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I got lucky with my work schedule and was able to go to sleep early last night, get up watch the US game and then sleep a couple more hours before I had to be at work, and I'm so glad I did. The game was awesome!!! Youre absolutely right about O'Brien...absolutely fantastic game from him. Same with McBride's header...Beasley and Donovan both played well beyond their years and if they keep it up, I wouldn't be surprised if they were faced with multi-million dollar contracts to choose from abroad (particularly for Beasley...wonderful play up and down the flank).
I don't think that the US played that poorly in the second half. They still looked dangerous at times and was able to force Portugal to remain in the middle third of the field for the most part (far better than I expected). Have to compliment Arena for not going back into the bunker at all. Was definetly impressed with Portugal's speed in the attack, and while their play in the back was at best mediocre, they really didn't give the US any cheap opportunities (own goal excluded).
Overall, the US confidence has to be incredibly high. They played well: smart, creative, attacking, high pressure soccer: something that may well develop into the "American" style in the future...the continuous high defensive pressure seems to be one of the more distinctive attributes of this squad, particularly in the midfield. Whether this pressure is in response to the absence of Chris Armas; I'm not sure.
I don't really think that this should be such a big shock as many people are making it out to be...surprising yes, but biggest upset overall??? I don't know about that. Looking how the US played up to the WC was fairly indicative that success in Korea/Japan was going to come...particularly after that Holland game, which despite the loss was one of the most entertaining games I've ever see the US play.
Anyway I could go on in my analysis, but I'll shut up now. Let's just hope they keep it up...
One last question, in light of a very sound (and for me unexpected) performance by Mastroeni (sp?), if Reyna gets healthy does Arena automatically put him back in the lineup, or come up with some other plan???
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