The US came to play, in the second half of their friendly against, Turkey on Saturday in Philadelphia. In the first half the team looked uncomfortable in their skin but Torres and Findley gave the Americans a burst of enery in the second half. Torres, at just 22 years of age, looked like he could play an integral role in the Americans march through their group in South Africa. In fact, his desire and love of the game was evident in almost every touch. Despite the heat and humidity, Torres was almost moving and almost always near the ball. He demanded the ball and moved the ball with urgency. He has made me a believer in his ability and I am excited to see how he fares against more formidable foes in the World Cup.
The other player that impressed me was Landon Donovan. I know he is already the all-time American goal scorer in international games. But this is not such a prestigious title. In fact, here is five second to come up with who is second on such a list. Time's up--Eric Wynalda. But I think Donovan was anything but spectacular with Everton for part of the season this year and his failure to dominate the MLS is also a frustrating reality. But against Turkey, Donovan showed a command of the field in orienting the US team, the ability to take on defenders, and great field vision to pass to open players. Overall he looked dominant. I have to admit, if Donovan continues to play like this, I will have to eat my words that he is overrated. He is a player coming into his own, but at age 28 this is most likely his last World Cup at the top of his game.
Captain Carlos Bocanegra anchored a relatively strong defensive showing. He should anchor a strong defense but the key will be Donovan's play making abilities and Findley and Altidore's ability to finish. Speaking of Findley he also played extremely well and showed what perseverance accomplished. On more than one play he tracked a player thirty yards to make a play. That shows a great deal of heart and determination and that is something many players on this team lack. Striker should not be making defensive runs to stop attacking players, especially thirty yards down the field, but the best strikers in the world (Drogba, Rooney, etc) not only make those plays but keep their composure and launch quick counter-attacks that result in goals. Findley is not a player of their caliber but his hard work is something that will only contribute to America's already established defense.
A wise man once told me, work and life are 90% about showing up and 10% about performance. Soccer is probably a lower percentage than 90% but not that much less. If the midfielders and forwards also play with a slightly defensive posture it makes it that much more difficult and frustrating for the opposing players. It only takes a couple of counter-attack runs to result in a goal or two and a win where the US slips by more formidable opponents.
I can't help but think back to the US game against Brazil in the 2009 Confederations Cup. After a strong showing against Spain, where the US blanked them 2-0, America came out blazing and went up a quick two goals on Brazil. As we all know, Brazil then scored three unanswered goals and sent America packing. The second half of the Brazil match, America got absolutely dominated and Brazil was set up in a half court offense. There was no counter-attack and while the Americans did work hard on defense, they never expended any energy on the counter-attack and the game looked like a three touch maximum passing drill for Brazil. As an American it was frustrating to watch them both a 2-0 lead and as a man that used to play soccer well (although admittedly nothing like any man on the team now) it was bad coaching and determination for the players to not attempt any type of counter-attack. Defense wins games but it still requires players to work hard on both ends of the field.
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