Landon Donovan posted a link to a YouTube video on his facebook page, showing reactions all around the country, and indeed, the world, as the U.S. scored in the waning seconds of the Algeria match. The president called the team following dinner last night. The world press here has finally realized the U.S. team is one of the best stories of this World Cup. Sure Italy and France get to go home in shame, and those too are stories, but let's revel in our success, as it is our moment.
There is so much more to the story of the U.S. Sure, we all see the guys who hit the pitch and make their contributions, but there is the bench that gets them ready in training, and sits, ready to go, should the need arise during a match. During this tournament's three matches, all but a couple of the field players have seen action, and over half of the squad has made their World Cup debut. This team is a good blend of experience, talent, and youth.
Coach Bradley and his staff have made sound tactical changes, both to the starting 11s, and as they have judiciously exercised the three precious substitutes allowed during each match.
A couple of the blue-collar guys, who have yet to come off the field, hold perhaps the biggest key to the U.S. progressing much further into this World Cup. Defenders Jay DeMerit and Steve Cherundolo are both athletic and tough. Cherundolo, in particular, being a 10-year veteran of Germany's physically demanding Bundesliga, brings solid fundamental defense on the right flank, but also the attacking mentality necessary to spread the ball to the proper spaces.
Joined by captain Carlos Bocanegra, this back line is growing from a question mark to a strength as the tournament goes on. The options coach Bradley has to put in front of the defense is also a versatile bunch, with his son, Michael, being one of the day in - day out performers that can be counted on every time the whistle blows. Young Bradley's fitness, and attacking savvy helps transition the team, and as evidenced against Slovenia, his touch around the goal can be both clutch and world-class.
The team will be hitting the pitch in Rustenburg, Saturday night, on a short turnaround, but is both fit, and inspired. The fact five of the starters were on the field for the bitter elimination match in 2006, against the same country, works even more in the favor of the home side.
Media attention here is focused on Ghana too, as they are likely the only African team to advance into the knockout phase, for the second WC in a row. There is some anticipation as to the crowd reaction, Saturday, as the locals have picked up on the exciting American squad, but also hold great pride in the teams from this continent. The hope this time around is FIFA won't be under the same pressure to advance a team from the host continent, the match will be called correctly, and when the U.S. scores goals, they actually be allowed to stand.
All of this helps set the scene a bit more for tomorrow, but in the meantime, tonight I am shooting another critical match, the final Group Stage encounter for Group H, Spain-Chile, here, in Pretoria. Spain is looking to avoid the ignominious fate of Italy and France, so one of the world's elite teams is going to have to play like it tonight. Chile is through with a draw, and even a win does not guarantee Spain advancement, as Switzerland plays Honduras simultaneously to finish out this tournament's Group Stage.
Finally, a quick shout out to fellow Lion lettermen and alums, Elliott McCarthy and Dev Pandya, who have been following the U.S. through South Africa. Ran into them pre-game before the Algeria match, and it's good to see Lion pride in our team, and our game, runs across generations. Lovett helped put soccer on the map in Georgia, and now we bear witness to the U.S. continuing to spread our game across the world scene. Passion fuels Pride. Until tomorrow . . . . .
Copyright 2010. Contents of this blog, written and photographic, are protected from unauthorized use and reproduction by any means, with All Right Reserved by Perry McIntyre, Atlanta, GA
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