die Autopsie

I predicted 3-1; it turned out 4-1, but most of the U.S. defeat can be put down to a scrambling approach to defending in the second half, letting in three goals “in a six minute span of defensive mayhem," as Yanks Abroad puts it. The first half was pretty good. Klinsmann and the Germans feel vindicated. Bruce Arena got a good look at some of his players under stress, in a huge stadium, with intense atmosphere. It worked out for everybody.

The Good:

It was nice to see big, fast U.S. midfielders and defenders. I like Earnie Stewart and Cobi Jones and all, but Eddie Johnson is what this team needs going forward; same with Brian Ching. Look at the way this team handles the ball, compared to the 1994 U.S. team – much better passing, vastly improved ball movement, good work on the wing.

Other good things:

None of those insanely annoying plastic horns that are everywhere in any MLS game.

Bobby Convey - Nice touch in midfield. If he wasn’t challenging Beasley for that spot, I’d say he was a lock.

Corey Gibbs - awesome work at left back- tough and fast. Hejduk could be out of a job.

Eddie Johnson - beat Ballack to a header and forced a sterling save from Oliver Kahn; later caused Kahn to miss the ball for the lone U.S. goal. Please stay healthy, Eddie.

Pablo Mastroeni – solid midfield director. Bruce had to replace him in the second half with Ben Olsen as Pablo got tired and became a little grabby.

No Rob Stone calling these U.S. friendlies, Instead we have Marcelo Balboa, who was right on the money when he said the one thing missing from this U.S. team was panic.

The Bad:

There was something like panic, or maybe just bewilderment, as defensive screw-ups led to three quick goals. Blink your eye at this level of play, and you’re down 2-0. Where o where was the marking on Ballack's goal?

Wilkommen to international football. They did pull a few good offside traps, though.

At 2-0, it was as good as done. Germany found their control and were happy to have that bitter 4-1 loss to Italy behind them.

I’m happy for Jurgen, really. He deserves this win.