USA vs. Egypt Review

(Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)

Better.

First off, congrats to the U.S. national team; they played their best game of the tournament against Egypt, and with a little help from Brazil, have put themselves into the next round.

No matter how stunning it is that the Americans have managed to make it through to the semifinals of the Confederations Cup, it’s important to put this game into perspective.

The U.S. got a great result from a good team, which has been hard to come by in the past for the Americans. However, we must remember that the Egyptians were without their best player, Mohamed Zidan. This is the same as the U.S. team without Landon Donovan (say what you will about Donovan, but when he is not on the field, the U.S. team suffers, period).

Despite the 3-0 victory, I’d have to say the U.S. is probably on par with the Egyptian team, though I will give the edge to the U.S. Both teams have a similar set of players—some quality defenders, a good goalkeeper, better forwards for Egypt, but a stronger midfield for the U.S.

In this game, the U.S. was able to play their game against an equally skilled opponent, and that gave the edge to the Americans. Against Brazil and Italy, the U.S. wasn’t able to play their style, a hardworking, gritty, defense and midfield that frustrates opponents and helps put a mediocre offense into it’s rhythm. The individual skill and tactical superiority of the Brazilians and Italians turned the tables and destroyed any rhythm the U.S. offense tried to get.

Brad Guzan came in for Tim Howard in goal and did quite well for himself. If I were Howard, I might be thinking there finally could be some competition for the starting spot. Hopefully, this will make Howard an even better keeper.

The defensive line played well again. Jay DeMerit and Oguchi Onyewu were rock solid in the middle. Jonathan Spector again played very well and made some great runs forward. Jonathan Bornstein played well enough, but not enough to lock up the position with the U.S. team. It may be time to see how the defense plays with Carlos Bocanegra starting at left back, a position he plays with his club team Rennes in France.

The midfield for the U.S. fared pretty well. Michael Bradley was once again a leader in the middle, and took his goal very well. He played the way you want to see a starter play. Ricardo Clark was back in action after his red card against Italy. He was mostly non-existent, but in a good way. No reckless tackles, performed mop-up duty in the middle, and made no major mistakes.

That said, it’s not good enough for a central midfielder with the national team. He must get smarter, and not only when it comes to challenges. He must also become a more two-way player and make a bigger contribution to the offense.

Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan were rotating left and right midfield, Dempsey was showing the same lazy attitude and arrogance that he has been showing lately, and for the first 60 minutes was quite disappointing. There were too many tricks, way too many touches on the ball when dribbling, and way too many giveaways.

However, when Bradley put him up top late in the second half, his game changed and he started making more of an impact, so much so that he buried the third goal off a header, which sent the Americans to the semifinals.

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