Back and Better than Ever (Unlike USA B)

Yes, I am back to post about some things football. The second claim may be something of an exageration. I don't really have any excuse for my long absence. It's not as though the football world stops turning for even a minute. I've just been busy and somewhat less than inspired by goings-on. I am, dare I say it, awaiting the return of our beloved MLS. What?! you say. You are not overcome with awe by the drama of the climax of the European season? No. It's been hideously dull. And Fah! I say to you. False fan! If you truly cared about football you would be eagerly supporting our own league and players and bursting with anticipation at their return nine days hence. Which isn't to say that don't still watch the European game (and I still support Chelsea). But enough.

I was finally awoken from my stupor by yesterday's 1-4 loss to Germany in Dortmund. That score really doesn't look good for the USA. It also is even more meaningless than Germany's 1-4 loss to Italy at the beginning of the month. Here, at least, we can say that we fielded a substantially weakened side against what really is about the best side the Germans can put out there at the moment. That doesn't really excuse the result, and there are a lot of things about which we should worry. No one who claims to be an able professional should show such lack of awareness on the pitch against anyone as some of our defenders did between the 70th and 80th minutes. At least no one knocked it into our own net this time (Jeff, I'm looking your way). On the international pitch, or any football pitch, the game requires 90 minutes of concentration. 90 minutes really isn't that long a time. It's only about as long as the average college class... Ah... now I see a connection. We need to only field players who haven't been ruined by college ball. Damn you higher education! Acclimating our young men to late-in-the-period naps. Whoever we field at the World Cup has to be prepared and accustomed to playing for the full 90. Just that alone can bring unexpected results. Ireland, for example, have made it into an art.

Concentration issues aside, there really wasn't anyone on the USA who gave a complete performance. But that isn't to say that there isn't any good to take from this game. there were times when the USA moved the ball well against the Germans and we created at least 3 really good scoring opportunities. That without Donovan, Reyna, Beasley or McBride. Controling play and creating legitimate offensive opportunities against quality opposition has traditionally been another problem for the US. Admittedly, this may say more about the weakness of Germany's defense than anytihng else, but it's something we can take away from this game.

All in all, this really wasn't such a horrible result. The Nats have been coasting this year and really needed a difficult result. This also gives Bruce a better idea of which second tier players are really going to be ready for the World Cup. In addition, this may help us out by leading our group opponents to underestimate our team even more severely. We may know that this was a B team, but to an Italian, American players are distinguish only because they wear different numbers. I would actually be a lot more worried if I were Klinsmann right now. The score looked good for them, but it is likely to give them a little too much confidence and it was clear that they have done little to fix their defensive frailties. But only time will tell.