Even though the US was the favorite for the first time in their World Cup history, they handled it like they did any other game - by giving up an early goal. As exhilarating as yesterday's comeback was, we can't continue to play like this. We just can't - early goals against will be the death of us. On the postgame show, Mike Tirico asked Alexi Lalas why it took 'getting punched in the face' for the US to come to life, to which Lalas answered "I don't know." It's an interesting question and one I think I know the answer to - I think it has all to do with the team's leadership.
Bob Bradley is as prepared as a coach can be. He makes good in-game moves and has the utmost confidence in his men. I'm glad to have him in charge, but you have to question whether he is a good motivator. Talk to Landon Donovan and he says that every game is a must win and that they can't afford to lose. So then why does the team come out flat and timid? I think the only logical answer is that the guy in charge isn't preparing them before the game. Bradley is so quiet and thoughtful that he is almost a robotic mute - how can he motivate someone to run around with rockets up their ass?
Really that's the only problem I have with him so far. While not prepared for the first 15 minutes, the US is certainly calm and prepared for the remaining minutes. Coming back from 2-0 down at halftime shows a lot of determination and grit - but where was it in the first half? They can't continue to play like this because I can guarantee you Germany or Brazil won't give up a 2-0 lead.
With the tie and the simply amazing tie between England Algeria, the US is now in charge of it's own destination. Win and advance. Simple as that. So here's a suggestion - forget the situation you find yourself in. You're the US. You're opponent is Algeria - mighty, powerful Algeria. You are not the favorite. No one believes in you. Go out there and work your ass off. They won't be able to handle your fitness. Get an early goal and let momentum carry you. Start early. Do it. Just do it.
Are you putting the motivation blame on the coach? In my playing experience, the captain or other team mates fired up the players. Also, it is the WORLD CUP. You are playing for your countrymen. Maybe it is different at the professional level because this is not where they make their money, but the two words world and cup should get you motivated.
ReplyDelete-JWill
Hey, all I'm saying is that they come out flat every game. I see that as a chronic problem. And I see Bradley as being a calm and quiet guy. It's not after they scored upon that the team starts playing with passion. It's not a big leap to say that the team might take on his personality at the beginning of the game...
ReplyDeleteI'll accept your point however in that if he doesn't do the job, then yeah the captain should step up.
Speaking of captains leading their team, or misleading their team, how about France and their possibly-worst-showing-or-any-team-ever?
ReplyDeleteDlib
They are a mess. Simply put. I still am unsure how Patrice Evra was the captain of that team. But when you have someone with terrible hair like Bacary Sagna you know you're in trouble.
ReplyDeleteI think all Irish fans would agree with me - karma bites