Spain have created their first major chance of the game, with striker Alvaro Negredo - who was picked ahead of Fernando Torres for this game - hit a fantastic chip off the crossbar in unlucky fashion in the 13th minute. Played in from a deep position in midfield, Negredo ran on to a through ball and appeared to have a free one-on-one with Tim Howard. Tim Ream did well to recover and make his life hard, but Negredo still got free for a chip, completely beating Howard but striking the crossbar. Howard mis-played the rebound, and Santi Carzola almost scored as a result. However, the United States has averted that crisis and the game remains scoreless.
USA Vs. Spain, 2011 International Friendly: Alvaro Negredo Strikes Crossbar
Just a couple of minutes earlier, Spain had a goal disallowed for offsides that was probably not offsides. They’ve been very much in control of the game, and it appears as if they will score before too long.
The USMNT has gotten into dangerous areas on a couple of occasions, but they only appear to be able to do this by getting onto long balls. As a passing side, they’re not on Spain’s level, which isn’t surprising. A fast counter-attacking style probably gives them the best chance to score. That and set pieces.
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