Looking back at the difficulties with set pieces that the Nigerians had, one has to ask where was the US team’s wing play.
With Brian McBride and Jozy Altidore, the aerial advantage should have clearly been exploited with crosses from the flanks. Indeed, the good chances came through the air. Instead there was a lot of pushing up the middle which the Nigerians were able to stop. If Freddy Adu had been there this would have been an effective option. But in his absence, Steve Nowak should have utilized his big men more effectively.