What an awesome match! Slovenia raced to a 2-0 lead by the end of the first half, United States came storming back to force a draw in the second. USA could have won the tie if Maurice Edu's goal had not been disallowed.
United States never say die attitude was evident throughout this match. Even though Slovenia had a 2-goal lead, they had never looked in control of the match. Dempsey, Donovan, Bradley and Altidore were the attacking threats and they worried the Green Dragons defence.
United States got off the starting blocks quickly in the second half and was rewarded by Landon Donovan's superb strike, beating Handanovic at the near post. The angle for the goal was not as acute as Maicon's against Korea but the sheer power of the shot meant Handanovic had no chance of saving it.
It proved to be an open match with both teams playing to win. Jozy Altidore must have enjoyed the physical battle. His strength and power troubled the Green Dragons' defence. His knockdown created the chance for an impressive Michael Bradley to equalise, sparking unbelievable scenes in Jo'burg.
All credit to coach Bradley for taking risks, bringing on Herculez Gomez to add more attacking firepower to the Stars and Stripes search for a win. This positive approach to football should be commended widely. All eyes will now be on England-Algeria.
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2 comments:
You really need to change the title of this post. The US hopes are far from "dented" when all we need do is beat the worst team in the group. If you'd asked me 6 months ago if I'd take a "win-and-you're-in" game against Algeria, with a chance to go through even with a tie, I'd take it. Is it ideal? Of course not. But the Yanks control their own destiny 100%. It's kind of hard to complain about that.
Its true that US have destiny in their hands. I do think that they never expected Slovenia to trouble them, and to go 2-0 up at halftime was phenomenal. At least, Donovan and co got back in the game so you cant fault them for the belief and determination.
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