The USMNT will be looking to bounce back from the disappointing 3-2 loss against Denmark when they travel to Zurich to play Switzerland on Tuesday. Fox Sports 1 will carry full coverage of the match, which starts at noon ET.
Like Denmark, the Swiss are part of the second tier of European football nations, a strong opponent with an eye on the upcoming Gold Cup.
Jurgen Klinsmann's side has taken a step back since their impressive display at the 2014 World Cup, and a strong performance in Switzerland would go a long way to restoring some momentum with the important Gold Cup on the horizon.
Date: Tuesday, March 31
Time: 12 p.m. ET/5 p.m. BST
Venue: Stadion Letzigrund, Zurich
TV info and live stream: The match will be broadcast on Fox Sports 1 (for U.S. viewers), with mobile coverage available via Fox Soccer 2Go.
Preview
Wednesday's loss against Denmark highlighted some of the problems that have plagued the side in recent times, as the Yanks once again gave up a late goal to Nicklas Bendtner and struggled with ball retention.
The Danes have been in fine form in 2015, currently leading their Euro 2016 qualification group, and losing to such an opponent isn't a disaster. Switzerland should pose a similar challenge, and former U.S. international Alexi Lalas is hoping for an improved performance:
At the 2014 World Cup, the U.S. presented itself as a strong, resilient defensive side with plenty of pace out wide. The worked hard in midfield, pressed well and made sure to keep hold of the ball wherever needed. None of those things were on display against Denmark.
It's far too early to panic—the domestic players have only just started the MLS season and are still looking for their best form, while the guys based in Europe are understandably more focused on their club campaign right now. Klinsmann told USsoccer.com this trip is about more than just winning:
It’s frustrating because you put so much work into it. We don’t want to lose. We want to win, but these are also important experiences. We want to make progress in managing the game and taking the game to the opponent and winning away from home and not being in our comfort zone. We were out of our comfort zone [in Denmark], and were pretty much in the game until the last couple of minutes before the end. After Michael’s beautiful pass and Aron’s goal, we looked in control. We controlled the next 10-15 minutes completely, but then with the equalizer, it became a little bit shaky.
Ball retention should be the first issue Klinsmann looks to resolve, and there is a simple solution. Michael Bradley was very solid playing as a No. 10 against Denmark, but he's the team's best box-to-box midfielder. Using him further down the pitch to help in the passing game should help against Switzerland's vaunted pressing game.
ESPN FC's Steve Davis thinks it's plain to see for everyone:
Switzerland field the likes of Gokhan Inler, Valon Behrami and Blerim Dzemaili in midfield, meaning every poor pass will likely result in the ball going to the Swiss. And with the speedy Xherdan Shaqiri out wide, they're a tremendous threat on the counter.
Bendtner was wide open for his third goal which ultimately saw Denmark beat the Stars and Stripes on Wednesday, and he's not exactly the most mobile forward around. Shaqiri could literally run circles around him, and giving the Inter Milan man that kind of space would be lethal.
The winger showed the kind of form he's in during Switzerland's 3-0 win over Estonia:
When everything's clicking, Klinsmann's squad has the quality to keep up with the likes of Denmark and Switzerland. But form is not on the USA's side, and the Swiss will want to make a statement in Zurich.
Klinsmann should hope for a better performance, but actually beating the Swiss on their turf will be difficult.
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