world cup update
Well I just got to witness world cup upset#2 which threw the USA a lifeline when the Czech's were defeated by the Ghanians 2-0 in group E play. This goes to show that there is still a chance for the US to make it thru to the 16 round as long as they rebound from a miserable start.
I have a few thoughts on the first US match that might go beyond the obvious. The obvious ones were that our lightning quick wingers, Convey and Beasley just weren't at the game when the whistle blew to start. These guys normally play very quick and consistent, it was just not their day. Keller decided that he was finally going to let a couple of shots thru and the Choice of Pope over Bocanegra finally showed it's silliness. I was never OK with starting the aged Pope over a proven European defender in a league of great defenders. Gooch did't play his best, but his proven strength removed the Man Giant Koller by the end of the game and weakened the incredible Czech side. This showed today with Ghana. The not so obvious was that as much as I love Brian McBride, he is too slow now at 36 to play the US style. He either needs to pull deep and play his absolute best, or needs to be replaced with the quicker Johnson who showed his drive to take the team on to the 16 when he came on in the second half. The other is Dempsey. This kid knows how to create and is in the right place at the right time. He needs to take Mastroeni's place in the squad pushing Renya back to a more holding role. He and Donovan have more energy to make the quick one touch passes with quick runs off the ball. They are simply more creative than Mastroeni.
Here would be my lineup for todays match If I were Bruce Arena.
Defense:
Oguchi Oneyewu
Bocanegra
Cherundelo
Lewis
Mids :
Renya
Beasley
Convey
Dempsey
Forwards :
Donovan playing in back of Johnson.
I would give Beasley about 30 minutes to turn himself into Argen Robben or else sit the bench.
Well I just heard the lineup and I think he has a big mistake being pope in the back, just too old and slow.
Well see in a few minutes...
posted by Prather @ 11:15 AM
3 Comments:
Well I hate being right, but if we had used my line up we would have at least had 1 less red card. Mastroeni did a great job until the poor tackle which warranted only a harsh verbal warning.
Pope however was silly. The first goal was entirely his fault, his two yellow cards were due to his lack of speed and poor tracking. He gave them for sure the draw, and almost a loss.
The team did not lack heart. They played their asses off and it showed with a short side draw. They are still in and if Italy beats Czech and US beats Ghana, game is still on!!!
Well this one was lost on coaching.
Landon Donovan, a player who requires space was crowded out of the middle by Arena putting beasley and dempsey too close to Donovan. Donovan was useless for most of the game, but I think it had less to do with performance than with tactic. He is really as good as his hype, but he must be used correctly like he was against Mexico and Germany in 2002.
I think the US will play better ball with Donovan and Eddie Johnson as forwards working with each other than with McBride being a target man. We just don't play the longball well.
What this contest did show though is how good Dempsey is. This guy needs to get his ass to England where he can do some Magic with the top pros. I would love to see him partner with Scholes at Man U or with Steed Melbranque at Fulham. Maybe even at Blackburn with Pederson.
comments on Italia's victory and Zildane's head butt ????
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