I’m not arguing with the result. No one can, Germany was much the better side and deserved its win. What I am not seeing is improvement in the areas I feel the USA must have to win, especially without a true target man in Altidore’s absence. Specifically, that is control of the midfield and pace of the game (which should be a given in 4-5-1 but is not for this team), and more possession so you don’t wear yourself to a frazzle playing reactive defense.
I get that some of it is the opposition and I get that some of it is Dempsey being played out of his favored position. I get too that some of it has been the horrific play of Bradley. But I bet if you ask Klinsmann if he’s happy, you and I both know what he would say.
They have to improve.
The US has always relied on “Bend but don’t Break”
I really don’t think this tournament is a big deal for Klinsi. At this point, the team really isn’t in his image. But it’s been a good experience for some of the young guys who are going to take over the leadership for 2018, and hopefully we’ll have a group of young talent coming in as well, who will be Klinsi’s guys.
I expect much better things in 2018.
The loss of Altidore is disappointing, but the US should be able to adjust. I would like to see Klinsman use Wondolowski in Altidore's place, even though it would be out of position for him. He has a nose for the ball around the goal. In these next matches I expect the US to go into more an attacking formation and mentality. It is win or go home. We don't have the defense to do anything else.