Live The Pitch

In Group C action today we had the United States taking on Algeria and England facing off against Slovenia.  Landon Donovan scored the goal of his career in extra time to defeat Algeria 1-0.  Jermaine Defoe scored a brilliant goal for England to defeat Slovenia 1-0.

England quickly made the game a must win for the U.S. when Jermaine Defoe scored in the 23rd minute. The word was definitely passed on to the players on the field with the U.S. attacking early and often.

The game was nearly a repeat of other American performances when Algeria sent a volley off the crossbar in the 6th minute. After an early scare, the U.S. settled down a bit and got into the flow of the game play really opened up. They had at least nine chances to score throughout the game, including another goal taken away from a poor off-sides call.

After a solid chance on goal from Algeria that ended with a Tim Howard save the U.S goalkeeper sent his second half-field throw right to Donovan in stride.  Donovan slotted a through ball to Jozy Altidore who then found a streaking Clint Dempsey who’s shot deflected off goalkeeper Rais M’Bolhi right back to Donovan who continued his run to score the biggest goal in U.S. soccer history.

Donovan will surely go down as the greatest player to ever play for the U.S.  This is a huge accomplishment for American soccer fans as this is the first time they have won the group since 1930.

England dominated Slovenia from the first whistle but could not put the match out of reach.  Defoe’s goal was set up by a beautiful cross from Steven Gerrard.  England had numerous chances to add to their lead but made things interesting for English fans until the whistle blew.

With their World Cup fates on the line, Bob Bradley will lead the U.S. as they take on underdogs Algeria.  After coming off a heartbreaking tie with Slovenia, Bradley’s team controls their own fate.  Bradley has some key decisions to make with his roster as we are now less than 24 hours away from kickoff.  After watching Algeria draw 1-1 with heavily favored England, there are some concerns that have to be addressed.

Algeria play a very structured, defensive style of soccer that at times looks like a steel wall to opposing players.  Algeria is also very technical on the ball while in possession, rarely making a bad touch in the midfield.  The U.S. will have to counter this style by taking chances going forward with numbers on the counter attack and making sure they capitalize on their opportunities in front of goal.

Bradley needs to make sure that his outside backs are getting forward as much as possible.  Steve Cherundelo and Carlos Bocanegra both need to get involved more on the attack as the U.S. has been successful on balls served into the box.

In the central defense, Oguchi Onyewu and Jay Demerit need to make sure they are on the same page with pushing forward so they are not creating too much space in behind the midfield.  There is no room for dumb defensive mistakes like we have seen in previous matches with so much on the line.  Tim Howard in the goal will also have to be at his best to give the Americans a chance.

Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey have been good overall throughout the first two matches but both still need to get the ball at their feet more.  Dempsey has much more to contribute to his team and hopefully he will have a breakout game.  Donovan has been the best player for Bradley so far and and his leadership on the pitch as been tremendous.

Michael Bradley has been superb in the central midfield for his father but the question will be if Bradley starts Ricardo Clark, Maurice Edu, or Jose Torres.  Clark started the first match and played pretty well, Edu had a huge impact in the 2-2 draw with Slovenia as a substitute, and Torres got the start last match.  Torres has more technical ability than Edu and Clark but lacks the size and pace they possess.

Jozy Altidore missed some training today due to an upset stomach but he should be alright to start up top for the match.  Robbie Findlay has been starting along with Jozy but has been a non factor and will miss the match with two yellow cards in prior games.  Look for Bradley to start Edson Buddle tomorrow.  Buddle would be my choice, but Bradley could also move Dempsey up top or start Hurculez Gomez.

There is no excuse if the U.S. doesn’t advance to the round of 16.  They know what has to be done and what is on the line.

GO USA!

In the first match of the day Slovenia defeated Algeria 1-0 to go on top of Group C.  Slovenia received a gift goal in the 79th minute when Robert Koren’s shot was misplaced by goalkeeper Faouzi Chaouchi of Algeria.  Algeria went down to 10 men in the 73rd minute but did not have enough to break through Slovenia’s defense.

Both teams played with a ton of effort and will give England and the U.S. all they can handle in the Group stage.

Here is the AP article from ESPN.com with full highlights-Koren’s late score lifts Slovenia to first World Cup victory

In the second match Ghana defeated Serbia 1-0 after Asamoah Gian converted on a penalty kick in the 84th minute.  Ghana looked very well prepared to face a strong Serbian team filled with stars.  If Ghana stay in this form they will be a force for the rest of the competition.  Gian was the MVP of the match with a few near misses also.

Here is the AP article from ESPN.com with full highlights-Ghana’s Gyan converts penalty kick near end to edge Serbia

In the third match of the day Germany destroyed Australia 4-0.  Lucas Podolski, Miroslav Klose, Thomas Muller and Cacau each scored a goal in the win.   Germany dismantled the Australian defense throughout the entire match creating chance after chance.  Australia should consider themselves lucky to only lose 4-0 with Germany missing some easy goal scoring opportunities. The Germans look like the most complete team in the tournament so far with attacking options all over the pitch.

Here is the AP article from ESPN.com with full highlights-Germany’s 4 goals pile on Australia defense