From Gerrard's goal, to Slovenia, to Ghana, our defense was just not up to par for this World Cup. Algeria was an exception - Algeria didn't even score a goal the entire tournament, so we got away against them. I think the game against Spain last year in the Confederations Cup was an anomoly. The Spain game was the first time our defense looked world class. Regardless, I'm proud of our boys. We didn't keel over like in 2006. It may take us more than 20 years to develop the calibre of players capable of winning a World Cup, but US Soccer and MLS are headed in a positive direction and we will have the best players in the world one day.
Looking at our defensive roster for the World Cup, we simply have very mediocre defenders overall. None of our defenders are elite world class defenders. There will come a day though when we produce top class defenders but today is not the day.
I think we all knew our back line was iffy but capable and would need help. I was hoping that the back four would solidify and play above themselves this world cup but it wasn't meant to be. Given our lack of confidence in the back four I hoped to see more in the way of team defense, ie midfielders helping out. But as is always the case with us old defenders, the midfield never does enough to drop back and help since they've got scoring on their mind. Too often in transition, I'd look up and see four defenders trying to stem the tide, and unmarked opponents in the midfield trailing the play with nary a midfielder to mark them. Not to mention, it's hard to play defense when you *must* score a goal. While our back four didn't shine, they did okay - but you're right, I felt our team defense stunk overall. We missed out on a golden opportunity this cup had we been able to rise and take advantage of it. Oh well...