photo by Bernd Feil/ISIphotos.com
The U.S. men's national team earned a historic result on Wednesday, defeating Italy for the first time in 11 tries.
The 1-0 result in Genoa was a hard-earned one for U.S. head coach Jurgen Klinsmann and his team, but one in which a handful of American players delivered strong performances en route to Klinsmann's fourth consecutive victory and second on European soil.
From Tim Howard's sure-handed saves, to Michael Bradley's industrous and disciplined effort in midfield, to Fabian Johnson's surging runs forward and competent defending as a left back, to Clint Dempsey's game-winning goal, the United States recorded its first win against the Azzurri thanks to a team effort.
While there is much to discuss about the result and the game itself, SBI wants to ask: who do you think was the United States' Man of the Match against Italy?
Cast your vote after the jump:
Who did you vote for, and why?
Share your thoughts below.
firstrowsports.eu
Yes, but what about all the favoritism shown to Heinrich Klinsmann? This nepotism must stop!
Spot on about Howard. His positioning was terrific. Some people probably didn’t notice his play because he didn’t have an spectacular saves. However, those saves weren’t needed due to his ability to read the game and put himself in position.
Boca was my man of the match with Bradley likely second. Carlos was everywhere, won just about everything and looked the true team leader on the night.
Bradley was very good in the second half and his possession in tight spaces and distribution were probably the best I’ve ever seen from him. His tackling was great and his recovering/closing was very good. The last 20 minutes he really shined, maybe so much that people are over-rating his performance.
Bradley’s first half was average at best and I still worry about his defending positionally. He just always seems to be a bit too far from his mark. Before everyone freaks out and calls me a hater for daring to challenge the greatness of MB check out the highlights of Italy’s best chances (4:00, 43:20 and 79:50) and see how Bradley just doesn’t quite track guys into the box or stay near enough them. He also tripped a guy in the box needlessly. It wasn’t called, but he went in way too desperately against a not that huge threat. He got away with all of these, but no matter how good his other moments were there were too many mistakes for MOTM.
hey Fishhead Fischy, Mexico sucks. Colombia 2. Mexiculo 0
Makes me proud…
What struck me with Bradley was how quickly he got rid of the ball where he used to seem indecisive with the ball at this feet. Playing in Serie A has clearly made him into a more poised, crisp passer and playmaker. He also broke up plays calmly when Italy was swarming in the U.S. penalty area.
Shay and Williams both turned the ball over too much. It looked like sometimes Shay wasn’t even looking up, just making a bland pass in the direction of the area. I don’t think Klejstan did much to help his standing with Klinsmann even in the short time he was on. But when Donovan is healthy again, and eventually Holden, the midfield is looking solid.
We did it! I have been waiting a long time for us to take on a Powerhouse in europe and win. Great win!
One thing I noticed out of Italy – anyone else think they looked lazy and not giving a crap at times?
Has much been said about Bocanegra? I thought he should be the man of the match. Right spot every time.
But there are a few man of the matches. Dempsey was the man, of course. I do not recall many mistakes from him in the middle.
I will admit, I thought Johnson would be better suited in the midfield for us before this game and was skeptical about Shea starting. I was dead wrong on both accounts. They looked like a great tandem. I think we found an LB, guys!
easy tiger. he needs another season building on exactly what’s he’s doing now. then the world will be his oyster.
Bradley was only on the field because his dad is the coach.
Bradley showed his brilliant quality, Johnson’s my pick. Think about it. His play showed that Chandler can use his right foot again, and delivered the cross that unlocked the win.
Personally I would also add Altidore to your 2nd point (notice how I avoided saying “add altidore to your number 2)
Regardless, I was reading posts about altidore’s play at work, but was able to watch the entire second half; to me it looked like he was doing was was expected of a lone forward. Good holdup play, chasing down attackers, relieving pressure. etc
I actually thought that Shea was worthwhile defensively tonight.
That dude is unreal. Columbia looks great in general.
Clearly MB90, in my mind.
Hopefully his class performance against the Azzurri (plus good play overall for Chievo) leads to good things for him this summer.
The whole team was on. However, Bradley showed exceptional sharpness and a sixth sense about how to defend against Italian tactics. I picked hem because I could not pick more. I liked the German=Americans, Dempsey, Johnson, Spector, Tim Howard. It was a very good team effort. Also, they were lucky when the game could have turned against them.
I am watching the game for the first time right now….with all the scathing message board comments in the back of my mind. What I take away is four things:
(1) Johnson is our LB. Chandler is servicable at LB but just not the same player he is out of the RB position.
(2) Shea’s game was not as bad as advertised. Sure he is raw and turned it over 5-6 times, but they were in the final third. To me, let him and Johnson continue to develop that left flank, and man it for 2 cycles.
(3) Edu and Bradley should be run out together again next match. They both played very well.
(4) Cant help but think what this team might look like with Donovan on the right. Ferocious. Same as Donovan added to Everton, just that last element that makes things hum.
Looking forward to the next match.
so how long before AC Milan makes a bid for bradley?
Michael Bradley impressed! Obviously his time in Italy is maturing him (no dumb fouls or cards) and making him a much better, more confident player. A good team effort overall! To go a goal up over a very good and attack-minded Italy side and then defend like hell bodes well for the future!
Thanks for the response but I do not have telefutura on dtv…just looking for a link!
Next the U.S.will beat Mexico in Mexico in qualifying
LLOL. We got lucky TWO LOTS.
Well said
I have been more on the side of those who have defended both he and his dad from time to time.
But regardless – I see the man maturing in our eyes. He does not rest on his laurels – he is clearly determined to continue improving himself, and improved he has over the last 2-3 years. Outstanding performance in the midfield by Michael Bradley – no one, NO ONE can say anymore that he plays because he is the coach’s son.
Bradley. Bossed it for 90+, no stupid fouls, no bookings, solid on the ball, solid in the tackle, solid in positioning, involved in the goal.
Dempsey a very close 2nd. He was everywhere winning balls and made THE difference in the match. Still, I think we allow 3 without Bradley’s performance, and this is coming from a Bradley critic over the later BMG period.
the game is on the spanish channel
telefutura
brek shea was disappointment of the match
lets see what agudelo does tonight at 10!
against the frijoleros!!!!!!!
Anybody have a link for the u-23 game?????
Playing a high-line and not pressing Pirlo was a huge risk. Klinsmann won this roll of the dice. I wouldn’t want them to play it again.
Your were a monster today BB!
Falcao with the goal. Col 1 Mex 0
Well done. I was worried that either the linesman would miss a call or we would get burned. The linesman did do a great job however as I don’t recall any offsides calls that were wrong
Loved Bradley in this game. Very composed, brilliant little plays here and there to help keep us organized. Held the ball up well when asked too. Rarely, if ever, caught out of position.
That said, Tim Howard kept out 4 or 5 SOG which would have really troubled other keepers. Even Buffon. Howard’s positioning was impeccable. His hands are first-rate. Understated but monumentally important game from Timmy.
Bradley was magnificent!
One note on these boards: I’ve criticized Bradley from time to time. Said the sorts of things about him that some people call being a “hater.” (Principally that Bradley is not a particularly penetrating or inventive passer.)
But color me impressed. More so even than with Bradley’s recent play at Chievo. Tonight Bradley’s positioning was really smart. He moved the ball well. And he showed a much greater composure on the ball — and quite a number of deft touches.
Really excellent stuff. Great to see him developing.
Well done dad. I watched the tape..and you did play very well.
Bradley was spectacular, got my vote.
But Johnson really looked on the left, and Edu played his best game in quite some time.
have to go with the linesmen on this one
Not MOTM, but Fabian Johnson is looking to be the first player that that Jurgen has “discovered,” so to speak. The core of the team that played well today, Bradley/Dempsey/Howard, was the core of the team in the last cycle as well. Johnson is the best performing new face to date.
Bradley without a doubt, but collectively a lot of guys looked solid for good stretches. Timmy definitely kept us in the game with a few world class saves as well. Dempsey acted like he was the most confident guy on the field. Lots of positives for sure.
MB90 FTW
Bradley BOSSED this game.
And I’m liking the new jerseys. Different, but I don’t mind the sleeves at all. Looks good.
I voted for Edu. He finally realized that he is at his best when he’s not touching the ball, ever. Great job.
Has to be Bradley. He was fantastic. Started the play that led to the goal, was brilliant breaking up attacks, had two superb defensive turns late on and was the calmest and most collected any American has been on the ball since Reyna was in his prime.
I doubt it will shut up the haters, but a performance like this makes clear who the engine of the next World Cup team should be.
Xavi like performance. Pep, take a look.
Um, duh, Bradley…
Dempsey had the moment of class that proved the margin of victory, and in the second half he attached himself to Pirlo in the space he had found in front of the back four – exactly the space where he was spraying so many dangerous passes in the first half.
Bradley rarely put in a wrong foot. Fabian Johnson was also impressive and Jozy showed some massive maturity and improvement in his hold up role.
Thanks Pa!
Easily Bradley. His play made Edu better, hardly missed a pass and was in command the entire game.
Good job son.