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.
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.