U.S. looks to bounce back against Spain

It's safe to say the U.S. men's national team hasn't endured many setbacks in the Bob Bradley era, at least when the U.S. manager has had most of his first-choice lineup available. And while last week's loss to England was expected, the comprehensive manner of the defeat knocked the Americans down a peg or two, bringing into focus the gap between the United States and the world's elite.

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Spain's attack is keyed by the lethal Fernando Torres.

Coming to grips with that realization requires a dose of perspective. The match provided some hard lessons, but Bradley's side is still a work in progress. For that reason, veteran defender Steve Cherundolo feels the process of shoring up the team's psyche isn't a mammoth undertaking, especially with additional games on the horizon.

"One thing you learn in this business is how to bounce back from losses," Cherundolo said. "We're OK; we'll be fine."

With Spain up next for the U.S. on Wednesday, that ability to rebound likely will be put to the test yet again. The Iberians are every bit as talented as their No. 4 FIFA world ranking would indicate, and given the high degree of technical skill permeating Spain's roster, the matchup could prove to be more difficult than the England match.

In that game, the Americans struggled to keep the ball for any extended period, and given Spain's numerous attacking weapons, that figures to continue. But Cherundolo feels the different styles between the two teams will benefit the U.S. side.

"England is a more [physically] powerful side, a more up-and-down side," Cherundolo said. "I think physically we may have the upper hand this time around."

To that end, expect some changes to take place in the center of the American midfield. Ricardo Clark, who struggled mightily against England, will sit this match out, with either Maurice Edu or Pablo Mastroeni taking his place. Mastroeni in particular should provide a bit more "nasty" for a team that was on the back foot for most of the England game.

That being enough to counteract Spain's more methodical approach seems unlikely, although possession in and of itself doesn't concern Cherundolo. If there is one criticism of the Spanish team, it's that its pretty soccer isn't always effective. For that reason, a more composed and disciplined defensive performance is all the U.S. is looking for.

"[Spain] are going to hold the ball. That's fine; we're OK with that," Cherundolo said. "We just have to make sure they don't go anywhere and don't create too many clear chances to score. That's the key to it."

Normally, the U.S. would use this tactic as a platform for launching counterattacks, but with Landon Donovan missing his second consecutive international match with a groin strain, that ability will be compromised. For the U.S. to have any hope of getting something out of the match, DaMarcus Beasley and Clint Dempsey will need to raise their games, and the same is true of whoever plays up top for the Americans.

Spain's motivation relative to England's also might be a factor in how the game plays out. With England coach Fabio Capello looking to solidify his choices ahead of World Cup qualifying later this year, his players had a huge incentive to give their all.

With Spain's Euro 2008 campaign set to commence June 10 against Russia, its impetus for Wednesday's match has a slightly different flavor. The biggest challenge for manager Luis Aragones is finding a lineup that can accommodate the talents of forwards Fernando Torres and David Villa, along with midfielders Xavi, Xabi Alonso, Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas, so expect some tinkering with regards to tactics during the match.

Avoiding injury also will be a huge concern, begging the question of how physical the Spanish side is willing to be. Cherundolo, for one, doesn't feel the friendly status of Wednesday's game -- or its close proximity to Euro 2008 -- will have any impact on how Spain plays.

"I don't expect them to take a lazy approach to the game," Cherundolo said of Spain. "I think they're going to come out and want to win. ... If you go into a big tournament having lost a few games and having no confidence, your chances of doing well in that tournament are not as good.

"I think what they're trying to do now is play well, win, gain confidence and make sure the team is functioning properly."

For Spain, that means possessing the ball and unleashing Torres on the opposition. The Liverpool forward is fresh off a season that saw him score 33 times in all competitions, with his combination of power, pace and finishing lighting up the English Premier League. It should provide American center backs Carlos Bocanegra and Oguchi Onyewu their toughest test yet, although Sweden's Zlatan Ibrahimovic gave the same duo fits last August.

But the Americans will face similarly difficult tests all over the field. The young U.S. midfield will need to find some way to contain the dynamic play of their Spanish counterparts. And the marauding runs of outside backs Sergio Ramos and Joan Capdevila should do plenty to test the Americans' defense out wide.

In all probability, another setback is in store for Bradley's men. But after last week's loss, a grittier, more aggressive performance from the Americans will mean at least some progress has been made.

Jeff Carlisle covers MLS and the U.S. national team for ESPNsoccernet. He can be reached at eljefe1@yahoo.com.