Sigi Schmidt must be pretty confident, he's started quite a few different players; Barrett, Adu, Spector and Gaven are on subs bench, Wynne is available - has a slight hammy. For those of you who watch, or watched, this match.. what are your impressions?
I do not know what the draw will look like, but I am confident the US team will make it to the semi-finals at the least. This team is good and can play with the best of them in the world. I did not watch today's match as it was a little too early for me. Getting up at 6:30AM on Saturday is reserved for only Fulham matches!!!
Lights out for the USA in the Round of 16. Italy thumps the US 3-1. After leading 1-0 at halftime, the US must have fallen apart giving up three second half goals. I must say this is a disappointment after winning their group and showing a lot of promise in doing so. While I did not watch the game, it seems as though the US did not have the offensive firepower to score a lot of goals. Obviously the defense let them down today as well. When you have an average offense and you rely on your defense like the US has in this tournament, you are asking for trouble. Trouble came in the form of Italy today.
I didnt get a chance to watch it, either as a family occasion came up... but the game was evidently a reminder of how things happen in soccer as well as life. To go into a game unscored on for 320 some minutes... then allow 3 goals! WellI did get to see two of the games and, despite the loss, I am heartened by how the US played against the best in the world. The type and style of play, indeed -sadly- more technical and proficient than is seen in many professional matches, shows how the US program has matured. Marc Connelly has a good writeup on MlSNet Now, Sigi... Call Hunt Sports, please... we need you in Columbus!
