USA Soccer
Hope you have not been holding your breath waiting for my next post. I have been having too much fun reading the Random Thoughts to post my own original ideas. That said, I am compelled today to write my thoughts on the plight of the US soccer team in the World Cup.
Why did the US team fail to advance? Let's review...
For one, I think that some of the players were not put in a position where they are most capable of being effective. For example, against the Czech Republic Landon Donovan was placed as a striker. However, Landon's strength is to carry the ball and run at players rather than to receive long passes over the top. Landon should always be in an advanced midfield position so he is more likely to have the ball at his feet.
Two, Arena relied too much on veterans who did play up to their potential. Claudio Reyna may be the second most overrated player in US Soccer history (Alexi Lalas). He shows no creativity in organizing the offense and is slow with the ball at his feet. Brian McBride's role is largely reliant on other players serving good balls to him, but when this strategy proved ineffective Arena should have gone with Eddie Johnson or Josh Wolff who can provide more speed and dribbling ability.
Three - no chemistry. The US Team touted its three-game pre-World Cup tour as its big preparation for the competition. You know what, I don't know any team that has developed any chemistry and common instincts after just three games. Perhaps the MLS has to follow the example of the Euro leagues and move the season so that the national team players are available more to prepare for big international competitions. Whatever we do, the US team must spend more time with a set lineup so that it can develop team chemistry and be able to play more instinctually and without so much deliberation.
In summary, the reasons for the US's failure are both strategic and institutional. Clearly, it is easier to adjust the strategic decisions (including personnel choices). Whether or not this means that Arena should be replaced will be determined by his willingness to adjust his style and learn from his mistakes.
Why did the US team fail to advance? Let's review...
For one, I think that some of the players were not put in a position where they are most capable of being effective. For example, against the Czech Republic Landon Donovan was placed as a striker. However, Landon's strength is to carry the ball and run at players rather than to receive long passes over the top. Landon should always be in an advanced midfield position so he is more likely to have the ball at his feet.
Two, Arena relied too much on veterans who did play up to their potential. Claudio Reyna may be the second most overrated player in US Soccer history (Alexi Lalas). He shows no creativity in organizing the offense and is slow with the ball at his feet. Brian McBride's role is largely reliant on other players serving good balls to him, but when this strategy proved ineffective Arena should have gone with Eddie Johnson or Josh Wolff who can provide more speed and dribbling ability.
Three - no chemistry. The US Team touted its three-game pre-World Cup tour as its big preparation for the competition. You know what, I don't know any team that has developed any chemistry and common instincts after just three games. Perhaps the MLS has to follow the example of the Euro leagues and move the season so that the national team players are available more to prepare for big international competitions. Whatever we do, the US team must spend more time with a set lineup so that it can develop team chemistry and be able to play more instinctually and without so much deliberation.
In summary, the reasons for the US's failure are both strategic and institutional. Clearly, it is easier to adjust the strategic decisions (including personnel choices). Whether or not this means that Arena should be replaced will be determined by his willingness to adjust his style and learn from his mistakes.
posted by Bearister at 11:23 AM
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