USA vs Italy

MUSIC: Husker Du- Whatever

The US lost its opening Confed Cup game to Italy by a 3-1 score but did not play poorly. It was a much better effort than the two qualifiers against Costa Rica and Honduras. They struck first and took a 1-0 lead into the break but on 10 men the second half was a different story. Coming away empty handed means American prospects for progressing beyond the group stage is slim, but there were some positives to take from the game. Here are some thoughts/observations:

1. Ricardo Clark's sending off could have gone either way. If it had been a yellow it would be understandable, just like the red was within the bounds of reason. I know a lot of people have complained about it but the challenge was late, studs-up, knee-high, and nowhere near the ball. It lacked the viciousness and resulting injury of some red cards but there was grounds for dismissal. Referee's call.

2. The difference between American internationals and those of the elite squads is much smaller than it once was and continues to narrow. Today's game showed what sets them apart most is polish. 2 quick examples: the should-I-shouldn't-I hesitation on De Rossi's incoming shot facilitated the second Italian goal, and Charlie Davies' settled for getting a head to the ball on a wide open opportunity in front of goal where a more elite striker would have directed it into the back of the net. Those were very visible shortcomings but the US deserves credit for doing many other things well.

3. Fatigue seems to plague this side. In the loss to Costa Rica there was the indelible image of Michael Bradley getting wheeled for the third goal and being unable to run and recover the ball. Jay Demirt looked like a pylon as Andrea Pirlo danced by him to set up the third goal today. Both of these occured late in games and looked much more like fatigue than lack of effort or commitment. Why are US players so tired? The Italian squad is fully comprised of players at European clubs where they have just come off the end of a long season, the same as the bulk of the US team. In fact the US by my count had 4 starters on MLS teams who are not even at the halfway point of their campaign and should be fresh.

4. Bradley's tactics. Being a man down for more than half the game is a tremendous challenge, but if you get a lead early on as the US dead it helps. With that goal he should have left Altidore high by himself and tightened up a block of 8 behind the ball. The Italians were down and had to chase the game, I think a more creative approach to the second half would have made it harder on them and perhaps allowed a counter attack where Altidore could use his speed one on one with a defender.

5. It's tough to commend a goalkeeper who concedes 3 goals but I think Tim Howard had a good game. Two saves in particular were eye-opening. The first, I think on Iaquinta, showed his awareness and ability to read the game as he got out in anticipation and shut down a close range shot. On the second a beautiful through ball from Pirlo but Toni in alone and Howard played it perfectly.


*I only saw highlights from the Egypt-Brazil game but here is a thought: the Egyptian did all that can be expected in the situation the resulted in the penalty, but maybe be more creative next time. If you are going to roll around and pretend the ball hit your face instead of your hand maybe bite your lip and draw some blood. The officials did a great job there, getting the call right in a difficult spot late in the game.