WORLD CUP USA ’94 / THE FIRST ROUND : TODAY AT A GLANCE
GROUP A
at Silverdome, Pontiac, Mich.
Switzerland vs. United States
* TIME: 8:30 a.m. PDT.
* TV: ABC, Univision.
* KEY MATCHUPS: This could be a game in which the teams’ strengths and weaknesses cancel each other. Switzerland’s strength is up front, with striker Stephane Chapuisat and forward Adrian Knup. The U.S. team also has most of its experience and skill up front. If the American forwards have to spend their energy dropping back to help out on defense, it could be a long, scoreless day for the U.S. team.
The Americans have done well winning balls in the air. This, plus their fitness, should be an advantage, especially late in the game. Older, slow Swiss defenders can be defeated by U.S. quickness, but, so, too, might the Swiss forwards’ ballhandling skills befuddle the U.S. back line.
U.S. Coach Bora Milutinovic has shown a willingness to play with as many defenders as necessary. If Switzerland scores early, look for a traffic jam of U.S. players in front of their goal.
* OUTLOOK: With three points for a victory, the Americans can reasonably hope to get beyond the first round. The Swiss are not a complete team, but they do well with what they have and finished only one point behind Italy in qualifying. The U.S. team has shown resilience, a trait it has cultivated while falling behind in most games.
* OUTCOME: Considering that the United States will finally be playing before a supportive home crowd, and that the heat and humidity will hurt the Swiss more than the Americans, and that the U.S. team appears to be peaking: United States by one goal.
