Shimer did a great job updating everything from the U.S.-Netherlands match this afternoon so I figured I'd add a couple random thoughts.
I thought that 2-1 for the Dutch was a fair result given that they dominated possession however both goals were rather cheap (a shaky penalty kick and a deflected shot). It was nice to see the Americans score the late goal off the free kick and it looked like they might even tie it before time ran out.
Where that attacking style was the rest of the 90 minutes is another question but I think it's simple to answer when you note that both Clint Dempsey and Charlie Davies, two of the U.S.' top three offensive threats were not on the field.
USA
Tim Howard-Played well when he had too, had the save of the match as Shimer said on that laser by Van der Vaart.
Carlos Bocanegra-Still vastly underrated and deserving of the captain's armband, sweet goal for the veteran defender.
Jay Demerit-His coming out party for the national team was last summer at the Confederations Cup but this guy has been great in England with Watford for the last few seasons. Just a fearless defender that challenges everything.
Jonathan Bornstein-A rough day at the office for the young defender. First, he was whistled for the foul that caused the PK (which was a lame call) but minutes later an obvious hand ball in the box by him was overlooked. He obviously has the ability, games like that will happen in his development.
Jonathan Spector-Largely invisible for much of the game which I suppose isn't a bad thing. Had a couple decent crosses and attacking runs forward.
Jose Francisco Torres-I hadn't seen him play before and I came away impressed. He's the type of holding midfielder that we'll need against European teams (cough England).
Michael Bradley-You'd have to be a pretty big fan to notice much of what Lil' Bradley did but I thought he was a beast on challenges and he seemed to play looser as the game went on. He's probably the most dependable guy on the team outside of Howard and Bocanegra.
Landon Donovan-Very disappointing game for Donovan after he's been tearing it up recently in England. He hardly seemed to have touched the ball and didn't have any positive impact on the proceedings.
Stuart Holden-Also impressed me making it a real shame that he went down with that ankle injury in the first half. He showed some touch and creativity in the midfield, something the U.S. can always use.
Jozy Altidore-Had a decent game but also showed how limited he'll be against good teams without Dempsey and/or Davies. As John Harkes noted during the game, he was getting double-teamed nearly every time he touched it. Great shot near the end.
Robbie Findley-He probably had the most riding on this game in terms of making the roster but I'll be kind and say he didn't do much to impress Bob Bradley and his staff. Seemed to be nervous and I can't blame him.
DeMarcus Beasley (subbed for Holden)-One of the most positive aspects I'll take out of this match was the reemergence of Beasley. He was active, making runs up and down the sidelines and he always was around the ball. Keep it up.
Maurice Edu (subbed for Torres)-Similar to Beasley, his Rangers teammate, Edu got off to a bit of a slow start but he got better as the game went on. He's a very dependable midfielder who wins many 50-50 balls.
Alejandro Bedoya (subbed for Findley)-This was also my first view of the former BC star and I liked what I saw. He looked explosive and made quality runs, although he didn't always get rewarded by his teammates.
Heath Pearce (subbed for Demerit)-Maybe it's cause he took Demerit out but I can't remember Pearce doing anything, positive or negative, as opposed to Demerit who was everywhere.
Eddie Johnson (subbed for Donovan)-Showed no reason why he deserves significant playing time in South Africa. He was the only guy on the U.S. team that didn't seem to know when to pass as he kept taking on too many guys at a time.
Clarance Goodson (subbed for Bornstein)-Should have tied it as he had a shot from in close that he put over the net. Great chance but I'll give him the benefit of the doubt that he had just come on plus he's a defender.
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