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Written by Robert Wagman
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Wednesday, 11 August 2010 17:50 |
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After conceding early goals in two of its three World Cuup Group C matches, the Americans responded to come away with draws en route to inning the group. In today's Round-of-16 match against Ghana, the Americans erased an early tally to force extra time, but had no answer to Ghana's tally soon after the 30 extra minutes began.
For the second consecutive World Cup, the U.S. was sent home by Ghana by a 2-1 score-line, though in 2006 the Americans tournament ended in group play.
This time, the U.S. fell before a Royal Bafokeng Stadium crowd of 34,976 in Rustenburg, South Africa.
Whether it was mental or physical, it looked like the U.S. came out simply not ready to play and once again surrendered an early goal as Ghana controlled play for much of the opening 45 minutes with Kevin Prince Boateng providing a 1-0 lead after five minutes.
The Americans reorganized themselves at the interval and was the dominant team through at least the first 20 minutes of the second half. Still, after Landon Donovan's penalty kick brought the U.S. level at 1-1 in the 62nd minute, the Americans relaxed and Ghana again took control.
By the time the match reached overtime, the U.S. was clearly running on empty. The momentum continued on Ghana's side and it was able to launch a swift counter-attack in the 93rd minute, leading to Asamoah Gyan's winning strike
U.S. coach Bob Bradley made what turned out to be two important changes from the team that faced defeated Algeria to win Group C Wednesday. He returned Robbie Findley to the front line, apparently hoping that his speed would stretch out the Ghana defense, and he inserted Ricardo Clark into the midfield to utilize his defensive prowess to slow the speedy Ghana midfield.
Both moves backfired badly. Clark gave up the ball that led to Ghana's goal early goal and then received a yellow card while looking like a second yellow and ejection would not be long in coming. So just a half hour into the match, Bradley pulled him and returned to Maurice Edu.
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Written by Filip Bondy
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Wednesday, 11 August 2010 17:44 |
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If you're Bob Bradley, still auditioning for coaching jobs at home and abroad, it's probably not a good idea to schedule Brazil during the employment hunt.
But an international fixture date was filled, then so was the New Meadowlands Stadium, and then so was the net behind U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard - with goals that either counted or were nullified. Brazil embarrassed Bradley's national team Tuesday night, humbling a back line unable to defend such precise in-stride through passes or drill-perfect crosses.
"In terms of positives, it's hard to draw a positive," Howard said, after the Americans were outshot, 20-7, in a 2-0 loss before 77,223. "A lot of learning on the fly. Brazil is Brazil, always tough for us."
The final score might have been considerably more one-sided, though the Americans' all-time record against Brazil, 1-15, can hardly be any worse.
Bradley's situation is unique, and perilous. In the past, the fate of the U.S. national coach was always clear after a World Cup cycle. But the Americans' remarkable run through the first round in South Africa, followed by their disappointing exit, left U.S. Soccer president Sunil Gulati with a difficult decision on the future of Bradley, who has a contract until the end of the year.
Much to his credit, Gulati has not acted quickly, allowing the U.S. coach to explore other potential options overseas. It's probably not a great sign for Bradley, however, that the habitually accessible Gulati chose Tuesday night to avoid the press. "I'm heading for the bus," Gulati said, eluding questions.
Unfairly, American coaches have rarely been considered seriously by top-level international clubs. Bruce Arena found that out back in 2002, after leading the U.S. to the World Cup quarterfinals. And now Bradley is suffering more of the same. He was never quite interviewed for the Fulham job and is only one of several candidates for the vacant Aston Villa slot.
"Nothing more to report," Bradley said after the match, about his status with the U.S. team. "We'll see where those discussions go. (Waiting is) no problem for me. I'll be thinking later tonight about the next games."
The next two U.S. matches are in October, beginning with one against Poland, probably in Chicago. Meanwhile, it didn't appear Tuesday night as if the U.S. had made any giant evolutionary strides since South Africa.
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Written by worldsoccer
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Saturday, 07 August 2010 16:09 |
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Spanyol internasional Cesc Fabregas memastikan bahwa dialog tinggal Bersama Arsenal .
Dunia 23 Tahun Juara Piala Sangat telah dikaitkan Artikel Baru Barcelona Musim Panas Suami Dan telah mengkonfirmasi bahwa doa AGLOCO sedangkan penawaran Yang formal diajukan untuk Artikel jasanya .
The Gunners Bergerak menolak Barca , sementara Fabregas mengakui dialog tergoda Serius untuk Artikel Artikel Baru bergabung raksasa Catalan , dialog terkini FOKUS PADA bermain untuk Artikel Arsenal .
" Pertama Saya Ingin meminta maaf kepada seluruh fans untuk Artikel tidak cepat Perdana berbicara Arsenal Tentang Saya MASA depan tapi Saya tidak Tahu APA Yang akan keanaeragaman Saya lakukan sampai saat inisial , Sky " Kata Olahraga Berita .
" Saya tidak dapat menyangkal bahwa Artikel Baru bergabung klub seperti Barcelona untuk hubungi Bergerak menarik bagi Saya adalah klub INI Di mana Saya Belajar Saya takraw bola , . Rumah Saya Di mana kota adalah Teman - Teman Dan Keluarga Dan Di klub mana Saya selalu bermimpi bermain Tidak banyak . pemain Di Dunia Yang Ingin tidak Barcelona bermain untuk Artikel .
" Saya sudah banyak percakapan Artikel Baru Arsene Wenger , Baik secara Pribadi Dan telepon tidak aktif selama beberapa Bulan Terakhir Dan meskipun isi percakapan akan keanaeragaman Swasta Tetap , kesimpulannya adalah bahwa doa memiliki penawaran Barcelona Resmi Oleh ditolak Arsenal .
" Saya seorang profesional Dan Saya memahami benar bahwa hak adalah ITU prerogatif Arsenal untuk Artikel Saya tidak menjual .
" Saya berutang klub Ke Banyak, Manajer Dan para penggemar Dan Saya akan keanaeragaman menghormati keputusan mereka Dan sekarang akan keanaeragaman berkonsentrasi PADA depan untuk Artikel Artikel Baru Arsenal Musim .
" Saya Bisa memastikan * Semua fans Yang terkini telah berakhir akan keanaeragaman Saya negosiasi 100 persen FOKUS PADA bermain untuk Artikel Arsenal .
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