This is the first World Cup where I am rooting for the United States. Well, I still root for France as well, but this time, I'm hoping the US will advance deep and maybe go all the way. My reasons are simple. I've have begun to enjoy the MLS and no I am not under the influence of anything. The English Premier League will always be number one and I watch the La Liga, Ligue 1, Serie A, and the Bundesliga every chance I get but the MLS is becoming better and fun to watch. If the US does advance not only will the sport explode throughout North America but it will even infect this country of ours that like to follow the lead of others.
Having said that, the US has some pretty good players making a name for themselves overseas. And that experience is valuable.
Their hyped up match with England -- it was thrilling and agonizing to watch for the missed opportunities by either side.
In the first half, after the US surrendered an early goal to England captain Steven Gerrard, their midfield began to buckle down to work and take charge. In truth, they took control not only of possession but also in chances. They had some nice runs through the middle but were largely unable to capitalize. England had its chances to but after the early goal, Tim Howard was up to task.
While everyone is berating Robert Green for not being able to fully stop Clint Dempsey's shot. It was not weak as the press is saying. C'mon, give credit where it is due. It would not get away from Green if it lacked power. If it was a harmless slow roller then it should have gone in front of the goalkeeper. If you ask me, not only did he misjudge it but there was sufficient power in the blast. Watch it closely. I've seen lots of shots slip through the keeper's hands and while it is normed as an error, I don't think people give too much credit to whoever takes the shot. Any shot taken on goal has a chance of going in whether weak or powerful. There are just too many things happening on the pitch that it always has a chance.
Robert Green will only make people forget if England wins the World Cup. If they fail to get out of the Group stage then it's going to be telling.
In the early second half, England was reenergized with their attack but I thought that they fell into a more defensive 4-4-2 as the US turned back their attacks into great chances of their own. Jozy Altidore and Landon Donovan were superb as was Oguchi Onyewu on defense.
Aaron Lennon's speed was frightening and he did make up for the absence of David Beckham with his through balls and attacks on the wings. But with Wayne Rooney marked well and Steve Lampard still shooting blanks for the second straight World Cup, how many chances did they have? Gotta give credit to Emile Heskey who some wondered why he was in this team. But that was a nice flick to former LFC teammate Gerrard for the first score.
Though teams played cautiously close to full time, they both had good chances to pull out a winner. The match ended in a 1-1 draw that was half disappointing and pleasing.
The opening match jitters are gone. On to the next games.
IMAGES FROM GETTY AND AFP.
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