The Klinsmann Era

So it begins --
Tonight's friendly against Mexico in Philadelphia marks Jurgen Klinsmann's debut as US Mens National Team manager. I have high hopes, but tempered expectations. The problems with the USMNT are easily identifiable, but they are not easily fixed. The two most immediate problems are a lack of technique in the squad, and a lack of unity. Technique is something learned at a young age over an extended period of development. Klinsmann cannot be expected to improve this in his players, especially because he will only work with them for a few days per year. What he needs to do is to uncover the technical gems that we do have, somewhere in the United States, and give them a chance in the national side.

I think he can do something about the latter issue. In Germany in 2006, Klinsmann (JK) was able to successfully galvanize his squad into a incredibly cohesive unit, one that combined work ethic with attacking flair. If JK can find the right combination of players, I belive he can bring them together in common purpose to deliver a reasonably successful World Cup campaign in 2014.

USA vs. Spain -- Int. Friendly

I was at the game. It was so nice out that day, tailgating was great, the atmosphere was incredible (pre-game), everyone was stoked to see two great national sides compete.

We knew Xavi and Puyol were staying home, but this was a primo Spain team to catch, regardless of the cast -- enough quality was on show to give an improving US side a great game.

Unfortunately the US looked completely lost or inept throughout, even though Spain were practically navigating on autopilot. Certainly put off by the pitch (don't get me started), the hung over Spanish players were very professional, playing some class ball and making a game of it. The best the US could do was to play kick and run with the kids. Bradley should have played his best squad from the start -- who cares if we beat Guadeloupe in the Gold Cup, or even Canada.

Bob Bradley embarrassed us by putting out this side. It was an insult to the Spanish players that made the journey.

World Cup 2010 - Group and Round of 16

The Round of 16 has just finished. The States are out, no surprise. I was not surprised that we nearly did not make it out of the group. The playing fields are reasonably level these days. Algeria (although many of their players were born and live in France) produces good futebol players, as does Slovenia. Any 11 decently skilled and fit players, on their day, stand a decent chance of beating any given 11 from anywhere.

We (the US) were nearly beaten by Slovenia in the group phase, and had to claw our way back to tie. the last minute winner against Algeria was good, though.

Ghana beat us fair and square. Poor decision making on Clark's part; he coughed up the ball and the Ghanaian forward took full advantage. Well done to him. In extra time, I thought Bocanegra and DeMerritt (sp) had the long ball covered -- apparently not.