various:
The US is a 76% chance to advance according to statistician David Silver, who produces the soccer power index.
The US flat outplayed Portugal for 80 of the 95 minutes.
Crying about a missed foul is LOL. The US had the better run of play the majority of the day and only a lucky knee saved a 3rd US goal from dead blank range with the keeper drawn out of the box. The game wasn't really close.
The cross by Ronaldo was great but it was mostly shocking because it was his first unselfish play the entire friggin game.
Ghana isn't routing Portugal.
The US and Germany will be a fun game where both teams know a draw is enough to advance. Whichever team gets ahead will play defense realizing they have 2 goals to plays with really since a draw is through.
Anyone thinking the US isn't good based on these games is either lying to themselves or should stop talking about the sport altogether.
The US EASILY won CONCACAF and that region has provided a marvelous showing thus far, certainly better than UEFA and at least as good as CONMEBOL the traditional powers.
Donovan would have been a poor fit for this team. Klinnsman's strategy has been spot on with deadly attacks up both flanks from speedy cornerbacks.
Fabian Johnson has been superb. Donovan no longer has a two way gas tank. The choice was basically Donovan or Dempsey. After that it was down to which guy you sit on t he bench, Aron or Landon; and you let the kid sit and learn for the future.
Tim Howard has been quite good... and always is. The US back line could be called shaky and allowing 3 goals total to Ghana and Portugal is fairly outstanding in this tourney considering that back line.
The US is a minor soccer power now and for the foreseeable future. The goal keeping in the US system is as good as any country in the world. while the US is unlikely to be a thread for Cups in Europe or Africa they will be a threat on anything held in the Americas for a long time.
Uh Ronaldo had some great setups throughout the game...his selfishness is his reluctance to play defense when he's allowed to roam free throughout.
The US is playing better than expected but lets not kid ourselves here, we stole a win from Ghana, played a beatup of Portugal, and have no idea what Germany will do but we are playing them in favorable circumstances - needing a draw to advance.
I cannot tell you how valuable Tim Howard is...
I like what Klinnsman is doing overall, he needs time but we really do have some great young players.
