Olsen's chances for Germany '06

[NicktheGreek]

Coming on as a late sub in the 74th minute, and rated a 3 by Soccer America just couldn't have helped Ben's chances for making the final squad. (The rating isn't the kiss of death only 2 players rated 5s and most were 3s)Anyone see him play v Germany or have an idea where he stands with Arena at this point?

[JoeSoccerFan]

Germany is not going to be the final determination for Ben. BA has seen Ben play for many years and knows what he can do.

It really depends upon who is healthy. If JOB looks good, Pablo, Reyna, Dempsey - all of these can play the "armas" defensive midfield role. BA is not bringing Ben for a wing mf or outside mf - Ben doesn't have the wheels anymore.

Ben brings a determination and a leadership quality that is valuable - it just depends upon the mix.

While I'm sure that Ben would like to go, I prefer that he stays with DCU - because I don't think that Ben's role is crucial on the USMNT.

[DoctorD]

True JSF, but he looked really bad out there and could arguably be held responsible for Ballack's goal.

[GoDC]

His chances were slim even if he scored a hat trick against Germany.

Reyna
Donovan
Beasley
Mastroeni
Convey
Dempsey
O'Brien (?)
Lewis (defender maybe)

at least are ahead of him and you would think Zavagnin and Noonan are also ahead of Ben. I wish things were different for his sake but I don't see him going.

[DutchFootballRulez]

If Ben doesn't go this time, assuming he's still playing and Arena is still coaching, he'll go in 2010.

[thedeuce_2]

I still have faith. I think his experience and charisma as a leader could land him a spot on the squad. As much as we'd miss him during the season, few deserve this oppurtunity more than Ben does. I think it would be great to see him at the World Cup, even as a little used reserve.

If JOB is still iffy and Lewis is moved into the LB role (both highly possible) I think Ben would beat out Zavagnin and Noonan for the spot. But that's a very biased opinion.

[DutchFootballRulez]

I think if Noonan goes, he'll be a wing player. So theoretically, Arena needs 4 wing players (Beasely, Convey, Dempsey, Noonan) and 4 central players (Reyna, JOB, Mastroeni, Zavagnin or Olsen)

[GoDC]

I think if Noonan goes, he'll be a wing player. So theoretically, Arena needs 4 wing players (Beasely, Convey, Dempsey, Noonan) and 4 central players (Reyna, JOB, Mastroeni, Zavagnin or Olsen)

With Donovan and Lewis being able to play midfield I see an extra defender going and netiher Zavagnin nor Olsen.

[Sundevil9]

With Donovan and Lewis being able to play midfield I see an extra defender going and netiher Zavagnin nor Olsen.

'Cept that Bruce (like most other coaches) doesn't tinker with a defense that's working. He'd add defensive components to the midfield in order to keep pressure off of the backline.

I don't see Zavagnin as a 'shut down the game' type player, but Ben has that potential to help ice down a game.

[ursula]

If Ben doesn't go this time, assuming he's still playing and Arena is still coaching, he'll go in 2010.

Either that or 2014. If not then, 2018, maybe 2022.


He'll be a great color commentator.

[DCSharksFC]

Either that or 2014. If not then, 2018, maybe 2022.


He'll be a great color commentator.


dunt kno about u, but i'd be ticked if i was doing commentary for a world cup, knowing i missed out playing a previous one b/c i came on as a late sub in some pre-world cup friendlies

[sch2383]

I'd rank Benny ahread of Zavagnin, who just doesn't seem up to playing at that level. I think he goes if Masteroni can't.

[Hedbal]

One way to think about the difference between Olsen and Zav is that Olsen can't go at a high level of intensity for 90 minutes and Zavagnin probably can. If you are just talking about bringing in a D-Mid/Holding Mid to kill off the last 20 minutes of a game, Ben's your man. But if, God help us, the player has to start, then Zav has the edge, IMHO.

Frankly, I don't expect either to go. In addition to the usual d-mid suspects, there are plenty of two-way players in the mix who could fill in adequately (Reyna; JOB; Dempsey). I think Bruce will take Noonan, because he can hold the ball and maintain possession, even though he is an outside player.

[Frog Boy]

I really hope Bennie goes, he has been working his arse off. I may be a little biased here but I think he will make it.

The rumor is that he won't shave unitl he makes it onto the WC squad.

[jason1551]

I really hope Bennie goes, he has been working his arse off. I may be a little biased here but I think he will make it.

The rumor is that he won't shave unitl he makes it onto the WC squad.
http://www.geocities.com/tomhanks00/31.jpg

[uniteo]

Well I think Zavagning and Klein are giving Ben his shot by not playing well against Poland and Germany. But it's all moot if O'Brien is healthy.

[Jose L. Couso]

Klein cannot play at this level.

Zavagnin made a critical mistake early in the second half which lead to the goal. His play in the second half was subpar (as has his game with the Nats of late).

Ben Olsen came in late and did not make any blunders. He did foul Nouville, helped him up and did not back down when Ballack came up to him complaining and challenging him. Ben has grit, something that a lot of the present National team players lack (Pope & Onyewu excepted, Hedjuk & Gibbs have a little of it).

[nick]

As much as I like Ben, I just don't see him having any chance on getting to Germany except through some massive injury situation.

The Germany game demonstrated quite clearly that the US's pool of international caliber players though strong is pretty shallow. We have some great players but past that intial group of 20 to 25 the drop off is pretty wide.

MLS is steadily improving but it needs to move up and entire level to bring it to the point of producing a much wider group of 1st class players.

[Cweedchop]

Slim and none.


Slim left the building a few months ago.

As stated numerous times, he's simply caught in a numbers crunch. I have no doubt that mentally he is exactly what Bruce Arena is looking for, but I just think his position is too deep with talent ahead of him, albeit injured talent at the moment.

[Lowecifer]

Zavagnin has displayed that he does not belong at the international level. Klein is a continuing Olympic Development wet dream, which means he's useless. Benny is golden unless JOB can prove he is not comprised of glass.