I think Califf has been alright, but Howard has saved his defense numerous times. I mean Cruz is going to see Howard in his nightmares tonight.Originally Posted by Mr. Irreverent
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Yea, I thought we looked pretty good. Argentina as was expected had a lot of possession and were very dangerous especially when Messi was running at our defense, Cruz had a ton of good chances as well but Howard made every save. He was the man of the match for me.
But the US had their moments as well, good games from Donovan and Beasley. Johnson had an average game, but I think he put in a good shift and is still pretty capable against CONACAF sides.
Mastroeni proved that he's still a pretty capable pure defensive mid. He did a lot of dirty work in the midfield alongside Bradley who looked better.
I thought Dempsey was a bit off but he had to be pretty tired. Long season for Fulham and he had played a lot of minutes in the previous 2 games.
Too bad that soon after Adu came on we lost Mastroeni. Couldn't really see too much offensive play from him.
I'm impressed by Edu. I think he has the defensive capabilities of Mastroeni/Clark but also has the eye for offensive play. I think his balls skills are superior and he's a bit more aggressive when making runs. I'd like to see him and Bradley partnered up sometime soon.
Hmmm well the first qualifyer is against Barbados. I don't think we'll see the 4-5-1 against them or even weaker CONACAF teams, especially at home. I don't think it's smart to only play one formation. As suspensions and injuries happen, you have to be able to adapt and play different formations.
Against Barbados we should field a very attacking line up. A 4-4-2 with Lewis and Cherendolo at LB/RB would make sense. Donovan and Johnson up front perhaps with Adu as the attacking mid with Bradley/Edu behind him. I had said previous that I don't think Bradley could play as the sole ball winning central midfielder but I think he can handle it against Barbados.
I thought that Bradley was pretty unimpressive....again. I know he plays a different for his club team but i am surprised that he was able to pot in as many goals as he did due to the lack of ball control and overall indecisiveness he has shown thus far at the international level. Obviously he is still very young and is going to improve, but I think Edu is the man if we're looking for a defensive mid....at least for now.
Great pair of Euro games today.
It's this French generation's first tournament without Zidane. It'll be interesting if Henry steps up, he has never really been the same player for France that he was for Arsenal, perhaps because those French teams were built around Zidane and not him. I hope Benzema starts and we see some of Nasri. Both guys are supposed to be the next generation of stars for the French.
Reports are that Henry could miss out and Viera is definitely out, still the French should have enough to beat Romania.
Better game last night.
What a crowd - US fans might have been outnumbered 70,000 to 5,000 but thought the noise was fantastic.
Was it just me or did Clint Dempsey look like he he was a little in slow motion?
I'll feel a little more comfortable when someone actually puts the ball in the net, but it was stiff competition.
Howard was a man.
Donovan sure does mean a lot to the national team.
They started with a 4-4-2 last night. I'm sure we'll see the same against Barbados.
Hopefully this second game is better.
The Dutch have about a million wingers out. No Robben, no Van Persie, no Babel.
Italy have lost Cannavaro due to that training injury, but they aren't as banged up as the Dutch.
I hope Italy attacks, the Dutch have a very average backline and I think I read that Gio Van Brockorst is their ball winner in midfield? Seriously? The Dutch will attack even without some of their studs because that's their style. The way the game goes depends on the Italians.
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