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Tottenham’s Yedlin: U.S. Must Play Better Against Costa Rica

By Alexander Balano

PASADENA, CA - OCTOBER 10: DeAndre Yedlin #2 and Danny Williams #10 of the United States train before the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup Qualifying match against Mexico at Rose Bowl on October 10, 2015 in Pasadena, California. Mexico defeated the United States 3-2. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - OCTOBER 10: DeAndre Yedlin #2 and Danny Williams #10 of the United States train before the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup Qualifying match against Mexico at Rose Bowl on October 10, 2015 in Pasadena, California. Mexico defeated the United States 3-2. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images) /
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After a disappointing showing against Colombia in the the Copa América Centenario’s opening match, Tottenham Hotspur’s DeAndre Yedlin knows that the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) must play better.

Against Costa Rica who is ranked 23rd in the FIFA World Rankings (#20 in the ELO Ratings, for those of you who prefer that instead), the United States has their work cut out for them. In 32 all-time meetings against Los Ticos, America has won 13, drawn five and lost 14. With a must-win game on the line, Jurgen Klinsmann’s side has no room for error.

Related Story: Tottenham's Yedlin and USMNT Lifeless in Colombia Defeat

Which is something that Tottenham’s DeAndre Yedlin has spoken to the media about recently. That the USMNT must play better offensively and defensively. Basically they must be clinical on offense, take chances, and defend better in open play and obviously in set pieces.

"“First and foremost my obligation is on the defensive side,” DeAndre Yedlin said (via Sporting News).“But obviously there are times when I need to go and attack, too.”“They’re an aggressive team and they’re good defensively. They play with five in the back so it’s tough to break them down, but I think we can attack well.“We hope to play a little better in the final third and finish our chances. We need to get our crosses in and apply some pressure.”"

MIAMI SHORES, FL – MAY 18: (L – R) DeAndre Yedlin and Bobby Wood of the U.S. Men’s National team run a drill during a training session on May 18, 2016 at Buccaneer Field on the campus of Barry University in Miami Shores, Florida. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)
MIAMI SHORES, FL – MAY 18: (L – R) DeAndre Yedlin and Bobby Wood of the U.S. Men’s National team run a drill during a training session on May 18, 2016 at Buccaneer Field on the campus of Barry University in Miami Shores, Florida. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images) /

Before Yedlin and his teammates can go on the offensive, the Tottenham right-back who spent this past season on a season-long loan with Sunderland making 25 appearances in all competitions, must contend a Costa Rica side who are content to play patiently before quickly striking.

And because they boast Arsenal’s Joel Campbell, who broke through the first team, Alec Brzezinski of Sporting News, describes the Campbell versus Yedlin match-up as very crucial for America to win.

"“With his speed and improved play technically, Yedlin will be asked to spend a lot of time covering Campbell, another Premier League star, that finally broke through with Arsenal this season.”More from Hotspur HQStorybook ending after difficult period for Tottenahm’s RicharlisonTottenham comeback showcased invaluable intangible Ange has cultivatedTottenham player ratings in 2-1 comeback win over Sheffield UnitedTottenham projected starting 11 for Sheffield UnitedTottenham’s Richarlison says he’s going to seek psychological help“The pacey winger can play anywhere from attacking midfielder to lone striker. Campbell specializes in making slippery runs behind opposing defenses, so Yedlin will need to be on his toes, especially if he’s tracking back from a counter-attack.”“Jürgen Klinsmann obviously trusts Yedlin with the responsibility, which is why the young star might be the most important player in Tuesday’s must-win game.”"

On the United States’ side, defensively speaking, is the fact that they were able to contain a Colombia team who featured three well-known attacking players in AC Milan’s Carlos Bacca, Chelsea’s Juan Cuadrado and Real Madrid’s James Rodríguez, to just two goals.

Both of which came on set pieces yes, but none during open play. Something that must be applauded even though America still played horribly as the host nation, even against the third ranked national team according to the FIFA rankings.

“Last game, I don’t think we played bad defensively by any means,” Yedlin added. “We gave up two goals, but they weren’t in open play, so I think it shows how we are improving on defense.”

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The goal is simple for the U.S. Men’s National Team to stay in the Copa América tonight. First, they need to start off fast by winning the ball quickly from high pressing — something that was non-existent against Colombia.

Secondly, they need to put away their chances. Against Colombia, America had three or four free kicks just outside the penalty box and none challenged David Ospina because the wall did it’s job and stopped the ball from ever reaching him.

Last but not least, the United States needs to put everything on the line because a loss in just their second game out of three group stage matches will see Jürgen Klinsmann’s side get eliminated. Not only will they be out of the Copa América, they would become the first time to be gone, should they lose.

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