Photo by ISIphotos.com
For the third time in four matches, the U.S. men's national team surrendered an early goal in a hotly-contested match-up. For the third time in four matches, the Americans tasted defeat.
A sixth-minute goal by Brazil's Felipe Melo doomed the USA to play catch-up mode and it was never up to the task as several players delivered underwhelming performances in a 3-0 drubbing that killed off any chances the Americans had of reaching the Confederations Cup semifinals.
While Melo's header started things off, it was DaMarcus Beasley's awful miscue that helped set-up Brazil's second goal and effectively ended any chances of a U.S. comeback. Beasley failed to control a short USA corner kick in his own penalty area, setting off a blazing-fast counterattack that went Kaka to Ramires to Robinho, who beat a helpless Tim Howard for Brazil's second goal just 19 minutes into the match.
Maicon's deflected goal in the 61st minute came just five minutes after Sacha Kljestan's terrible challenge on Ramires that produced a red card, leaving the Americans down a man against a Brazil team that put things on cruise control the rest of the match. Benny Feilhaber and Conor Casey both hit the woodwork with shots late, but that was all the U.S. team could muster in defeat.
Bright spots for the Americans? Landon Donovan, Jay DeMerit, Oguchi Onyewu and Jonathan Spector put in admirable performances in defeat. Disappointments? Bob Bradley's lineup selection was tragic, Beasley had a shocker, Kljestan was overmatched and Dempsey delivered another yawner.
Now the Americans face Egypt on Sunday with nothing to play for but pride as U.S. coach Bob Bradley gets one more chance to test players out in an international competition.
What did you think of the U.S. team's performance today? Disgusted? Disappointed? Did you never really give the USA a chance against Brazil today? Still trying to figure out why Bradley started Beasley and Kljestan? Will you still watch the Egypt match?
Share your thoughts below.
I understand this is not all Bradley’s fault. He is limited by the talent he has to work with. My problem with Bradley is the side appears disorganized and without a defined style of play. I’ve seen enough of Fulham to know that a coach like Roy Hodgson who works on his team’s organization can go a long way toward making average players play better as a team. We are not getting that from Bradley and I don’t think he knows how to fix it. We need a better tactician who brings respect with him when he comes. I don’t know who is available like that right now, but I do not see the US progressing without obtaining a coach who has that talent.
Why Adu? Simple. No one else is doing anything where he might fit, we need to see if someone else can, and Adu is next in that line. Clark and Sacha got red cards and remain deeply unconvincing. CD looks like he needs to eat something. DMB and Pablo are over. Edu is hurt. Donovan plays hard but isn’t socring goals from the run of play and isn’t doing well with free kicks. Benny has vision but is inconsistent. Ching is hurt and extremely limited. Casey and Davies didn’t do anything. So why not Adu? Surely we can’t get worse results with him?
I’d like to see Beasley, Dempsey and Klestjan benched, and I’m hoping to never see Beasley suit up again. Klestjan looks awful, he needs to be tearing it up for Chivas before he gets any more minutes. Let’s get the younger guys (Torres, Adu, Feilhaber, etc.) some game action. I’ve never been a Bob Bradley hater, but tactically he’s been an embarrassment the last few games, and his predilection to start certain players notwithstanding their recent form is confusing.
This program needs some direction, I’m glad Bradley has been giving younger players some opportunities, I just want to see some progress.
Since we don’t really have any wingers, we should basically just play with out them and instead use one defensive mid, three center mids, and two CAM’s. The lineup I like best against Egypt and for the foreseeable future is:
_________Altidore________
_____Adu______Donovan____
Torres__Bradley__Feilhaber
__________Jones___________
Boca_DeMerit_Gooch_Spector
_________Howard___________
Posted by: matt | June 18, 2009 at 04:23 PM
Thats a pretty good lineup but I doubt FIFA would let us play with 12 men
Any chance we can get Bora back? He could make this lazy group of players play with a good, tight shape and probably improve the defending in the midfield, which has been shambolic.
If Mexico can hire a coach at this moment of qualifying why not the USA, We are at least on verge of qualifying and has a chance to get to the world cup with or without Bradley. So if a new coach comes in has a time to scout new talent either in Europe, MLS or in our youth System Development. Javier is a good coach but we can hire someone like him that been there and done that. we need to change the face of this wonderful country and get the right players to represent us in the World cup. Bradley had almost 3yrs to get this team ready and he is not showing anything. So please Mr. Sunil Gulati you better get your act together and hire a new coach or else you too have to go.
I think is time to see a different team, I don’t care if we loose at least it will show us a new face and different attitude. What there is to loose since we already out of this tournament. Is time to give the other a shot.
—————–Altidore——————
————Donovan——–Adu————–
—–Torres——Feilhaber——Bradley—–
Boca/borns/Pierce—–DeMerit—–Califf—–Spector
———————/Howard/Guzan/Robles——————
I don’t care who play left on defense and who is the goal keeper but is time to get new blood in there. at least you owe us that Bob Bradley. Well look Peckerman is a good Coach and Lavolpe is well too, I’m tired of having this European Style of playing. One touch and Long ball we need som ummm dream is good but this all the USSF fault for hiring a Dumb Ass Coaches that don’t know much of Soccer starting from our youth Development coaches to the Senior. The only one right now that I think is doing the right thing is Waldimire Cabrera U17 National Team. He know tactics, Techniques and been to two World Cup as a player. He given the freedom to be creative and technical. that what we need in this USMNT.
IF this is the final nail in the Beasely and Sascha coffin. THEN i can maybe say well at least we learned something and move on.
Casey? WTF. How does a guy come out of nowhere play so bad and then get another gmae and do nothing but walk around..
The reason I am in the Adu camp is because if you really watch him, he does what no one except maybe Landon does and that is create. In every game mentioned. olympics v holland he created the goal, against spain and Arg last year and even in his limited costa rica mins he slotted a nice pass within the 18. No one else is doing it.. except sometimes Benny. When you have a guy pushing at defenders it keeps them on their heels.
zues
Jesus Christ! I don’t know what match you were watching but the US stank from top to bottom. The rot started years ago at the Sunil Gulati level and creeped it’s way down. It has now permeated the entire organization. Acting like a bunch of lost scared kittens against Brazil a year before the WC is simply inexcusable.
Sorry, but am I the only one tired of hearing this “not playing for his club team” crap. It’s one thing if you are Spain or Italy or Argentina and the whole damned starting XI plays for Barca or Man U or whatever, but this is the US (MLS, 2nd Bund. etc.) and Adu would have been better than 9 of the 11 (or 8 of 10) players we had on the field today. Not expecting miracles from the guy, just someone that can trap the damned ball.
Now that Jones is planing to play for United States and people probably saying that maybe Castillo may want to change too. Well think about it, maybe if Orozco and Torres can talk to him and convience him. But the way things are with bradley. Ummm bringing Castillo when two Mexican American (Torres & Orozco) are not even playing cause Bradley doesn’t like something about does two guys. He will become the Third one online. Bob Bradley and his chosen ones OMG!!! Get out before u get fire Bradley
God, I love this blog. The SBI Mafia has some smart cats on board..
I’m loosing faith in Bradley. Some elements of his managership are beginning to remind me of Arena. Uninspired players, sticking with the SAMEguys who get the SAME results. Although, I do rate Bradley higher.
I do think we should hire a foreign coach to come in here and break down all of our players, but is a year enough time? Too late, too soon to do that?
Klejstan vs. Brazil? I almost cried. Beasley getting the start…I did cry. The Deuce doing nothing again..more tears.
Props to Demerit. He needs more playing time. Gooch was solid, needs to go to a more competitive club. Spector is pretty solid. Landon tried hard, can’t knock that.
Forget that the US is playing and falling short time after time, i just tune in to hear Alexi Lalas’ “there is still hope” rhetoric.
When? 2014 in Brazil. Maybe.
It’s Brazil Mr. Lalas; no two ways about it. That’s their rep.
I just heard that BB is going to play Beasley up front alone against Egypt.
But seriously….Eddie Johnson anyone?
Brazil will not be playing their reserves. Not that it matters with Pato and company on your ‘reserves’. 2nd place in our group plays Spain in the Semi’s. I would think Brazil would like an easier oponnent in the semi’s.
Remember the long term goal of U.S. Soccer to win the World Cup by 2010? Under Bob Bradley the new plan is to duplicate the U.S.’s performance of the 1990 U.S. World Cup Team by 2010. Three embarrassing losses and out, with everyone questioning why we were allowed to play in a World Cup. I have faith that Bob Bradley can achieve that goal.
My Egypt lineup would look like this
——Altidore–Davies——
Donovan——————Adu
——Bradley–Feilhaber—-
Spector—————-Wynne
——Bocanegra–Onyewu—–
———–Howard———–
Let’s not even pretend we’re putting wingers on the field anymore.
I tried to support this coach but I can’t. Probably the last four matches going back to El Salvador show BB does not need to be coaching this team. It’s time to bring in a foreign coach with some good pedigree if one can be found. I know there are those haters out there who insist on having an American coach who knows American players. This is where an American coach has gotten us. You want American coaches make them assistants and let them learn because American coaches are not international caliber coaches and are not ready to take the U.S. to the next level. If it has to be an American coach I say hire Dominic Kinnear from Houston, if he’s available since I read he’s signed to a long term contract.
Why do BB’s supporters also insist on saying he’s using this tournament to try players out. He’s been the coach for 2 1/2 years, he’s been through Copa America, the Gold Cup, and world cup qualifying not to mention friendlies–At what point doesn’t he know which players he wants to use? He’s called in more players to camp than any previous coach. Why not come to the Confederations Cup to win? Did I ever expect them to win the tournament, no but I was hoping they would advance, and not for them to be the worst or 2nd worst team in the tournament. Players should not be trying to win spots in this tournament they should be there to win the tournament and doing there best not to loose their spots. That attitude is a direct reflection on the coach.
Why was DMB starting this game? I think John Harkes said BB was relying on his veteran players, but DMB has shown he can’t be relied on. He looked lost and was responsible for both goals! Look back to where he had the bad back pass or somehow managed to give up the ball prior to the first goal. And that 2nd goal well he should be happy if any team ever wants his services again. I swear I’ve seen better players in the USL than what DMB has shown recently. Why was Klejstan starting? WTF is going on with Dempsey? He does not deserve to be on the field certainly not as a starter, maybe just maybe as a substitute. I saw him dance around the field when he had clear opening to break wide left with no one around him. Instead Dempsey danced so much in one spot not less than 3 Brazilians shut him down! And what the hell was up with that bunny hop? Dempsey has not done anything for this team sit his butt on the bench. Altidore, I really like this kid but he’s not ready. He needs to play regularly at the club level before he starts for the U.S. team. He had a lot of bad touches and easy give aways. Why did Feilhaber come on for a forward? Why is Casy so friggin lazy? I saw a ball slowly roll right by Casey when it was passed from one Brazilian player to another and he didn’t move towards the ball. He could easily have intercepted the ball. I can’t say how many times I saw him walking. He needs to be sat down and told he needs to pick up his work rate or he doesn’t play.
For those Adu fans who want to see him start you need let go of your things and to wake up from that fantasy and your sticky fingers if you think Adu should start! He’s not playing for his club team but you want to start him against Brasil, against Italy, against every team. He’s hasn’t proved anything and certainly hasn’t proved he belongs on this team. In the future with regular playing time on a club team then maybe and if he’s doing I would support the kid, but not now.
If this isn’t a wake up call to how bad team the U.S. really is than nothing is. There are too many people who want to be warm and fuzzy towards this team and manager well you folks need to open your eyes. The U.S. team SUCKS!! That is direct reflection of how they have been playing, of how they have been managed, and possibly of how U.S.Soccer in particular Sunil Gulati has interfered with the management of this team.
Yes we have a year before the world cup but if we continue on the same path than we are marching into failure.
I’ve read and heard several times that this tournament is a yardstick to how we’ll do in the world cup. If that’s really the case and there is not a drastic change than prepare for an embarrassing first round exit from the world cup.
I think we should just go with youth against Egypt. There is only a slim chance we advance and I think now is the time to get these guys some experience. I mean, we’ve already stucked in 4 games straight so the young guys can’t do much worse.
Can we just all agree that because we were atop our qualifying group pre-latest round of games with such ease, that it allowed for belief that the team was better than it really is? I wonder if the players themselves had started believing it too, based on the last few performances. I think Bradley is in over his head, but I also wonder if so too are the best players the US has to offer. We have a nice group of complementary players, but when you have 11 complementary players, you have a very average team. And when your best players are inconsistent, you are toast against the big boys.
With regards to ADU, here is the thing. Right now, because of our talent, the US national team has a clear ceiling (and it isnt very high). Even if everyone we played today had a fantastic game, a fantastic game from guys like Beasley and Casey is like an average to poor game for most big time country national team starters. Add to that that guys like Dempsey and Klestjan, who have a higher ceiling, aren’t producing.
BUT, the difference is that ADU appears to have potential (as shown against teams like Spain, England, and Argentina, as well as major youth tournaments) to raise the ceiling of the team greatly. So, while he may not be there yet, the team can’t really do much worse than they are now and, if we use him to build for the future, we may actually reach much higher hightss.
Ives and other members of the blogosphere,
How about a list of possible replacements for Bradley that are plausible. In other words, we all know Guus is not leaving so lets be realistic.
Bruce Arena — I like Bruce and I like Bob, but it is time to get the old school chronies out. I wonder if Nowak leaving has anything to do with the team’s recent poor performance???
Peter Nowak — That last line leads me to suggest him as a candidate. I mean he would most likely leave Philly for the job, but would he go against Bradley like that? He is also not my dream coach.
Sigi Schmid — Would he leave Seattle??? He probably would, but I would still want someone from outside the traditional MLS or US soccer world. While being an outsider may make things for difficult, we need new blood.
Gerrard Houllier — Perhaps my favorite choice, he is not doing anything right now. Maybe he would like a shot at the world stage again.
Sven — IT has to be considered as a possible candidate, but I pray that this will not happen. We need a motivator, and his England teams were pretty uninspired.
Klinsman — I am not completely sold on his coaching ability, but he has played and coached in a World Cup so he is clearly an improvement. His connections within the States could serve him greatly. Would Sunil finally make the concessions Klinsman wanted??????
Please add to this list!!!!!!!!
Ryan
NEW COACH!
Seriously, we have better players than in 2002 and they are performing worse.
Our biggest deficiency is in coaching. Is that too hard for USSF to see.
Stop defending Bradley (manager not player) I am sure he is a nice guy, but we need a drastic change NOW, not next year after a three and out fin
Matt C
Adu showed more in that half vs Holland than any US player has shown in a long time.
Adu’s problem in the Olympics was the same as Bradley’s, Orozco’s, and the whole US team lately…..discipline.
We win a medal in Bejing if it wasn’t for a shocking lack of discipline.
The one thing we lack and we’re gonna have to find before the world cup is a leader on the field. If you watch the game all the players have their heads down and we need that player that’s gonna get us motivated on the field (because I don’t think Bradley is doing it). Maybe that’s where we miss Frankie Hedjuk the most because he always plays with passion and has probably been the most consistent performer. The performance in general today lacked any passion or desire. What greater honor is there than to represent and play for your country? Dempsey needs to sit his ass down on the bench. He had seven step-overs today and successfully gave the ball away on practically every single one. Either work hard and play for the team or sit down and let someone else represent the US. We have a lot of growing up to do before the world cup or it’s 06 all over again.
I’ve always liked Bob Bradley, but today’s tactical decisions really lost my confidence in this team from top to bottom. But I don’t think that there is a simple answer for a complex question when multiple facets are exposed at once.
I would love to know what the national team training sessions focus on and whether or not they spend large amounts of time on set-piece play and free kick situations. (I don’t know if you get lots of access to training sessions, Ives, but would love to hear a rundown of a typical session with the USMNT.)
How much do we emphasize tight-quarters passing and shape movement? Do we encourage in training to no matter what, boot the ball as hard as you can anytime you touch the ball in your own third?
The best teams all understand ball possession and proper patience. But these qualities require a multitude of different skill sets that the US program doesn’t seem to emphasize. Until we learn, this is what we’ll be.
Too many posts to read so I’m sorry if somebody already touched on this but, I’ll say it again, I am done with Clint “Deuce” Dempsey.
In the second half, we’re down two goals, Dempsey is on the wing, he has options in front of him, but what does he do? He does a triple step-over and then does a behind-the-standing-leg chip…that goes straight to Brazil. After that, he had the sack to try a Blanco bunny hop. If he’d tried that crap with Fulham, Hodgson would send him to the reserves. Done done done. Bradley, look elsewhere.
This is a perfect time to fire Bradley, it’ll give the new coach plenty of time to see what he has to work with via the Gold Cup and the qualifier at Azteca which should already be counted as a loss.
There’s no reason to fire Bradley. Maybe it’s easier for most fans to blame the coach than to blame the players on the field for not showing up. Maybe it’s easier than to admit that the USMNT just doesn’t have the talent to stand up to teams like Brazil and Italy. I’m not saying that we couldn’t have won both of those matches. Overall, I think we played fairly well against Italy. We stayed in it even after going down a man. With Brazil, if those two shots hit net instead of wood, that makes it 3-2 with 10 minutes left (+stoppage). I think that may have gotten us back in it, or at least been respectable. Are there problems with the team? Sure. Is firing Bradley, or even Gulati, the answer? No. The players on the field need to get better. It’s not a matter of motivation either. Every player on the team knows what a resposibility and honor it is to play. I have to think that they’re doing the best that they can. If this is true, then that means some of these guys just aren’t good enough. If these are the best the US has to offer, then I guess that means that US soccer just isn’t where a lot of us would like it to be. It is getting better, but to feign surprise that we didn’t dominate in a game with Brazil (or Italy) and try to blame Bradley is just asinine. I think that, results aside, Bradley is doing fine. I would like to see him start some younger players and bench some the senior guys that aren’t producing. However, it is a lot easier to judge Bradley’s lineups and tactics with beer in hand from the comfort of one’s couch or local bar.
Ives,
You have to be more critical of Bradley in your assessments. You’re reminding me of the baseball writers who never questioned ‘roids so they could stay chummy with the players and coaches in the locker room. It seems like you dont wanna upset Bradley by being too harsh and lose some access. Be a journalist and ask the TOUGH questions!
The USMNT system is broken.
The formula we have used up to this point no longer serves what we are doing. There is nepotism within the system now and you can see it the player selection.
What is the difference between Klinsmann and BB? Klinsmann has won a WC as a player and coached a team to a 3rd place finish.
BB was never a player at a high level, nor are any of the coaches on the staff either. They can only imagine what it must be like.
I gave BB the benefit of the doubt for the CR game and Honduras game. But, this was his test. He was out coached by Lippi. And, his tactics were questionable against Brazil.
This is what we can expect should we make it to SA again.
Adu, Feilhaber, Torres, Altidore – These four players are the USMNT X factor. If they can get fit and into form, the US will see a vast improvement.
RK
Posted by: RK | June 18, 2009 at 04:55 PM
Completely agree with RK. One of the most frustrating things to watch today was our *atrocious* first touches on the ball against pressing defense, which almost always led to loss of possession. Not a good strategy against teams that can pass you to death. For those saying Adu does not deserve to play, he has ball skills that almost no other players on the pitch for the US had–there is no question about that–he isn’t going to get freaked with someone on his back, and might even get past his man, so they back off a bit next time. (How many times did that happen today for the US?) Simple little things like that (and sticking a toe in a passing lane once in a while, for instance) change the tenor of a game. Not rocket science. For those that say he has done nothing, it’s in part because Bradley hasn’t put him in and in part because he has been caught (apparently) in a bad political situation at Monaco–Altidore hasn’t played either (that has to change for both of them, but that’s another story). We need to play our best players, and we need a coach that knows who they are.
lol, Brian. Adu wasn’t even that good (except for 1 half against the Netherlands) against his own age group peers in the U-23 WC. He is vastly overrated and over-hyped (now maybe I am bashing him).
matt C. is right, Howard has escaped some criticism.
Fear. That’s what characterized our play today and much of it lately. Did anyone pay attention when the camera focused on the teams in the tunnel before the match? I knew it was over right there. We looked scared of them.
This was the most embarrassed I’ve ever been to be a US fan. We were never going to outclass them, so far the love of God, outcompete them. Work your ass off.
Of course there’s not much you can do when players keep getting themselves sent off.
If I were in charge, Id bring Sigi in immediately before the Gold Cup. The last month has been disturbing beyond the results. I don’t believe the players believe in Bradely, and I don’t think Bradley gives the players belief.
I think another big problem (and there are plenty to discuss) is that a lot of the guys look plain scared to be out there. Nerves before a match can be healthy, but they look downright scared on the pitch.
I remember after our friendly against England, one of the England players mentioned how some of the U.S. players’ hands were shaking when they shook hands before the match began. That ain’t good.
Ives… There’s a problem with your headline. It should read “Epically poor play…”
Please fix immediately.
Watching egypt play with sooo much heart and grit just makes me whistful.
Posted by: ThaDeuce
Boy ThaDeuce has that one right. The USA showed NONE of the heart Egypt showed and it starts with the Coach. Bradley was a medicore coach in MLS. Why would you expect him to be successful on the World Stage? Bora even brings out more excitement in a team.
Drop the Nationalism and bring in a good international Coach. Just ask England if they like the change in the Coach there?
Ives, you should start a poll on who’ll get the red card against Egypt:
Adu? Feilhaber? Bradley?
Altidore has been horrific in WC qualifying and the Confederation Cup? Really? I must have dreamed that hat trick up I saw in qualifying.
Look, Altidore was a ghost today – no arguement. He was far from horrific against Italy. In fact, he was damn good outside of not finishing when he had the chance. Again, he was singled out by the Italian coach as one of our two players that gave them fits all match.
Try again on this one. Many other players need to be dealt with but I think Altidore will be fine.
I hope Brazil play its reserves against Italy.
They will be motivated to perform and Brazil’s B team is still pretty good…
For some reason, HOWARD seems to be the sacred cow. The first critism i read of him was by Ives regarding the first goal. The ball was a header four yards from goal. That free kick should have been a non-event. He’s making the 1-1 saves but he’s not pulling the occasional world class save out of his arse that we’ve become used to from Keller et al.
Why is everyone so keen on Altidore? He has been horrific for the USA in this tournement and the World Cup qualifiers that lead up to it.
Along with Adu and Beasly he has not played for his club team this year. He is simplely not ready for the international game.
Guus Hiddink! Bring on the potato
Im starting to think this team has given up on BB.
The generation of donovan and beasley is starting to get old and the new generation of us player has to step up.
I honestly cant figure out our offensive strategy most of the time. we hope and pray jozy jets fouled in the box to give donovan another goal. no one seems able to cross the ball into the box, no one seems capable of winning, no one seems to want to hold the ball, no one seems to want to defend.
If im jermaine jones, im wondering what the hell i just got myself into.
From the manager to the players, it’s just not good enough. These past 4 matches have been a catastrophe. I’m not really sure what else to say.
Guys,
I’m all for Adu playing but I think he would better serve coming in as a sub, not a starter. Reason being that I don’t think he’s in form enough to go the full 90 minutes. I’d make that move at half.
BB needs to be fired. Will he? No, too close to Gold Cup, WC Qualifying and arguably too close to the WC next year. I don’t like it but I get it.
Since Iraq beat Italy in a big upset, the USA is still a mathematical chance away from the semi-finals….They must beat Iraq by a crazy margin and Brazil must beat Italy probably by a good margin
John Harkes during the USA Italy game
“Yeah, and you know, Egypt are probably the weakest team in the group.”
Right on the money there harkesy. I was there for the miserable 2-1 to Iran, and had to endure the farsi songs the whole way back to the train station, so forgive me for being hesitant to assume we are capable of beating anyone other than Mexico.
Bradley Sampson needs to go. Its one thing to get unlucky and have someone sent off. (Clark v Italy) Its a trivial deal to lose 3-0 to Brazil in a glorified friendly. I hear that point too.
New rule for future managers, atleast until culturally we have a better understanding of football:
Can’t have ever coached in the US. I’m sick of our backwards, long ball, void of creative inspirations football.
If you want to compete only in concacaf then were good to go. If you want to compete against the world then make some changes
There are players playing out of position all over the pitch, and more importantly, none of their skill sets compliment each other well.
Altidore and Donovan are not a good tandem up top. They’re both talented, but have completely different skill sets which don’t go well together. Dempsey is having problems because he thrives off good team play. Dempsey is suffocating because the current lineup is incapable of utilizing his strengths. Dempsey makes good runs off the ball, and passes well when teammates get themselves into good positions. The careless mistakes and lapses in judgment come from Dempsey wanting to get himself involved somehow.
Adu, Feilhaber, Torres, Altidore…when you think about the skills of these players you think of creativity, quickness, skill on the ball, and good vision. Players like Donovan and Dempsey will benefit from having these players on the pitch with them. Donovan and Dempsey are smart without the ball, and will make good runs.
Adu, Feilhaber, Torres, Altidore – These four players are the USMNT X factor. If they can get fit and into form, the US will see a vast improvement.
RK
Bradely should be fired.
Clark over Torres, Clark red card. Sacha over Torres, Sacha red card. Dempsey looks tired, Dempsey gives up ball leading to immediate goal. Beasley looks done, Beasley misses pass leading to immediate goal. Essentially, in this tournament we looked good attacking even with a man down and led 1-0, and then inexplicably we play defensive for the next 140 minutes and lose 7-0.
Although we are somehow rankeed 14th, our MNT has recently lost to Costa Rica (41) and T&T (72) and tied El Salvador (100). The highest ranked team we have defeated in competition recently is Mexico (26), and in a friendly is Sweden (31) in early 2008. Of the teams ahead of us, we have lost (in all forms) from 2007 forward to Brazil, Italy, England, Paraguay, Argentina and Spain by a combined score of 20-5, and that does not include 1-0 shutout losses to both Columbia (45) and those Swedes. Our only wins against someone ranked near us now was a 1-0 friendly win against Swizerland (16, but 44th when we played them) in late 2007 and Denmark (24, but 31 when we played them) in early 2007. And we beat Poland (39), which is probably about where we really are.
The best news is that Egypt beat Italy today, which means both Egypt and Italy will be playing to win their next games and that means the U.S. effort against Egypt has meaning. Egypt has put up 4 goals against Brazil/Italy to our 1. Bradley should go no matter what, but another loss would be yet another reason.