The Germany World Cup was a disappointment for the American team.  While at least we’ve learned to play a possession game (unlike the hopeless dump and run, pray for a tie style exhibited in the US Cup twelve years ago) we lacked a single player with the ability to score.  Our midfielders are decent enough, but our forwards suck and Donovan and especially Beasley failed to build on their promising 2002 performances.  With the exception of the Italy game we were timid and lethargic.  The Ghana game was the worst.  It was one we needed to win, and we should have won it.  Yet against a squad that was reckless and had significant defensive weaknesses, we let them control the pace, failing to counter with runs of our own.

 

Arena must be faulted too.   He slotted many players out of position (Beasley at right back the most egregious error) and failed to sub in Eddie Johnson in the Italy game when we were down to nine but still controlling the pace.  In playing out for an Italy tie he lacked heart.

 

The American squad is not lacking in talent.  Our midfield will be deep with Donovan, Convey, and Dempsey, and with Freddy Adu taking the place of Reyna.  Two things must be done immediately to improve our chances in South Africa.  First, hire Jurgen Klinsmann.  Second, bring USA soccer to the Latino community.  Our failure to do so is perplexing.