Knockout stage

The US charged into the knockout stage by beating Algeria with a goal in the 91^st minute of play. Yes, Landon Donovan scored a great goal in stoppage time to put the US through to the next round. Not only did the US make it through, but they finished at the top of the group – thanks to England playing under expectations. This puts the US in better position, theoretically for the next round.

By drawing against England, coming back to tie Slovenia from two goals down (should have been a win) and defeating Algeria we have gained some respect in the sport. We did finish atop of the group, unexpectedly. We also played harder and deserved our results (and then some). That is more than I can say for many of the big name countries, especially France and Italy.

I have to say though that I feel a game against Ghana is more threatening than a game against Germany. Germany is a solid team, but they lack creativity and leadership. Ghana is very creative and they have the home continent advantage. Germany is a good team, yes, but the US knows how to play against teams like that – they did beat Spain. Ghana plays more like Brazil, a team we have struggled to handle. We barely beat Algeria, another African team. We seem to play better against the teams from Europe for whatever reason.

I think we can, and will, beat Ghana, but it will be a nail biter. One thing is for sure, we cannot afford to go down a goal – we have to score first and play hard for 90 minutes. We cannot allow them to score first and then fight back to tie the game. We need a decisive win.

After that we would face the winner of Uruguay vs. South Korea, which is actually in our favor. We won’t see a major player until the semi-finals. Uruguay is no push over though. They finished second in their region, behind Brazil. South Korea is to be respected as well. They are a very physically fit team and showed they can play by winning against France and Greece.

Still, it is realistic that the US could be playing for 3^rd place this World Cup. I don’t see us making the finals, but it is possible and I still hold out hope. Realistically though, we will face a powerhouse in the semi-finals. That powerhouse will likely be the Netherlands, Portugal, Brazil or Spain. Those are pretty much the top four teams of this tournament, with Argentina, Germany and England falling just behind them. Of all those teams though, Portugal is the only one I’ve seen play up to potential. Everyone else has seemed to be on cruise control. I think that will change in the knockout stage and we will have to give everything we have to make it far.

Donovan, Altidore, Bradley and Dempsey will all be key, but so will our defensive play as a whole. If Howard can keep a clean sheet we should do decently well. I look forward to more good games in the coming days/weeks even if the US doesn't go far.