USMNT Tactics: Formations - The 4-4-2

There are more formations in soccer than there are nations in the Gold Cup (don't believe me? Here is the wiki link). I will not take time to detail them all, but I would like to cover some of the options that I have seen employed by the U.S. and some that might better fit our personnel. Therefore, each formation will be a two-part series. The first part will be a basic description of the formation, and the second part will be how it is utilized, or potentially could be utilized, by the USA. Under the current manager, the USMNT has generally employed a classical 4-4-2 composed of two central defenders, two outside backs, two holding midfielders, two wingers, and two forwards. Visually, it looks a little something like this:

The 4-4-2 emphasizes defense by placing two defensive holding center midfielders, whose primary role is to help the defense by tracking back, tackling hard, and putting out fires. Should trouble arise, they release the ball forward via the long ball because there exists a lack of players between them and the forwards to link the defense or defensive midfield with the attack. It is also the responsibility of the center midfielders to support the attack by pushing forward during offensive possession, so they end up running a great deal because their role demands them to play an integral part in defending but also get forward when the occasion presents itself. However, since defense is the priority, only one of the center mids will typically push forward during the attack.

The wingers have similar duties, although it could be argued that they have a greater offensive role and a lesser defensive role. Nevertheless, it is their responsibility to track back on defense and cover any opposing wingers or outside fullbacks from the other team that push forward to attack. They widen the field and make runs so that the forwards, who have presumably received and controlled the long ball that was sent to them, can lay it off to the wingers who are cutting inside, or play a through ball to the outside for the wingers to cross back into the box. Again, the emphasis is on lots of running. I think the logic is something to the effect of "if you can't beat them, just try to run lots and get in their way" (can you tell that I'm a huge fan of the classic 4-4-2). The wingers' responsibilities looks something like this:

The other positions are fairly self-explanatory. Forwards win the long balls, and hold them to lay off to the wingers or one of the center mids who are pushing up behind them. They also make runs into the box for crosses and in general just try to put the ball in the back of the net. The center backs are full on defenders and provide a pressure relief valve for the center midfielders, but usually just boot the ball towards the forwards if they get possession. The outside backs can have an offensive role by providing overlapping runs down the wings, but are primarily responsible for defending the opposing team's wingers or outside backs who attack down their side of the field.

In summary, on defense, the formation looks something like this:

And on offense, something like this:

4-4-2 Pros:

Easy to implement and does not require great technical skill to employ, only discipline. Highly structured defense and emphasis placed on defense means, when implemented correctly, the opposing team has a difficult time breaking down the defense and unclogging the center of the field since at least 4 defensive players will be there at all times. If you have good athletes, this can utilize them by placing emphasis on athletic ability and conditioning.

4-4-2 Cons:

Places a great emphasis on athletic ability and conditioning, so if you don't have good athletes, your team invariably runs out of gas or can't win enough long balls to provide a sustained attack. Emphasis on defense and lack of link-up play can lead to a stagnant offense and an abundance of boring, defensive soccer. Basically cedes all possession to the other team when playing against a more technically gifted side, since both center midfielders drop back, there is a gap between the midfield and forwards the other team can exploit to control possession.

Made famous by:

The Italians, specifically A.C. Milan under Arrigo Sacchi and Fabio Capello. Has also become very widespread in the English Premier League, and is employed by the English National Team under the current leadership of Fabio Capello. Capello has received a lot of criticism for his strict adherence to the 4-4-2 as many see it as an outdated. Italy's utilization of the 4-4-2 coincides with their national soccer philosophy to defend until the opponent has a miscue and then pounce on the counter attack and make them pay.