Ciao Baby: U.S. Takes It To Italy
THE UNDERDOG STORY--MCBRIDE'S BLOODY FACE; KELLER'S LEAPING SAVES; TWO RED CARDS--THE U.S. IS STILL ALIVE
Hollywood, were you watching soccer this weekend? The U.S. played one of the most impressive and heroic matches in history and did it with a literary story arc.
It couldn't have been any worse for the Americans against the Czech Republic and it could have only been better if Brian McBride would have stayed onside against Italy.
Saturday's 1-1 draw against Italy may one day become one of this country's greatest games in any sport. Playing the mighty Italians for a result in the World Cup is big within the context of American soccer by itself. But, when you add the formidable obstacles and the gritty scenes from the game it begins to gain a certain mythic quality.
I've never witnessed a match played 10-on-9 ever. As Bruce Arena pointed out afterwards, a team would never imagine training for such an occurrence. Theoretically, subtracting three players from the pitch should open up large chunk of ground, which should favor a more attacking, skillful side like Italy's. Instead, it was the Americans who had the noticeable fitness.
In addition, most teams will move to a defensive position down just one man. Arena had the guts (HUGE cojones!) to send everyone forward for most of the second half. Defender Steve Cherundolo made numerous quick runs down the right side of the field during this stretch as did Landon Donovan and substitute DeMarcus Beasley.
Was the picture of the bloody-faced McBride just screaming for an American jingoistic statement such as, "American Grit" as the New York Times called it Sunday.
It was clear that on the pitch at Kaiserslautern that the fortitude of the Americans was shown in full glory. Why it wasn't shown against the Czechs is another perplexing story. Maybe they weren't ready or maybe the scouting done by exclusively by Arena on the Italians rather than assistant Glenn Myernick's report on the Czechs was the key.
The story is yet to be finished. Ghana still must be beaten and the Italians must follow. Will the Americans be fit after such a difficult match? Will Eddie Johnson come off the bench to score the Americans first goal? Will Johnny O'Brien be fit to come in for Pablo Mastroeni?After that, comes the Brazilians. First things first.
Hollywood, were you watching soccer this weekend? The U.S. played one of the most impressive and heroic matches in history and did it with a literary story arc.
It couldn't have been any worse for the Americans against the Czech Republic and it could have only been better if Brian McBride would have stayed onside against Italy.
Saturday's 1-1 draw against Italy may one day become one of this country's greatest games in any sport. Playing the mighty Italians for a result in the World Cup is big within the context of American soccer by itself. But, when you add the formidable obstacles and the gritty scenes from the game it begins to gain a certain mythic quality.
I've never witnessed a match played 10-on-9 ever. As Bruce Arena pointed out afterwards, a team would never imagine training for such an occurrence. Theoretically, subtracting three players from the pitch should open up large chunk of ground, which should favor a more attacking, skillful side like Italy's. Instead, it was the Americans who had the noticeable fitness.
In addition, most teams will move to a defensive position down just one man. Arena had the guts (HUGE cojones!) to send everyone forward for most of the second half. Defender Steve Cherundolo made numerous quick runs down the right side of the field during this stretch as did Landon Donovan and substitute DeMarcus Beasley.
Was the picture of the bloody-faced McBride just screaming for an American jingoistic statement such as, "American Grit" as the New York Times called it Sunday.
It was clear that on the pitch at Kaiserslautern that the fortitude of the Americans was shown in full glory. Why it wasn't shown against the Czechs is another perplexing story. Maybe they weren't ready or maybe the scouting done by exclusively by Arena on the Italians rather than assistant Glenn Myernick's report on the Czechs was the key.
The story is yet to be finished. Ghana still must be beaten and the Italians must follow. Will the Americans be fit after such a difficult match? Will Eddie Johnson come off the bench to score the Americans first goal? Will Johnny O'Brien be fit to come in for Pablo Mastroeni?After that, comes the Brazilians. First things first.
