Wohin? (Thoughts on the USA team future)
After a truly disappointing showing in the 2006 World Cup, the US team will need some changes. Their final game against Ghana that resulted in a 2-1 tie was a perfect example of what went wrong for the American side in this tournament. First, the offensive punch just wasn't there. Landon Donovan simply didn't show and Damarcus Beasley had a lacklustre performance. The team occasionally showed some rumblings on the front line but the team formation (4-5-1) just didn't seem conducive to creating enough chances. The US got off to a horrible start in their 3-0 opening loss to the Czech Republic in a tough group that was entirely the fault of the US side (and to the credit of the Czechs). After that, their lack of offensive punch combined with some very questionable officiating v. Italy and v. Ghana just further complicated things for the Americans. Bruce Arena, knowing that he needed a win, made a managing error in not going with a more offensive-minded lineup and strategy against Ghana.
The highlights on the American side were the clutch play by Kasey Keller and the Clint Dempsey. Brian McBride also proved to be, once again, the biggest aerial offensive threats for the Americans. McBride and Keller probably won't be on the next World Cup team and the young talent (including, of course, Freddy Adu) on the US team looks promising. A key for the US team will be getting more players, especially offensive players, up to a level such that they can be competitive in Europe. The European leagues are where the majority of the best players play and, until the US can get at least a few players productive on on top European teams, they will always be a lower mid-level team. The MLS is decent enough competition for the majority of players but the stars need to be big names in Europe. Should Bruce Arena give up the reigns? The results in this World Cup weren't entirely his fault. But the decision to stay or go should be up to Mr. Arena. He's a good enough manager to know when he is unable to get results out of his squad and US Soccer needs to have faith that he will give up the manager position if this is the case. The future looks bright for US Soccer but the pace of improvement might still be frustratingly slow for all but the truest fans.
The highlights on the American side were the clutch play by Kasey Keller and the Clint Dempsey. Brian McBride also proved to be, once again, the biggest aerial offensive threats for the Americans. McBride and Keller probably won't be on the next World Cup team and the young talent (including, of course, Freddy Adu) on the US team looks promising. A key for the US team will be getting more players, especially offensive players, up to a level such that they can be competitive in Europe. The European leagues are where the majority of the best players play and, until the US can get at least a few players productive on on top European teams, they will always be a lower mid-level team. The MLS is decent enough competition for the majority of players but the stars need to be big names in Europe. Should Bruce Arena give up the reigns? The results in this World Cup weren't entirely his fault. But the decision to stay or go should be up to Mr. Arena. He's a good enough manager to know when he is unable to get results out of his squad and US Soccer needs to have faith that he will give up the manager position if this is the case. The future looks bright for US Soccer but the pace of improvement might still be frustratingly slow for all but the truest fans.
posted by STB at
10:44 PM
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