Pretoria - U.S.A.~ Algeria - June 23

[Clint Planet]

We cant afford him

God, I loved him during his loan spell, but I will eat my shoes if we sign him on a permanent deal


And look at Lewis Holtby in Germany. Has confessed that he's a diehard Evertonian, but I dont see anyone creaming themselves whenever he scores a goal.

Hioltby hasn't played for Everton so the fans are bound not to have an emotional attachment to him. Donovan has and was a roaring success, and has made it very clear he loves the club and the fans. Is it really that hard to understand why he's held in great affection by Toffees?

 

[Clint Planet]

We Yanks are a little full of ourselves at the moment and rightly so.

So you should be. The best team topped the group and you couldn't have done it in more dramatic circumstances. Who'd have thought it when you were 2-0 down against Slovenia?

 

[Tennessee Blue Mike]

Wow! Just watched the highlights I'm waiting to see the whole game tonight. I would have been a headcase watching this one. US should have had six. I couldn't believe the misses and offside goal calls. Altidore & Dempsey sitters missed. Donovan mops up. This game should have been put to bed before the first half.

Did anyone see the whole game? How did Altidore do? What I saw he didn't look to good. Glad Buddle got his chance. Gomez had opportunities also.

 

[best little spaniard]

Fair enough, i'm just resigned to the probable fact that he wont play for Everton again.


I did say i'm pleased for them though. Hope they go far.

 

[chicoazul]

Has to be said, well done USA.

The best team won the group.

 

[Dutch Toffee]

Congrats Yanks.

 

[Bigloco]

Wow! Just watched the highlights I'm waiting to see the whole game tonight. I would have been a headcase watching this one. US should have had six. I couldn't believe the misses and offside goal calls. Altidore & Dempsey sitters missed. Donovan mops up. This game should have been put to bed before the first half.

Did anyone see the whole game? How did Altidore do? What I saw he didn't look to good. Glad Buddle got his chance. Gomez had opportunities also.

i watched it....i didnt even post on here it was so intense.

Altidore was really good imo. He blew a shot (or 2?) but the guy's size and speed were clearly evident and his runs and control were game changing (in the end an assist?) I thought he and Gomez worked really well together and I'd like to see that again. Dempsey was saved from being the goat though Altidore's open goal miss was probably the worst shot of the game..still, once you watch it, Altidore provided alot of "what could have beens"

I wish the guy was better finishing.

 

[GoGoSox]

He's Landon Donovan
He's All American
He plays for Everton
He beats the Mexicans!

(And today he beat the Algerians.)

 

[Deleted member 28206]

another disallowed goal? christ on a bike!

 

[Tennessee Blue Mike]

i watched it....i didnt even post on here it was so intense.

Altidore was really good imo. He blew a shot (or 2?) but the guy's size and speed were clearly evident and his runs and control were game changing (in the end an assist?) I thought he and Gomez worked really well together and I'd like to see that again. Dempsey was saved from being the goat though Altidore's open goal miss was probably the worst shot of the game..still, once you watch it, Altidore provided alot of "what could have beens"

I wish the guy was better finishing.

Thanks Bigloco sometimes the highlights don't do the game justice. Those misses unbelievable. I agree Altidore biggest problem is finishing. I hope he gets that sorted before the next game. The offensive nature of the team is great. Any reason why Gooch was absent?

 

[Bigloco]

Thanks Bigloco sometimes the highlights don't do the game justice. Those misses unbelievable. I agree Altidore biggest problem is finishing. I hope he gets that sorted before the next game. The offensive nature of the team is great. Any reason why Gooch was absent?

They didn't really say, but from watching the game, it was obvious they wanted speed and as much offense from the back 4 as they could get...and Bornstein was actually pretty good. He was in the offensive third quite a bit and yet defensively he held his own. It didn't amount to much but hell, nothing did there til the end. He is fast if nothing else.

In retrospect, i kind of think that Bradley moved Altidore into the Davies/Fidley role and had Hercules take more of the old Altidore's role...I may have to watch it again to know that for sure though

 

[jdeezy]

Wow! Just watched the highlights I'm waiting to see the whole game tonight. I would have been a headcase watching this one. US should have had six. I couldn't believe the misses and offside goal calls. Altidore & Dempsey sitters missed. Donovan mops up. This game should have been put to bed before the first half.

Did anyone see the whole game? How did Altidore do? What I saw he didn't look to good. Glad Buddle got his chance. Gomez had opportunities also.

Yes you certainly would have had you watched. It was not good for the heart. Unreal though.

I thought jozy was good (apart from not scoring, which could be said for all). His holdup play was good, he ran at players w/ pace more often, some clever passing. Some poor decisions 1v1, still one of the worst big strikers I've ever seen as far as headers (can somebody get this guy cahill's number?). But overall strong & much improved 90 minutes imo.

Buddle I still would've liked to see start. He brings similar qualities to jozy, but I think that's ok. Again, yes they're physical but NOT slow. Very athletic & buddle you can tell has chemistry w/ landon. But buddle is a set piece/corner goal just waiting to happen. And I think he's best suited to wearing defenders out during the game, w/ abiliy to score in many ways.

Herc didn't play lights out but he's got that predatory nature, always looking to score. And to be fair, how many of our players look great in 1st half ever?? We're a hard working box to box fighting collective unit who wears teams out, better fitness, & takes advantage in 2nd half. To me this screams for herc as sub not starter. Will be interesting to see what bob does next game w/ findley back available. Jozy got a yellow too.

 

[ChicagoToffee]

Fair enough, i'm just resigned to the probable fact that he wont play for Everton again.


I did say i'm pleased for them though. Hope they go far.

I think he will. In full thread hijack, here's why:

National Team - he scored the first goal against Slovenia which started the comeback and he masterminded and finished the winner against Algeria. He's played in three World Cups and so far, this one has to be measured as a success. Another trip to the Quarters would be a brilliant feat. He's come up big when the US have needed him. He has cemented himself as the leader of that team even if he's not wearing the armband.

LA / MLS: He has nothing left to prove there - he's won the MVP and the MLS Cup. He may love LA but he can't do anymore than what he's already done.

Everton: Came over with little expectation and stepped in immediately against Arsenal and found his groove. Watching interviews of him about his time at Everton, several things are clear: He learned that he can play with the best. He found out how ace Everton was and in return, Everton more than showed their appreciation - club and supporters alike. He talks about Everton like he's talking his first love. I know this is nothing new but I'm in an advocating mood.

So, there is no reason for him not to return on loan which I hope is a given. Bruce Arena needs to quit sulking about losing the national team job and quit being a selfish tit and let Donovan go. The only thing he has left to accomplish is prove he can play consistently in a premier football league (La Liga, Premier League or Serie A) and win some silver - he has that opportunity at Everton.

Rant over.

Hope the US goes far as well, BLS.

 

[Tennessee Blue Mike]

Herc has mostly been used before as a sub and a good one at that. Great to hear that about Buddle. Can't wait to watch the whole thing tonight.

 

[ChicagoToffee]

Don't see many changes for the US except that Findley starts up front. Onyewu is rusty both in skill and fitness and Slovenia pointed that out. Get Dempsey some finishing mojo and things will be OK.