Reflecting on USA vs. Ghana

So I feel that its time to speak about Team USA. After the splendid and intense match against Italy, I like many felt the US had a chance to make it to the second round. The Italy match was a great performance and showed the potential of the team, referee interference not withstanding. There was a fire there and it showed on the field.

So what happened against Ghana? Where was that same intensity and desire to win? Again there was a lackluster speed to the team. Again Eddie Johnson was not started, Reyna was ineffective (while he was on the field), Beasley was mostly out of the match. McBride seemed dimmed. Many of these things are the fault of the coach, Bruce Arena. Mr. Arena made the choices of who started and how long they played. He chose the pre-game tactics. And after the unfortunate goal just before the half, it was the mission of Mr. Arena to whip the team up and get them back into the game. 2 - 1 with a half to play is not the end of the match. There was much left to do, and could have been done. Changes could have been set, but were not.

This is not a reflection on soccer in the USA. It’s hardly what we are capable of. And I think, with a new coach a lot of things may improve. Hopefully the same will be done by FIFA. In the Angola game, the 43rd minute, the goalkeeper was hit but there was no red card. In the 36th minute a yellow was given to Iran. Looking at these penalties and comparing them to the controversial calls that went against the USA, the 2 red cards and the penalty kick, one has to wonder. The comparisons do not hold up. Of course there were several games where cards were or were not given and referees missed crucial plays, or disrupted match play. There is no consistency other than the fact that more cards have been given than any other World Cup to my knowledge. That disrupts and affects games. Referees aren’t there to influence a match, just manage it. FIFA needs to work on there situation.

I was not pleased. What more can be said.

Spain, Brazil and Argentina look on fire. Germany and England look solid. Ghana is a wild card. The continuing games should be quite interesting.