GOAL takes a look at the team Gregg Berhalter should select for the U.S.'s first World Cup game in eight years
It's finally here. The World Cup. Eight years in the making and now is the time for the U.S. men's national team. They'll face Wales on Monday in Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in their first game on this stage since Tim Howard provided miracle after miracle against Belgium.
We know what lies ahead for the USMNT. What we don't know is exactly what that team will look like against Wales.
Gregg Berhalter will need to balance a number of tough calls for this opening game, which could very well determine the USMNT's fate in Qatar. A win would set the USMNT up for success, while a draw would potentially be a catastrophe.
So, for this game, Berhalter will have to perform a juggling act that weighs up form, fitness, experience, nerves and a whole bunch of other factors. Against a tough Wales team that features plenty of Premier League talent, the U.S. simply has to get it right.
Here's a look at what the USMNT could look like against Wales:
Getty ImagesGK: Matt Turner
Now the unquestioned number one, Turner is the guy in goal for the USMNT.
With Zack Steffen left at home, all doubt has been removed when it comes to the goalkeeping position, which was a hot topic right until the USMNT squad was confirmed.
Sean Johnson and Ethan Horvath are both capable backups that could very well play in a pinch, but this is Turner's spot for the tournament, presuming he remains healthy.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesLB: Antonee Robinson
Another one that's set in stone.
The USMNT doesn't even really have a backup natural left-back, and were never really able to find one throughout qualifying. That makes Robinson oh so important and, arguably, the USMNT's most irreplaceable player.
Against Wales, Robinson is likely to come up against Dan James, andJames' pace is expected to keep the USMNT on their toes, with Robinson likely to go head-to-head with the talented winger.
(C)Getty ImagesCB: Walker Zimmerman
Against Wales, the centerbacks will have to have one thing in mind: don't get dunked on by Gareth Bale.
The U.S. will be very familiar with Bale, and what he did to the hulking Jack Elliott to help LAFC win the MLS Cup. Bale's powers have waned in recent years, but, with Wales in a World Cup, you're pretty likely to see something a bit more vintage when it comes to the ex-Real Madrid star.
Zimmerman is a defender that doesn't get dunked on often, and he also briefly faced off with Bale earlier this year when Nashville SC faced LAFC. As the USMNT's No. 1 centerback, he'll know what to expect.
Getty ImagesCB: Tim Ream
One of the key calls Berhalter will have to make will be who starts next to Zimmerman.
There really are two candidates. Sorry, Cameron Carter-Vickers, but this will come down to Aaron Long vs. Tim Ream.
Long has been the USMNT's go-to guy in that role ever since Miles Robinson went down. You know what you get from the New York Red Bulls' defender, who is a solid presence and a good defender.
But what he doesn't have is Ream's experience. The Fulham defender has battled with many of Wales' stars up and down English soccer's top two divisions, giving him plenty of familiarity with those on the other side. Between his experience and his passing range, Ream seems the best fit for this game.