What will Klinsmann do to replace suspended starters?

Jurgen Klinsmann targeted the Copa América Centenario semifinals. He said his team was ready for that kind of run. And the U.S. got there thanks to Thursday’s gripping quarterfinal win over Ecuador.

The manager also issued this warning prior to the tournament opener: “The team that starts this Copa América probably won't be the team that finishes it.”

Credit to Klinsmann for his foresight. He put the Americans in position to advance by stressing chemistry and consistency, becoming the first U.S. coach in 85 years to start the same 11 in three straight games. Klinsmann picked the right center back pairing. He pulled Michael Bradley deeper into midfield, gave Jermaine Jones license to maraud and moved Bobby Wood up front halfway through the second game. All of it made a difference.

Now, as the U.S. prepares for that semifinal against either Argentina or Venezuela on Tuesday evening in Houston, Klinsmann must confront the upheaval he anticipated. Tournaments don’t just test consistency. They demand depth. Grueling schedules and travel, not to mention the high stakes, fray muscles and nerves. Injuries and suspensions result, and the teams most equipped to handle them tend to be the ones that survive.

Look no further then the current world champions. Germany’s clinching goal two summers ago in Rio de Janeiro was scored by a substitute and set up by the guy who came in for the injured teammate who was replacing the usual starter. To be the best, you’ve got to be able to replace your best.

That’s the challenge facing Klinsmann in Houston. Jones, Wood and Alejandro Bedoya are suspended. Each has started all four Copa games, and each has been integral to the Americans’ advancement. None has an obvious, like-for-like replacement. With a potential showdown against Lionel Messi and Argentina looming, this isn’t the ideal time to mess with what’s working. But Klinsmann has no choice.