The USA's run is over. The first group victory in 80 years and matching up well against all competition in their bracket doesn't matter now. Just like in 2006 Ghana has ended the US's run yet again.
It took overtime to do but the same problems that have plagued the US in international competition in the past came back to bite them. They gave up a goal early both in regulation and in overtime and that is what ended up costing them the game.
There are really only a few things to say. I thought the US played well in the tourney but has showed they still have a lot of catching up to do with the rest of the world. The US has showed they can compete but they are still a ways away from contending for the Cup.
I will also say something about Landon Donovon. There have been a lot of Donovon haters out there (The Jeff Report included) over the last 4 years. Donovon was given most of the blame for the US's no-show in Germany in 2006. People have been hating on him ever since. However, people should hate no more. Donovon played extremely well in this version of the tourney. Donovon scored three goals and rescued the US from certain doom 3 straight games. He sparked the Slovenia comeback, won the Algeria game with a goal in stoppage time and almost saved the Ghana game with a PK in the second half. The man who is supposed to be the face of American soccer showed why. He came up big time in multiple games and showed he can play with elite worldwide competition. This may have been his last chance at a World Cup, but he can't be blamed for the US going home after the round of 16.
No comments:
Post a Comment