USA Vs. Czech Republic Friendly Highlights, Analysis: What We Learned from 1-0 Victory

By David Salazar First Posted: Sep 04, 2014 05:10 PM EDT

After a solid showing at the World Cup, Jurgen Klinsmann opted for a relatively young and inexperienced group in the opening friendly against the Czech Republic.

No one expected the Americans to do more than put up a solid fight against a superior squad. But what Team USA did instead was quite surprising -- the team won in Europe with a relatively new squad.

Here are some observations from the game:

4-3-3 Back in Motion

Klinsmann opted for a 4-3-3 formation in this game, something he did not do throughout the entire World Cup. It was a rather bold move on his part, considering the team he had and the fact that many expected Team USA to park the bus and absorb pressure throughout the match. But that was far from the case.

Team USA held more of the ball throughout the game, and especially in the first half. The midfield trio of Mix Diskerud, Alejandro Bedoya and Joe Corona not only did well to build up the attack, but were also effective at working together to win back possession. Diskerud's impressive play to steal the ball away from Vladimir Darida led directly to the game-winning tally by none other than Bedoya.

The front three featured Jozy Altidore, Julian Green and Joe Gyau, the latter making his U.S. national team debut. The trio was far from perfect, but there were some fine moments in which they showed just how dangerous the Americans could be moving forward. Gyau was also impressive in tracking back, at times, and showed an energy and tenacity to win back the ball.

Goaltending Position Is in Safe Hands

When Tim Howard elected for his year off, everyone knew that the team had a few capable keepers ready to step in and take over. Brad Guzan was expected to be the main man, but Nic Rimando proved in this game that he could make a competition out of it.

Guzan was solid throughout, but was rarely tested during his half as the team dominated possession and the play. However, as the Czechs started to gain momentum in the second half, the breakthroughs started materializing. And that is where Rimando came in. He made a total of four saves throughout the game and was simply spectacular when called upon.

Defense Is Still Point of Concern

The team played well for most of the first half and barely let the Czechs have a chance on goal. In fact, Guzan only made one save during his time in goal. However, once the second half arrived the team started to implode at the back. Admittedly there was no Matt Besler, Omar Gonzalez or Geoff Cameron in the starting lineup. And John Brooks and Michael Orozco were far from woeful. In fact, they acquitted themselves well throughout the game. But there is certainly a nagging concern that this team is not completely solid in front of its goal.

In the 32nd minute, Tomas Rocisky was allowed to run in from the left and lofted a low cross to Darida on the far post. The Czech player was completely unmarked with both American defenders moving toward the ball and the player in front of the box. Fortunately for Team USA, Darida was unable to get to the ball on time and flicked it wide of goal. It would have been a sure tap in if he had gotten there early enough.

In the 60th minute, Rocisky was allowed to walk in all alone despite having three Americans around him. Fortunately, Rimando made a huge save.

Later in the game, a cross from the left found a wide open Radim Reznick. The Czech player had a ton of space to get the shot off, and again, Rimando was called on to make a huge stop despite being screened.

Against a stronger side and with less luck, Team USA could have lost this match by a lot of goals.