http://www.affhtc.com/ SuperSonic

He did look tentative and ineffective in his lone appearance but this was also the first half in the 4-4-2. We had this problem every game. Had he been a part of a 5 man midfield then I bet the result would have been different. He could be a poor man’s Xavi for us but he needs someone behind him winning the ball and someone like Bradley to help give him space. If it’s just him and Bradley in a 4-4-2 then it’s not going to work just like Bradley/Clark or Bradley/Edu(best of the options) doesnt work in a 4-4-2.

I agree with ZM and many commenters about how Bradley needed to apply the lessons learned from each game to the next. But I disagree with many commenters here about the main US problem, which was not with striker selection or production, or even really with the coach despite the failings I concede above. The problem was with the defense, which was woeful. Even Howard had a bad game. But in general our defenders are too slow and were easily outmuscled by Gyan and the rest of Ghana.

The trouble is that the US has the athletes to develop a high-quality soccer team, but the most promising are often drawn towards basketball or American football. Even when they stay with soccer, US players from 15-22 play in the high school and college system except for the few who make it abroad. Those who don’t make it abroad imply do not get the right kind of preparation for high-level soccer.

In any event, in this WC we should have come out with a 4231 like Bradley went to in the 2nd half of this and other games: Edu and Bradley holding; Dempsey, Donovan and another attacking midfielder arrayed behind Altidore. Most of these players should still be good to go for 2014, so between now and then we need to cultivate some athletically gifted defenders and drill tactical awareness into them.

One thing that’s been in the back of my mind ever since the squads were announced: Giuseppe Rossi must really be kicking himself. He could have started for the US and maybe made the difference, but instead he opted for Italy and wound up staying home while Iaquinta, Pepe, Marchisio and co made fools of the Azzuri fans worldwide. It’s a mad world, folks.

Please no. The US has had success when it plays like it did in the 2nd half: Edu and Bradley holding, Donovan, Dempsey and another attacking midfielder arrayed behind Altidore.

Turnover simply to avoid staleness is foolhardy. There’s something to be said for stability.