Thanks Paul, great analysis. I followed the USMNT’s progress from the first match of qualifying 15 months ago. It soon became obvious that lack of consistent goal scoring was going to be an issue. Finally paid the price.
Our defending was consistent throughout but van Gaal solved that brilliantly. I’m anticipating Berhalter will soon be relieved of further national team duties.
As far as 2026, I’m not optimistic. This match shows how far we are behind the elite national sides. How much progress can be made in four years?
I also fear not having to go through qualification will be a liability as it deprives the side of critical playing time. Getting further than the round of 16 is probably unrealistic.
Love your soccer posts Paul. Hope you will continue to comment as you have time and inclination.
Thanks, Artemus. I'll continue to write soccer posts, but in moderation.
Interesting take on the USMNT's prospects for 2026. You make good points, but I tend to agree with the more common view that our prospects are good.
We already have a good core of young players, and have several years to find a quality center forward and better center backs.
Home field should help us. I think it did in 1994, when we reached the knock out stage for the first time in the modern era with a rather undistinguished squad.
Until that last match, their defense looked better than anything I have seen from MNT in World Cup Play and the Dutch as masterful at systems of play.
But I keep asking myself what the 2002 USMNT did that no side since has been able to match. They were inexperienced at this level of play too. And yet they beat Portugal and hung with Germany, losing over a very questionable call on a goal that Oliver Kahn skillfully obfuscated.
What was their magic? It wasn't coaching. Bruce was less experienced than the coaches that have succeeded him. The 2002 squad had more experienced pros at key positions (Claudio Reyna and Earnie Stewart in midfield, Cherondolu in back) and more strong closers up front (Donovan, Moore, McBride).
The current side looks more disciplined on the field, possesses the ball better than previous sides that have resorted to more kick-and-run ball. Still we cannot get past the round of 16.
Thanks for reminding me of the 2002 team, David. My main recollection of the match against Germany is of Tony Sanneh, who had played for DC United and was then struggling for playing time in Germany, terrorizing the German defense. My impression was that Germany was lucky to win. In fact the German coach, Voller, went out of his way to claim his team deserved to win -- a sign that the matter was in doubt.
My view is that, although the current U.S. team is probably more talented than the 2002 version, it is younger and less experienced, as you say. I also think the 2002 team had fewer weaknesses and was stronger up the spine -- with Friedel in goal, Pope at center back, Reyna in midfield, and McBride up top. Donovan and Beasley added youth and flair to a well-balanced team, coached by an inexperienced but smart and inspiring (back then) leader.
I do have high hopes for the 2026 World Cup, though who can say with confidence what things will look like in three-and-half years.
I watched the game, but know nothing about the game the world calls football. My 17 year old grandson is a fan, and he strongly agrees with Paul. Jim Dueholm
Thanks Paul, great analysis. I followed the USMNT’s progress from the first match of qualifying 15 months ago. It soon became obvious that lack of consistent goal scoring was going to be an issue. Finally paid the price.
Our defending was consistent throughout but van Gaal solved that brilliantly. I’m anticipating Berhalter will soon be relieved of further national team duties.
As far as 2026, I’m not optimistic. This match shows how far we are behind the elite national sides. How much progress can be made in four years?
I also fear not having to go through qualification will be a liability as it deprives the side of critical playing time. Getting further than the round of 16 is probably unrealistic.
Love your soccer posts Paul. Hope you will continue to comment as you have time and inclination.
Thanks, Artemus. I'll continue to write soccer posts, but in moderation.
Interesting take on the USMNT's prospects for 2026. You make good points, but I tend to agree with the more common view that our prospects are good.
We already have a good core of young players, and have several years to find a quality center forward and better center backs.
Home field should help us. I think it did in 1994, when we reached the knock out stage for the first time in the modern era with a rather undistinguished squad.
Until that last match, their defense looked better than anything I have seen from MNT in World Cup Play and the Dutch as masterful at systems of play.
But I keep asking myself what the 2002 USMNT did that no side since has been able to match. They were inexperienced at this level of play too. And yet they beat Portugal and hung with Germany, losing over a very questionable call on a goal that Oliver Kahn skillfully obfuscated.
What was their magic? It wasn't coaching. Bruce was less experienced than the coaches that have succeeded him. The 2002 squad had more experienced pros at key positions (Claudio Reyna and Earnie Stewart in midfield, Cherondolu in back) and more strong closers up front (Donovan, Moore, McBride).
The current side looks more disciplined on the field, possesses the ball better than previous sides that have resorted to more kick-and-run ball. Still we cannot get past the round of 16.
Thanks for reminding me of the 2002 team, David. My main recollection of the match against Germany is of Tony Sanneh, who had played for DC United and was then struggling for playing time in Germany, terrorizing the German defense. My impression was that Germany was lucky to win. In fact the German coach, Voller, went out of his way to claim his team deserved to win -- a sign that the matter was in doubt.
My view is that, although the current U.S. team is probably more talented than the 2002 version, it is younger and less experienced, as you say. I also think the 2002 team had fewer weaknesses and was stronger up the spine -- with Friedel in goal, Pope at center back, Reyna in midfield, and McBride up top. Donovan and Beasley added youth and flair to a well-balanced team, coached by an inexperienced but smart and inspiring (back then) leader.
I do have high hopes for the 2026 World Cup, though who can say with confidence what things will look like in three-and-half years.
I forgot about Sanneh, another solid performance. Now that we go through the names, what a good team and what great memories!
I watched the game, but know nothing about the game the world calls football. My 17 year old grandson is a fan, and he strongly agrees with Paul. Jim Dueholm