Just got back and rather than slog through a couple hundred posts (many of which are really repetitive), thought I'd share my observations and solicit those from people who saw more than just what was available on the Tube: Holland dominated posession, yes, obviously, but they did not press forward. US was looking to counter and the Dutch spent most of their time passing it around the back...I got the feeling Van Der Saar was trying-out to wear the #10 shirt for the Oranje. Keller and distribution. There was none. All he did was hoof it up 60 yards to see who came down with it. In the 2nd half he repeatedly looked away from Beasely (despite DMB having 20 yards of space around him) to take the ball over to the right side and kick it long. Sometimes its good to get the ball out quickly. Boca and Gibbs. Awesome, owned the left side. All the action came down our defensive right or from a Stam run up the middle (really, would somebody step up and challenge the big bald guy BEFORE he runs 40 yards) because the other side was closed. And while Tino Palace can say the Dutch are heavily left sided I'll ask where exactly does Van Der Meyde play? Also, Gibbs spent much of his time man-marking RVN. Team defense. This group knows how to defend as a team. Sprung the off-side trap several times in an impeccable manner - and this from a group with little experience together. Now if Berhalter would just stop passing to the wrong team so much. Reyna and Armas. Armas did well, wining the ball quite a bit. And it was great watching Reyna battle Davids again. Perhaps the only American player ever who could hold off Davids on the dribble. But it seemed like 2 guys duplicating effort for much of the game. McBride. McBride does well what he does, but it's not gonna work as a lone forward against defenders like Jaap Stam, who can knock him off high balls and easily handle his physical presence. Convey. All over the field, created the only dangerous chances of the first 55 minutes. Donovan. Pretty sure he played. Alright, he was much more involved in the 2nd half. Hejduk. Not against the Dutch...not a threat going forward and couldn't stop Robben - needs to do one of those. Much better game with DMB (kick-started the US offense) and Mathis in the game. Do they give the ball away sometimes? Heck yeah, but you gotta attack to score. some more random thoughts; - The Dutch fans have songs, yes, but they suck - Can any US player shoot from distance - Nice to have our national anthem politely received - Grolsch, 16oz for under $4. And Grolsch tastes much better there than here - Which young left-sided midfielder arrived in The Netherlands early Saturday morning? And why? Could he have been speaking to a future employer?
1 . Beasley 2. Convey I think your very kind with Hejduk, not sure what is Bruce trying to prove, definetly worst player out there. Best players Keller,Convey,Reyna, Berhalter, .....Beasley ,Mathis, Cherundolo should have started second half
I wasn't with Sam's Army. Oranje crowd was good, not too rowdy though, but buses from all over the country. I get the impression that the really boisterous fans come out for club games. The ArenA seemed kind of sterile. Stands are away from the field some, but the retractable roof was nice since it was raining, cold, and windy outside.
Re: Re: US v Holland: a view from the stands [R] Keller did great on shot blocking and controlling the box and the defense was very organized...exceptionally so considering how little these guys have played together. But I think his distribution was really a problem. Every goal kick was a 50-50 ball (less than 50-50 considering the size of the Dutch), no quick outlets, almost no counters started by Keller. Defenders were pushing up into the attack, the Dutch team had 6 or 7 players in their offensive third and Keller always gave them plenty of time to get back in position. Once the GK gets the ball he needs to think like an offensive player - didn't happen.
Very much appreciate comments from somebody at the game! What was the attendance and how many US fans there?
Re: Re: US v Holland: a view from the stands [R] about half a section, maybe 200 and change - i know there were a group of marines and some air force guys from germany uniteo sorry i didnt get to meet you one more thing about keller, he had his arms glued to his sides instead of coming with open arms (to at least take up space) and i think he normally would have had the robben shot... but i prefer to keep the blame on hejdude
I've never been a fan of Keller's distribution, and I had the same complaint on Wednesday. I don't know why it's unacceptable for a defender to simply hoof 60-yard balls up the field every time he touches the ball, but it's ok for a keeper to do this.
Re: Re: Re: US v Holland: a view from the stands [R] I was with a group of about 180 from the embassy, though half were pulling for the Oranje (local employees, hope they get fired) PapiAzul, I was hoping to meet you also. I'll probably be out for an Ajax game next season (my brother got his card), perhaps then. The first Grolsch, Amstel Gold, Jupiler, Brand or jenever will be on me.
we just returned to the states last night and i will echo what everyone else said. we had a really good time, the oranje fans before the game were awesome <as evidenced by the pictures> but the game atmosphere was pretty rediculous, the crowd hardly made a peep except when a goal was scored or rudd came off the field. i am sure the atmosphere would have been much better against say "germany" <"we hate the fucking germans, we hate the fucking germans"> or in some qualifier... i just wanna say thanks to everyone i met. i was a blast. i am still trying to figure out if that american who flew in from dublin with his irish friend is on bigsoccer or not, i talked to them for a good amount of time, good guys. and to the american "bitch" who tried to pull down our american flag during the national anthem "in the freaking "american section"" if i ever see you on the street and my girlfriend isn't around to calm me...please pray for your life.
Thanks for the great first hand comments uniteo! I just wish I could have made it. I think it is about an hour or two flight from Oslo. But the game was on a wednseday, I have already used up all of my vacation for a trip to florida in April, and frankly, I was broke at the time I needed to buy tickets. What a loser. Anyway! heh heh I think everyone on these boards need to realize one thing more often about games like these. They almost 99% of the time were NOT as bad as 99% of the posters posting negatively claim them to have been. You can go back to almost every close U.S. defeat, not matter the opponant, and it is basically the same. I still feel we somewhat wasted our time as Arena didn't even attempt to answer all of our questions, RB for example. But I'm still proud of the result and understand that it doesn't mean we are going to lose all 3 games in next year's world cup, provided we qualify. And some questions DID get answered, Convey, so hey! Some folks just need to look on the bright side of life.
I think you've pegged the BS approach exactly, although that game was pretty bad. Your last sounds like the Monty Python advice to Brian: Cheer up, Brian. You know what they say. Some things in life are bad, They can really make you mad. Other things just make you swear and curse. When you're chewing on life's gristle, Don't grumble, give a whistle! And this'll help things turn out for the best... And... the music fades into the song ...always look on the bright side of life!