversation guys. I agree that we should try a secondary formation, or even 2. I wouldn't mind seeing a 4-2-3-1 or a 3-5-2. Also, with our issues in front of goal, I wouldn't mind trying Tim Weah at striker, or Weah and Pulisic together in a front two. For me, that's the way to get your 4 best attackers on the field at once. I know Gregg won't do it, but it might be worth trying in Nations League or in friendlies leading up to the World Cup. I also agree that it's time to try Brooks and Richards as a pair at center back. Frankly, it's mind-boggling to me that we haven't done it yet, but then again, it's Gregg…
I like Zealand, but I disagree about experience view. 14 games doesn't automatically jumpstart our team into being a team that has played together for years. This isn't Football Manager and there is a reason having the majority of your players being 23 or younger hurts the consistency of our team. If having the most talented team mattered the most Duke would be the NCAA Basketball winners almost every year. Most coaches / teams don't click at a club level for the 1st year minimum. They have 40 games together and months practicing day in and day out. Pulisic is not asked to be the man at Chelsea, Adams isn't, Dest, and the list goes on. McKinnie is a bigger riser in that area but outside of Zimmerman (since he makes Nashville work) nobody else is asked to be the guy. Our team is still learning how to win and we are asking 19-23 year old's to act like they are Kante or de Bruyne. We live in an age of instant results, El Salvadors coach talked about the struggles of the USMNT having such a young team. I think it is naive to think they were seasoned after the 1st game.
He's right on Zimmerman's and Robinson's lack of experience against top international players. Aaron Long is even worse in this regard. We need Brooks and Richards as CBs.
Huh so experience is no longer an excuse after all the qualifying games. But our CB's don't have enough Euro experience to not be eaten alive by the Euro teams. But all you have to be as a CB is a beast? I need to listen to Zealand again…
I'm gonna back our guys and say you have two solid CB's in Zimmerman and Mrob that will surprise and impress everyone. They've been passed over and probably have something to prove. I bet they will shut some offenses down completely.
As if Lalas was some amazing technical/tactical guru when we played to 1-0 against Romario and Bebeto et al in 1994. Brazil's next game was a draw with Italy, so Lalas was as good as Franco Baresi and Paolo Maldini?
Its desire, who is hungry, and who shows up on GameDay. Our CBs have been a rock that got us here. Not the "prolific" goal scoring of Pulisic, Weah, Aaronson, Reyna, Musah, or Dest.
This guy is low-key negative on the usmnt.
I hope he plays a pick up game and someone clears the ball point blank into his nuts.
The first match against Wal/Sco/Ukr is the most important match. We can't count on a point against England (we can hope, but not count on it), so the first match tells us our situation against Iran. I'm uncomfortable about the Iran match-up. They've got talent, team unity, WC experience, and regional fans who will be hostile to the US. It will be a tough match.
Great interview, man I really align A LOT with Zealand's thoughts and opinions. I agree with him that going with Tuchel's ideas or formations or Klopp's would fit our player pool incredibly well. I know it's too late for it right now but I would have liked to have seen something Chelsea used a couple of times against Lille which was a 3-4-2-1 with a back 3 of Richards – Brooks – Robinson or KPB, a middle 4 of Jedi – McKennie – Adams (or Musah) – Dest, the 2 attacking midfielders tucked more centrally in Pulisic and Aaronson with Reyna playing a Kai Havertz type role. It would compliment a lot of our players pretty well imo.
I respect your opinion but golly your analysis of the Welsh team is so far off it caught me off guard (I'm not Welsh). It's not my place to defend their team but their defence is better than the USA team (ben davies and rodon would walk in to the USA backline plus neko williams whilst young is solid and their GK is better honestly).
Their midfield isn't better necessarily but it isn't as far off as you think it is and they're far more experienced, only Scotland and England have a better midfield (Ramsey is better than most of what you have and the scottish league/championship are leagues above the MLS genuinely). I'm not saying the Welsh midfield far more talented but they have bags of experience at club level and internationally that yours don't that leaves them in much better stead. just a side note brennan johnson is a very good young talent who will get a big move in the summer in all likelyhood. Just because a player is at a big club doesn't mean anything in isolation, hence why I don't think that because steffen plays for Man City he's obviously good, I'd take a regular championship GK over him all day.
Up Front USA can't score, it's the same reason Scotland aren't as good as Wales. Scotland, Ukraine can get up there but that means nothing in reality, Aaron Ramsey is a better goal scorer that the USA striker unironically and obviously Bale is the major difference. Whilst Bale is the most obvious reason for their progression in these tournaments, the rest of that team including Dan James, the 'championship striker' you maligned and the 'hilariously bad' players you clearly know very little about got them there equally.
It's not about who your best player is in most cases (though that is important, aka. Bale makes Wales better than Scotland even though their average level is probably a bit lower) it's the average level of the team; and I am not Joking when I say the Wales team on average excluding Bale is genuinely better than the USA when you include they're real experience plus they're much deeper than the USA they have plenty of 'average' players that aren't incredible but can do a job and have experience in real difficult leagues e.g. Championship who can fill in if needs be. There's a reason they get far and Scotland don't and it's not because they're lucky or just have spirit, they are legitimately a good team and the ones I'd consider clear favourites for second if they get there.
Anyway there you go don't disrespect Wales they're pretty comfortably the second best in the group (if they make it).
P.S. A small side note, when people say the USA could be hindered by experience, that doesn't disappear because you played 14 qualifiers, that's not experience. experience is have someone like Ben Davies (28 plays for spurs consistently and has for years), Ramsey, Bale etc. I've no doubt the USA will get better over time but pure talent and potential means less in the face of real experience which every other team in the group has.
Having said all that you can make it just don't get too far ahead thinking that your team is actually better than the qualifying teams, there is no evidence at all to think so.
The fact IS that the US is too young. You won't ever catch any consistently decent WC nations sending a U-23+ Olympic style team to in international tourney like the Euro, Copa America, or W.Cup. Average age of W.C. semifinal participants is between 26 and 28 y/o, and W.C. winners is 27 with low deviation. It doesn't matter if you bring a team of Pele, Maradona, Zidane, Maldini, Romario, Messi, Ronaldo and Cannavaro. They won't make it past the group stage if they're all U-23. International tourneys are a test of testosterone, stamina, strength and mental focus past fatigue. Kids can't compete with men, not in any sport.
i honestly think most outside and inside this group realise the turmoil and pressure in this group, lets put talent aside firstly, you have usa england iran as a known…all three of those countries have exactly the same issues politically, us has score to settle from past but they all very different teams now ad i don't actually think it will affect th players tbh, however if we go on climate iran is in the zone usa england scotland ukraine or wales…are going to play an enviroment that is alien to us. as for who makes it in the final spot, iran if at an advantafge again and even the us in terms of rivals, scotland will go all in against england, them beating england and losing every other game would be a result for them trust me, then theres wales similar but not as intense but never the less a big rival to england, ukraine get through and everyone will behind them and they will be playing for pride for a nation in dark times thats bad for anytime in wc. so england is under pressure in every game what ever the out come, id say if you step back and look at it….the us is actually/potentially the least under pressure in terms of opposition ….i think usa pressure will be from within i really do, its the first us team i can honestly say can not just compete through pride and heart but they finally have a good level of quality in positions, high level team players in the team, so like england had years ago the expectation can destroy you in wc's. I'm english fan I've had an eye on the sleeping giant us for time as always fascinated me how such a advanced massive rich and known for producing great athletes hadn't really joined the party of global religion football!!!! its been fun to watch tbh bit like watching evolution, and i don't doubt in my life time they will be a serious shout for biggest prizes in the game honestly think that! i love to see americans (like yourselves) finally know what they are talking about in the beautiful game. i think the us should set up like how west ham set up….if you haven't watched west ham this season have a little look I'm sure you will agree the us has almost like for type players to play how they do!!! no real striker, strong in midfield a quality 3 up top, they'd suit that way of snapping at ancles defending from front happy to let the opposition have the ball then pounce explosively on counter!!! I've not seen anyone mention this and I'm quite surprised when u consider how well west ham are doing playing like this especially against strong opposition and in tournament football which is what the wc is about!! look into it pick it to bits ya self maybe n do a video but seriously the more ya look at it the more you realise how the us could play that way EASY!!! let me know if you disagree or think i should take ove as usmnt coaching position ha bit long winded but i been screaming at tv saying why haven't they looked into playing that way they have the exact personel….rant over…..ps i wouldn't play pulisc on left against england unless arnold plays….oh n this should be considered….is it vickers that plays for celtic??? you take him to wc…than man is the most experienced player you'd have to defend against kane as they trained together at spurs…food for thought 😉
28.20 i always thought the states first world beating star would be a athlete rio ferdinand type cb…so yeah I'm surprised you haven't produced a cb at a high level thus far…especially as us produce atheletes before the produce the trade of that athlete if you get what i mean?
Greetings from Iran 🇮🇷. thanks for having Zealand. good and informative interview. I really really don't want to see England qualify for the next round XD and I hope to see Iran and US 🇺🇸 pass from the group stage. that was funny to hear Zealand watched the Argo movie to prepare himself emotionally 😂, maybe I should watch something opposite. any suggestion for me?
FYI, we wont play Rice and Philips at the WC. Southgate has totally abandoned that since the Euro Final. Its way more likely that he goes with a 3 of Rice, Mount and TAA, with either Bellingham or Foden partnering Sterling and Kane up top…..and the US aren't living with that. IMO thats the best front 6 in world football. Sorry.
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Let’s see how our defenders do against Suarez and Cavani. And Uruguay still has Nunez and Gomez off the bench.
Greg’s system requires a lot of cohesiveness. Only the best teams in Europe run it successfully. Injuries to key players hasn’t helped at all with the consistence. We will do better on the counter against an attacking team than breaking down a low block.
Did he say that half of our qualifying goals were set piece?? That is totally wrong. The only game we scored set piece goals was the chiller in Minnesota. Even if you count Pulisic's two penalties against Panama that is only 5 of our 21 goals.
Always love to hear what zealand has to say
Great conversation guys. I agree that we should try a secondary formation, or even 2. I wouldn't mind seeing a 4-2-3-1 or a 3-5-2. Also, with our issues in front of goal, I wouldn't mind trying Tim Weah at striker, or Weah and Pulisic together in a front two. For me, that's the way to get your 4 best attackers on the field at once. I know Gregg won't do it, but it might be worth trying in Nations League or in friendlies leading up to the World Cup. I also agree that it's time to try Brooks and Richards as a pair at center back. Frankly, it's mind-boggling to me that we haven't done it yet, but then again, it's Gregg…
I like Zealand, but I disagree about experience view. 14 games doesn't automatically jumpstart our team into being a team that has played together for years. This isn't Football Manager and there is a reason having the majority of your players being 23 or younger hurts the consistency of our team. If having the most talented team mattered the most Duke would be the NCAA Basketball winners almost every year. Most coaches / teams don't click at a club level for the 1st year minimum. They have 40 games together and months practicing day in and day out. Pulisic is not asked to be the man at Chelsea, Adams isn't, Dest, and the list goes on. McKinnie is a bigger riser in that area but outside of Zimmerman (since he makes Nashville work) nobody else is asked to be the guy. Our team is still learning how to win and we are asking 19-23 year old's to act like they are Kante or de Bruyne. We live in an age of instant results, El Salvadors coach talked about the struggles of the USMNT having such a young team. I think it is naive to think they were seasoned after the 1st game.
To be fair, soccer just barley became the 4th most popular sport
Don't forget Gooch in his prime. OG Beast.
Our bracket is going to be a bracket of ties with second place being decide by who beats England
If you've ever watched a Zealand video, you knew Benzema was going to be the first answer to the "if you can have any player" question.
He's right on Zimmerman's and Robinson's lack of experience against top international players. Aaron Long is even worse in this regard. We need Brooks and Richards as CBs.
Huh so experience is no longer an excuse after all the qualifying games. But our CB's don't have enough Euro experience to not be eaten alive by the Euro teams. But all you have to be as a CB is a beast? I need to listen to Zealand again…
I'm gonna back our guys and say you have two solid CB's in Zimmerman and Mrob that will surprise and impress everyone. They've been passed over and probably have something to prove. I bet they will shut some offenses down completely.
As if Lalas was some amazing technical/tactical guru when we played to 1-0 against Romario and Bebeto et al in 1994. Brazil's next game was a draw with Italy, so Lalas was as good as Franco Baresi and Paolo Maldini?
Its desire, who is hungry, and who shows up on GameDay. Our CBs have been a rock that got us here. Not the "prolific" goal scoring of Pulisic, Weah, Aaronson, Reyna, Musah, or Dest.
This guy is low-key negative on the usmnt.
I hope he plays a pick up game and someone clears the ball point blank into his nuts.
I have no hope as long as we have Berhalter as our manager
We just need a World class striker and a free flowing system. Everything else is solid
You guys are living in cloud cuckoo land if you think you can handle England. USA hasn't got the experience to even think of beating England.
The first match against Wal/Sco/Ukr is the most important match. We can't count on a point against England (we can hope, but not count on it), so the first match tells us our situation against Iran. I'm uncomfortable about the Iran match-up. They've got talent, team unity, WC experience, and regional fans who will be hostile to the US. It will be a tough match.
Great interview, man I really align A LOT with Zealand's thoughts and opinions. I agree with him that going with Tuchel's ideas or formations or Klopp's would fit our player pool incredibly well. I know it's too late for it right now but I would have liked to have seen something Chelsea used a couple of times against Lille which was a 3-4-2-1 with a back 3 of Richards – Brooks – Robinson or KPB, a middle 4 of Jedi – McKennie – Adams (or Musah) – Dest, the 2 attacking midfielders tucked more centrally in Pulisic and Aaronson with Reyna playing a Kai Havertz type role. It would compliment a lot of our players pretty well imo.
I respect your opinion but golly your analysis of the Welsh team is so far off it caught me off guard (I'm not Welsh). It's not my place to defend their team but their defence is better than the USA team (ben davies and rodon would walk in to the USA backline plus neko williams whilst young is solid and their GK is better honestly).
Their midfield isn't better necessarily but it isn't as far off as you think it is and they're far more experienced, only Scotland and England have a better midfield (Ramsey is better than most of what you have and the scottish league/championship are leagues above the MLS genuinely). I'm not saying the Welsh midfield far more talented but they have bags of experience at club level and internationally that yours don't that leaves them in much better stead. just a side note brennan johnson is a very good young talent who will get a big move in the summer in all likelyhood. Just because a player is at a big club doesn't mean anything in isolation, hence why I don't think that because steffen plays for Man City he's obviously good, I'd take a regular championship GK over him all day.
Up Front USA can't score, it's the same reason Scotland aren't as good as Wales. Scotland, Ukraine can get up there but that means nothing in reality, Aaron Ramsey is a better goal scorer that the USA striker unironically and obviously Bale is the major difference. Whilst Bale is the most obvious reason for their progression in these tournaments, the rest of that team including Dan James, the 'championship striker' you maligned and the 'hilariously bad' players you clearly know very little about got them there equally.
It's not about who your best player is in most cases (though that is important, aka. Bale makes Wales better than Scotland even though their average level is probably a bit lower) it's the average level of the team; and I am not Joking when I say the Wales team on average excluding Bale is genuinely better than the USA when you include they're real experience plus they're much deeper than the USA they have plenty of 'average' players that aren't incredible but can do a job and have experience in real difficult leagues e.g. Championship who can fill in if needs be. There's a reason they get far and Scotland don't and it's not because they're lucky or just have spirit, they are legitimately a good team and the ones I'd consider clear favourites for second if they get there.
Anyway there you go don't disrespect Wales they're pretty comfortably the second best in the group (if they make it).
P.S. A small side note, when people say the USA could be hindered by experience, that doesn't disappear because you played 14 qualifiers, that's not experience. experience is have someone like Ben Davies (28 plays for spurs consistently and has for years), Ramsey, Bale etc. I've no doubt the USA will get better over time but pure talent and potential means less in the face of real experience which every other team in the group has.
Having said all that you can make it just don't get too far ahead thinking that your team is actually better than the qualifying teams, there is no evidence at all to think so.
FIFA ghost moving his flag at 3:50.
Great to see Zealand back on the channel! I can listen to him talk about the usmnt all day, he’s a wealth of knowledge on both the team, and the sport
The fact IS that the US is too young. You won't ever catch any consistently decent WC nations sending a U-23+ Olympic style team to in international tourney like the Euro, Copa America, or W.Cup. Average age of W.C. semifinal participants is between 26 and 28 y/o, and W.C. winners is 27 with low deviation. It doesn't matter if you bring a team of Pele, Maradona, Zidane, Maldini, Romario, Messi, Ronaldo and Cannavaro. They won't make it past the group stage if they're all U-23. International tourneys are a test of testosterone, stamina, strength and mental focus past fatigue. Kids can't compete with men, not in any sport.
Hey nice shirt 🔥🔥 even better episode!
i honestly think most outside and inside this group realise the turmoil and pressure in this group, lets put talent aside firstly, you have usa england iran as a known…all three of those countries have exactly the same issues politically, us has score to settle from past but they all very different teams now ad i don't actually think it will affect th players tbh, however if we go on climate iran is in the zone usa england scotland ukraine or wales…are going to play an enviroment that is alien to us. as for who makes it in the final spot, iran if at an advantafge again and even the us in terms of rivals, scotland will go all in against england, them beating england and losing every other game would be a result for them trust me, then theres wales similar but not as intense but never the less a big rival to england, ukraine get through and everyone will behind them and they will be playing for pride for a nation in dark times thats bad for anytime in wc. so england is under pressure in every game what ever the out come, id say if you step back and look at it….the us is actually/potentially the least under pressure in terms of opposition ….i think usa pressure will be from within i really do, its the first us team i can honestly say can not just compete through pride and heart but they finally have a good level of quality in positions, high level team players in the team, so like england had years ago the expectation can destroy you in wc's. I'm english fan I've had an eye on the sleeping giant us for time as always fascinated me how such a advanced massive rich and known for producing great athletes hadn't really joined the party of global religion football!!!! its been fun to watch tbh bit like watching evolution, and i don't doubt in my life time they will be a serious shout for biggest prizes in the game honestly think that! i love to see americans (like yourselves) finally know what they are talking about in the beautiful game. i think the us should set up like how west ham set up….if you haven't watched west ham this season have a little look I'm sure you will agree the us has almost like for type players to play how they do!!! no real striker, strong in midfield a quality 3 up top, they'd suit that way of snapping at ancles defending from front happy to let the opposition have the ball then pounce explosively on counter!!! I've not seen anyone mention this and I'm quite surprised when u consider how well west ham are doing playing like this especially against strong opposition and in tournament football which is what the wc is about!! look into it pick it to bits ya self maybe n do a video but seriously the more ya look at it the more you realise how the us could play that way EASY!!! let me know if you disagree or think i should take ove as usmnt coaching position ha bit long winded but i been screaming at tv saying why haven't they looked into playing that way they have the exact personel….rant over…..ps i wouldn't play pulisc on left against england unless arnold plays….oh n this should be considered….is it vickers that plays for celtic??? you take him to wc…than man is the most experienced player you'd have to defend against kane as they trained together at spurs…food for thought 😉
28.20 i always thought the states first world beating star would be a athlete rio ferdinand type cb…so yeah I'm surprised you haven't produced a cb at a high level thus far…especially as us produce atheletes before the produce the trade of that athlete if you get what i mean?
To the guest dude: Yes yes, you are better, keep going ;)))
I’m on minute 18 and thinking you don’t deserve having this guest. I like your channel but stop watching this one right here. Thanks!
Greetings from Iran 🇮🇷. thanks for having Zealand. good and informative interview. I really really don't want to see England qualify for the next round XD and I hope to see Iran and US 🇺🇸 pass from the group stage. that was funny to hear Zealand watched the Argo movie to prepare himself emotionally 😂, maybe I should watch something opposite. any suggestion for me?
My prediction US 2 England 1
Us 0 Iran 1
My prediction US 2 England 1
Us 0 Iran 1
Benzema and De Gea for me
Btw we actually have an 80-1 chance already with our current squad I’m excited to see what we can do
No chance u beat England
FYI, we wont play Rice and Philips at the WC. Southgate has totally abandoned that since the Euro Final. Its way more likely that he goes with a 3 of Rice, Mount and TAA, with either Bellingham or Foden partnering Sterling and Kane up top…..and the US aren't living with that. IMO thats the best front 6 in world football. Sorry.