Jun 7, 2014; Jacksonville, FL, USA; (Editors note: Caption correction) United States forward Jozy Altidore (17) scores a goal as Nigeria defender Joseph Yobo (2) attempted to defend during the second half at EverBank Field. United States defeated Nigeria 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Klinsmann’s gamble has finally paid off. After much clamor from U.S. Soccer fans (along with Drew and I) that Aron Johannsson should be the starting striker, Jozy Altidore has finally restored our confidence that he deserves to be the starting striker. Before opening the floodgates in his big game against Nigeria, Altidore’s confidence was showing slowly each passing friendly.
Before donning the stars and stripes, Jozy was having a miserable time at Sunderland AFC, scoring only one goal in 31 appearances. Although this stat might be typical for a center back or defensive midfielder, a casual soccer fan would be surprised to learn that Jozy is a striker after reading this number. Don’t get me wrong, Jozy is not some amazing superstar who just lost his mojo the moment he entered Sunderland. However, he is a steely muscling forward with exceptional atheliticism who is supposed to be capable of producing in the Barclay Premier League. Just not for Sunderland.
Altidore’s usefulness can go as far as his midfielders can take him, and Sunderland did not have any midfielders (until Ki Sung Yueng came over). A club that usually struggles with relegation, Sunderland was oftenly criticized for it’s predictibility on the offensive end and poor creativity. Altidore usually found the ball in poor locations and rarely found a quality chance at goal.
Moreover, Sunderland played Altidore up top as the lone striker despite the fact that he was more accustomed to playing with a partner. Although he is a physical forward, more than capable of out-muscling most center backs in the game, Altidore was not used to being trapped by more than one defender in the box.
Combining those factors with a long goal drought, Altidore’s confidence severely dropped, affecting his decision-making and leading him to make rushed shots (See below) at goal.
However, as Jozy worked with the US Men’s National Team, he started to show signs of improvement each passing friendly.
In the Azerbaijan match, Jozy should have easily handled the Azerbaijan defense at ease with his physical strength alone. Usually comfortable with play the ball with his back facing the goal, Jozy could have faked a pass to Bradley, turned around and bullied that defender while getting a good look at the goal. Instead he was too cautious and fed the ball to Bradley who missed atrociously.
In the Turkey match, Altidore made a clean run into the box and swiftly evaded his defender, but his poor touch made his take a little too long to get the shot across, giving the keeper enough time to close the angle.
It didn’t help that Altidore was caught second guessing in majority of his possessions, especially when he had the chance to bully his way into the box and get a shot at goal. Nevertheless, the Turkish defense felt Altidore’s presence throughout the match as the American forward used his pace, hard work, and physicality to bother the opposing defense and provide space for his teammates in the box. Despite not scoring a goal, Altidore was lauded for his complete performance and he was due for a goal anytime soon. And did that goal come at the right time.
Never mind that his first goal was an easy gimme, Altidore could easily use the confidence booster to get the “piano off his back.” Albeit the goal was unimpressive, it gave him the confidence to do this.
It was vintage Altidore. The same one that scored 23 goals in the Eresdivisie last year. With confidence, Altidore used his footwork and physical strength to evade Joseph Yobo of Nigeria and quickly drill that ball into the net with his right foot. Since his first goal in he 31st minute, Altidore reminded us why he was included on the World Cup squad and why he was preferred over Aron Johannsson as the starting forward. For the next 60 minutes, the question mark surrounding the starting forward spot was no longer in doubt as Altidore shushed his critics. 2012-2013 Altidore was back.
Going forward into the World Cup, the United States still has questions regarding their cohesiveness and their new 4-2-3-1 formation, but the team can finally assured about their starting forward. Their first match against Ghana will be crucial and Jozy will be counted on to handle the quick yet scrappy Ghananian defense up top. With Clint Dempsey playing behind him, spacing would be the least of his worries, but Altidore is expected to build upon his impressive performance against Nigeria and not lose any momentum against Ghana.
Altidore isn’t the most clinical or athletically gifted forwards in the world, but there’s no doubt that he’s one of the strongest (aside from Hulk). If he continues to charge at the box like a battletank, there’s no doubt that he will give opposing defenses problems, regardless of their range of talent. Given the physical conditions of Brazil, his hustle and work ethic works in his favor.