That was one hell of a gutsy performance by the U.S. National Men’s Soccer Team. Clint Dempsey scored after thirty seconds. Jozy Altidore came up lame in the 22nd minute. Then Dempsey had his nose rearranged by a Ghanan player’s foot. Then Matt Besler tweaked his hamstring and had to be replaced. Then Alejandro Bedoya tweaked a hamstring and had to be replaced. They reminded me of Joe Frazier in the 14th Round with Mohammed Ali. They were battered. Their game plan was in tatters. Michael Bradley wasn’t even playing very well. Then they gave up the equalizer with eight minutes to go, and turned right around and got a winning goal from 21 year old John Brooks, who almost didn’t even make the roster.
I didn’t like their inability to complete passes or maintain possession, and they lacked their normal dangerousness in transition. But, under the circumstances and in that humidity, they pulled off a minor miracle. If they can heal up and at least get a tie against Portugal, they are almost guaranteed a trip to second round.
Portugal had their own injuries. Pepe got a red card and won’t be able to play against the Americans. And after getting thrashed 4-0 by Germany, the Portuguese can’t have much confidence. In any tie in points, the USA currently has a goal differential advantage of five.
I hope Jozy doesn’t have a tear and can eventually make his way back to the team. We need him.
What a great win!
