World Cup Banter

[markem]

I agree with several point that Dave made. However ...

Donovan was left out. Woulda, coulda and shoulda. Personally, I do not think that the presence of one person could have changed that game.

The US played below their capability. They have conditioning and defense on their side, but where was it? The injury was huge, but a good coach plans for at least one catastrophe each game.

Howard did not play any different than he has played in the BPL. That he was so much beyond the rest of the team is the lesson that should be learned. MLS is not! on the level of the rest of the world.

I do not have a solution to the problem that I just mentioned, but I am a Portland Timbers supporter

At the end of the day, it could have been 5-0 at the end of regulation, but was not. The fans were treated to world class defense by Howard and some amazing efforts by the rest of the US team. That the Belgium team did not have to play beyond their ability is a testament to their ability, not a slight to the US.

[pnoon]

Originally Posted by markem

I agree with several point that Dave made. However ...

Donovan was left out. Woulda, coulda and shoulda. Personally, I do not think that the presence of one person could have changed that game.

The US played below their capability. They have conditioning and defense on their side, but where was it? The injury was huge, but a good coach plans for at least one catastrophe each game.

Howard did not play any different than he has played in the BPL. That he was so much beyond the rest of the team is the lesson that should be learned. MLS is not! on the level of the rest of the world.

I do not have a solution to the problem that I just mentioned, but I am a Portland Timbers supporter

At the end of the day, it could have been 5-0 at the end of regulation, but was not. The fans were treated to world class defense by Howard and some amazing efforts by the rest of the US team. That the Belgium team did not have to play beyond their ability is a testament to their ability, not a slight to the US.

I agree with most of what you posted, Mark. But one point I strongly disagree with is in regard to our defense. IMO, the US defense (not goalkeeping) is the weak point of the team. They are nowhere near the level of the best teams in Europe and South America.

As for Donovan, I think it was a risky/gutsy call that Klinsmann made to leave him off the squad. The injury to Altidore hurt more without Donovan to pick up the slack. But I think Klinsmann made the right choice.

Yedlin was impressive and will only get better.

Originally Posted by pnoon

IMO, the US defense (not goalkeeping) is the weak point of the team. They are nowhere near the level of the best teams in Europe and South America.

+1 From what I saw the US defense was not up to world standards throughout the tournament. I don't think the team ever believed they could win so until they had nothing to loose they didn't give it everything they had. With that said however they did a great job.

[Gabe215]

Happy 4th everyone, big games today! Two countries that love each other Germany v France! Down the Jersey Shore stuck inside from Hurricane Arthur, hope we keep power!! Columbia v Brazil should be very interesting as well!