Posted on 06/12/2006 5:28:43 AM PDT by soccer_maniac
The wait finally comes to an end Monday for 11 of the 15 MLS players at the 2006 World Cup as the U.S. national team opens Group E play against Czech Republic in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. The Los Angeles Galaxy's Landon Donovan will lead the U.S. team into action starting at 11:55 a.m. ET on ESPN2.
In other action, Australia meets Japan in Kaiserslautern at 8:55 a.m. (ESPN2) for a Group F match. Italy and Ghana clash in the third match of the day, a Group E affair in Hanover at 2:55 p.m. (ESPN2).
(Excerpt) Read more at mlsnet.com ...
Amazing how an early goal can change the entire complexion of a game. USA's left side looked like a U-19 Club game today. It was horrable. I mean, no resistance at all on the perfect pass to the 6-8 guy. That changed the entire tone of the game.
The off the post no goal hurt too. That would have turned it around. Hey, that's soccer. It happens.
It got worse. Bruce had them backing up, again, again, and again. That was a major coaching mistake. They had to take it to them at that time. For once the announcers were correct and they called it.
For me, I didn't like this team coming in, still don't.
That said, there is enough talent on this team that could bounce back. I'm hoping.
BTW, I'm not a Donavan, pretty boy fan. Sorry, for being honest.
Sure everybody loves Klinsman (except the Germans when they don't make it to the Quarters) but Arena is THEE reason the US has fared well at all in international play.
He in no way can be blamed except in a limited way if they can't muster a decent performance in the next couple of games.
He's done too much for US Soccer to be pushed aside for the novelty of a foreign coach.
Coaching is not the US problem. Technical ability and creativity are much more of an issue.
The first touches today of most players shows the difference between good and great. And in the World Cup, that first touch will show itself when you face a highly rated and deserved Czech team.
No question, we are still a YOUNG soccer nation. I was amazed at the dismantling of Columbia in 94 and even more shocked at the overthrow of the "Golden Generation" of Portugal.
Your point about Portugal not being ready proved out.
And that doesn't have anything to do with coaching?
I suppose it's progress when we are bitching about losing to the #2 team in the world. ;)
Well to be kind to Donovan, England had its own Ian Wright. And Donovan is our Ian Wright.
For those of you who don't follow the analogy, Ian Wright was an outstanding forward for Arsenal (before Henry became a household word) and he had a very tough time doing well when he played for England in internationals.
I'm afraid Donovan will get the same tag if he can't manage to do some damage in the next two games.
Having said that, we are still a country that thinks we can dominate a sport with a little effort. What the World Cup does is educate you on how high a level you need to reach in order to really be a threat to win it all.
So far Holland has looked great and Argentina very good. A lot of other teams still have to be tested.
But sadly, even with all our solid players, we don't stand up well on the big stage to the real top tier. Not yet at least.
I think you will be seeing a lot more of Eddie Johnson among other changes.
It was kinda sad to see Eddie Pope at 6'1" so far out of position to the Czech's 6'7" giant on that early goal in the first five minutes.
Sadly, we were rattled badly by that and it hurt the players confidence.
We could probably solve all the World problems at the same time.
Sorry, I didn't get the names, but, some of you other Soccer loving people too.
Nothing better than true Football Lovers.
I am just wishing that my former player, Ben Olsen, gets in the next game. Go Ben. His Mom and Pop are at the game.
Beasley is a natural LEFT FOOTER. Idiot Arena had him on the RIGHT side today. He was a non factor.
POED. POED. POED.
One more point about todays game. My old coach, that I think the world of told me that any goal over 30 feet scored is the fault of the Goalie. I agree. That 2nd goal today was 35 feet. Keller leaned to the right, it went left of him. He should have had it.
Isn't it fun to bitch and moan? God, I love this game, win or .............(sorry, I don't know that word).
A very disappointing opener for the USA.
As my Italian wife and I were watching the game, she kept saying, over and over, they (USA)are out of place. BTW, she called the 35 foot boomer when he first got the pass. Her words were, "Oh no, the goalie is out of place!" and then KABOOOOM!!!
I was so disappointed after the US game yesterday that I could n't even log on all day.
1. Denial
2. Anger
3. Rage
4. Fury
5. Back down to anger for a little bit
6. Back up to rage
7. A bit more rage
8. Still going with the rage
We need a win against Italy. I don't think we can advance with just a draw. The 3-0 loss has a lot of potential to bite us in the ass.
UGH! It's Tuesday and the sun is shining.
We still lost, huh?
Off to find caffeine and then..........
Day 5 Thread is up
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1648432/posts
Thank you for pinging me to the thread on Monday.
I am extremely disappointed, of course. Not by the loss itself, I hoped for win, but knew all alone, that the class is different. I am upset by the lack of fire in the US team.
Many things were said about the evening out of the game, that in the World Cup level there is no weak teams anymore. Its true only partially. There is difference in class. What is true, that this difference is not that big anymore. Weaker teams can compensate with abundance of desire and well organized, disciplined play.
Its hard to me to judge what game plan Arena had and how badly it was executed. I have a tremendous respect to the guy and his ability to work with available material and make the guys jump higher than they can.
Nothing worked in the game on Monday. Other incarnations of this exact roster would fry the team that showed up on Monday. Flat is the most charitable characteristic. No fire, no desire, mistakes in basics, like you must clear to outside, not in front of yourself, you name it.
We all know that these guys are NOT the best in the world. BUT they played many good, high quality games before. We are not talking now about them jumping above their heads, they did not rise to the level of their own knees...
Absolutely pathetic. Only one other team so far was so lackluster: Poland. But at least they managed to let only 2 goals in.
Its interesting, that if they SOMEHOW will pull themselves together, they CAN stifle Italy (that played were entertaining football, but not invincible after all).
Nothing is bigger than the World Cup and The Game. Yes, a nice brew to along with a fine match. We're in the wrong time zone.
Maybe Ben will get a shot. There's going to be some surprises in the lineup.
As I recall one player gave me the best piece of advice, no player is a player with one foot. Beasley may have been stronger on the other side, but to be so ineffective had little to do with his preference.
As for Keller, sorry, it was just an incredible shot and should have been closed down. Keller is great and world class. I don't see anyone stopping that shot.
It may be one of the best goals of the tournament when all is said and done.
No, coaching can't give your players skills they don't have. Coaching can only use the strengths you have to make the best of it when you are overmatched by players of better technical ability and creativity.
We saw that aplenty yesterday.
The worst possible thing that could have happened was giving up an early goal, the team immediately panicked. It was just like in the 2002 game against Poland, they scored early and the US fell apart after that. If they can get past the first 20 minutes, then they have a much better shot. They play much more composed. If they can survive the first 20 minutes against Italy, I think you'll see a better performance, probably not good enough to win, but at least salvage some pride.
I agree. More, what you are saying is kind of an open knowledge. Why then they don't put 10 men behind the ball and sit first 15 minutes out, and not try anything stupid??
Offense is a best defence when you have one.
Totally embarrasing game yesterday. Donovan is a joke.
I am an American but both my parents are Czech. My kids asked who I was rooting for.
Either way I am happy.
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