The United States Soccer Federation should propose a rule change for the 2014 World Cup that would designate the first 10 minutes of any period as “practice time.” That could be just the thing to move the USA into the
The United States Soccer Federation should propose a rule change for the 2014 World Cup that would designate the first 10 minutes of any period as “practice time.”
That could be just the thing to move the USA into the top level of international clubs.
It was both unbelievable and completely predictable that the U.S. fell behind Ghana in the fifth minute on Saturday. It was unbelievable because it should have learned what can happen when it isn’t focused early in a match, after the quick strikes by both England and Slovenia, and a near-miss by Algeria during Group C play.
It was completely predictable because the team was coming off the most emotional win in the country’s soccer history and riding a wave of excitement, which was aided by the fact that a favorable draw made a semifinal berth a real possibility.
In football, that scenario is called a “trap game.”
On Saturday, it was once again Ghana that sprung the trap on the United States for the second straight World Cup, by the same 2-1 margin as 2006.
It really is amazing that in its final three matches, the team that was on the field for the first half appeared to play at a completely different speed than its second-half alter ego.
It was like watching a toddler wake up from a nap and try to put its shoes on. Then you give the same toddler a cupcake and some Hi-C.
In a few weeks time, the dramatic victories will overwhelm the disappointing defeat as the lasting memory for the American fans. They provided the most exciting storyline of opening-round play and, to this point, the Cup’s best moment.
Though these fond memories deserve to linger on, the U.S. needs to take a hard look at what went wrong this time around in order to take the next step and be considered an actual contender, instead of a nice story.
One thing that should be done is the hiring of an experienced, successful international coach. There is no reason that the U.S. Federation should be tightening its pockets when it comes to a tactical leader.
Saturday’s loss should not be placed squarely on coach Bob Bradley’s shoulders, but he never gave his team the best chance to win any game it played. The fact that this squad had so many come-from-behind draws and victories, dating back to Cup qualifying, says more about its on-field determination than its sideline leadership.
Bradley made clear mistakes throughout the South African adventure, namely starting Ricardo Clark twice, Robbie Findley three times and Jose Torres against Slovenia. These players are not to be shunned for their performances, but they needed to be better utilized than they were. This time around, the big stage was too much for them.
There weren’t many changes to be made on the back line, as Oguchi Onyewu’s benching was a good — as well as gutsy — move by the coach. The aging group of defenders will surely look different next time around, which will be a welcome sight.
Clint Dempsey was terrific on Saturday, giving his best performance of 2010. Landon Donovan seemed a bit worn out, but still created opportunities for his side and scored his third goal of the Cup on a pressure-packed penalty. Tim Howard did not have his best day, but is still one of the world’s top goaltenders.
The pieces are still in place and though the momentum this run created on the Mainland may have now been slightly halted after the loss to Ghana, there are clear areas to improve and clear strengths to build upon.
Knowing the problem is half the battle.
Now we just need to provide them some cupcakes and Hi-C.
