United States 1
Guadeloupe 0
The United States can breathe a sigh of relief as they receive second place in Group C that is enough to see them through to the next round against Jamaica on Sunday at 1:30pm at RFK Stadium. The USA off a missile of a goal by Jozy Altidore are odds on favorites to beat Jamaica on Sunday, but are still not living up to their potential. Tonight was alot better and the abundance of shots and chances was a great breath of fresh air. We were decently aggressive, but just couldn't seem to hit the easy chances. Dempsey had a forgetful night missing plenty of what seemed to be easy goals. It must have not been his night, because in most cases Clint Dempsey would have had a hat trick on a night like this. While the Americans escaped Kansas City with a win, they can't put their guard down against Jamaica. If we play like we did tonight against Jamaica, we will get punished and more than likely sent home.
BREAKDOWN BY POSITION
GK- Howard didn't have much action tonight which is always a good thing. Got his clean sheet and did well leading the backline.
D- Wow. Lichaj and Cherundolo. What can you say, these guys played their butts off and did a wonderful job tonight. Boca did well as well, but Lichaj and Dolo stole the show. Dolo was always created chances and his legs even in the 90th minute showed freshness. Lichaj also had so many great tackles and takeaways. Overall this was the best backline we have used all tourney. This should be the exactly backline we bring back on Sunday. Lichaj deserves to start and he proves it time and time again.
M- Dempsey, Dempsey, Dempsey. If he just would have scored on half his chances we would have won by 3 goals. You can't beat him up over one out of form game, after all the games that he has carried the team on his back. He will be back with vengeance against Jamaica. Donovan played a good game and had some nice passes, but seemed too hesitate at times. He pulled the ball back alot of times that I felt he should have pushed forward. Jones surprised me tonight with a great game in my opinion. He had some key passes and played really good defense. Bradley played decent as well, but not really any points that I can remember that he looked excellent. His legs were definitely feeling it tonight.Also, I thought Bedoya did well coming in and seems like he covered the pitch all over. Showed a TON of energy.
F- Altidore had rocket of a goal and is easily the man of the match. That was the best goal I have seen in awhile from an American for the National team. I hope this builds his confidence as I believe it will. He continues to show great strength in holding back defenders. Wondo looked decent at times and was able to turn defenders pretty well. Makes you wonder if it was really him or just the low level competition.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Jozy Altidore
FINAL THOUGHTS
A good enough game for the USA to advance, but the form has to pick up against Jamaica. We will not beat Jamaica if we play like we did tonight. We have to capitalize on these chances because there won't be near as many when Jamaica walks out on the pitch.
More thoughts to come. Just a quick review for now.
USA USA USA
