USA's second friendly in four days was a tough one especially when you consider them traveling from LA to Belgium and the result was a 1-0 lose. Under Klinsmann, USA has only scored one goal in three games. I'm not panicking yet. Are you?
Majority of the first half was a completely controlled by Belgium. The US lacked pace, continuity, and possession. It was nothing like the Costa Rica game where the US controlled the ball and the possession. The first twenty minutes was good, but something got lost. Belgium put more defensive pressure which forced back US.
The second half started the same way first half ended. Not much possession. After Belgium scored their goal, they started to sit back on defense which kind of allwoed US to attack and posses the ball a little bit more. And it looked like the equalizing goal was socred by Edu, but there was some phantom offiside or handball that was called by the sideline referee.
I'll be honest, even though US lost, it was an even game. The one goal came from a long throw in, which skipped under Tim Howard on a very wet field. But what I am concerned about is, the chances that were created. There was only about two good chances that was created and one was off a long free kick.
I think it is evident USA should not be playing with a lone forward, because Jozy was basically invisible in the first half.
I think after this stretch of friendlies it should be clear to Klinsmann who is national team ready and who is not.
USA vs Belgium Recap 9/6/2011
Tuesday, September 06, 2011
Unknown
