Harv’s World

So just catching up a little bit after watching almost every single World Cup game televised…

DC United came back last week after the WC break to tie the San Jose Earthquakes (video highlights from DCUnited.com). We are now anxiously awaiting DC United’s newest signings to take the field.

First is Montenegran (is that right?) midfielder Branko Boškovi?. The just turned 30 year old middie comes from Rapid Vienna in the Austrian League and he will be DC United’s Designated Player. From the looks of it, he’s a two-way player but leans a little more to the offensive side. I’m a big fan of two-way middies, Coach Onalfo is too, and I think that is the way MLS as a whole is going. You don’t see too often a setup like Etcheverry/Williams from back in the glory days. A guy that just does offense is pretty much a liability these days, unless he’s pumping in 10-20 goals per season.

DC United really could use some help in the middle of the field, and I think if this guy pans out he will be a real step in the right direction. Tino wasn’t (and still isn’t) really a wide midfielder. His defense just isn’t there. Pontius to me is still a forward playing left mid (albeit rather well). Najar has been a revelation at right mid, but he’s only 17 so we can’t put too much pressure on him. Simms is the only one where he’s supposed to be, a defensive midfielder who adds the occasional offensive touch. Morsink was just plain awful, which was made even more evident when newcomer Stephen King came in and was an instant upgrade. So i think Boskovic will be an even bigger upgrade over King, leaving Simms to do more of what he does best which is defend.

Soccer Insider and WVHooligan

The other addition is Argentine-playing-in-Uruguay Pablo Hernandez. Hernandez is 23, and 6ft 180lbs. So he brings a good size, and playing in Uruguay, he should be no stranger to physical play (cough*Castillo*cough). What the team needs is a solid finisher, which is hasn’t had since Emelio’s first season. I’m curious to see what this guy brings to the table. We have a pair of bangers in Cristman and Allsop (Allsop is a “better” version of Cristman, IMO), and a pair of withdrawn forwards (i.e. #9′s) in Pontius and Tino. Then there is Jaime, who has slowed down quite a bit, but in the right circumstances can be a game changer. So where does this guy fit? More of the banger, post-up guy? Or a withdrawn creator type?

Soccer Insider and Penalty Kicks (includes other DCU notes) and DCUnited.com.

So apparently, FIFA is taking down every youtube link of the goal that is out there on the internets

So instead, here are some fan reaction videos to the goal.

This one from yesterday via SoccerInsider, is of the scene in DC’s own Lucky Bar Watch HERE.

More videos after the break…
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That. Was. Close.

For sure, while I was watching this match I thought we were just destined to not score today. Chance after chance went wide, over, blocked, scuffed, muffed, and missed. It’s happened before, where a team does everything right, and the ball just won’t go in the net. I thought we would be one of those teams. Then miraculously, we scored. Just like that. Bang bang Bang.

USA vs Algeria, Goal Celebration at Lucky Bar in DC (watch this video!)

Donovan, who for me was mostly invisible during the second half came up BIG TIME, for the second time in this tournament (the first being his crushing goal against Slovenia). That’s what this team needs is somebody to grab the game by the scruff of the neck, shake the sh*t out of it, and drag it off to victory. And honestly, while I’m not sure Donovan is always up to the task, he’s the best chance we have.

So, a few quick notes.

As I mentioned already, Donovan disappeared for a while but he showed up when mattered.

As I suspected, there was room in the corners for US attackers to flow into against Algeria’s 352. The downside was the US didn’t quite know what to do with that space. Algeria was more than content to NOT follow players out there, knowing the space in front of goal was densely packed with green jerseys.

I thought Gomez did a decent job, but he’s definitely more suited to a reserve role. His high energy against tired legs is where he’ll be most effective. He’s definitely got a knack for being around the goal though. In my mind, he’s a guy you must bring in with about 20-30mins left.

Buddle looked a little… befuddled out there. Not real sharp. Was he sick? Hurt? I don’t know but his exclusion from the starting lineup makes more sense now.

Altidore is a lock to start at forward, but his partner is totally up for grabs.

Top notch game by the whole defense. There were a few moments, especially early, that were VERY shaky. But on the whole, they contained, were organized, and started the attack well. DeMerit was a stud in the air, Cherundolo was everywhere.

Next?

Ghana? That’s gonna be tough. But frankly I’m glad it wasn’t Germany.

It’s simple. WIN and they’re IN.

USA plays Algeria today for the opportunity to go to the second round. Today is a REALLY big game. Arguably bigger than the England game. Win, and they’re in. Tie and they need help. Lose, and go home.

So what are they up against?

An Algerian team that has only given up one goal so far, against Slovenia (who is arguably looking like the best team in the group). A team that plays with only 3 defenders. A team that gets a lot of players behind the ball. A team whose speedy forwards gave Slovenia a ton of trouble (England, not so much).

Keys for the USA

The key for the US is really going to be DO NOT GIVE UP AN EARLY GOAL. Each of the first two games they put themselves in a hole they later have to dig out of. Be solid early.

I think they’ll have room down the flanks since the Algerians play with 3backs. Although their outside wingers are really quick, I don’t think they’ll catch Donovan with a head start. It’s tough enough tracking him when you start even. And playing with 3 backs means more 1v1 opportunities for our forwards. Altidore loves that. And since Findley is out due to yellow card accumulation, let’s see if Buddle gets the nod next to him (what I’d prefer) or if Coach Bradley does something else like move Donovan or Dempsey up top with him.

I’m also looking to see who starts in the center of midfield. Clark started the first game, Torres the next game, Edu subbed in and played very well in the second game. I think this is important because if Algeria’s defense compresses into the box as they did in the first two games, the US will have many opportunities from outside the box and the distance shooting will be a factor. Clark and Bradley can both bomb from distance. Torres can too, but not as well, BUT he takes way better free kicks. Tough call.

Here’s the important stuff.

Time: 10:00am EST (ESPN pregame starts at 9:30am)

Where: Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa

Where to Watch:

• English: ESPN
• Spanish: Univision
• Portuguese: ESPN Deportes
• Online: ESPN3.com and Univisionfutbol.com (look for “En Vivo” to the upper right)
• Delay: ESPN Classic, 10 p.m.

Lineups:

I’ll post here when the lineups come out.

UPDATE:

Howard;
Cherundolo, DeMerit, Bocanegra (c), Bornstein;
Donovan, Bradley, Edu, Dempsey;
Gomez, Altidore

Seriously worried about Bornstein over on the left. He hasn’t been playing well and got drubbed the last time or two out there. However… he’s pretty fast and can easily push up into midfield if needed to help counter Algeria’s 3-5-2. Ditto with Cherundolo on the other side, so maybe Bradley is planning to keep 3 in the back most of the game (DeMerit & Bocanegra + one of Cherundolo/Bornstein). Either Donovan or Dempsey would then push centrally. Might be interesting. Let’s see how this plays out.

Also, a little surprised at no love for Buddle. Is he injured? in the doghouse? Not that I disagree with Gomez there (all he does is score goals), just a little surprised. No Onyewu… I take that as Bradley is worried about Algeria’s mobility and pace, moreso than any indictment on Onyewu. Onyewu was a natural fit against England and Slovenia, but this will be a different match.

Hooray for 1-1 draws!

Like I mentioned before, I think a draw is “OK” for both sides in terms of qualifying for the next round. However, from a psychological standpoint I’m sure England is a little down as I’m sure they fully expected to carry 3 points from this match. The USA got what they hoped for, if not what they expected.

England has to be looking at the rest of this group and wondering if it will be as easy as they thought it would be.

USA has to look at the rest of the group and NOT have a letdown. On  paper, they should be favored against the other two, but as England just found out… games aren’t won on paper.

I was working during the game, so I don’t have a really in-depth analysis (maybe later after a second viewing), but overall I was pretty pleased with the performance. The central duo of Clark/Bradley effectively negated England’s vaunted duo of Lampard/Gerard (well, except for Gerard’s goal of course). We didn’t get beaten like a drum down the wings as I feared we would. Findley was a surprise starter and did OK, but I’d expect to see Buddle get the nod from here on.

And ultimately, it came down to the keepers, where the USA’s Tim Howard stood up like a champ and England’s Robert Green folded like a lawn chair.

Here’s what other’s are saying:

Reactions To US-England (wvhooligan.com)

Then there was Dempsey. The nifty little play on Gerrard to get the goal was something special. Sure the shot wasn’t the greatest and the keeper Robert Green should have had it but it was a goal that the U.S. would take any day of the week. Getting a goal so late in the first half (40th minute) really helped the U.S. going into the locker room at the half.

U.S. – England Post-match Quote Sheet (ussoccer.com)

Coach Bob Bradley On the early goal by England:
“I think that play started with a throw-in, the ball went back to Lampard and we stepped up to close him down. Next thing you know, there’s a big hole in our back line. When you use the word manage, the ability to control certain situations and not over-commit, I think England made us pay. But it forced us to get ourselves going into the game very quickly after that because there’s no more time to play your way in, you’re already down a goal.”

Midfielder Clint Dempsey On his game-tying goal:
“These balls move so much if you just hit them on goal you’ll have a chance. It’s one of those goals you always say ‘Why can’t I get one like that?’ and I’m happy to have scored in both World Cups I’ve participated in.”

U.S. Earns a 1-1 Draw Against England to Open Play in the 2010 FIFA World Cup (ussoccer.com)

Match report.

Soccer fans bring flags, fervor to Dupont Circle (WashingtonPost.com)

You MUST check out the photo gallery from Dupont Circle here.

By 2:30 p.m., when the United States kicked off against England in their first game of the World Cup, Dupont Circle was a sea of sweaty bodies, face paint, flags and plastic noisemakers tooting like hyperactive foghorns.

At World Cup, Team USA and England battle to tie (WashingtonPost.com)

Match report.

At World Cup, Team USA-England game hinges on goalkeepers Tim Howard, Robert Green (WashingtonPost.com)

A focus on the goalkeepers.