Howard - 7 A "quiet" game, in control of himself and his defenders, great outlet passes in the last minutes! Bornstein - 7 No major mistakes and solid defensive game Boca - 7 DeMerit - 7.5 Cherundolo - 6.5 Fatigue may be a factor going forward Edu - 6 good but not the force we might have expected Bradley - 7.5 Gomez - 6 Donovan - 6 Dempsey - 7 Altidore - 7.5 Impressive all-around game, keeping injury free will be key as his career goes forward, don't like all the knocks he takes subs: Feilhaber - 6.5 some questionable decision making Buddle - 6 needs more experience at this level
Erm... we don't know the opponent yet. But do you actually want to see Tagoe, Krasic or Mueller bearing down on him 8-12 times? I don't.
Howard -- 8 Can't give him less than 7 given the clean sheet, but he didn't have much to do. After I criticized him for punting the ball away in earlier games, he gets a point for the gorgeous throw that started our goal scoring. Try that more often! Bornstein -- 7 He was fine though I was not happy to see his name in the lineup. His recovery speed bailed us out against Algeria's pace. Boca -- 7 Did well. composed. Demerit -- 8 He was the defensive MOTM after his initial gaffe. Thank you, Mr. Crossbar. Next round's on me. Nice to see many of his clearing headers targeting a US player. Cherundolo -- 8 Algeria's left side was their strength, but it didn't show today. Some of that was Belhadj staying back to help with Donovan. A lot of it was Steve C except for that one heart-stopping missed clearance. Bradley -- 9 MOTM. In the first half, we were having issues with spacing between the defense and the midfield, but those got sorted out. He was the kind of composed it's great to see on a US team. Edu -- 7.5 He was the right choice and did a great job breaking up the Algerian attacks. His distribution was not good. Dempsey -- 8 A real handful for the Algerians. Worked his butt off, scored and was involved in the goal on the scoresheet. While his shot on his rebound off the post wasn't good, at least, he attacked the rebound. There were questions about the keeper's hands yet, several times, he made saves with no one attacking for the rebound. Donovan -- 8.5 Kept the left side of the Algerian attack quiet by just being there and playing hard. Great job staying calm on the finish. Altidore -- 8 A beast. He really channeled Hesky today with, unfortunately, the finishing as well as the hold up play. Gomez -- 6 OK, but, as others have said, subbing him in and starting Buddle might be a better option. Feilhaber -- 8 He was a great presence out there. If he can maintain this attitude and energy, his skills and calm on the ball are great. Buddle -- 6 I wanted him to take Jozy's shot in the first half. Not the kind he pummels over the bar. However, he didn't really get into the flow. Don't know his play well enough to know about the comment that he doesn't sub well. Beasley -- NR He seemed to do fine, but a yellow in his minutes is all that I really noticed. Coaching -- 8.5 BB made tough calls in his initial lineup sitting Gooch and starting Gomez. He subbed early and, given who was on the bench, made good choices. Would like to have seen Holden, but can't argue with the impact the subs made.
Just to prove how these things can be subjective: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/20...eve_davis/06/23/us.algeria.ratings/index.html Wow, this guy... I don't think Steve Davis understands how player ratings work in soccer. I thought Bradley was maybe our best player. I thought Donovan was at about a 6 before the goal (so that bumps him up to 8?). And as already chronicled, I thought Bornstein was a 7. Even Davis basically said that he was solid and reliable at the back, but that he didn't make a gamechanging contribution at the offensive end .. but then says that that was probably smart. ? Seems to me like Bornstein did exactly what was asked of him.
If I were davis, I would put LD at 7 (with a 6 before the goal) and given MB an 8. I do agree with Cherundolo receiving an 8. That guy has been the most consistent Yank in this entire tournament.
Howard - 6 Did everything right and world class distribution. Bornstein - 5 Didn't fail at the wrong moment, therefore best game in ages Bocanegra - 6 Solid DeMerit - 6 Solid, except.... Cherundolo - 6.5 Continuing to be really reliable Edu - 5.5 Distribution suspect Bradley - 7 Continuing to show his strength Donovan - 7 Needs to be given the ball more, but it is hard to play to his strengths when the game is not moving fast. Dempsey - 6.5 Worked tirelessly for the ball Altidore - 6.5 Hold up play was excellent Gomez - 5.5 OK, but not up to the level of the other attackers Feilhaber - 5.5 some good, some poor Beasley - NR . Buddle - NR
Howard 7, Great to know you are back there Tim. Bocanegra 7.5 Our captain did well Demerit 6.5 Early bad decision nearly cost us Bornstein 6.5 Did fine defensively wanted him to get forward more Cherundolo 7.5 having a great Cup Bradley 8.0 he is the little train that could Edu 6.0 seems a bit hurried in possession Dempsey 7.0 Took one on the nose for the team Donovan 9.0 Stepped up big time for all of us Altidore 7.0 Stick those chances kid, the world will be your oyster. Herc 6.0 took some chances, I thought Findley (yes) offered more for us. Feilhaber 7.5 he had some classy touches and passes, made a difference Buddle 5.0 coughed the ball up nearly every time Beasley 6.0 smart play added attack we needed
I agree with Bornstein not being good in this game. He was especially bad when the ball was in the air. Too unsure of himself on the ball as well.
DeMerit and Bradley were amazing IMO. Even though DeMerit had a slip at the start, after he was the most solid US defender and Gooch was not missed thanks to him. 8/10 Jozy and Dolo were great. Dolo is right now the most consistent US player. 7.5/10 Donovan and Dempsey did what they were supposed to do, and both had to deal with the most marking. Dempsey had chances, and Donovan was providing would-be assists. 7/10 Same with Timmy, he was not demanded all he's got but his distribution was better than ever. The goal started with his quick thinking. 7/10 Edu and Boca did what was expected of them. A bit static at times, but functional. 6.5/10 Gomez and Bornstein, they also did their part, whatever the little mistakes. 6/10 Subs: Benny, a sub needed to control the midfield and force the Algerians to retreat, he accomplished what he was set to do. 7/10 Buddle, not sold on him. He seemed to be a step off far too often, and had some problem positioning himself open for a pass while still onside. 6/10 Beasley, he helped to open the centre by attacking on the left. Too little of him seen. I'd give him a provisional 6.5/10 Algeria was not as tough a rival as they could have been.
Howard - 7: Made a couple of saves and kept the Algerians off the scoreboard. Thank you for the long throw. Bornstien - 6.5: Beaten a few times early, but recovered well. Seemed like they attacked him at the outset, but after he consistently denied the crosses, they may have looked elsewhere. NO ONE (save Bob Bradley) wanted him out there, but he did himself proud. Boca - 7.5: I thought he was great today...comfortable back in his natural position. Kept the defense organized and made at least one huge (and spectcular) clearance. A few too many hit and hope balls. DeMerit - 6.5: Won a lot of balls. I think he's gaining confidence as we go. The missed clearance early could have been deadly though - has to lose points for it. Cherundolo - 7: Also had one bad miss early, but less dangerous out wide. I don't think he's been beaten other than that for the last 2 weeks. Got forward pretty well also. Edu - 5.5: Still seems rusty on the ball. Didn't give much of an impression. Bradley - 8: MOTM for the 2nd game in a row. Everywhere again. Many times where he got the "Yes, Michael!" from me as he tracked back and dispossed the opponents. His composure on the ball is really important too; seems to know when to hit long, play square, try a 1-2, or dribble forward. Dempsey - 7: A bit tough to rate. Had a goal, but waived off, should have scored a 2nd. He was dangerous though, right up to the "assist" on the winner. Donovan - 6.5: Wasn't his best game. He needs to see the ball more. Everything he did in the 91st minute was perfection though. Altidore - 7: Won some free kicks in dangerous spots. Collaborated well on the winner. Missed a sitter though as well. Needs to learn that taking on players 1v1 can be a great idea, 1v2 probably a bad idea, 1v3 isn't gonna work. Gomez - 6: Could have had a goal on a better night. Should've had an assist. Coulda, woulda, shouda...meh Feilhaber - 7: Added a needed demension to the attack. Got into good spaces, and played smart balls and made good runs. In short, did exactly what he was there to do. Buddle - 5.5: Headed with power, but straight on the keeper. Could have done better. Just seemed a bit slow to me. Beasley - 6: Questionable Yellow, other than that no impact. Bob - 7... ah hell 10!!! He steered us to the top of the group. Still don't know why Holden is like the 18th man, but whatever.
Howard: 7: No great saves but some decent saves, no rebounds, no mistakes. 2 great tosses to Donovan, last one set up the goal. Cherundolo: 7.5: Great again. Man of the first round? Definitely the most consistent. Good crosses. Handled Belhadj well. Would have been higher but one misplay that led to Algeria chance Bocanegra: 8: Wonderful interceptions. Not to many aimless long balls as he often does. Never really beaten for pace. Great positioning. Never seen him so good as a CB Demerit: 6: Have to give a few marks down after that horrible mistake in the beginning, but played excellent after that. Strong, won most challenges, few fouls. Bornstein: 6.5: Couldn't believe he started. Couldn't believe he actually did alright and made no major mistakes. Barely let a cross in all night. Bradley: 8.5: MOTM! Wonderful performance. His improvement over the last 2 years has been key for the USA. Controlled the game. Challenges all well timed. Wonderful passing. Good touch. What more could you ask for over the last 2 games from a central midfielder? Edu: 6: I thought he was solid, especially early. A few missed passes but looked comfortable with the ball and only 1 bad turnover that I can remember. Dempsey: 6.5: He just has a knack for getting into quality scoring positions despite being ho-hum for long streches. Unlucky not to score off the post, then horrible miss on the rebound. Good run on the goal. Scored a legitimate goal disallowed. Donovan: 7: I thought he was strangely quiet in the 2nd half and could have contributed more, taken Belhadj on more. Would have given him a 5 until the goal that changed everything. Altidore: 7.5: A monster. Acutally had good touch. Great runs. Only knock really was the missed chance when he and Donovan kind of got in each other's way. Gomez: 6: Good confidence, involved, but I think should have done better with his double chance. Couldn't hold up the ball and keep possession when needed. --- Feilhaber: 6.5: Confident on the ball. Great run almost led to a goal. Good contribution. Buddle: 5.5: Good header straight at keeper. Otherwise didn't hold the ball well, some questionable decisions. Beasley: too little time
Howard - 7. Wasn't really troubled too much. Made himself large on that Algeria chance in the first half and narrowed the angles, possibly why they hit the bar. Distribution for the goal was top class. Cherundolo - 8. Great performances from Steve, who must have been watching this time last year thinking he'd lost the RB spot to Spector. Playing as good as I've ever seen. His final ball from crosses is up there with Landon's. Demerit - 8. Commanding, probably one of his better games in US jersey. Boca - 7.5. Made a couple of great intercpetions and one of them cut out what would've been a great chance for Algeria. Good performance from the captain. Bornstein - 7.5. Way better than I expected. So good that I just refrained from calling him Pornstain. Win for Jonny!! Seriously though, he was good, nullified the Algeria threat from the right-wing. Edu - 6.5. I'd say the Edu-Bradley partnership took life today. Edu was composed for me. I like his attitude, he seems like he can handle the big situations, probably comes from playing in big games for his club team. Bradley - 8. Having one heck of a tournament. Big teams: Get your check-books out. Great tackling and carrying of the ball. I've been a supporter of his even when people were saying, well, you know the rest. Excellent game. Dempsey - 7. Took some hits and scored a legit goal in our eyes. Always a threat, forced the fumble for the goal. All things considered, a deserved 7. Donovan - 9. So, he was basically marked out of the game for stretches, but who gives a ********. What a goal. He produced and scored possibly the most important goal of his career. Deserves everything. Altidore - 7. He's one helluva unit. Some fine-tuning and he'll be a great forward for now and going forward. Poor miss though, luckily he wont live to regret it. Gomez - 6. I thought he was ok. Had a good strike in the first half and had good movement. Think he's better as a supersub with the energy he brings. Buddle - 5. Look out of his depth and lost the ball a lot. Beasley - NA. Not on long enough. Shouldn't have been booked though. Feilhaber - 8. Changed the flow of the game. Great movement and looked like belonged out there. His consistent National team form continues. Bob - 9. Very well coached game. Good subs at good times. Pierre - 10. Really glad we kept him around after the Bruce regime collapsed. He's a genius.
Primary ratings: Howard: 10. Bornstein: 10. DeMerit: 10. Boca: 10. Dolo: 10. Dempsey: 10. Bradley: 10. Edu: 10. Donovan: 10. Altidore: 10. Gomez: 10. Feilhaber: 10. Buddle: 10. Beas: 10. Secondary ratings Howard: 6. Didn't do a lot, but we kept a clean sheet. Bornstein: 6.5. Excellent! DeMerit: 7.5. Would be 8.5 if not for the early gaffe. Boca: 6. Solid. Dolo: 5.5. Not his best game ever. Still good. Dempsey: 8. Wonderful match. Co-MOTM. Would be by himself if he scored. Bradley: 8. Co-MOTM. He's had a fantastic Cup, and at only 22!!! Edu: 6. Solid Donovan: 7.5. Clutch! It says something about our midfield play that he isn't MOTM. Altidore: 8. Also co-MOTM. heh Gomez: 6. Solid. Feilhaber: 7.5. Best he's ever paired with MB. Difference maker. Beas: 6. Good in limited time. Buddle: 4.5. Looked a little lost. Needs to find his sea legs.
Three US players really stood out for me today: Demerit: One hell of a game from the "backup". Multiple clutch defensive stops. Powerful in the air. Played like a confident, experienced center back should. Dempsey: A constant threat. Multiple dangerous shots on goal. Very creative in the buildup. Tracked back tirelessly. Combined really well with Dolo, Altidore, and... Bradley: MOTM. An absolute beast at both ends and everywhere in between. Ended the nepotism debate once and for all. Speaking of which... I have one other stand out: Bob Bradley: He won a very tough chess match with his Algerian counterpart today. The team was 100% ready for battle, mentally and physically. Every sub was tactically sound. He really made a statement and showed he was worthy of the oft maligned trust the USSF has shown him.
Edu showed Athleticism and speed. That is why he looked good. Not the best defensive game. However his speed is what keeps him in the game over Clark.
howard - 7 - great distribution, it's normally a weakness but even beyond the goal he was excellent cherundolo - 7 - second best RB in the World Cup (not playing for Brazil) demerit - 7 - Amazing job at turning turnovers into attacks, lost a half point on the whiff bocanegra - 7 - Solid bornstein - 6 - contributed to the win donovan - 8 - typical great performance and then he was there when we needed him edu - 6 - his throughballs were below his standard but defended and moved well bradley - 7.5 - having an outstanding cup dempsey - 6.5 - should of had a goal and a drawn penalty gomez - 6 - some good shots and should of had an assist altidore -7 - created tons of danger subs feilhaber - 6.5 - added to the attack buddle - 5.5 - did well in his time beasely - 5.5 - maybe got screwed on his card