What Went Wrong
As I’m sure you have heard by now, the U.S. was knocked out of the world cup by Ghana (again) by a score of 2-1, on overtime. As they have all tournament, the U.S. conceded a goal early. They went down 1-0 in just the 5th minute. They were able to level the score in the 62nd minute off 0f a Donovan penalty kick. They took that score to overtime, but once again conceded early. Ghana were able to take the lead only 3 minutes into overtime, and were able to hold on to that lead. As a result, the U.S. went home. After a heartbreaking loss like this, somebody needs to take the bulk of the blame. That person needs to be the head coach, Bob Bradley.
In this world cup, the U.S. made a habit out of starting the game slow, flat, and uninspired. As a result, they conceded a goal in the first 13 minutes in 3 of their 4 games. The only game they didn’t concede an early goal was against Algeria, who hit the post in the 6th minute of play. This pattern of starting slow and falling behind early is a direct reflection of the coach. It wasn’t just a player here and there who started slow. Every single starter did, every game. Bob Bradley should have figured out why this was happening, and fixed it. Due to thesse slow starts, the U.S. had to consistently play from behind and expend more energy as the game went on. Eventually, the U.S. ran out of gas. The start of a game is so important, and we need a coach who can maximize our talent for all 90 minutes of a game.
Another reason is Bradley’s line up choices. Bob Bradley riskily chose Ricardo Clark to partner his son, Michael Bradley, in the center of the midfield against England. Clark was at partial fault for England’s goal in the 4th minute and continued to make defensive mistakes throughout the game. Clark didn’t see the field in the next 2 games. A combination of Maurice Edu and Benny Feilhaber were used to partner Michael Bradley. Both performed well. Out of nowhere, Bradley chose to start Clark once again in center midfield against Ghana. In the 5th minute, Clark was stripped of the ball by Ghana’s Kevin Prince Boateng, who took the ball to goal and scored. Clark was then dealt a yellowcard on an ill-advised tackle. His poor play forced Bradley to bring on Maurice Edu in only the 31st minute. Bradley then brought Benny Feilhaber on after half time. Both midfielders went on to have very strong games. Bradley then took Jozy Altidore off before overtime began, even though Altidore was looking quite lively while Dempsey and Michael Bradley were looking extremely tired and sluggish. Bradley’s terrible line up decisions may have cost the U.S. this game, as it was still theres for the taking, even with all of the coaches mistakes.
Bradley was not able to correct the United States’ mistakes this whole tournament. Instead of correcting them, he contributed to the mistakes with his line up decisions. I have been saying it for years, and hopefully it will now be realized. It is an absolute tragedy to have Bob Bradley as the head coach of a team with so much talent and promise.
USA Impressive Given Circumstances
For those who are saying: Oh it’s just another loss for the American’s on European soil, this proves that the USA can’t compete with the world’s best, don’t panic. Or overanalyze.
This was not a bad result for the American side. There are far more positives to take out of this than negative.
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USA Faces Tough Task
It is the moment we have all been waiting for. The USA will finally play a match that includes what should closely resemble their full World Cup roster and not just a group of fringe players and won’t be’s.
The opponent couldn’t be more daunting: the orange blur that is the Netherlands.
US National Team Preview: Forwards
We complete our take on the USA’s roster for the World Cup. We have gone through goalies, defenders, and midfielders so far, so it’s time to put the finishing touch on the team for South Africa, if you excuse the pun.
So far we have selected 3 goalies, 8 defenders, and 8 midfielders. That leaves room for 4 forwards on the roster.
While the situation is not as confusing as perhaps the midfield, there is still plenty to sort out. Without further delay let us take a look at those vying for these spots.
Work Stoppage: Could Prove Costly
With the hype building around the US National Team after a great run in the Confederations Cup and winning the CONCACAF qualifying group, expectations are high. Most feel the US has to at least qualify from their group, if not advance beyond the 2nd round.
But the ongoing labor dispute in the MLS could get in the way of that run.
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