Ot - usmnt

[echappist]

Blimey, instead of using the freindly against Japan to build cohesion, Berlhalter went tinkering. Surely can’t be good for morale when there wasn’t a single shot on target.

At this rate, we may be lucky to place 3rd out of 4.

[Beldar77]

Originally Posted by echappist

Blimey, instead of using the freindly against Japan to build cohesion, Berlhalter went tinkering. Surely can’t be good for morale when there wasn’t a single shot on target.

At this rate, we may be lucky to place 3rd out of 4.

What tinkering are you referring to? He didn't change formation. His backline was dictated by injury absences.

Midfield 2 of 3 were the nailed on starters that almost everyone agrees on - Adams & McKennie. Musah hurt

Pulisic had a training camp knock so he kept the formation and put Reyna in his place. Seems logical to me.

Don't get me wrong they played poorly but how much of that was on the players vs the coach? Let's see how Tuesday goes before we hit the Panic button.

[echappist]

At least they kept a clean sheet.

Don’t think they’ll finish dead last (out of 32), but that was an uninspired performance.

[Beldar77]

Originally Posted by echappist

At least they kept a clean sheet.

Don’t think they’ll finish dead last (out of 32), but that was an uninspired performance.

Agreed 100%.

McKennie has regressed and / or lacks serious motivation.

And hopefully that is the end of Yedlin's tenure.

[BobC]

Bleah.

Had all the earmarks of a high school scrimmage (JV)

[echappist]

At least i won’t have to watch this dross.

These players are so much more talented. Boggles the mind that they might get about as far as the 98 team did (and that team had serious team chemistry issues).

[Waldo62]

My guess is the USMNT will finish with 3 points and will not advance out of the group.

[BobC]

Originally Posted by Waldo62

My guess is the USMNT will finish with 3 points and will not advance out of the group.

I wouldn't take too much stock out of these two nothing games.
This is a very young group of talented kids who feed off of the fans. They played in empty stadiums & their efforts reflected that. They will be completely amped at the world cup. They are playing in a group that they have a good chance to advance out of.

[holliscx]

Iran might work USMNT

[Jaybee]

Originally Posted by BobC

I wouldn't take too much stock out of these two nothing games.
This is a very young group of talented kids who feed off of the fans. They played in empty stadiums & their efforts reflected that. They will be completely amped at the world cup. They are playing in a group that they have a good chance to advance out of.

I'm in the don't panic camp. These are preseason games where the goal is to not get anyone hurt and not put anything too revealing on tape for the real games. Not that Berhalter is a galaxy-brain genius, but I think there was a lot held back. Beyond that, I don't think there's a strong correlation between performace in the immediate pre-Cup friendlies and actual WC play.

[wc1934]

The experimenting days are over - I would have liked to see a set lineup - develop chemistry and establish continuity.

[echappist]

Originally Posted by Jaybee

I'm in the don't panic camp. These are preseason games where the goal is to not get anyone hurt and not put anything too revealing on tape for the real games. Not that Berhalter is a galaxy-brain genius, but I think there was a lot held back. Beyond that, I don't think there's a strong correlation between performace in the immediate pre-Cup friendlies and actual WC play.

It assumes that the injured players will be available for selection, and that the out-of-form players will regain form. Neither can be assumed.

There needs to be another CB besides Long, but Berlhalter hasn't really tested anyone else. Miles Robinson, though an idiot off the field, was a steadying and calming presence. Antonee Robinson's absence has been keenly felt.

Weah hasn't played at all, and Musah is presently injured. Both McKennie and Pulisic are out of form, though the latter seems to do well for the national team.

A lot of uncertainties. Add to that Berlhalter's rigidity on tactics, and this has potential to get ugly.

[Beldar77]

Originally Posted by echappist

A lot of uncertainties. Add to that Berlhalter's rigidity on tactics, and this has potential to get ugly.

The rigidity is the part that bothers me.

With the injuries I don't think a set lineup was possible. I will say though Long does not look up to the task. And I think it is proven that Adams and Acosta together are not a good pair.

[echappist]

Also, the team doesn't have a settled striker. Ferreira really needs to step up, b/c Pepi isn't cutting it.

Jordan Pefok should have been brought in for evaluation, but I just learned that he might not be fully comfortable conversing in English.

[holliscx]

Surely Landon Donovan can come out of retirement and save the day?