Germany - USA (R)

utah_heretic · 03-22-2006, 06:38 PM

Klein certainly didn't make his mark in this game, but playing A-mid against Germany is a lot to ask of anybody, let alone somebody who doesn't regularly play A-mid.

Dolo cemented his usefulness, if it was at all in question, despite playing out of position. Cory Gibbs was very solid through the first half and until he was subbed in the second at left back, repeatedly crushing Asamoahl on the outside. EJ probably didn't hurt himself, despite the fact that he looked intimidated by the German defense, as he still managed a few dangerous moments despite a lack of quality service.

Defensively we did not look very organized through much of the game. I actually thought they started in a 3-5-2 which turned later into what looked more like a 4-5-1. Berhalter didn't get what he wanted from defensive midfield here, but he was truly wretched at marking in the second half. The first goal was really Ching's fault, he looked about to clear the ball as he ran in the path of the shot, but failed to make contact, causing Keller's hesitation.

The second goal was a great shot, but Berhalter's man, as was the third, and also the 4th.

Wolff, Zavagnin, Conrad, Ching, and Berhalter all hurt their chances today.

AreliusIV · 03-22-2006, 06:46 PM

http://www.yanks-abroad.com/content.php?mode=reports&id=001365

Aerick · 03-22-2006, 08:24 PM

I was very impressed by Cory Gibbs. That kid has some serious wheels!! I think Cherundolo also is quite speedy. At least twice I watched as Germany was making a breakaway and then Gibbs and Dolo would burn it from behind and effectively clear the ball. Awesome! With Pope in the back and perhaps Oguchi, that would be nice and solid in my opinion.

El Chalan · 03-22-2006, 09:32 PM

Well so far it seems like everybody has been pretty reasonable with their comments and I don't want to be negative but I am pissed with the result. Yes I know that it wasn't our first team...at least not all of them...and I know that it was Germany's A squad. By the way props to Jose Luis Luviano he hasn't been saying "I told you so" but he did have a point last week and people didn't want to hear it. I know it doesn't say anything about our team really but I hate it when we get embarrassed in Europe. I think it is a tribute to how far we have come that I feel like this. It is amazing that with a squad of probably less than half first teamer we played with Germany for 70 minutes in Germany, but this isn't the Germany of old and I guess I want more. I hate that we don't get respect in the world and I am not sure that the rest of the world knows that this wasn't our first team. Our team just doesn't give up 4 goals....4 goals!!! :giljotiin. Ahhhh!! All right I think I am through venting...I am glad the forum is here for that. Is everbody just being reasonable about it? Everyone just saying hey it is ok it is just a friendly and those weren't our starters? Nobody else upset? I know it doesn't do any good, but I want more. (ps. Convey was a revelation tonight, Gibbs was encouraging, Cherundolo was bright, Mastroeni was almost in 2002 form, and Keller was Keller. I guess even I saw some bright spots. 🙂

Scholesy · 03-22-2006, 10:39 PM

It could be worse ... it could have been a cup competition and the team name could be Birmingham ...

BroncsBomber · 03-23-2006, 02:33 PM

How many players out there do you think will start during the World Cup?
I see Keller and, Cherundol, maybe Convey if he disaplaces Beasley.

Zavagnin was horrible and Mastroeni doesn't do nearly as well as Balboa gives him credit for.

We were in a 3-5-2 which is a completely new formation for us and it hurt us.

WE did not have a good attacking mid-fielder like Landon or Reyna and that limited our attack.

This was the epitome of a jv team playing the home team.
The Bruce did Klinnsmann a huge favor with this.

AreliusIV · 03-25-2006, 05:58 PM

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=362574&cc=5901