US looked a bit worse, and Argentina looked a bit better than usual simply due to the in-season, out-season conditioning factor alone... In the last WC, despite the great US performance, there's no question that the long Euro season played a part (maybe small, but still a part) in the advancement/success of some teams in that Cup...Bruce also took the bold (and probably correct) move by using his whole bench, keeping fresh legs in each match...(maybe sacrificing some (possible) cohesion) In other words, its never (just) about formations or talent, or..... Regarding the game: Only saw 2nd half, but sounds like US was atrocious in 1st half. I liked the attacking of Convey in 2nd half, Beasley was uneven- he has developed a very, nice consistent move(s) drawing man close also deadening ball off the fly- but his balance still seems off to me, technique not proper. He had a very weak square pass which you rarely see at that level. His speed always helps. Clint looked like he's had one too many Doritos, but he's Clint, and he's a lock.....I don't understand why Victorine ever gets on Nat (field)....One could envison Klein could spell Sanneh one day, a tad less athletic, we'll see.. Cunningham is still worth keeping as a project, although he does need to dish quicker at times. However, he is the best 1v1 dribbler in the US in my opinion, he just takes on too many 30/70 opportunities....He would be good as a possible late-game joker/2nd half if-we-are-down over next couple years... Boca is going to be quite a player, and his ability to score off corners is huge... Disappointing overall (especially back line), but that's what these matches are for (trying out young guys, taking their lumps)- hopefully these experiences pay off down the road..
The first half the US was good on the offensive but spott on defense. DMB at the very beginning of the game blew by 3 Argentines off the dribble with the third one making some contact on DMB in the box. DMB went down but the ref was not giving penalties for either side today. In the first half we outshot Argentina 5-4 and had 3 corners to none for them. The problem was that Convey was spotty at left back and there seemed to be too much space in front of the center backs at times. I think the big thing that this game proved is that if the opponent just hammers DMB every time he gets the ball that he becomes a nonfactor just like what happened in the Korea game. This is both a big problem and a potential benefit. Let's not forget that the first goal against Portugal was set up by a foul on Beasley, free kick earns a corner, McBride header saved to JOB goal.
Sure, other teams pick on Beasley some because of his size, but he also pushes ball (frequently) very close to the defender, daring him to beat Beasley to the ball (ergo, he's not really faking out defender, its a speed move)..in that situation, you are going to get knocked down a lot, or at least draw a blow...also, Beasley makes his run(s) very close to the defender, and draws the bump...again, that's OK, but Reyna does that too, but stays on his feet much more often because he is stronger and has better balance...(is planted better when hit is coming, whereas Beasley is often in an awkward stance, even in the air when bodied)...if you are skinny with so-so balance, you are going down if you get hit. I agree that this is good in the opponent's penalty box, but it sometimes slows attack in midfield..
Just a note: Argentina is in their offseason as well, summer break. Their "summer/fall season" starts soon, but they are not in season.
wouldn't have know that listening to the announcers ... they kept on saying how the argenitne season was in full swing
The Argentinean league is in the Torneo De Verano, which are a bunch of friendlies between the big 5 teams.