Pride
I have never been so proud of our US Mens National Team! In a situation in which they had to get a result, under tremendous pressure, against one of the best teams in the world, and, as it turns out, with the odds stacked incredibly against them... they held together. They played their guts out and held off Italy for a draw! With nine fucking men! No one can ever say this team has no heart. After suffering that embarrassing defeat against the Czech Republic, these guys came out to show they were here to play. And, even when the referee tried to take the game away from them by sending off Mastroeni and Pope, they didn't flinch. They dug in their heels and even created some memorable chances on goal. No matter what happens from here on out, this team has made its name in the World Cup. They've shown the world what the US is made of, that we can play, that we have heart and guts and courage and aren't afraid of anyone! Good on ya, lads! U-S-Fucking-A!!(cross-posted to http://johnnylounge.blogspot.com)
posted by ze roberto @ 6/17/2006 05:20:00 PM
7 comments
7 Comments:
I'm also very proud of the US team's show of force Saturday, but I have to say, Beasley might as well pack his bags and head on back home. As the only fresh pair of legs in the second half, and followng a stern lecture from Arena for not giving enough in the game against C.R., with a wide field and eight exhausted (rightlfully so) teammates, Beasley disgraced his jersey with his half-assed playing. When I see that lack of support for the team, especially when players like McBride are taking every chance to make something happen, I'm frankly surprised there hasn't been a mutiny among the players to see him benched for the rest of the tourney.
Has Beez really played that badly, as compared to Reyna or Mastroeni? I think the only players that have played well are Keller, Donovan, and Onyewu... so far. We need a major and impressive effort against Ghana, and some good luck with Italy against Czech Republic.
GO USA!
Here's a little post game 1 commentary regarding US play (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=370949&root=worldcup&cc=5901), particularly that of Beasley and Donovan. I fully expected Beasley to redeem himself against Italy, having been benched for the first half for disciplinary purposes. At 24 years old, a full ten years younger than the injured McBride, Beasley should have had smoke trails behind him from chasing balls and setting up plays. So yes, I do believe Bealey has distinguished himself well above the lackluster playing of Reyna and Mastroeni as the most hype/least heart player thus far. Hopefully his teammates will shake his cage for the Ghana game.
I agree wholeheartedly with your assessment of Beasley's play, Todd. As the player with the freshest legs, he should have been all over the ball against Italy. But, he showed the same uninspired effort he put forth against the Czechs. Frankly, I don't understand why Arena put him in. He's got several hard-working, hard-nosed midfielders on his bench who would have absolutely played their hearts out if given the chance. I know Beasley has speed, but speed is irrelevant if you're watching the ball and not running at it.
On another note, I really liked Arena's insertion of Dempsey into the starting 11. I know he's kind of hot/cold, but he showed some real flash and willingness to run at defenders.
Against Ghana, the US will have to come out strong like they did against Italy. I liked their physical play (despite the cards) and I think they'll get the same back from Ghana.
I have to agree with both Todd and Rob. Beasley acted as if HE was one of the guys who had been on the pitch for 60+ minutes, two men down. I thought he would start flying around the open space, but he ran as little as the guys who were out of gas. Donovan's play wasn't that hot either, although he at least had the excuse of being tired. Keller, Onyewu and Dempsey were the guys I'd congratulate. Mastroeni wasn't playing bad until he got the questionable red for the bad tackle.
Note to those who heard me bitching about Arena not putting Johnson in with his third (unused) sub: Julie Foudy and Eric Wynalda also said they were throwing crap at the TV yelling at Arean to bring in Johnson with his third sub.
How the heck do you not bring in SOMEBODY with fresh legs when your guys have played almost an entire half 2 men down?? I don't care how crappy that person will be, he's better than someone who can barely move. Throw the poor guys out there a bone, Bruce!!
Just in case they have not covered it on ESPN[2], here is my "expert" analysis on how the US can get through to the next phase.
I'll be wearing an Italy jersey Thursday night, for sure!
Well so much for the US and World Cup 2006. Only one goal (I'm not counting the Italian self goal) and a poor showing by the big stars of the team. Oh well, at least we have Olympic Basketball to be proud of . . . ah, nevermind. When I see a team like Ghana, who fully deserves credit for their win today, beat our team in their first year of World Cup play, I can't help but question the work ethic of our athletes as it compares to athletes of other countries. A very poor showing by Donovan today, especially on the direct kick in the 80th minute that flew over the field.
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