June 23, 2010
USA Algeria Post Game
First of all I'm sorry for not live blogging the game. I was too tired/nervous.
As the final 45 minutes turned into the final 20, which turned into the final 5, it became clear to me that it wouldn't be enough. Despite the relentless assault that we were mounting against Algeria's goal, despite chance after unmissable chance, we would not score. It was fated. What else could I believe? After another good goal disallowed, after so many glorious opportunities wasted, after the frustration of failing again and again, how could I believe that we would, at last, break through?
And then the 91st minute, a quick counter attack, from box to box in seconds. In a flash me and my housemates were running around, celebrating as if we had a hand in the goal, as if we served as some unseen cog in the machinery. Despite the fact that we hadn't slept for 24 hours each, we stayed up after the match for an hour or so each. Yes, I needed to let my heart slow down, my mind to stop racing, but another part of me wanted to savor this moment, wanted to stretch it out until it wouldn't stretch anymore.
Let me go back.
My first memories of the USA team were, like a lot of people my age, of the '94 world cup. I was just 10 years old, but remember watching not only team USA, their unexpected win over Columbia, how they hung with a superior Brazilian team, but also the great teams from Brazil and Italy. That was the cup where the brilliant and, and ultimately, tragic Roberto Baggio captivated an otherwise flat and negative cup.
In retrospect those early teams were terrible. They were fit and defended well and Kasey Keller was a championship level goalkeeper, but individually our players lacked the quality to do anything but steal a win from a good team every once in a while. We played very negatively because we had to. Despite this lack of quality, I was drawn to their attitude, to their fighting spirit. From that time forward, I always kept the boys close to my heart. From the disappointment of '98 and '06 to the almost miraculous run in the '02 cup I've seen this team grow and mature, become what they are today.
I had heard about Landon Donovan, had seen him play in some youth internationals, and everything I'd heard and seen told me that he was the next great united states player. He brought a skill set to the team that no one had ever brought before. He could pass, dribble, cross, and, most excitingly, score goals from the midfield. It was with great interest that I watched his first international cap, a friendly against Mexico where he would score the only goal.
It was a sign of things to come. Over the years, Lando would score many more goals, many of them in key situations. It seemed that the big games, especially against arch-rival Mexico really brought out the best in him. He scored against them in friendlies, in World Cup Qualifiers, in the World Cup. You know you've arrived as a United States soccer player when you are vilified by the Mexicans, and Landon is the most hated American player ever south of the border.
So I knew. I knew all along, or at least for a long time, that Landon was the best American player of all time. But as with all sports, these things are measured by what you do in the biggest moments. And you're tested again and again. But at some point there is a moment; all the great players have a moment when the tests exist not to prove what we did not know but to confirm what has become apparent to all. In the 91st minute of a 0-0 tie against Algeria, Landon had his moment, and as the US players lingered around the pitch, soaking in the victory, it became clear that our fate lies at the feet of the diminutive midfielder from Ontario, CA. I wouldn't have it any other way.
Ratings:
Tim Howard 7: Never tested much, but steady as you please. Sprung Donovan on the decisive counter attack.
Steve Cherundolo 8: A thorn in Algeria's side on the right flank. Attacked and defended with equal alacrity.
Jay DeMerit 6: Generally solid, especially when the Algerians tried to hit on counters throughout the second half. Made a potentially fatal error in the first half.
Carlos Bocanegra 6.5: Good solid game. Covered effectively and kept Tim Howard from having to perform any heroics.
Jonathan Bornstein 6: Quicker than Bocanegra, but didn't see much of the ball as the attacks tended to go down the right flank.
Landon Donovan 9.5: My man of the match. Excellent service. Great energetic performance. Of course the goal to cap it off.
Maurice Edu 5.5: Looks unsteady on the ball, but does a better job than Clark imo.
Michael Bradley 8.5: Fantastic game from Bradley. Pulled all the strings in the center of the park. Robust performance.
Clint Dempsey 6.5: Brilliant during the buildup. Needs to finish better if we are to advance further.
Jozy Altidore 8: Dangerous whenever he touched the ball. The fastest strongest player on the pitch was unlucky to not have a goal and a few assists.
Herculez Gomez 6.5: Looked good in the box, but needs to get better away from the goal to do anything but come off the bench.
