So sorry USA

[Ian Gentles]

I want to say sorry for your defeat by England this saturday.lol. Actualy wish your national side well.

[Kevin Rector]

There are probably not that many Americans who know what you are talking about.

[Shea Zellweger]

You're probably right, Ian. Kevin, on the other hand, is absolutely right :D

[Ryan Scott]

I'm predicting a draw; I'd prefer 1-1, but I'll take 0-0.

[Jeff Scott]

I'm predicting a draw; I'd prefer 1-1, but I'll take 0-0.

Also a lot of flopping. These are two reasons Americans don't care much for football. But I think we pay attention to the World Cup a little bit more.

[Ryan Scott]

Also a lot of flopping. These are two reasons Americans don't care much for football. But I think we pay attention to the World Cup a little bit more.

The Brits don't flop - just the Italians and the Iberians.

[Steven Martinez]

The Brits don't flop - just the Italians and the Iberians.

Seriously get cable. Steven Gerrard is just as bad as Ronaldo. Here (http://www.youtube.com/v/1GKXAKQY-0Y)and Here (http://www.youtube.com/v/uVb2gbMtN3I)

[Steven Martinez]

The biggest problem with the USA is not the talent of the players but in the talent of the coaching. The US suffers from poor tactics. If Bradley believes he can advanced by cramming 5 guys in the mid-field then he is crazy. They should have done anything to get Klinsmann to coach the team. If the US wants to advance they need to play their strikers. I would play Altidore and Buddle along with Dempsey and Landi-Cakes in an attack friendly system like the Germans played in the last World Cup.

[Ian Gentles]

Got world cup mania here in Englands, flags everywhere, i feel too much hope. OK England got a strong squade, but see many others who can beat em. Be nice for South Africa to win.

[Ryan Scott]

The biggest problem with the USA is not the talent of the players but in the talent of the coaching. The US suffers from poor tactics. If Bradley believes he can advanced by cramming 5 guys in the mid-field then he is crazy. They should have done anything to get Klinsmann to coach the team. If the US wants to advance they need to play their strikers. I would play Altidore and Buddle along with Dempsey and Landi-Cakes in an attack friendly system like the Germans played in the last World Cup.


He's going to have to trust the central midfield one way or another. We don't have a good field general, but we have to play with what we've got. I agree - two strikers with donovan and dempsey on the wings is the right move. As always, the US fortune rests on the depth of the back line - I'm still not convinced. It would be nice to have that American guy who's playing for Slovakia.

[Jeff Scott]

The biggest problem with the USA is not the talent of the players but in the talent of the coaching. The US suffers from poor tactics. If Bradley believes he can advanced by cramming 5 guys in the mid-field then he is crazy. They should have done anything to get Klinsmann to coach the team. If the US wants to advance they need to play their strikers. I would play Altidore and Buddle along with Dempsey and Landi-Cakes in an attack friendly system like the Germans played in the last World Cup.


He's going to have to trust the central midfield one way or another. We don't have a good field general, but we have to play with what we've got. I agree - two strikers with donovan and dempsey on the wings is the right move. As always, the US fortune rests on the depth of the back line - I'm still not convinced. It would be nice to have that American guy who's playing for Slovakia.

I have NO idea what either of you are talking about.:smilies0717:

[Ryan Scott]

I'm predicting a draw; I'd prefer 1-1, but I'll take 0-0.

Looks like I got this one right.

I wonder if England will have a new Keeper for the next match?

[Greg Farra]

Looks like I got this one right.

I wonder if England will have a new Keeper for the next match?

That was pretty sloppy work by the keeper. My son played it for four years, and I never say a mistake like that one.

[Craig Laughlin]

The good news is England is getting better. Last time we met in World Cup they lost by one, tie this time. In another 60 years they might win! :tongue:

Okay kidding aside - Merry Christmas Team USA. :smilies0262:

[Wilson Deaton]

That was pretty sloppy work by the keeper. My son played it for four years, and I never say a mistake like that one.

I was a keeper in college (ONU). That mistake hurt me to just to watch. It also brought back some painful memories!

Wilson

[Billie Goodson]

That was pretty sloppy work by the keeper. My son played it for four years, and I never say a mistake like that one.

All of the mistakes must come in the fifth year... Mistakes of this caliber are not all that uncommon in sports -- think Buckner and Garo Yepremian (Miami Dolphins kicker that tossed the INT that let Washington score in Super Bowl VII). It was a horrible moment for Green and he made a great save in the second half to stone Altidore (albeit if the post had shuffled right a little, it would have been another goal....).


Got world cup mania here in Englands, flags everywhere, i feel too much hope. OK England got a strong squade, but see many others who can beat em. Be nice for South Africa to win.

Ian, I was glad to see all of the England flags draped from windows and flying on cars last week while in the UK. Thankfully, since the US was their first opponent, I got to at least catch some of the news about our national side as they covered it some on the TV there. I had to leave on Friday, but I would have loved to extend my stay a day so that I could have watched the game there! As it was, I missed the game because I was on another flight and OCONUS flights don't get internet or live TV... The good news, I did wake up at 3am here and was able to catch some of today's games.

[Ryan Scott]

One thing's for sure, the US has not played that well in a Cup game in my lifetime. They belonged on the field with England and weren't just holding their own. It's the first Cup game in which an awful sense of foreboding didn't hang over the whole match.

After watching the poor play from Slovenia and Algeria today, I have high hopes for the US squad. If they can win the group, it would mean a decent shot at the quarterfinals.

[Billie Goodson]

One thing's for sure, the US has not played that well in a Cup game in my lifetime. They belonged on the field with England and weren't just holding their own. It's the first Cup game in which an awful sense of foreboding didn't hang over the whole match.



I will definitely have to catch the replay. If the US played better than their defeat of favorite Portugal in 02, then that would really be impressive.

[Steven Martinez]

I will definitely have to catch the replay. If the US played better than their defeat of favorite Portugal in 02, then that would really be impressive.

That game was no where near the caliber of the 02 team. They played an injured English team who was missing their holding midfielder and central defender and the US only managed a couple of scoring chances. Also with the injuries, Capello played Gerrard and Lampart in the center together which has never worked for England and while Gerrard did score, Lampart was a non-factor as they working competing for space instead of playing off of each other. The game could easily have been 3-1. Bradley decided to not play his best combo and started a striker who did not even play in qualifying and held to his defensive tactics. I really do not know why the US team does not try to play an attack oriented system instead of this holding midfield style.

[Shea Zellweger]

That game was no where near the caliber of the 02 team. They played an injured English team who was missing their holding midfielder and central defender and the US only managed a couple of scoring chances. Also with the injuries, Capello played Gerrard and Lampart in the center together which has never worked for England and while Gerrard did score, Lampart was a non-factor as they working competing for space instead of playing off of each other. The game could easily have been 3-1. Bradley decided to not play his best combo and started a striker who did not even play in qualifying and held to his defensive tactics. I really do not know why the US team does not try to play an attack oriented system instead of this holding midfield style.

Let's be honest, the game could easily have been 3-0. The US' lone goal was far more luck than skill. I was an average goalie at best in high school, and I have made more difficult stops than that. I would equate the goal to a dropped pop-up in a baseball game- clearly the guy on the field is skilled enough to be there and the spectators likely are not, but a lot of people watching at home are pretty confident they could've made the catch/stop. Compare that to England's goal (in just the fourth minute) which demonstrated either the great skill of England, or the relative ineptitude of the US, or possibly both. The final box score leaves the teams equal, and no doubt the US will use the positive result as a springboard for further success within the group, but I think it was pretty clear which was the better team.

Then again... I agree that the US is not built to play the strategy they're utilizing, so perhaps rather than saying "better team," I should say "team with the better strategy."

[Shea Zellweger]

I will definitely have to catch the replay. If the US played better than their defeat of favorite Portugal in 02, then that would really be impressive.

I thought they played far better in the Portugal game.

[Billie Goodson]

I thought they played far better in the Portugal game.

Ryan had my hopes up...

Regarding the goal by the US and Green's inability to hold it -- even I could have saved that shot. Then again, I don't think his later save would have had the same result if I was between the pipes. Gaffes at this level of sports will continue to happen and everyone watching will continue to think they are more than capable of having performed better. That is why they show the games on TV so that all of us will realize just how good we could have been. Another own goal this AM in the game I was watching... Guess that is ok as long you aren't playing for a South American team...

[Ian Gentles]

England keeper scored your equaliser! :(
But good point to USA, well done.

[Ryan Scott]

OK, I'll be willing to amend the statement that it's the best this particular team has played in a Cup - since there are almost no holdovers left from '02.

I have not seen a US squad play at this level across the field for an entire game against a good opponent. I'm not saying the performance was good enough to win the games they need to win, but they looked like a real football team out there - the offense still needs work and the backline was scary as always, but they looked like they belonged on the field. Even against Portugal in '02, the team looked like a little brother getting lucky on one day.

The US squad has improved greatly over the last year or two. We're actually seeing them play that way in the World Cup - that's a huge step for the program.

[Billie Goodson]

OK, I'll be willing to amend the statement that it's the best this particular team has played in a Cup - since there are almost no holdovers left from '02.

Landon started the game but was replaced late by Joe Max Moore


I have not seen a US squad play at this level across the field for an entire game against a good opponent. I'm not saying the performance was good enough to win the games they need to win, but they looked like a real football team out there - the offense still needs work and the backline was scary as always, but they looked like they belonged on the field. Even against Portugal in '02, the team looked like a little brother getting lucky on one day.

The US squad has improved greatly over the last year or two. We're actually seeing them play that way in the World Cup - that's a huge step for the program.

Back when Arena was tapped to head the senior team, there was talk about 2010 being the year that the US would seriously compete. One thing about this team, there aren't any last minute citizens and there was legitimate gripes about eligibles that weren't selected. That is a huge step if you remember back to people like David Regis. We are starting to have a squad with players in the highest leagues (and getting game time). Not too long ago, even with his injuries and limited recovery time, Charlie Davies would have had to be on this squad. While I still would have loved to have seen him, I can't really fault Bradley for not tapping him.

My personal opinion is that we still need more strikers with serious overseas experience. I feel that the US youth system doesn't necessarily produce the most gifted strikers and I tend to place a significant amount of blame for that on the quality of our youth referees. Most of our officiating actually favors the defense and limits the creativity we need in our strikers. Like I said, a highly personal opinion.

[Ryan Scott]

We still lack a top tier striker - although Altidore can become one, perhaps. We're also still (!) short on top flight defenders. We've got five decent players this time around which is the most we've ever had on the back line. It is a vast improvement to have so many solid midfielders, though.

Watching some of these other matches, it's the first time there have been so many teams noticeably of lesser talent than the US. Perhaps we'll stop losing our best players to other countries now?

[Billie Goodson]

Perhaps we'll stop losing our best players to other countries now?

I am curious about the intent of this statement Ryan. I only know of a a very small number of players that would be eligible to suit up for USA that choose to play for other countries. There is/was one player on the Italian team that met the criteria and a Honduran that holds dual citizenship was chosen for the Honduran side in this Cup. On the whole, I don't know if there are a lot of players choosing other countries over USA but would be curious to hear if there are many examples.

The prospect of Altidore and Davies up front in 2014 is very exciting -- or what if there are better options? That thought is very exciting!

[Ian Gentles]

Today New Zealand played Checke republick, and were seen as no-hopers. They were one down, then scored a lovely equaliser in last minet of extra time, sensational!!

[Ryan Scott]

I am curious about the intent of this statement Ryan.


In the past, Brazilians played for other countries because they weren't good enough to make the Brazilian squad - US players went elsewhere because they were good enough to make another squad. We're starting to see things turn around here in the US - with players in both camps this times around. I was just commenting that we may stop losing our best players to other squads.

Neven Subotic is a defender with Serbia, who chose them over the US after a perceived slight for the U-17 team as a teenager. He'd be challenging for a starting spot on our current squad - a position at which we could use some more depth.

[Ian Gentles]

Another upset, Greece 2 Nigeria 1.
Argentina looking good.
So far its been an interesting World Cup.

[Shea Zellweger]

Mexico's just about through with France. South Africa will need Mexico to beat Uruguay pretty handily, and then defeat France by a couple of goals themselves if they want to have any hope of advancing.

[Ryan Plott]

I wish the US could get an apology for that offsides call on the go-ahead goal against Slovenia...

[Shea Zellweger]

I wish the US could get an apology for that offsides call on the go-ahead goal against Slovenia...

Which reminds me... does FIFA review bookings and sendings-off?

[Shea Zellweger]

The US, England, and Slovenia can all clinch berths in the round of 16 with wins. If the US wins and England and Slovenia tie, Slovenia and the US will advance. Algeria can still make it if they defeat the US and Slovenia bests England.

[Ryan Scott]

I wish the US could get an apology for that offsides call on the go-ahead goal against Slovenia...

It wasn't an offside call. The referee refused to explain what the call was, but it was a foul of some kind.

[Ian Gentles]

England 0 Algeria 0
Only one word sums up England in this game, "Pathetic". England played with no heart, no skill, no anything. Algeria were the better team.

[Ryan Scott]

England 0 Algeria 0
Only one word sums up England in this game, "Pathetic". England played with no heart, no skill, no anything. Algeria were the better team.

Algeria's keeper better have been man of the match. He kept them in it through the first half. He was always right where he was supposed be. I hope he's not quite so on form Wednesday or we're in trouble.

[Ian Gentles]

Algeria's keeper better have been man of the match. He kept them in it through the first half. He was always right where he was supposed be. I hope he's not quite so on form Wednesday or we're in trouble.

I didnt think he was all that good, but again he did keep a clean sheet.

[Shea Zellweger]

I didnt think he was all that good, but again he did keep a clean sheet.

I thought he made some great saves, but that's just me...

[Ryan Scott]

I didnt think he was all that good, but again he did keep a clean sheet.

Yeah. I'm not sure he's super talented, but he did everything right today. England could have easily scored six or seven today without his fine (lucky?) positioning.

[Ryan Plott]

It wasn't an offside call. The referee refused to explain what the call was, but it was a foul of some kind.

Right, I posted that shortly after the tie and the commentators were working under the idea it was an offsides call. If there was any foul it should have been called against Slovenia. There clearly was nothing the US team did wrong.

[Shea Zellweger]

The ref has not been given any games this round, and likely will not have any in the knockout round (saw that on ESPN).

[Ryan Scott]

He was the 4th official yesterday in one of the matches. So apparently they've let him stay.

[Shea Zellweger]

He was the 4th official yesterday in one of the matches. So apparently they've let him stay.

Those matches would have already been slated. http://g.sports.yahoo.com/soccer/world-cup/news/fifa-drops-referee-after-dropped-call--fbintl_ro-fifaref062110.html

[Ryan Scott]

US wins a squeaker and takes the group. England likely to get Germany in the next match.

[Ian Gentles]

Well done indeed USA, well done! :)
England today looked like a team that could win the World Cup, beating Slovenia 1-0, however it could have bean much more.

[Steven Martinez]

Just for the record, The US goal was scored using an attacking formation tactic with Buddle, Jozy, Dempsey and Landi-cakes. I think I should be the next USA coach. Why not use that starting four to begin with. Eventually you have o trust Howard and the back four if you want to make it far.

[Ryan Scott]

Eventually you have o trust Howard and the back four if you want to make it far.

Which is exactly why we've done poorly in the past. Until we get six solid defenders we're not going to win too many big games. Why can't the US produce central defenders? We've had one in the last decade who should be starting.

I like what Buddle brought to the table - I expect him to start against Ghana. I do have to say that, the only reason that goal looked so easy is because of how many players Algeria sent forward. It was a textbook counter attack.

[Billie Goodson]

I like what Buddle brought to the table - I expect him to start against Ghana. I do have to say that, the only reason that goal looked so easy is because of how many players Algeria sent forward. It was a textbook counter attack.

I read an article that said 12 seconds from Howard to the net -- clearly an effective counter-attack. It was made possible by the fact that Algeria had pushed so aggressively for the goal. The strategy employed by the US in the last minutes was clearly focused on a score or go home philosophy. Playing that style for an entire game would probably yield a 4/5-0 result against a quality team...and not in the US favor.

[Ryan Scott]

Yeah. Ghana is so fast and willing to take chances. This should be nerve-wracking to say the least.

[Kevin Rector]

What time is the game against Ghana Central Time? Is it going to be on ESPN, ABC, where?

[Ryan Scott]

ABC - coverage at 2:00 eastern, game should start about 2:30 Eastern.

[Kevin Rector]

Well, Ian... I hope your team has better luck against Germany! See you in 2014.

[Steven Martinez]

I like what Buddle brought to the table - I expect him to start against Ghana. I do have to say that, the only reason that goal looked so easy is because of how many players Algeria sent forward. It was a textbook counter attack.

This is why the US is hopeless. Does Buddle even sniff the pitch? Nope. As long as the US settles for lack luster coaching then there will not be a development of a quality squad. As long as Bradley desires to use MLSers over those who start for UEFA clubs, then what can be expected? Even if you have to chose a guy from MLS, why not start the guy who leads the league in goals? Fire Bradley today and give Klinsmann what ever he asks and the US might have a chance.

[Ian Gentles]

Germany 4 England 1
OK England scores a good goal that was dissalowed even though it was two feet over the line.
Lets be honest, England were total rubbish and could have lost 8-1. I honestly havent seen such a pathetic international team. Defence was totaly rubbish, rest of team, accept for goal keeper, were little better.
Round here it gone real quiet.
I beleive Netherlands will win World Cup now.

[Billie Goodson]

As long as Bradley desires to use MLSers over those who start for UEFA clubs, then what can be expected? Even if you have to chose a guy from MLS, why not start the guy who leads the league in goals?

Which UEFA starters would you have picked over the MLS players that started. The MLS list would be:

Landon Donovan (Galaxy)
Jonathan BORNSTEIN (Chivas)
Robbie FINDLEY (RSL)

One nomination I would put up to have not started is Ricardo Clark, however, he is not an MLS'er but plays in Germany which would make him a UEFA-based player.

Suggesting Buddle because he is the leading scorer in what you seem to be hinting is an inferior league seems odd.

Personally, I would have liked to have seen Holden get some time on the pitch. I think he is one of a crop of exciting players that will be in the future of US soccer. I also think one of our best forwards was not on the roster because of injury (Davies).

Perhaps Klinsman would be a better coaching option for the US. It would be interesting to know more about why he couldn't come to terms when he was considered before Bradley.

The one thing I think you have to lay at Bradley's feet right now is the start of the matches for the US. There is some issue when ever game the team comes out flat and not prepared. Either Bradley is the problem or he is unable to fix the problem, either way, if the coach can't identify it/fix it, then you need a different coach. Every team has those slow start days, we seem to be having an epidemic of them and at the WC level, it can't be excused.

[Ryan Scott]

Klinnsman wanted to be based in Europe, even though he's got a house and kids in California. I know that was one of the sticking points.

Honestly, I think Bradley's a fine coach. Unless you find a truly exceptional match (like Argentina seems to have done in Maradonna) who can get through to the players on a different level, I'm not sure how much difference the coaching makes.

Obviously we all would have liked to see Bradley release a few more midfielders into the attack, but you can't really blame him for playing it safe with the atrocious back line we throw out there. He never should have pulled Edu for Clark; it cost us a goal and momentum, but I can't say it cost us the match.

If Bradley wants to stay, I'd let him stay. We've improved dramatically over four years ago and we've put more pieces in place than we had previously. As for his penchant for overemphasizing MLS players, I think that comes from above him at the USSF more than it does from his own preferences.

Regardless of who our coach is, we're not going to get passed the round of 16 without a defense. That rests in the club coaches and development coaches of our young players, not in the hands of the national team coach.

[Steven Martinez]

Which UEFA starters would you have picked over the MLS players that started. The MLS list would be:

Landon Donovan (Galaxy)
Jonathan BORNSTEIN (Chivas)
Robbie FINDLEY (RSL)


You really need to look at where these guys have been playing. Ricardo Clark has only 3 caps in Germany (all in 2010), Holden only has 2 caps in England (all in 2010). The point being that the two positions on the pitch where the team truly struggled Bradley decided to start a MLSer (Clark and Findley) over players with better experience in the world wide stage. Findley has yet to score a national team goal (9 caps) while Buddle (the leading MLS scorer) has 2 in 5 caps and Gomez (who plays on Mexico) also has 2 goals in 7 caps. As far as Clark, why not start Beasley?

[Ryan Plott]

Has any conversation been started with FIFA about revisions to their rules regarding instant replay and officiating errors? If not it needs too. Officiating tended to be bad at critical times in this World Cup.

[Ryan Plott]

Germany 4 England 1
OK England scores a good goal that was dissalowed even though it was two feet over the line.
Lets be honest, England were total rubbish and could have lost 8-1. I honestly havent seen such a pathetic international team. Defence was totaly rubbish, rest of team, accept for goal keeper, were little better.
Round here it gone real quiet.
I beleive Netherlands will win World Cup now.

I think if they were allowed that goal it would have been a huge momentum shift. They seemed to just deflate after that disallowed goal. FIFA has some work to do with their officials.

[Shea Zellweger]

Has any conversation been started with FIFA about revisions to their rules regarding instant replay and officiating errors? If not it needs too. Officiating tended to be bad at critical times in this World Cup.

Given FIFA's hardline stance against instant replay, I don't know if that's a discussion worth having :).

[Ryan Scott]

Sepp Blatter (FIFA President) was in attendance for both games and has now said publicly that the use of technology will be back on the table. He said it wasn't necessary for the offsides call - that was just something top flight officials need to catch. I suspect what he means is using the goal line technology to know automatically if a ball crossed into the goal.

I think even if they added two more linesmen, so each only had to worry about half the pitch, it would be an improvement.

[Ryan Plott]

Sepp Blatter (FIFA President) was in attendance for both games and has now said publicly that the use of technology will be back on the table. He said it wasn't necessary for the offsides call - that was just something top flight officials need to catch. I suspect what he means is using the goal line technology to know automatically if a ball crossed into the goal.

I think even if they added two more linesmen, so each only had to worry about half the pitch, it would be an improvement.

What I think is funny is that they'll be turning off the jumbo tron in the stadium so fans can't see the instant replay. Is that a cop out or what?:tongue:

[Shea Zellweger]

Sepp Blatter (FIFA President) was in attendance for both games and has now said publicly that the use of technology will be back on the table. He said it wasn't necessary for the offsides call - that was just something top flight officials need to catch. I suspect what he means is using the goal line technology to know automatically if a ball crossed into the goal.

I think even if they added two more linesmen, so each only had to worry about half the pitch, it would be an improvement.

If the "technology" were only for goal-line calls, which is all I've heard, wouldn't it make more sense to have referees assigned to watch the goals? Then they would be able to maintain the "human element" while still getting those crucial calls correct.

[Ryan Scott]

If the "technology" were only for goal-line calls, which is all I've heard, wouldn't it make more sense to have referees assigned to watch the goals? Then they would be able to maintain the "human element" while still getting those crucial calls correct.

Well, I suppose a ref behind the goal could have caught the Lampard goal, but there are a lot of disallowed goals that, upon review, should have counted, but only by inches. I'm not sure any angle makes those tight calls easier. If we're adding two more officials, I'd like to see them on the sidelines so they're always in a better position for offsides and to see fouls away from the ball.

[Shea Zellweger]

Well, I suppose a ref behind the goal could have caught the Lampard goal, but there are a lot of disallowed goals that, upon review, should have counted, but only by inches. I'm not sure any angle makes those tight calls easier. If we're adding two more officials, I'd like to see them on the sidelines so they're always in a better position for offsides and to see fouls away from the ball.

I can understand that view, but given Blatter's comments about how the "human element" and ensuing controversies are good for the game of Football in terms of appeal and attention, I'd think goal-line refs would be a good compromise in allowing human error without missing those most crucial calls.

[Ian Gentles]

FIFA have apologised to England for bad decission dissalowing goal. They also said sorry to Mexico for a bad decision in their game. Seems FIFA are having a complete turn around on matter bad decisions.

[John Brickley]

Regardless of who our coach is, we're not going to get passed the round of 16 without a defense. That rests in the club coaches and development coaches of our young players, not in the hands of the national team coach.

I agree 100% but I would also add that the United States players lack greatly in technical skills. Look how often after the first touch on a pass they had to chase down the ball. Their feet are hard and they do not receive passes well. So often they lost possession in the mid-field because the receiving player did not receive a fine pass well. They also lack the creativity to break down defensive players one on one and create space for their teammates. As much as we praise Donovan and Dempsy they really are just average players in the global scheme of things. The reason why USA got as far as it did was because they are very athletic and they do not quit, but they lack great skill. Just compare how US players receive passes to say, Argentina or Spain, it is completely different and because of that they (Argentina or Spain) are able to control the game.

Now I realize that their game is much more like the English game that emphasizes long passing and quick touches as opposed to controlling midfield play ala Spain, Portugal, and Argentina, but they still need players that when they get around the penalty area can break down defenses and create space. So long as we lack that (and a good defense) we will probably never get beyond where we are right now. Athleticism can only take you so far in football (usually about to the edge of the penalty area), it is skill that takes you from there to the goal.

[Ryan Scott]

I can understand that view, but given Blatter's comments about how the "human element" and ensuing controversies are good for the game of Football in terms of appeal and attention, I'd think goal-line refs would be a good compromise in allowing human error without missing those most crucial calls.

I just think a well-placed linesman has a better angle on more calls than someone behind the net.

[Billie Goodson]

You really need to look at where these guys have been playing. Ricardo Clark has only 3 caps in Germany (all in 2010), Holden only has 2 caps in England (all in 2010). The point being that the two positions on the pitch where the team truly struggled Bradley decided to start a MLSer (Clark and Findley) over players with better experience in the world wide stage. Findley has yet to score a national team goal (9 caps) while Buddle (the leading MLS scorer) has 2 in 5 caps and Gomez (who plays on Mexico) also has 2 goals in 7 caps. As far as Clark, why not start Beasley?

I don't disagree with the Buddle/Gomez discussion...just the discussion seemed to be at odds with itself the way I read it.

In regards to MLS, it is what it is. American arrogance/naivety is what makes people think it should be a top flight league. At the same time, it is responsible in large part for the progress of US soccer. Players get noticed in MLS -- like Holden/Dempsey/Donovan (who is actually UEFA-based because he was "loaned to MLS years ago") -- even Howard. The debate will always hinge around should a player stay in MLS and get game time or go to top leagues and sit. It is more important around the WC than in the intervening time. The year before and the year of...players need pitch time. In the early qualification time there are enough matches for coaches to get plenty of looks.