Left back Tyler Polak was one of the key figures of a vastly improved defense for the United States U-17 national team during the 1-0 defeat of Malawi in their second game of the 2009 U17 World Cup in Nigeria.
The crucial win was in large part due to the defense and the ability of the defenders to move forward to advance the attack.
Polak played an integral part for the Americans on their back line as he was able to send quality passes out of the backline as well as make timely runs going forward.
"It's usually my role. Getting forward and getting crosses in, supporting our left midfielder, and covering for our left inside back," Polak told YA of what is asked of him by USA Coach Wilmer Cabrera "That's basically what I have to do."
The Americans lost their first game of the World Cup in a 2-1 loss to Spain largely because of a few defensive breakdowns on which the Spanish were able to capitalize. Working on those defensive issues was a priority for Cabrera and the American defenders between the two games.
"We definitely talked about defensive tactics and stuff like that," Polak described of the changes between the games. "Getting things under control and covering for each other. I think we did a lot better today and it showed."
Polak said that while moving into the attack can lead to the defense becoming more vulnerable to a counterattack, it important to take the chance because solid communication can minimize the risk.
"We have to take risks. We have to take risks to win," Polak said of the strategy. "That is what we have to do in putting men forward and leaving a risk in the back. Usually Jared or our centerbacks have to call someone back to help us out and they did a good job today."
The win over Malawi now leaves the USA in third place in Group E with three points. The USA must win in their final group game on Sunday against the United Arab Emirates to clinch advancement into round of 16 of the knockout stage.
A draw with the UAE would leave the Americans in third place where they will have to hope that other results will make them one of the best third place teams who also advance to the round of 16.
Polak, a native of Lincoln, Nebraska, has announced that next year he will stay in his home state and play for the Creighton University Bluejays.
While he did hint that an offer from a professional team would force him to at least consider that option, he remains committed to Creighton.
"If the right contract or something like that did come up [I would consider it], but I am sticking to Creighton right now." |
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