USA vs Portugal Thoughts

You can't help but be disappointed by the result of the USA game. 15 seconds from being the first team to qualify through in the Group of Death. It was heart break.

The things I like to point out in these write ups is what we talk about as a team. First, Just last week we worked on finishing and we spoke about where to shoot the ball when approaching the goal from a high angle. Look at Portugal's first goal:

I know that the whole thing is a gift from a missed clear - but notice how Nani attacks the space and then look at what Tim Howard covers. We said it, you go top shelf - or far and low. Nani hits top shelf.

Next, let's look at Jermaine Jones. We talked about how when we strike the ball, our desire is for the ball to bend around/away from the goalie and then go straight into the net. This strike is a perfect demonstration of that.

Players who have been on my team a while know that I say "any little touch" quite a bit. This is used to disrupt the play on defense, but also create chaos in the box on offense - a great way to wrong foot the keeper. In this case, Clint scores with his belly button.

First, note that this whole thing is started by DeAndre Yedlin getting to - where? The end line! To create a front foot finish opportunity. At worst, the Defense will conceed a corner, but instead, they couldn't clear the danger and the US is there to put in the go ahead goal.

I'll also note that Clint looks over his shoulder to check where the defender is to be sure he is on side. Watch for it. You hear me say "Head on a swivel." Be smart forwards, don't kill a goal by being in a poor position.

Last, I hate to say it because Bradley is an incredible player. But the goal that kept Portugal's hopes alive is a give away with less than 30 seconds to play. The ball goes to Bradley who gives a half hearted effort at winning. It turns over quickly to Portugal who gets a free 20 yard press up field before the ball swings wide to CR. Then the perfectly laid cross makes this a near impossible stop for the defense. Great service, great run, great finish. DANG!

Well, that's the group of Death for you.

I BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN!