I've expressed my dislike of the USMNT playing a diamond 4-4-2 before. I think it leaves too much responsibility on the deepest center midfielder (Jermaine Jones today) to slow down quick transitions when the opposition regains possession. 25 minutes into the first half I believe we're seeing more shortcomings of the formation.

We're more or less defending with a midfield bank of three with Jones, Graham Zusi and Brad Davis. Bradley is currently staying higher up the pitch closer to Dempsey and Altidore. Zusi and Davis are tucking inside to offer Jones some defensive assistance in the middle of the park. The narrow positioning of Davis and and Zusi is resulting in acres of space for the Turkey fullbacks near the sidelines. Our fullbacks are therefore forced to step forward from their defensive line to close down Turkey's wide players. Our fullbacks stepping forward creates two dangerous scenarios: 1) it leaves space in behind for the Turkey fullbacks to drift wide into and 2) it creates large gaps between our fullbacks and center backs that Turkey can play penetrating passes into. We've been fortunate Turkey haven't been more clinical but they've found gaps in our defense and exploited them. Germany and Portugal won't be so wasteful in front of goal.