I guess this deserves its own post since we've learned that WC qualification is not a given anymore. Although so far we're on our way.
I don't know much about these blokes aside from the guys featuring in Europe. They don't play attractive football as a unit and the offense is borderline impotent, but I guess that's just the CONCACAF way.
It's hard to get excited about a team managed by an MLS guy but here we are.
1. "Dour pragmatism has been the way to win things for a while" In response to Reply # 0
in the international game. So the lofty plans of Klinsi and Reyna to get a better technical US have been put to the side, and we've got sour-ass Gregg now willing us, Dechamps-lite style, to ugly 1-0 wins. I get it as a strategy, but damned if I didn't hope for better things from the USMNT as a program by now.
maybe because I'm a casual soccer watcher...but qualifying for the WC, beating Mexico whey they play in the US, and being somewhat competitive (if not technical or aesthetically pleasing) is about what I expect for the USMNT.
Sunday will be interesting, because this group seems to play horribly when not at home.
4. "Gregg has decided to bathe in the hate" In response to Reply # 0
After losing 2-0 to Canada:
"It was an entire team effort that was dominant,” Berhalter said. “It’s hard for me to remember a performance away from home this dominant that wasn’t getting a result.”
"They couldn’t handle our physicality. We dominated, when you look at everything."
there is too much talent producing at the highest levels of professional play not to be doninating these teams
Keylor Navas can steal games, and so can a front 3 of Lozano-Jimenez-Corona, but beyond that a loss to anyone else in this region should be a national embarrassment.
When these guys are playing for real coaches they are scoring goals in the Premier League, Serie A, Champions League etc. When those same players are getting shut out by a Canadian team...nah son.
11. "hopefully they can all get healthy and build some chemsitry" In response to Reply # 10
on paper the pieces are there for a respectable WC showing.
as long as they're not drawn into the group of death, advancing and putting up a fight in the knockout round should be the goal. not saying they'll win a knockout round game. but not getting embarrassed by the traditional powers would be a W.