There’s a lot of gnashing of teeth over USA’s “collapse” in stoppage time that allowed Cristiano Ronaldo to lash a picture-perfect cross into Varela, who made no mistake with a rocket header into the net. We’re not that special, people. Several goals have been scored in this World Cup in the final minutes.
Yes, mistakes were made, but considering three out of our four starters on defense had to sub out in the second half, we did well to hold off Portugal as long as we did.
I was impressed with our skill on the ball. We dominated the game, and much credit for selecting the right players and training them right must go to the coach, Juergan Klinsmann. My only reservation is about the team’s conditioning. Against Ghana, U.S. players were collapsing left and right from cramps or other ailments. Again against Portugal, U.S. players were wilting in the late going.
While many goals develop in seconds, most are the result of factors building up over time. After Clint Dempsey literally shot from the hip to put the U.S. ahead, there was an inevitable letdown in Yankee industry and a reciprocal charge by Portugal. In this situation, many coaches turn to their bench for a spark plug, but Klinsmann couldn’t do that. He had to be reactive instead, bringing on defensive subs just to hold the fort.
The U.S., tied with Germany at the top of their group with four points, is in much better shape than I would have expected. Now Juergan will lead his charges against the team for which he starred as a dynamic striker. Germany looked decidedly mortal in a tie with Ghana. If the U.S. and Germany tie, they both advance, Germany ahead of the U.S. Even if the U.S. loses, it could still advance if Portugal wins or Portugal and Ghana tie.
Achtung, baby! Eat those wheaties, Yanks. We need a full 90.
