The final whistle has blown, and the US are all out of magic. The Americans rode their luck once too often, and have been knocked out of the World Cup as a result. There will be four long years to ponder what could have been, and what will be.
But where do we go from here? There's a lot of positive signs. First, and most obvious, is the young players that got a ton of playing time. Jozy Altidore was maddeningly inconsistent, but he's only 20 years old. By the time Rio rolls around in 2014, he'll be 24 and just starting to take off. Michael Bradley is 22, and is already showing signs of leadership at a young age.
And, of course, Charlie Davies is only 24. Remember Davies? How much different would this World Cup have looked had Davies been available instead of Bob Bradley having to rely on Edson Buddle, Robbie Findley, and Herculez Gomez? Davies is recovering and, if he stays healthy, will be in the prime of his career come 2014.
The US also has a youth academy setup that is just starting to put its' roots down. In 1999, the brass at the national team created Project 2010 with the intent of winning the world up in 2010. Obviously, that goal has fallen a little short. But by setting a target, movement towards it has been achieved. Part of project 2010 was the creation of a development academy which has produced players like Donovan and DaMarcus Beasley. The talent in that pipeline has been growing steadily since.
Another reason to be encouraged is the response to the US loss to Ghana. Yes, there's been a lot of attaboys thrown the way of the US team, and that's appropriate. But there's also disappointment and a little consternation that the US couldn't beat a team that hadn't scored a goal from open play in the tournament.
That is a good thing. We'll know the US has really arrived as a soccer nation when getting out of the group stage is something to be expected, not celebrated. There is a massive difference between hoping for success and expecting success. Right now the US public is somewhere in the middle, and that's probably appropriate given the maturity level of the US national soccer program. But if, as the program grows, the expectations of success for the program grow as well, then the two can feed off each other and push the team to greater heights.
But there's reason to be concerned as well. This team rose and fell in South Africa on the backs of Landon Donovan (27) and Clint Dempsey (28). Four more years will put both of those guys on the wrong side of 30. The Italians tried to ride into South Africa with thirtysomethings leading the way. How'd that turn out for them?
So, it's awfully tough to look four years into the future to see what the squad will look like. But it's fair to say at this point that the 2010 plan (give it to Donovan and hope for the best) will be successful in 2014. While 2010 might have been the breakthrough in terms of attention from the country as a whole, 2014 might be the year that the US can demonstrate that it's a program and not just one standout player.
But the two are a bit synergetic. Greater attention from the fan base as a whole will translate into more talent in the pipeline and better players on the field. So the success of the US in 2014 is very much linked to the success of the 2010 team in capturing the minds of the American sports fan.
And, in that goal, the US were hugely successful. The group stage games drew monstrous ratings for games on cable - and these were games televised at nine in the morning on a weekday. Prior to this World Cup, soccer was the butt of any number of jokes from sports-talk hosts belittling the game for any number of reasons - but mainly because the US wasn't particularly good at the sport.
ESPN's blanket coverage of the World Cup was a big help. By getting coverage on a regular basis, American sports fans are starting to get the feel of soccer as a part of their sports landscape. Having a team in red, white, and blue to cheer it even more a part of the landscape, and having the team succeed in such dramatic fashion puts the icing on the cake. Donovan's stoppage-time winner against Algeria has been described as soccer's "man on the moon" moment. Whether that's true or not remains to be seen.
After all, the American sports fan's interest can be drawn every four years to sports that are otherwise inconsequential. Michael Phelps' mastery of the pool made everyone swimming fans for two weeks in Beijing, but no one is watching a swim meet three weeks after the Olympics ended. Is there any reason to think that soccer won't meet the same fate?
Indeed there is. ESPN has a lot to do with it, I think. When Setanta collapsed at the beginning of last year's Premier League season, ESPN snapped up their rights to Premier League coverage. The result was a season full of Saturday morning live Premier League matches on ESPN. It also meant, thanks to cross-promotion, that the result was a season of Premier League highlights and soccer discussion on SportsCenter. Those highlights get mixed in with ESPN's coverage of Major League Soccer, keeping soccer yet again somewhere in the highlight reel. Again, soccer gets into the mix for a sports fan's daily diet of sports consumption, and isn't something that disappears into the ether for another four years.
So, does that mean that potential success for the US in the 2014 World Cup could be due to the collapse of Setanta Sports? Well, you know what they say about a butterfly flapping its' wings ...
Soccer is sitting on the verge of unprecedented growth in the United States. No, it's never going to displace football (the American kind), baseball, or basketball. But soccer now has a toe-hold on the attention of the "average" American sports fan. Smart marketing from the professional leagues, including a successful reprise of the "summer of soccer" pre-season tour, along with continued interest in the Premier League and continued growth in Major League Soccer will push the game along to where it can be a regular part of the sports landscape in the US.
I happened to be staying in a hotel in rural Illinois with my mother and my wife on the day of the Ghana game. I had my US jersey on, and was in the lobby after the game. I was stopped more than once and asked about the result, and the nature of the questions made it pretty clear that they knew what happened before. As someone who has followed soccer for a while now, I can guarantee you that four years ago, no one in rural Illinois would have known about the US performance in group play. It's likely they wouldn't have known the World Cup was going on.
So there's reason to be hopeful. There's reason to expect the steady growth of soccer throughout the coming years. And there's reason to think that Project 2010 might not have been a pipe dream, but merely a bit premature.
Thank you to Landon Donovan, and the rest of the team for everything you've accomplished. It may have been a small step in the World Cup, but 2010 might well prove to be a giant leap for soccer in the United States.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
YTG Re-View: USA 1-2 Ghana
THE GOOD ...
- RESILIENCE: Well, if nothing else, we know this team can take a punch. After conceding yet another early goal, the US dug in and gave as good as they got, particularly in the second half.
- MIDFIELD MAESTROS: Sure, we knew Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan were world-class players. But Michael Bradley, with his energy, vision, and desire, has put himself into the discussion of the must-have players from the US squad. He's got a nice gig in Germany, but don't be surprised if he gets a little attention.
- THE IMPACT SUB: Once again, Benny Feilhaber comes on at halftime and changes the game for the US. Much of the American resurgence in the second half came from Feilhaber's quickness and passing, as well as being able to stretch the field. One wonders what the game would have looked like if he started ...
THE BAD ...
- ISN'T IT OBVIOUS? A goal inside five minutes of the start of the game. A goal inside three minutes of the start of extra time. At this point, I think Bob Bradley's best option is just to have the US kick the ball into their own net at the start of each game. That way, we all get it over with and the players don't have to wait to "turn it on."
- THE GOAT: I know, it's harsh, but the facts are the facts. Ricardo Clark gave up the goal against England. Clark gave up the goal against Ghana. Bradley said that Clark's substitution was only because of the yellow card, but exactly no one believes him. There's a lot of reasons why the US got beat by Ghana, and a lot of blame to go around. But, unfortunately, you have to start with Clark.
- ROSTER CALLS: For much of this tournament, Bradley's squad selection has been right on the money. But by choosing Clark over Edu or Feilhaber, and by choosing Findley over Buddle or Gomez (or just starting Edu and Feilhaber and putting Dempsey up front), Bradley left the US vulnerable to the type of devastatingly slow starts they'd fell victim to throughout the tournament. I think Bradley, overall, did a good job, but this was a strike against him.
... AND THE MISSED OPPORTUNITY.
Ghana won this game, and as such deserve to go on in the tournament. But this was much more a US loss than a Ghana win. Both Ghana goals were gifts from defensive gaffes - if you allow a team who hadn't scored from open play the entire tournament to put two past you, you're doing something wrong. A better game against Ghana and the US moves on to the quarterfinals against a team that's not Argentina, and a chance to let the magic run. The Americans accomplished what they were supposed to accomplish in South Africa - get out of the group stage, and likely get knocked out in the first round. To meet your expectations is definitely a good thing - just ask Italy. But the opportunity was there to do more, and the US got in their own way of taking advantage of it.
THE BIG PICTURE.
That's worthy of another 'blog post. Check out "So, Now What?" soon to follow.
THE FINAL WORD.
While the Ghana loss is disappointing, ultimately you have to be proud as an American for how the team gutted out their group stage performances, got the results they needed, and accomplished what they set out to accomplish. Hopefully, between the success they achieved and the unprecedented support from the American sports fan they received, this will be the building block of the Beautiful Game's growth in the Land of the Free.
Is it 2014 yet?
- RESILIENCE: Well, if nothing else, we know this team can take a punch. After conceding yet another early goal, the US dug in and gave as good as they got, particularly in the second half.
- MIDFIELD MAESTROS: Sure, we knew Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan were world-class players. But Michael Bradley, with his energy, vision, and desire, has put himself into the discussion of the must-have players from the US squad. He's got a nice gig in Germany, but don't be surprised if he gets a little attention.
- THE IMPACT SUB: Once again, Benny Feilhaber comes on at halftime and changes the game for the US. Much of the American resurgence in the second half came from Feilhaber's quickness and passing, as well as being able to stretch the field. One wonders what the game would have looked like if he started ...
THE BAD ...
- ISN'T IT OBVIOUS? A goal inside five minutes of the start of the game. A goal inside three minutes of the start of extra time. At this point, I think Bob Bradley's best option is just to have the US kick the ball into their own net at the start of each game. That way, we all get it over with and the players don't have to wait to "turn it on."
- THE GOAT: I know, it's harsh, but the facts are the facts. Ricardo Clark gave up the goal against England. Clark gave up the goal against Ghana. Bradley said that Clark's substitution was only because of the yellow card, but exactly no one believes him. There's a lot of reasons why the US got beat by Ghana, and a lot of blame to go around. But, unfortunately, you have to start with Clark.
- ROSTER CALLS: For much of this tournament, Bradley's squad selection has been right on the money. But by choosing Clark over Edu or Feilhaber, and by choosing Findley over Buddle or Gomez (or just starting Edu and Feilhaber and putting Dempsey up front), Bradley left the US vulnerable to the type of devastatingly slow starts they'd fell victim to throughout the tournament. I think Bradley, overall, did a good job, but this was a strike against him.
... AND THE MISSED OPPORTUNITY.
Ghana won this game, and as such deserve to go on in the tournament. But this was much more a US loss than a Ghana win. Both Ghana goals were gifts from defensive gaffes - if you allow a team who hadn't scored from open play the entire tournament to put two past you, you're doing something wrong. A better game against Ghana and the US moves on to the quarterfinals against a team that's not Argentina, and a chance to let the magic run. The Americans accomplished what they were supposed to accomplish in South Africa - get out of the group stage, and likely get knocked out in the first round. To meet your expectations is definitely a good thing - just ask Italy. But the opportunity was there to do more, and the US got in their own way of taking advantage of it.
THE BIG PICTURE.
That's worthy of another 'blog post. Check out "So, Now What?" soon to follow.
THE FINAL WORD.
While the Ghana loss is disappointing, ultimately you have to be proud as an American for how the team gutted out their group stage performances, got the results they needed, and accomplished what they set out to accomplish. Hopefully, between the success they achieved and the unprecedented support from the American sports fan they received, this will be the building block of the Beautiful Game's growth in the Land of the Free.
Is it 2014 yet?
Thursday, June 24, 2010
YTG Re-View: USA 1-0 Algeria
THE GOOD ...
- RESILIENCE: More than anything, this game (and, quite honestly, the entire World Cup campaign) was a testament to a never-say-die attitude from the US team. They faced any number of obstacles, both created by themselves (see 0-2 Slovenia at half) and imposed upon them (see Coulibaly, Kouman). But they continually dug in, stayed in the game, and ultimately got rewarded for it.
- UNSUNG HEROES: Landon Donovan will rightly get all the glory for netting the game-winning and group-winning goal. But Jozy Altidore had one of his best 90 minutes, demonstrating speed and a deft touch. While Donovan definitely "wrote the future" with his goal, we may also have seen a glimpse of the future with Altidore. Also checking in with a great performance was Jonathan Bornstein, called into duty with Bob Bradley's brave decision to bench Oguchi Onyewu. After a less-than-stellar qualifying campaign, Bornstein acquitted himself very well helping to keep the Algerian attack at bay.
- JUSTICE: Sure, soccer is a game for drama queens and prone to hyperbole. But Donovan's stoppage-time winner really gave us what was the right result. Not only did the US advance and get the glory of winning the group, but by finishing first they get put into a four-team group with Ghana, Uruguay, and South Korea instead of Germany, Argentina, and Mexico. Sure, every game is tough, but I think if you shot Bradley full of truth serum he'd be pretty happy with his draw. Although, how could would a USA-Mexico quarterfinal match be ...
THE BAD ...
- THE WIDTH OF THE CROSSBAR: That's how close the US was from having yet another calamitous start to a World Cup finals game. Good grief, guys, how hard is it to get through the first 15 minutes of a game without killing the people cheering for you?
- THE FOLKS WITH THE WHISTLES: At least this time it was defensible. Once again, the US has a legitimate goal taken off the board. This time, it was early in the game, when Clint Dempsey had a strike erased for an offside call when replay showed he was even with the defender. It was a close call, to be sure, and that stuff happens. But, boy, it seems like it happened a lot to the US in group play.
- THE SKIN OF THEIR TEETH: As the story unfolded, Donovan scored and the US team get to be the heroes of the country. But don't forget, they were about 150 seconds away from being eliminated from the World Cup at the group stage. It's not that far off from their performance in the Confederations Cup last year, when they needed to hammer Egypt and get help to advance to knockout competition. Yes, it's a great result, but it was razor-close in getting there.
... AND THE REASON WE WATCH THIS GAME IN THE FIRST PLACE.
I said after the Slovenia game that if you weren't a soccer fan after that game, there was something wrong with you. After this game, if you aren't a soccer fan, you're just plain dead. This game had everything - massive emotional swings, villainous decisions going against the heroes, near-misses, and the final, dramatic ending. And it couldn't be better for the growth of the game in the United States. Thanks to ESPN's relentless promotion, and the US performance, the group stage games drew massive television ratings and delivered. Now, we'll have at least another week of soccer stealing the national spotlight in the US.
THE BIG PICTURE
At the start of the competition, we expected England and the US to advance. England and the US advanced. Should we look at this result as merely the expected coming to pass? Of course not, and it was the way the result occurred. For US fans,
THE NEXT GAME: United States v. Ghana. As if the Yanks needed motivation for a World Cup knockout round game, it was the Black Stars that ended their 2006 World Cup in the groups with a controversial penalty kick call. Ghana sets up very similarly to Algeria, lacking a true single goal-scoring machine but possessing a lot of quickness and danger throughout the squad. Yes, they haven't scored from open play, but it doesn't mean they won't be a very dangerous opponent.
FEARLESS FORECAST: Most observers would say that the US has achieved their reasonable objective at this year's World Cup by making it out of the group. That means the US will be able to play without fear, as they're already playing with house money. They can come out loose and aggressive against a Ghana team that sets up in a very similar manner to Algeria. Look for almost the same lineup, with the exception of Edson Buddle or Robbie Findley starting up front instead of Herculez Gomez, and for the US to convert on some of the chances missed against the Desert Foxes. US 2-0 Ghana, equaling the American's best performance at a World Cup.
- RESILIENCE: More than anything, this game (and, quite honestly, the entire World Cup campaign) was a testament to a never-say-die attitude from the US team. They faced any number of obstacles, both created by themselves (see 0-2 Slovenia at half) and imposed upon them (see Coulibaly, Kouman). But they continually dug in, stayed in the game, and ultimately got rewarded for it.
- UNSUNG HEROES: Landon Donovan will rightly get all the glory for netting the game-winning and group-winning goal. But Jozy Altidore had one of his best 90 minutes, demonstrating speed and a deft touch. While Donovan definitely "wrote the future" with his goal, we may also have seen a glimpse of the future with Altidore. Also checking in with a great performance was Jonathan Bornstein, called into duty with Bob Bradley's brave decision to bench Oguchi Onyewu. After a less-than-stellar qualifying campaign, Bornstein acquitted himself very well helping to keep the Algerian attack at bay.
- JUSTICE: Sure, soccer is a game for drama queens and prone to hyperbole. But Donovan's stoppage-time winner really gave us what was the right result. Not only did the US advance and get the glory of winning the group, but by finishing first they get put into a four-team group with Ghana, Uruguay, and South Korea instead of Germany, Argentina, and Mexico. Sure, every game is tough, but I think if you shot Bradley full of truth serum he'd be pretty happy with his draw. Although, how could would a USA-Mexico quarterfinal match be ...
THE BAD ...
- THE WIDTH OF THE CROSSBAR: That's how close the US was from having yet another calamitous start to a World Cup finals game. Good grief, guys, how hard is it to get through the first 15 minutes of a game without killing the people cheering for you?
- THE FOLKS WITH THE WHISTLES: At least this time it was defensible. Once again, the US has a legitimate goal taken off the board. This time, it was early in the game, when Clint Dempsey had a strike erased for an offside call when replay showed he was even with the defender. It was a close call, to be sure, and that stuff happens. But, boy, it seems like it happened a lot to the US in group play.
- THE SKIN OF THEIR TEETH: As the story unfolded, Donovan scored and the US team get to be the heroes of the country. But don't forget, they were about 150 seconds away from being eliminated from the World Cup at the group stage. It's not that far off from their performance in the Confederations Cup last year, when they needed to hammer Egypt and get help to advance to knockout competition. Yes, it's a great result, but it was razor-close in getting there.
... AND THE REASON WE WATCH THIS GAME IN THE FIRST PLACE.
I said after the Slovenia game that if you weren't a soccer fan after that game, there was something wrong with you. After this game, if you aren't a soccer fan, you're just plain dead. This game had everything - massive emotional swings, villainous decisions going against the heroes, near-misses, and the final, dramatic ending. And it couldn't be better for the growth of the game in the United States. Thanks to ESPN's relentless promotion, and the US performance, the group stage games drew massive television ratings and delivered. Now, we'll have at least another week of soccer stealing the national spotlight in the US.
THE BIG PICTURE
At the start of the competition, we expected England and the US to advance. England and the US advanced. Should we look at this result as merely the expected coming to pass? Of course not, and it was the way the result occurred. For US fans,
THE NEXT GAME: United States v. Ghana. As if the Yanks needed motivation for a World Cup knockout round game, it was the Black Stars that ended their 2006 World Cup in the groups with a controversial penalty kick call. Ghana sets up very similarly to Algeria, lacking a true single goal-scoring machine but possessing a lot of quickness and danger throughout the squad. Yes, they haven't scored from open play, but it doesn't mean they won't be a very dangerous opponent.
FEARLESS FORECAST: Most observers would say that the US has achieved their reasonable objective at this year's World Cup by making it out of the group. That means the US will be able to play without fear, as they're already playing with house money. They can come out loose and aggressive against a Ghana team that sets up in a very similar manner to Algeria. Look for almost the same lineup, with the exception of Edson Buddle or Robbie Findley starting up front instead of Herculez Gomez, and for the US to convert on some of the chances missed against the Desert Foxes. US 2-0 Ghana, equaling the American's best performance at a World Cup.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Happy/Sad: USA - Algeria
For the US fan watching the Algeria game Wednesday morning:
YOU'LL BE HAPPY IF:
- THE US DOESN'T COLLAPSE EARLY. It's becoming almost cartoon-like in its' predictability. After conceding in the fourth minute against England, the black-comedy buzz around the establishment at which I was watching the Slovenia match was that they'd better not let the Charlie Browns score early. Oops. Algeria has shown the least amount of firepower in Group C, but that doesn't mean they're not capable of scoring and putting the US in (another) hole to start the game.
- GOOCH IS READY TO GO. Particularly with the first goal against Slovenia, defender Oguchi Onyewu looked off the pace of the game. Given the length of time he's been out of action with injury, some rustiness would be expected. But the US will need their star defender to be alert and ready to go from the opening whistle against the Desert Foxes.
- BRADLEY GETS THE MIDFIELD RIGHT. Coach Bob Bradley has been tinkering with the midfield, starting a defensive Ricardo Clark against England, a more creative Jose Torres against Slovenia, and subbing Maurice Edu for Torres when he needed a spark in the second half. Given that the US could advance even with a draw, and given his innate conservatism, I would be surprised if Clark doesn't get the nod, with Edu coming on if the US needs some attack.
YOU'LL BE SAD IF ...
- ENGLAND SCORE BEFORE THE US. The US has a two-goal advantage over England in their group standings, meaning if everything stays the same then the US would advance over England. Even if everything else remains the same, if England score early and get up on the Charlie Browns, there will be added pressure on the US to push forward and score.
- THE US THINKS THE SLOVENIA SECOND HALF MEANS THEY ACCOMPLISHED SOMETHING. It was a phenomenal second-half performance against Slovenia the US put in, maybe the best I've ever seen from an American team. But if the US thinks, in any way, that performance did anything other than give them an opportunity, then they're set up to come out flat again, go behind again, and have to go to the well again for a miracle comeback. It was pretty tough to imagine the US fighting back once from a deficit - it's even more tough to imagine them doing it again.
- ALGERIA FIND THEIR MOJO. While they've been the worst of the four Group C teams so far, it's not like Algeria haven't had their moments. They had quite a bit of the run of play against Slovenia, and had their chances against England. If the Desert Foxes are able to get a toe-hold into the game, they could cause the US some real heartache.
YOU'LL BE HAPPY IF:
- THE US DOESN'T COLLAPSE EARLY. It's becoming almost cartoon-like in its' predictability. After conceding in the fourth minute against England, the black-comedy buzz around the establishment at which I was watching the Slovenia match was that they'd better not let the Charlie Browns score early. Oops. Algeria has shown the least amount of firepower in Group C, but that doesn't mean they're not capable of scoring and putting the US in (another) hole to start the game.
- GOOCH IS READY TO GO. Particularly with the first goal against Slovenia, defender Oguchi Onyewu looked off the pace of the game. Given the length of time he's been out of action with injury, some rustiness would be expected. But the US will need their star defender to be alert and ready to go from the opening whistle against the Desert Foxes.
- BRADLEY GETS THE MIDFIELD RIGHT. Coach Bob Bradley has been tinkering with the midfield, starting a defensive Ricardo Clark against England, a more creative Jose Torres against Slovenia, and subbing Maurice Edu for Torres when he needed a spark in the second half. Given that the US could advance even with a draw, and given his innate conservatism, I would be surprised if Clark doesn't get the nod, with Edu coming on if the US needs some attack.
YOU'LL BE SAD IF ...
- ENGLAND SCORE BEFORE THE US. The US has a two-goal advantage over England in their group standings, meaning if everything stays the same then the US would advance over England. Even if everything else remains the same, if England score early and get up on the Charlie Browns, there will be added pressure on the US to push forward and score.
- THE US THINKS THE SLOVENIA SECOND HALF MEANS THEY ACCOMPLISHED SOMETHING. It was a phenomenal second-half performance against Slovenia the US put in, maybe the best I've ever seen from an American team. But if the US thinks, in any way, that performance did anything other than give them an opportunity, then they're set up to come out flat again, go behind again, and have to go to the well again for a miracle comeback. It was pretty tough to imagine the US fighting back once from a deficit - it's even more tough to imagine them doing it again.
- ALGERIA FIND THEIR MOJO. While they've been the worst of the four Group C teams so far, it's not like Algeria haven't had their moments. They had quite a bit of the run of play against Slovenia, and had their chances against England. If the Desert Foxes are able to get a toe-hold into the game, they could cause the US some real heartache.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
YTG Re-View: USA 2-2 SVN
THE GOOD ...
- THE SECOND HALF: Well, cripes, where were those guys when the game kicked off? Right from the start of the second half, the US came out with energy, determination, and desperation. Well-deserved desperation, mind you - being down 2-0 to a team from a country half the population of Brooklyn will do that. But if the US could play with that kind of energy throughout the tournament, they could beat anyone.
- MANDON: In the time between the Slovenia and the Algeria game, I was planning a thought-provoking column on whether Clint Dempsey was a better player than Landon Donovan. Apparently, Landon heard about it. No disrespect to Dempsey, a player I love, but Donovan took charge of the game and willed the US to a point (and, if there was justice in the world, three points). It's Donovan's world now, and we're all just renting space.
- DONOVAN THE HEADHUNTER: I know it's dovetailing a little bit on the point above, but Donovan's goal was a tone-setter not only for the goal itself but for the manner in which it was struck. In the six-yard box, Donovan was one-on-one with the Charlie Browns' keeper, and hit a rocket up to the top of the goal. Rather than attempt to save it, the keeper basically protected his head and tried to survive the shot. Talk about making a point.
- PUSHING THE RIGHT BUTTONS: When Bob Bradley made two substitutions at the half, I wondered if he was pushing the panic button. Instead, bringing on Benny Feilhaber and Maurice Edu for Jose Torres and Robbie Findley helped the US get back on their front foot and take the game to the Charlie Browns. As much as the first half can be laid on his doorstep (see below), Bradley has to be given a lot of credit for the comeback.
THE BAD ...
- THE FIRST HALF: The second-half performance of the US was a sight to behold, but it masks to some degree the disastrous first half they played. Oguchi Onyewu's marking of the Slovenian striker who scored the first goal was lax at best, and on the breakaway second goal it appeared the back line was either praying for offside or simply missed the attacking player completely. And how you miss a guy in a shirt as ugly as Slovenia wears is beyond me.
- THE MAN IN THE YELLOW SHIRT: Yeah, there's no escaping it. The ref blew it, and not just on Edu's non-goal goal. In the second half, Bradley was off and got taken down by the last man for Slovenia, who mysteriously did not see a red card. Findley got a yellow for the temerity of playing the ball with his head - and that yellow means that Findley is out for the Algeria game. The US made a lot of problems for themselves, but they were robbed of one of the great World Cup comebacks of all time with the ref's performance. Let's hope it doesn't cost them a spot in the knockout round.
- ALARM CLOCKS: Look familiar? It was the same concern I had after the England game. Once again, the US started the game slow, tentative and - dare I say it? - flat in a World Cup finals game. For it to happen once is disturbing. For it to be a regular occurrence is simply unacceptable. The game plan against the Charlie Browns had to be to get on them early, score, and make them chase the game. There was no evidence at all the players put that into place.
... AND THE WELCOMING TO THE CLUB.
Dear America: Welcome to soccer. American sports fans have been watching this World Cup more than ever before, and now they have a real understanding of one of the "traditions" of the game - getting hosed in a massively important game by a bad call. Sure, England won the World Cup in 1966, but it's Diego Maradona's "Hand of God" goal that really is what English fans rally around. Now, American soccer fans have their own moment, a "Foul of Nothing" they can talk about for years to come. If the US advance from the group, then US fans will have some other memories to savor. But if they go out on Wednesday, US fans will have their own Maradona-like villain to blame for generations to come.
THE BIG PICTURE.
Thanks to England's 0-0 draw with Algeria, the US holds its' destiny in its' own hands. A win over Algeria (the only team in the group to lose a game) means the US will advance to the knockout rounds. A win coupled with an England win over the Charlie Browns (which you still have to think is likely even after seeing England's tepid performance against the Desert Foxes) means the US will almost certainly win the group and get the second-place team from Group D. No great shakes, as that could be Ghana (who knocked the US out of World Cup 2006 in group play), Serbia (everyone's darkhorse), or Germany (res ipsa). Even a tie keeps the US hopes of advancing alive, as they'd go forward if England lost to the Charlie Browns or tied them and scored two or less goals than the US did in the game.
THE NEXT GAME: United States v. Algeria. A win-and-you're-in game for the US, which at halftime against Slovenia seemed unlikely to get. Still, the US is in for a fight - perhaps literally - against Algeria. The Desert Foxes are a scrappy side that held a powerful England attack goal-less. If the US comes out flat - and we've get to see a US team NOT come out flat in the World Cup - they could find themselves in trouble. If the US, however, brings the energy and the chip on their shoulder that a "daylight robbery" should give them, then the US should take care of business on their own.
FEARLESS FORECAST: United States 2-1 Algeria. The US finally bring energy in the first half, get an easy goal, and win a relatively comfortable game against an Algeria team that runs out of gas after their slugfest with England.
- THE SECOND HALF: Well, cripes, where were those guys when the game kicked off? Right from the start of the second half, the US came out with energy, determination, and desperation. Well-deserved desperation, mind you - being down 2-0 to a team from a country half the population of Brooklyn will do that. But if the US could play with that kind of energy throughout the tournament, they could beat anyone.
- MANDON: In the time between the Slovenia and the Algeria game, I was planning a thought-provoking column on whether Clint Dempsey was a better player than Landon Donovan. Apparently, Landon heard about it. No disrespect to Dempsey, a player I love, but Donovan took charge of the game and willed the US to a point (and, if there was justice in the world, three points). It's Donovan's world now, and we're all just renting space.
- DONOVAN THE HEADHUNTER: I know it's dovetailing a little bit on the point above, but Donovan's goal was a tone-setter not only for the goal itself but for the manner in which it was struck. In the six-yard box, Donovan was one-on-one with the Charlie Browns' keeper, and hit a rocket up to the top of the goal. Rather than attempt to save it, the keeper basically protected his head and tried to survive the shot. Talk about making a point.
- PUSHING THE RIGHT BUTTONS: When Bob Bradley made two substitutions at the half, I wondered if he was pushing the panic button. Instead, bringing on Benny Feilhaber and Maurice Edu for Jose Torres and Robbie Findley helped the US get back on their front foot and take the game to the Charlie Browns. As much as the first half can be laid on his doorstep (see below), Bradley has to be given a lot of credit for the comeback.
THE BAD ...
- THE FIRST HALF: The second-half performance of the US was a sight to behold, but it masks to some degree the disastrous first half they played. Oguchi Onyewu's marking of the Slovenian striker who scored the first goal was lax at best, and on the breakaway second goal it appeared the back line was either praying for offside or simply missed the attacking player completely. And how you miss a guy in a shirt as ugly as Slovenia wears is beyond me.
- THE MAN IN THE YELLOW SHIRT: Yeah, there's no escaping it. The ref blew it, and not just on Edu's non-goal goal. In the second half, Bradley was off and got taken down by the last man for Slovenia, who mysteriously did not see a red card. Findley got a yellow for the temerity of playing the ball with his head - and that yellow means that Findley is out for the Algeria game. The US made a lot of problems for themselves, but they were robbed of one of the great World Cup comebacks of all time with the ref's performance. Let's hope it doesn't cost them a spot in the knockout round.
- ALARM CLOCKS: Look familiar? It was the same concern I had after the England game. Once again, the US started the game slow, tentative and - dare I say it? - flat in a World Cup finals game. For it to happen once is disturbing. For it to be a regular occurrence is simply unacceptable. The game plan against the Charlie Browns had to be to get on them early, score, and make them chase the game. There was no evidence at all the players put that into place.
... AND THE WELCOMING TO THE CLUB.
Dear America: Welcome to soccer. American sports fans have been watching this World Cup more than ever before, and now they have a real understanding of one of the "traditions" of the game - getting hosed in a massively important game by a bad call. Sure, England won the World Cup in 1966, but it's Diego Maradona's "Hand of God" goal that really is what English fans rally around. Now, American soccer fans have their own moment, a "Foul of Nothing" they can talk about for years to come. If the US advance from the group, then US fans will have some other memories to savor. But if they go out on Wednesday, US fans will have their own Maradona-like villain to blame for generations to come.
THE BIG PICTURE.
Thanks to England's 0-0 draw with Algeria, the US holds its' destiny in its' own hands. A win over Algeria (the only team in the group to lose a game) means the US will advance to the knockout rounds. A win coupled with an England win over the Charlie Browns (which you still have to think is likely even after seeing England's tepid performance against the Desert Foxes) means the US will almost certainly win the group and get the second-place team from Group D. No great shakes, as that could be Ghana (who knocked the US out of World Cup 2006 in group play), Serbia (everyone's darkhorse), or Germany (res ipsa). Even a tie keeps the US hopes of advancing alive, as they'd go forward if England lost to the Charlie Browns or tied them and scored two or less goals than the US did in the game.
THE NEXT GAME: United States v. Algeria. A win-and-you're-in game for the US, which at halftime against Slovenia seemed unlikely to get. Still, the US is in for a fight - perhaps literally - against Algeria. The Desert Foxes are a scrappy side that held a powerful England attack goal-less. If the US comes out flat - and we've get to see a US team NOT come out flat in the World Cup - they could find themselves in trouble. If the US, however, brings the energy and the chip on their shoulder that a "daylight robbery" should give them, then the US should take care of business on their own.
FEARLESS FORECAST: United States 2-1 Algeria. The US finally bring energy in the first half, get an easy goal, and win a relatively comfortable game against an Algeria team that runs out of gas after their slugfest with England.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Happy/Sad: USA - Slovenia
For US fans looking forward to Friday's USA - Slovenia match:
YOU'LL BE HAPPY IF ...
- THE US SCORE. Sure, that seems like the most screamingly obvious thing to say, but there's more to it. Slovenia is Slovenian for "defense," so even in a neutral setting the Charlie Browns will set up to stop you from scoring first. With their win against Algeria and three points in the bank, it's even more likely that the Slovenians will park the bus (with the Colorado license plate, of course) in front of goal and play for the point against a superior US team. The US, on the other hand, really needs to get all three points from this game to keep their knockout round fate in their own hands, so scoring will be at a premium. If the US irresistible force overcomes the Slovenian immovable object, the US will be in great shape in this game.
- THE MIDFIELD IS INVOLVED IN THE OFFENSE. To score, the US will need their midfielders (particularly their central midfielders) to be part of the attack. Against England, Bob Bradley set up his midfield defensively by putting in Ricardo Clark instead of Jose Torres. That, of course, backfired spectacularly when it was Clark who lost Steven Gerrard in the fourth minute for England's only goal. If Bradley selects Torres over Clark, it will be a clear signal that the central midfield will be attack-first instead of defense-first, which will be critical for the US chances to get all three points.
- HOWARD IS HEALTHY. US goalkeeper Tim Howard, the slam-dunk Man of the Match against England - took a vicious boot to the chest from Emil Heskey in the first half against England. He played the whole game, and all reports are that he will be good to go against the Charlie Browns. But if the US will be playing for the win, the Slovenians will be looking to hit them on the counterattack. They'll get their chances, and it will be up to Howard to keep them out. If he's healthy, he should be up to the task, but it could be scary if the Heskey injury makes him a half-step slower or hesitant.
YOU'LL BE SAD IF ...
- ALTIDORE IS ABSENT. Again, this game will turn on the US offense versus the Slovenian defense. Jozy Altidore, with his size and speed, will be crucial for the US attack to be successful. If the Slovenians are successful in neutralizing the big man, the US is going to struggle to get the three points they need.
- THE FULLBACKS STAY BACK. Steve Cherundolo has been getting a lot of playing time in the US defense, and performed admirably to keep England to one goal. But an offensive contribution from 'Dolo would play a big part in a US breakthrough tomorrow morning.
- THE SNOOZE ALARM DOESN'T GO OFF AGAIN. A huge US bugaboo in World Cup competition has been allowing the early goal. While the US showed admirable resilience in surviving the game after Clark's nap let Gerrard put England in front early, such slumber will cost the US more dearly against Slovenia. Let's be clear. The England game was a great show, and got great attention from the US audience (outdrawing the NBA Finals, fer cryin' out loud!) But if the US are serious about competing at the highest level internationally, it's the games against Slovenia and Algeria where they will prove their mettle. If the US concede early again against the Charlie Browns, and take only a point or (horror) no points from the game, then much if not all of the momentum the US has gained since the Confederations Cup success in 2009 could be lost.
YOU'LL BE HAPPY IF ...
- THE US SCORE. Sure, that seems like the most screamingly obvious thing to say, but there's more to it. Slovenia is Slovenian for "defense," so even in a neutral setting the Charlie Browns will set up to stop you from scoring first. With their win against Algeria and three points in the bank, it's even more likely that the Slovenians will park the bus (with the Colorado license plate, of course) in front of goal and play for the point against a superior US team. The US, on the other hand, really needs to get all three points from this game to keep their knockout round fate in their own hands, so scoring will be at a premium. If the US irresistible force overcomes the Slovenian immovable object, the US will be in great shape in this game.
- THE MIDFIELD IS INVOLVED IN THE OFFENSE. To score, the US will need their midfielders (particularly their central midfielders) to be part of the attack. Against England, Bob Bradley set up his midfield defensively by putting in Ricardo Clark instead of Jose Torres. That, of course, backfired spectacularly when it was Clark who lost Steven Gerrard in the fourth minute for England's only goal. If Bradley selects Torres over Clark, it will be a clear signal that the central midfield will be attack-first instead of defense-first, which will be critical for the US chances to get all three points.
- HOWARD IS HEALTHY. US goalkeeper Tim Howard, the slam-dunk Man of the Match against England - took a vicious boot to the chest from Emil Heskey in the first half against England. He played the whole game, and all reports are that he will be good to go against the Charlie Browns. But if the US will be playing for the win, the Slovenians will be looking to hit them on the counterattack. They'll get their chances, and it will be up to Howard to keep them out. If he's healthy, he should be up to the task, but it could be scary if the Heskey injury makes him a half-step slower or hesitant.
YOU'LL BE SAD IF ...
- ALTIDORE IS ABSENT. Again, this game will turn on the US offense versus the Slovenian defense. Jozy Altidore, with his size and speed, will be crucial for the US attack to be successful. If the Slovenians are successful in neutralizing the big man, the US is going to struggle to get the three points they need.
- THE FULLBACKS STAY BACK. Steve Cherundolo has been getting a lot of playing time in the US defense, and performed admirably to keep England to one goal. But an offensive contribution from 'Dolo would play a big part in a US breakthrough tomorrow morning.
- THE SNOOZE ALARM DOESN'T GO OFF AGAIN. A huge US bugaboo in World Cup competition has been allowing the early goal. While the US showed admirable resilience in surviving the game after Clark's nap let Gerrard put England in front early, such slumber will cost the US more dearly against Slovenia. Let's be clear. The England game was a great show, and got great attention from the US audience (outdrawing the NBA Finals, fer cryin' out loud!) But if the US are serious about competing at the highest level internationally, it's the games against Slovenia and Algeria where they will prove their mettle. If the US concede early again against the Charlie Browns, and take only a point or (horror) no points from the game, then much if not all of the momentum the US has gained since the Confederations Cup success in 2009 could be lost.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Strategeriffic cheering
Tomorrow, we'll look ahead to the actual USA - Slovenia match itself. But, just to get ready, here's some things to prepare for in terms of how to watch the England - Algeria match which will follow:
IF THE USA WIN:
- Root for England. England would be on 6 points, the USA on 4 points, Slovenia on 3, and Algeria on 0. That means Algeria would be out of contention for the knockout phase, and hopefully an easier opponent. Additionally, Slovenia would have to play for a win to have any hope of advancing, meaning they would have to abandon their defense-first mindset and likely be more exposed to a loss. The USA would still have work to do, needing a second win to guarantee advancing, but the work would likely be easier.
IF THE USA DRAW:
- Root for a draw. Slovenia would be on 4 points, the USA would be on 2 points, England would be on 2 points, and Algeria would be on 1 point. In this scenario, England could still win the group by beating Slovenia, meaning they would have all the reason in the world to push towards a win instead of a point. The USA would need a win over Algeria to have a shot regardless.
IF THE USA LOSE:
- Don't panic. Well, maybe panic a little. But all hope isn't lost.
- Root for Algeria. Slovenia would be on 6 points, Algeria would be on 3 points, the USA would be on 1 point, and England would be on 1 point. The final game then sets up with England taking on a uber-defensive Slovenia team needing only a draw, and a 0-0 outcome would not be out of the question. The USA would then have to beat Algeria, getting to 4 points and taking second in the group.
IF THE USA WIN:
- Root for England. England would be on 6 points, the USA on 4 points, Slovenia on 3, and Algeria on 0. That means Algeria would be out of contention for the knockout phase, and hopefully an easier opponent. Additionally, Slovenia would have to play for a win to have any hope of advancing, meaning they would have to abandon their defense-first mindset and likely be more exposed to a loss. The USA would still have work to do, needing a second win to guarantee advancing, but the work would likely be easier.
IF THE USA DRAW:
- Root for a draw. Slovenia would be on 4 points, the USA would be on 2 points, England would be on 2 points, and Algeria would be on 1 point. In this scenario, England could still win the group by beating Slovenia, meaning they would have all the reason in the world to push towards a win instead of a point. The USA would need a win over Algeria to have a shot regardless.
IF THE USA LOSE:
- Don't panic. Well, maybe panic a little. But all hope isn't lost.
- Root for Algeria. Slovenia would be on 6 points, Algeria would be on 3 points, the USA would be on 1 point, and England would be on 1 point. The final game then sets up with England taking on a uber-defensive Slovenia team needing only a draw, and a 0-0 outcome would not be out of the question. The USA would then have to beat Algeria, getting to 4 points and taking second in the group.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
After further review
American football fans will recognize the article's title as the referee's incantation after an instant replay decision has been made - the irony is intended, given FIFA's insistence to not use instant replay. But the intent of the piece today is to take a look at the USA 1-1 ENG match after a few days of rumination and decide what we have learned.
THE DEFENSE ISN'T AS BAD AS WE THOUGHT. Now, this might be setting the bar a little low, as the fears about the US back four were pretty rampant. But Onyewu played a solid 90 minutes, and Demerit had a workmanlike, if not spectacular, game. Ultimately, between the midfield and the defense, the US kept Wayne Rooney awfully quiet throughout most of the game. That in and of itself is an accomplishment, and one that was not universally expected.
RICARDO CLARK AIN'T THERE FOR HIS CREATIVITY. I'm sure Bob Bradley picked Clark to pair up with Michael Bradley in the midfield for his defense. Of course, that's also ironic given that it was Clark that lost Steven Gerrard in the opening of the game that led to England's opener. But Jose Torres in qualification and friendlies leading up to the World Cup offered far more creativity and offense than Clark. In the upcoming games (particularly against Slovenia), the US will need Torres' creativity more than Clark's defense. Hopefully that will lead to Bradley making a change.
JOZY'S JUST FINE. The ankle injury that had US fans worried leading up to the England game apparently wasn't as severe as worried. Altidore looked strong and gave the aging English back four all kinds of trouble, creating the best non-scoring chance of the game and nearly stealing all three points for the US. Again, against Slovenia and Algeria the US should be less cagey and negative, which should lead to more opportunities for Altidore to get on the board.
DOES HE GET A CAP FOR THAT? Poor Edson Buddle was left on the sidelines as a designated substitute late in the game, but the final whistle blew before he got onto the field.
THE DEFENSE ISN'T AS BAD AS WE THOUGHT. Now, this might be setting the bar a little low, as the fears about the US back four were pretty rampant. But Onyewu played a solid 90 minutes, and Demerit had a workmanlike, if not spectacular, game. Ultimately, between the midfield and the defense, the US kept Wayne Rooney awfully quiet throughout most of the game. That in and of itself is an accomplishment, and one that was not universally expected.
RICARDO CLARK AIN'T THERE FOR HIS CREATIVITY. I'm sure Bob Bradley picked Clark to pair up with Michael Bradley in the midfield for his defense. Of course, that's also ironic given that it was Clark that lost Steven Gerrard in the opening of the game that led to England's opener. But Jose Torres in qualification and friendlies leading up to the World Cup offered far more creativity and offense than Clark. In the upcoming games (particularly against Slovenia), the US will need Torres' creativity more than Clark's defense. Hopefully that will lead to Bradley making a change.
JOZY'S JUST FINE. The ankle injury that had US fans worried leading up to the England game apparently wasn't as severe as worried. Altidore looked strong and gave the aging English back four all kinds of trouble, creating the best non-scoring chance of the game and nearly stealing all three points for the US. Again, against Slovenia and Algeria the US should be less cagey and negative, which should lead to more opportunities for Altidore to get on the board.
DOES HE GET A CAP FOR THAT? Poor Edson Buddle was left on the sidelines as a designated substitute late in the game, but the final whistle blew before he got onto the field.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
YTG Re-View: USA 1-1 ENG
THE GOOD ...
THE GUY IN ORANGE: Tim Howard was the easiest Man of the Match decisions ever with his performance against England. He stopped two point-blank breakaways against Emil Heskey (admittedly not that impressive) and Shaun Wright-Phillips (much more impressive) to save a vital point for the US. His performance was even more impressive given the crack he took from Heskey in the first half. Heskey looked like he might have taken Howard and England defender Rio Ferdinand in one World Cup.
THE US MIDFIELD: Hey, remember that Wayne Rooney guy? Remember the whole "best striker in the world" hype Rooney got before the game? All of that may very well be true, but the US did such a good job defending the midfield and choking off Rooney's supply that the England #10 was a non-factor for most of the game. While he still had some dangerous moments, Rooney's relative silence was no accident.
JOZY'S TIME TO SHINE: Forward Jozy Altidore had the best American scoring chance of the game (and yes, that includes Clint Dempsey's actual goal), using both speed and power to beat Jamie Carragher and put a shot on goal that needed both Robert Green's glove and the goalpoast to stay out. Altidore, still only twenty, is starting to demonstrate the ability to become the true goal-scoring threat the Americans have needed to make the next step on the world's stage.
THE BAD ...
BUTTERFINGERS: OK, let's get it over with. Robert Green's costly fumble was one of the most remarkable blunders I've ever seen. And, even though it earned the US an incredibly-valuable point in the table, I still feel bad for the crucifixion Green is receiving from the English press. Rivalries are rivalries, but no one should have to deal with that.
CAPELLO'S CHOICES: Green's blunder really put a wool cloth over some of the decisions England manager Fabio Capello made. He started with James Milner in midfield as a replacement for the injured Gareth Barry, and Milner (still recovering from a virus) was a liability on the field. Enough that Capello had to remove Barry after only about 30 minutes. Then, oft-injured Ledley King, who Capello started at central defense, had to be pulled off at the half. Absent injury, when a manager has to make two changes before the half, something's gone wrong. And let's not talk about the decision to start Heskey over Crouch ...
ALARM CLOCKS: As in, the American defense needed one at the start of the game. Midfielder Ricardo Clark completely lost track of Steven Gerrard off a throw-in in the fourth minute, and (shockingly enough) Gerrard punished the US with a goal. While the response to the US was admirable, it's never good to spot a team like England a goal.
AND THE STANDING RECORD.
American fans can still puff their chest out and gloat over their English friends. They'll have to modify it a little, from "we beat you" to "we've never lost to you." Flexibility, thy name is soccer. Still, regardless of how fortunate the US equalizer was, the draw was vitally important for the perception of American soccer around the world. If - and only if - they make it out of the group, of course.
THE BIG PICTURE.
In all fairness, the US came out looking a little star-struck, to the point of flubbing the opening kickoff. The opening goal was probably inevitable, given the way the two teams came out. Howard kept the US in the match until the US was able to get their footing and create some offense. Clint Dempsey's equalizer was a lucky shot, to be sure, but at least the Americans were on offense and creating some chances. After the goal, the Americans held their own until the 70th minute or so. During that time, while England had two breakaway shots, Jozy Altidore's run created the best scoring chance of the game, rattling off Green's hand and the goalpoast. US coach Bob Bradley pretty clearly made the decision with about 20 minutes left to play for the point, and was successful.
THE NEXT GAME.
USA - Slovenia. The Charlie Brown squad got a late win over Algeria, giving them all three points and putting them in first place in Group C. The Slovenians have experience in must-win games, beating heavily-favored Russia in a playoff to make the World Cup Finals. With Slovenia's win, the US does need to win their next match to leave control of their destiny in their own hands. A draw will still keep the US alive, but leave the Americans needing England to beat Slovenia to give the US even a chance to advance. The Slovenians are a well-organized team that makes up for a lack of individual talent, which makes them a difficult opponent in a must-win situation. The US should have enough talent to get the three points, but it's hard to know how the team will respond against a well-organized defense when they are chasing the game from the start.
FEARLESS FORECAST: Slovenia 0-0 United States. The US offense sputters under the pressure and leaves their fate in England's hands for the final round of group play.
THE GUY IN ORANGE: Tim Howard was the easiest Man of the Match decisions ever with his performance against England. He stopped two point-blank breakaways against Emil Heskey (admittedly not that impressive) and Shaun Wright-Phillips (much more impressive) to save a vital point for the US. His performance was even more impressive given the crack he took from Heskey in the first half. Heskey looked like he might have taken Howard and England defender Rio Ferdinand in one World Cup.
THE US MIDFIELD: Hey, remember that Wayne Rooney guy? Remember the whole "best striker in the world" hype Rooney got before the game? All of that may very well be true, but the US did such a good job defending the midfield and choking off Rooney's supply that the England #10 was a non-factor for most of the game. While he still had some dangerous moments, Rooney's relative silence was no accident.
JOZY'S TIME TO SHINE: Forward Jozy Altidore had the best American scoring chance of the game (and yes, that includes Clint Dempsey's actual goal), using both speed and power to beat Jamie Carragher and put a shot on goal that needed both Robert Green's glove and the goalpoast to stay out. Altidore, still only twenty, is starting to demonstrate the ability to become the true goal-scoring threat the Americans have needed to make the next step on the world's stage.
THE BAD ...
BUTTERFINGERS: OK, let's get it over with. Robert Green's costly fumble was one of the most remarkable blunders I've ever seen. And, even though it earned the US an incredibly-valuable point in the table, I still feel bad for the crucifixion Green is receiving from the English press. Rivalries are rivalries, but no one should have to deal with that.
CAPELLO'S CHOICES: Green's blunder really put a wool cloth over some of the decisions England manager Fabio Capello made. He started with James Milner in midfield as a replacement for the injured Gareth Barry, and Milner (still recovering from a virus) was a liability on the field. Enough that Capello had to remove Barry after only about 30 minutes. Then, oft-injured Ledley King, who Capello started at central defense, had to be pulled off at the half. Absent injury, when a manager has to make two changes before the half, something's gone wrong. And let's not talk about the decision to start Heskey over Crouch ...
ALARM CLOCKS: As in, the American defense needed one at the start of the game. Midfielder Ricardo Clark completely lost track of Steven Gerrard off a throw-in in the fourth minute, and (shockingly enough) Gerrard punished the US with a goal. While the response to the US was admirable, it's never good to spot a team like England a goal.
AND THE STANDING RECORD.
American fans can still puff their chest out and gloat over their English friends. They'll have to modify it a little, from "we beat you" to "we've never lost to you." Flexibility, thy name is soccer. Still, regardless of how fortunate the US equalizer was, the draw was vitally important for the perception of American soccer around the world. If - and only if - they make it out of the group, of course.
THE BIG PICTURE.
In all fairness, the US came out looking a little star-struck, to the point of flubbing the opening kickoff. The opening goal was probably inevitable, given the way the two teams came out. Howard kept the US in the match until the US was able to get their footing and create some offense. Clint Dempsey's equalizer was a lucky shot, to be sure, but at least the Americans were on offense and creating some chances. After the goal, the Americans held their own until the 70th minute or so. During that time, while England had two breakaway shots, Jozy Altidore's run created the best scoring chance of the game, rattling off Green's hand and the goalpoast. US coach Bob Bradley pretty clearly made the decision with about 20 minutes left to play for the point, and was successful.
THE NEXT GAME.
USA - Slovenia. The Charlie Brown squad got a late win over Algeria, giving them all three points and putting them in first place in Group C. The Slovenians have experience in must-win games, beating heavily-favored Russia in a playoff to make the World Cup Finals. With Slovenia's win, the US does need to win their next match to leave control of their destiny in their own hands. A draw will still keep the US alive, but leave the Americans needing England to beat Slovenia to give the US even a chance to advance. The Slovenians are a well-organized team that makes up for a lack of individual talent, which makes them a difficult opponent in a must-win situation. The US should have enough talent to get the three points, but it's hard to know how the team will respond against a well-organized defense when they are chasing the game from the start.
FEARLESS FORECAST: Slovenia 0-0 United States. The US offense sputters under the pressure and leaves their fate in England's hands for the final round of group play.
Friday, June 11, 2010
World Cup predictions, knockout stage
ROUND OF 16
MEX 2-1 KOR
ENG 2-1 SRB
NED 3-0 SLV
BRZ 2-0 HON
GER 1-2 USA
ARG 2-1 URU
ITA 0-1 JPN
SPN 3-2 CIV
QUARTERFINALS
MEX 1-3 ENG
NED 2-1 BRZ
USA 2-3 ARG
JPN 1-3 SPN
SEMIFINALS
ENG 2-3 NED
ARG 2-4 SPN
CONSOLATION
ENG 3-2 ARG
FINAL
NED 2-3 SPN
MEX 2-1 KOR
ENG 2-1 SRB
NED 3-0 SLV
BRZ 2-0 HON
GER 1-2 USA
ARG 2-1 URU
ITA 0-1 JPN
SPN 3-2 CIV
QUARTERFINALS
MEX 1-3 ENG
NED 2-1 BRZ
USA 2-3 ARG
JPN 1-3 SPN
SEMIFINALS
ENG 2-3 NED
ARG 2-4 SPN
CONSOLATION
ENG 3-2 ARG
FINAL
NED 2-3 SPN
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Thursday's Most Important American
Today's most important American is another of the young forwards Bob Bradley brought to South Africa, Edson Buddle. Previous readers of my work know the disturbing sports crush I have on Buddle, so it's no surprise that he makes the cut in the Most Important American series.
Buddle has actually been a professional since 2000, playing one season for the Long Island Rough Riders before moving up to Major League Soccer. Since 2001, he has been an MLS mainstay, playing for the Columbus Crew, New York Red Bulls, and Toronto FC before making his current home in Los Angeles with the Galaxy.
Injuries have kept Buddle from making a huge impact on both a club and country level, but this season's performance with the Galaxy is what caught Bradley's eye. For most of the MLS season, Buddle had been the league's leading scorer.
Buddle made his first appearance for the senior US team in 2003, but it wasn't until this year's World Cup preparations that his opportunity to shine really arose. He was given an opportunity to play for a half in the American's first warm-up game against the Czech Republic, and put in a lot of energy (if not a lot of result) in the US 4-2 defeat.
But when Jozy Altidore picked up an injury in training, Buddle got the call alongside Robbie Findley to start up front against Australia in the final warm-up game in South Africa. Buddle showed for the first time the scoring flair he had demonstrated in MLS, netting two goals for the US in their comprehensive 3-1 defeat of the Socceroos.
The emergence of Buddle and Findley (along with Herculez Gomez from the Mexican Primera league and owner of the coolest name on the American squad) had suddenly given Bradley options in the front he did not have previously. With threats like Buddle upfront, Bradley can keep stars Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey in their preferred positions on the wings and hopefully bring more diversity to the American attack. Given the defensive struggles for the US, the ability to score goals could be crucial as the US prepares for group play.
Buddle has actually been a professional since 2000, playing one season for the Long Island Rough Riders before moving up to Major League Soccer. Since 2001, he has been an MLS mainstay, playing for the Columbus Crew, New York Red Bulls, and Toronto FC before making his current home in Los Angeles with the Galaxy.
Injuries have kept Buddle from making a huge impact on both a club and country level, but this season's performance with the Galaxy is what caught Bradley's eye. For most of the MLS season, Buddle had been the league's leading scorer.
Buddle made his first appearance for the senior US team in 2003, but it wasn't until this year's World Cup preparations that his opportunity to shine really arose. He was given an opportunity to play for a half in the American's first warm-up game against the Czech Republic, and put in a lot of energy (if not a lot of result) in the US 4-2 defeat.
But when Jozy Altidore picked up an injury in training, Buddle got the call alongside Robbie Findley to start up front against Australia in the final warm-up game in South Africa. Buddle showed for the first time the scoring flair he had demonstrated in MLS, netting two goals for the US in their comprehensive 3-1 defeat of the Socceroos.
The emergence of Buddle and Findley (along with Herculez Gomez from the Mexican Primera league and owner of the coolest name on the American squad) had suddenly given Bradley options in the front he did not have previously. With threats like Buddle upfront, Bradley can keep stars Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey in their preferred positions on the wings and hopefully bring more diversity to the American attack. Given the defensive struggles for the US, the ability to score goals could be crucial as the US prepares for group play.
World Cup predictions, group stage
GROUP A
RSA 1-1 MEX
URU 2-1 FRA
RSA 0-1 URU
FRA 1-2 MEX
MEX 2-0 URU
FRA 2-1 RSA
1) Mexico (7 pts, +3GD)
2) Uruguay (7 pts, 0GD)
3) France (3 pts, -1GD)
4) South Africa (2 pts, -2GD)
GROUP B
KOR 1-0 GRE
ARG 2-1 NIG
ARG 2-1 KOR
GRE 0-0 NIG
NIG 1-1 KOR
GRE 0-2 ARG
1) Argentina (9 pts, +4GD)
2) South Korea (4 pts, 0GD)
3) Nigeria (2 pts, -1GD)
4) Greece (1 pt, -3GD)
GROUP C
ENG 2-2 USA
ALG 0-1 SLV
SLV 0-0 USA
ENG 2-0 ALG
SLV 0-1 ENG
USA 2-1 ALG
1) England (7 pts, +3GD)
2) United States (5 pts, +1GD)
3) Slovenia (4 pts, 0GD)
4) Algeria (0 pts, -4GD)
GROUP D
SRB 2-1 GHA
GER 2-0 AUS
GER 1-1 SRB
GHA 1-1 AUS
GHA 0-1 GER
AUS 0-1 SRB
1) Germany (7 pts, +3GD)
2) Serbia (7 pts, +2GD)
3) Ghana (1 pt, -2GD)
4) Australia (1 pt, -3GD)
GROUP E
NED 3-1 DEN
JPN 1-0 CAM
NED 1-0 JPN
CAM 1-2 DEN
DEN 2-2 JPN
CAM 1-3 NED
1) Netherlands (9 pts, +5GD)
2) Japan (4 pts, 0GD)
3) Denmark (4 pts, -1GD)
4) Cameroon (0 pts, -4GD)
GROUP F
ITA 2-1 PAR
NZL 0-2 SLK
SLK 1-1 PAR
ITA 2-0 NZL
SLK 1-1 ITA
PAR 2-1 NZL
1) Italy (7 pts, +4GD)
2) Slovakia (5 pts, +2GD)
3) Paraguay (4 pts, 0GD)
4) New Zealand (0 pts, -5GD)
GROUP G
CIV 2-1 POR
BRZ 3-0 DRK
BRZ 2-2 CIV
POR 2-1 DRK
DRK 0-2 CIV
POR 2-3 BRZ
1) Brazil (7 pts, +4GD)
2) Ivory Coast (7 pts, +3GD)
3) Portugal (3 pts, -1GD)
4) North Korea (0 pts, -6GD)
GROUP H
HON 2-1 CHI
SPN 3-0 SUI
CHI 1-1 SUI
SPN 2-1 HON
SUI 1-1 HON
CHI 1-3 SPN
1) Spain (9 pts, +6GD)
2) Honduras (4 pts, 0GD)
3) Switzerland (2 pts, -3GD)
4) Chile (1 pt, -2GD)
RSA 1-1 MEX
URU 2-1 FRA
RSA 0-1 URU
FRA 1-2 MEX
MEX 2-0 URU
FRA 2-1 RSA
1) Mexico (7 pts, +3GD)
2) Uruguay (7 pts, 0GD)
3) France (3 pts, -1GD)
4) South Africa (2 pts, -2GD)
GROUP B
KOR 1-0 GRE
ARG 2-1 NIG
ARG 2-1 KOR
GRE 0-0 NIG
NIG 1-1 KOR
GRE 0-2 ARG
1) Argentina (9 pts, +4GD)
2) South Korea (4 pts, 0GD)
3) Nigeria (2 pts, -1GD)
4) Greece (1 pt, -3GD)
GROUP C
ENG 2-2 USA
ALG 0-1 SLV
SLV 0-0 USA
ENG 2-0 ALG
SLV 0-1 ENG
USA 2-1 ALG
1) England (7 pts, +3GD)
2) United States (5 pts, +1GD)
3) Slovenia (4 pts, 0GD)
4) Algeria (0 pts, -4GD)
GROUP D
SRB 2-1 GHA
GER 2-0 AUS
GER 1-1 SRB
GHA 1-1 AUS
GHA 0-1 GER
AUS 0-1 SRB
1) Germany (7 pts, +3GD)
2) Serbia (7 pts, +2GD)
3) Ghana (1 pt, -2GD)
4) Australia (1 pt, -3GD)
GROUP E
NED 3-1 DEN
JPN 1-0 CAM
NED 1-0 JPN
CAM 1-2 DEN
DEN 2-2 JPN
CAM 1-3 NED
1) Netherlands (9 pts, +5GD)
2) Japan (4 pts, 0GD)
3) Denmark (4 pts, -1GD)
4) Cameroon (0 pts, -4GD)
GROUP F
ITA 2-1 PAR
NZL 0-2 SLK
SLK 1-1 PAR
ITA 2-0 NZL
SLK 1-1 ITA
PAR 2-1 NZL
1) Italy (7 pts, +4GD)
2) Slovakia (5 pts, +2GD)
3) Paraguay (4 pts, 0GD)
4) New Zealand (0 pts, -5GD)
GROUP G
CIV 2-1 POR
BRZ 3-0 DRK
BRZ 2-2 CIV
POR 2-1 DRK
DRK 0-2 CIV
POR 2-3 BRZ
1) Brazil (7 pts, +4GD)
2) Ivory Coast (7 pts, +3GD)
3) Portugal (3 pts, -1GD)
4) North Korea (0 pts, -6GD)
GROUP H
HON 2-1 CHI
SPN 3-0 SUI
CHI 1-1 SUI
SPN 2-1 HON
SUI 1-1 HON
CHI 1-3 SPN
1) Spain (9 pts, +6GD)
2) Honduras (4 pts, 0GD)
3) Switzerland (2 pts, -3GD)
4) Chile (1 pt, -2GD)
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Wednesday's Most Important American
In the leadup to the USA - England match opening Group C of the World Cup, we will continue with a look at another US under-the-radar player that will make a difference. Today, the lucky lad is Robbie Findley.
Findley was a late addition to the US squad, and likely owes his presence in South Africa to Brian Ching's late-season injury and lingering questions of his fitness. But his addition couldn't have come at a better time. With star striker Jozy Altidore nursing a training injury, Findley got an opportunity to start against Australia in the final US friendly before the World Cup.
And what a start it was. The US got a comprehensive 3-1 victory over the Socceroos, and Findley's presence was a huge factor. Although he didn't score (Edson Buddle got two, and Herculez Gomez got a late add-on), his presence changes the way the US team can attack opponents.
Findley's main weapon is his speed. The effect that has on the Yanks was apparent in the friendly before Australia, when they played Turkey in Philadelphia. At the half, the US was down 1-0 and looked pretty toothless up front. Bob Bradley put Findley on at the half, and it made all the difference. Clint Dempsey, who scored the game-winner in the US 2-1 victory, observed that it was Findley's speed that stretched the Turkish defense and provided the space needed for Dempsey and Altidore to score in the second half.
Findley plays his club soccer for Real Salt Lake in Major League Soccer. In last year's MLS playoffs, he scored the decisive goal against the Columbus Crew in the semifinal to advance underdog Real Salt Lake to the MLS Cup final against the LA Galaxy. In that game, he scored a second-half equalizer to send the game into extra time, then to penalties, which Real Salt Lake ended up winning.
Findley has dual citizenship with the US and Trinidad and Tobago. While US soccer has struggled to keep some of their best dual-eligible players in stars and stripes (see: Rossi, Giuseppi), Findley's decision to play for the US has reaped great rewards.
Ever since the tragic injury to Charlie Davies, US soccer fans have been worried about how their team would be able to replicate the success they had at the Confederations Cup in 2009, beating Spain and falling in the final 3-2 to Brazil. In that tournament, Davies was arguably the American's most important player, with his speed and vision creating scoring opportunities for everyone else. Without Davies, the fear is, the US will be unable to replicate that success.
But, remember, prior to the Confederations Cup, Davies was an unproven commodity. Just like Findley is now. While as an American fan I would dearly love to see Davies on the pitch against England on Saturday, Findley does bring a lot of the same qualities to the team. With Findley on the pitch against Turkey and Australia, the US looked for the first time since Davies' injury like the team that was in the Confederations Cup final.
Yes, I know, the World Cup is a completely different animal from the Confederations Cup. I know a group stage game against England is a completely different animal from a friendly against Australia.
But Findley gives the Americans the secret ingredient - speed at the front - that has been lacking. Given that Landon Donovan will be, in all likelihood, dealing with Ashley Cole the whole game against England, the US will probably have to look for scoring options elsewhere. With Findley's speed and a makeshift English central defense, and Altidore and Dempsey lurking in the background, the table could be set for a sixty-year itch to be scratched on Saturday.
Findley was a late addition to the US squad, and likely owes his presence in South Africa to Brian Ching's late-season injury and lingering questions of his fitness. But his addition couldn't have come at a better time. With star striker Jozy Altidore nursing a training injury, Findley got an opportunity to start against Australia in the final US friendly before the World Cup.
And what a start it was. The US got a comprehensive 3-1 victory over the Socceroos, and Findley's presence was a huge factor. Although he didn't score (Edson Buddle got two, and Herculez Gomez got a late add-on), his presence changes the way the US team can attack opponents.
Findley's main weapon is his speed. The effect that has on the Yanks was apparent in the friendly before Australia, when they played Turkey in Philadelphia. At the half, the US was down 1-0 and looked pretty toothless up front. Bob Bradley put Findley on at the half, and it made all the difference. Clint Dempsey, who scored the game-winner in the US 2-1 victory, observed that it was Findley's speed that stretched the Turkish defense and provided the space needed for Dempsey and Altidore to score in the second half.
Findley plays his club soccer for Real Salt Lake in Major League Soccer. In last year's MLS playoffs, he scored the decisive goal against the Columbus Crew in the semifinal to advance underdog Real Salt Lake to the MLS Cup final against the LA Galaxy. In that game, he scored a second-half equalizer to send the game into extra time, then to penalties, which Real Salt Lake ended up winning.
Findley has dual citizenship with the US and Trinidad and Tobago. While US soccer has struggled to keep some of their best dual-eligible players in stars and stripes (see: Rossi, Giuseppi), Findley's decision to play for the US has reaped great rewards.
Ever since the tragic injury to Charlie Davies, US soccer fans have been worried about how their team would be able to replicate the success they had at the Confederations Cup in 2009, beating Spain and falling in the final 3-2 to Brazil. In that tournament, Davies was arguably the American's most important player, with his speed and vision creating scoring opportunities for everyone else. Without Davies, the fear is, the US will be unable to replicate that success.
But, remember, prior to the Confederations Cup, Davies was an unproven commodity. Just like Findley is now. While as an American fan I would dearly love to see Davies on the pitch against England on Saturday, Findley does bring a lot of the same qualities to the team. With Findley on the pitch against Turkey and Australia, the US looked for the first time since Davies' injury like the team that was in the Confederations Cup final.
Yes, I know, the World Cup is a completely different animal from the Confederations Cup. I know a group stage game against England is a completely different animal from a friendly against Australia.
But Findley gives the Americans the secret ingredient - speed at the front - that has been lacking. Given that Landon Donovan will be, in all likelihood, dealing with Ashley Cole the whole game against England, the US will probably have to look for scoring options elsewhere. With Findley's speed and a makeshift English central defense, and Altidore and Dempsey lurking in the background, the table could be set for a sixty-year itch to be scratched on Saturday.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Tuesday's Most Important American
From now until kickoff on Saturday, I will be giving you some insight on the American players that you may not have heard of but should play a huge part of the game. Impress your friends, annoy your neighbors!
Today's Most Important American is Michael Bradley. Yes, he's the coach's son, but don't let that fool you. His spot on the team is the best argument for nepotism you can find. He plays in the central midfield, and is a crucial part of the cohesion of the American squad. Bradley is the guy that can provide support to a sometimes-shaky defense by giving them a link to clear the ball upfield, directs traffic and interrupts the opponent in the midfield, and gets the ball to the playmakers towards goal.
In the American's surprise run to the finals of the 2009 Confederations Cup, Bradley scored the second goal against Egypt in the game that in many ways has been the turning point of US Soccer. He also scored in the American's 2-0 win over Spain, busting their long unbeaten run in international play. Unfortunately for the Yanks, Bradley was sent off at the end of the Spain game, meaning he would miss the final against Brazil, which the US lost 3-2. Most American fans feel that if Bradley had been available for that final, the outcome would have been different.
But that does underline one of Bradley's weaknesses. He is prone to picking up cards and getting himself suspended at inopportune times. Some of it is inevitable, given the "all in" style in which he plays and excels. It shouldn't be an issue for the game against England, but coach Bob Bradley does have to worry about keeping his version of Xavi Alonso on the pitch if the US is going to advance.
Bradley has scored seven goals in international competition, and 24 in club play. He was just outside of the US squad in 2006, playing in three of the send-off friendly matches prior to the team leaving for Germany. His first cap came against Venezuela in May, 2006, and his first international start in March, 2007, against Guatemala.
Bradley plays his club soccer (yes, I'm an American, and we call it soccer here) with Borussia Monchengladbach. He is also, like many of the squad, an alumni of Major League Soccer, playing two seasons with the New York/New Jersey MetroStars (now the New York Red Bulls).
Michael Bradley - today's Most Important American.
Today's Most Important American is Michael Bradley. Yes, he's the coach's son, but don't let that fool you. His spot on the team is the best argument for nepotism you can find. He plays in the central midfield, and is a crucial part of the cohesion of the American squad. Bradley is the guy that can provide support to a sometimes-shaky defense by giving them a link to clear the ball upfield, directs traffic and interrupts the opponent in the midfield, and gets the ball to the playmakers towards goal.
In the American's surprise run to the finals of the 2009 Confederations Cup, Bradley scored the second goal against Egypt in the game that in many ways has been the turning point of US Soccer. He also scored in the American's 2-0 win over Spain, busting their long unbeaten run in international play. Unfortunately for the Yanks, Bradley was sent off at the end of the Spain game, meaning he would miss the final against Brazil, which the US lost 3-2. Most American fans feel that if Bradley had been available for that final, the outcome would have been different.
But that does underline one of Bradley's weaknesses. He is prone to picking up cards and getting himself suspended at inopportune times. Some of it is inevitable, given the "all in" style in which he plays and excels. It shouldn't be an issue for the game against England, but coach Bob Bradley does have to worry about keeping his version of Xavi Alonso on the pitch if the US is going to advance.
Bradley has scored seven goals in international competition, and 24 in club play. He was just outside of the US squad in 2006, playing in three of the send-off friendly matches prior to the team leaving for Germany. His first cap came against Venezuela in May, 2006, and his first international start in March, 2007, against Guatemala.
Bradley plays his club soccer (yes, I'm an American, and we call it soccer here) with Borussia Monchengladbach. He is also, like many of the squad, an alumni of Major League Soccer, playing two seasons with the New York/New Jersey MetroStars (now the New York Red Bulls).
Michael Bradley - today's Most Important American.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Altidore back at practice
Never have so many Americans enjoyed watching someone run wind sprints. US forward Jozy Altidore returned to training under the watchful eye of Bob Bradley and the US medical staff. While he was held out of the US friendly against Australia, signs are pointing towards his availability on Saturday against England.
Definite good news for the Yanks, particularly with the news that England central defender and captain Rio Ferdinand is out of the cup with an injury. It's early, but things definitely seem to be falling into place for the Americans to make a real splash on day two in South Africa.
Definite good news for the Yanks, particularly with the news that England central defender and captain Rio Ferdinand is out of the cup with an injury. It's early, but things definitely seem to be falling into place for the Americans to make a real splash on day two in South Africa.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Another injury crisis?
Just when you thought it was safe ...
Yesterday, US forward Jozy Altidore was removed from practice with an ankle injury. He was taken to the hospital, and X-rays were negative. He was diagnosed with a mild ankle sprain, and he is listed as day-to-day.
Ouch. Just when US fans were starting to deal with injuries at the back leaving Bob Bradley with some less-than-stellar options, now we have to deal with the possibility that the mainstay of the US attack may be unavailable or less than 100 percent.
We'll know more in the next few days, but with Saturday's friendly against Australia looming, the damage of the injury is real and present. It is likely Bradley intended to have his starting 11 play against Australia as a tune-up game. Now, it's likely that Altidore won't get a whole game, even if he is ready to go, and Bradley will have to use the friendly to do a little more experimenting.
If Altidore can't go, as much as Bradley would like to leave Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan on the wings, I think it's likely that you'll see one of the two (probably Dempsey) up front. Bradley is looking smart in bringing all the young, untested forwards he did, but it's hard to see him lining two rookies up top against England on June 11.
Watch this space for more details.
Yesterday, US forward Jozy Altidore was removed from practice with an ankle injury. He was taken to the hospital, and X-rays were negative. He was diagnosed with a mild ankle sprain, and he is listed as day-to-day.
Ouch. Just when US fans were starting to deal with injuries at the back leaving Bob Bradley with some less-than-stellar options, now we have to deal with the possibility that the mainstay of the US attack may be unavailable or less than 100 percent.
We'll know more in the next few days, but with Saturday's friendly against Australia looming, the damage of the injury is real and present. It is likely Bradley intended to have his starting 11 play against Australia as a tune-up game. Now, it's likely that Altidore won't get a whole game, even if he is ready to go, and Bradley will have to use the friendly to do a little more experimenting.
If Altidore can't go, as much as Bradley would like to leave Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan on the wings, I think it's likely that you'll see one of the two (probably Dempsey) up front. Bradley is looking smart in bringing all the young, untested forwards he did, but it's hard to see him lining two rookies up top against England on June 11.
Watch this space for more details.
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