TH: This is a bit of a weird generation of Aussies in that they don’t really have too many players doing it at a high level in the Premier League. Then again, we are painfully Eurocentric when it comes to this sport sometimes, and that doesn’t mean they’re all rubbish. Nestory Irankunda is a livewire on the left side and will keep Sergino Dest busy, though.
RT” Irakunda. It’s no mystery that the USMNT’s defense has been a little bit sloppy over these last few months, and it’s also no secret that this backline can be beaten by pace. Irakunda has that. If he gets into a foot race with Ream, how do you think that goes? There’s only one way that’s going to end. Meanwhile, Chris Richards is fresh off an ankle injury, and the USMNT’s fullbacks have a tendency to bomb forward. That means Irakunda is someone who could break out and, if he does, he’ll break out fast.
AL: Since everyone is going with Irankunda, and I agree with that pick, I’ll go with Mathew Ryan. The veteran goalkeeper has played at a high level in Europe and has been confident all week about Australia’s chances of beating the U.S. For all of the positives the USMNT showed against Paraguay, Matt Freese wasn’t really tested. If this turns into a tight game where one save could change everything, Ryan’s experience could be a difference-maker.
