USA vs. Costa Rica 2013: Lineups and Open Thread

Well, the lineups are in for the United States. Ready for some surprises?

USA Lineup (4-2-3-1) - Sean Johnson; Michael Parkhurst, Micheal Fiscal Orozco, Clarence Goodson, DaMarcus Beasley [C]; Stuart Holden, Mix Diskerud; Alejandro Bedoya, Landon Donovan, Jose Torres; Chris Wondolowski.

Costa Rica Lineup: Pemberton; Miller, Gonzalez, Umana, Wallace, Borges, Cunningham, Diaz, Johnson, Tejeda, Granados, Arrieta

First off, Sean Johnson over Nick Rimando at this point is rather stunning. However, Rimando hasn't been at his best so far in this tournament, but some of that has to be down to the fact that he isn't tested enough against the weaker teams.

The defense is fairly solid, no real talking points there, but also seeing Kyle Beckerman to the bench at this point has to be something. I've stated through this tournament that I think Beckerman is better suited coming off the bench to protect the lead, but Klinsmann has started him throughout the Gold Cup. To change now seems odd to me, but Klinsmann said he'd be putting out his best lineup, and this is a really dangerous midfield regardless.

I am interested to see how Holden and Diskerud will operate in the "holding" midfield spots. In reality, this is a 4-4-2 (or 4-4-1-1) with Landon as the second striker and I don't see the USA sitting back in this one. They're going to want to attack, and this lineup reflects that.

Chris Wondolowski haters will get their chance to see him against a top team, he's up front, leading the Gold Cup in scoring with five goals in two matches.

Kickoff is at about 8pm, discuss the lineups until then.