US switches 3 starters against Egypt, putting Guzan in goal and Davies at forward

US switches 3 starters against Egypt

RUSTENBURG, South Africa — The United States inserted Brad Guzan in goal against Egypt, one of three changes to the starting lineup for its final Confederations Cup first-round match Sunday.

Guzan, the backup for Aston Villa in England, took over from Everton’s Tim Howard, the regular starter. Ricardo Clark, who missed Thursday’s 3-0 loss to Brazil while serving a one-game suspension from a red card in the opening 3-1 loss to world champion Italy, was back in midfield in place of Sacha Kljestan, who in turn was serving a one-game suspension from a red card against Brazil.

Forward Charlie Davies replaced DaMarcus Beasley, his first start since a Jan. 24 exhibition against Sweden.

The back four defenders remained the same, with Jay DeMerit and Oguchi Onyewu in central defense, and Jonathan Bornstein and Jonathan Spector at outside backs. Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan joined Clark in the midfield, and Jozy Altidore was with Davies at forward.

After losing its opener 4-3 to Brazil, Egypt upset Italy 1-0.

The United States would join European champion Spain and host South Africa in the semifinals by beating Egypt by at least three goals, and either Italy scoring three fewer goals than the United States in a loss to Brazil or the victory margins of the U.S. and Brazil totaling seven or more.

Egypt, the African champion, played the United States just once before, winning 3-1 in June 1987 at Seoul, South Korea.