USA (2) - Portugal (2) - Group G
Opa! Words cannot describe the roller-coaster of emotions experienced by any fan of Team USA last night.
The Bad:
In a flashback to 2010, the US can't defend in the first five minutes. A shanked clearance leads to an easy Nani goal.
The Good:
Make no mistake, Klinsman has changed the USMNT for the better. What was different this year? The team stayed poised and patient. It is the first time I've ever watched the US play and thought, "they look like a European team." No, they don't look like Spain in their prime, but they are no longer a bunch of physical players lacking technical skill and teamwork. They no longer stampede headlong into the maw of the defense.
They passed the ball around the edge of the box, working in much tighter spaces than in previous incarnations. Time after time, they were able to break down the Portuguese defense on the outside and the inside. And they attacked with four, five, and even six players. It was beautiful to watch.
When Jermaine Jones ripped a goal from the outside, he showed what is new to American soccer...the ability for anyone on the pitch to score, and the unpredictability of the attack. I for one, am glad not to see the predictable Altidore on the pitch, but hope his hamstring recovers.
When Jones and then Dempsey scored, the US-laden crowd at FanFest went nuts.
The Ugly:
Let's start with the 5 minutes of stoppage time added by the refs. It makes no sense for Portugal to be rewarded, after falling behind, for diving the entire match.
But the blame has to lie with JK and more specifically DaMarcus Beasley. Beasley seems like the nicest guy in the world. Too nice to be play outside fullback in the World Cup. He is too small, too slow, and too weak. (He is 5'8" and 145 pounds for f*ck sake). With a total lack of touch, field awareness, and technical skill, the package is complete. To add injury to insult, he was hobbled late in the game after twisting an ankle. Why the f*ck didn't Klinsman sub him out? Were we out of subs? Why is he on the field in the first place? Don't we have better fullbacks to fill the spot? (answer is yes, or if not, then that is JK's fault).
If only someone had predicted this ahead of time...
Portugal attacked form Beasley's side all night. No one was surprised when Ronaldo moved to that side in stoppage time to abuse Beasley. An easy cross to a streaking Silvestre Varela sent the equalizer into the back of the net, stunning the American crowd.
The Good Enough:
The US remains well positioned for the G2 seed and in control of its own destiny. Even if they lose to Germany, if they keep it close, they can back into the Round of 16. If they win, they are guaranteed to win the group. If they tie, they will wrap up the second seed. See explanation of tie-breakers here.
Beligum (1) - Russia (0) - Group H
Belgium should now win Group H, but how far can they go? If US can garner the second seed, they will face Belgium in the Round of 16. Could be good news for US fans hoping to reach the G8.
Algeria (4) - Korea (2) - Group H
Algeria will take the H2 seed, where they will likely face and more likely be beaten by Germany. Earlier loss against Belgium proves costly.
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