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USA vs. Egypt Review

Greg Crescimanno

Contributor Written on June 21, 2009

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RUSTENBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - JUNE 21: Ahmed Abdelghani of Egypt battles with Jonathan Spector of USA during the FIFA Confederations Cup match between Egypt and USA at Royal Bafokeng Stadium on June 21, 2009 in Rustenburg, South Africa. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)

(Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)

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Donovan was the player of the match for the U.S. The guy was everywhere, both offensively and defensively. His work rate was top notch. His desire to run at players and beat them on the dribble was fantastic. His assist on Bradley’s goal was beautiful.

When Donovan plays at this level, the rest of the team elevates their game. Donovan has had a very good tournament, one of the only players for the U.S. team that can say that.

Charlie Davies and Jozy Altidore were up top for the U.S. Altidore, again, was giving the Egyptian defense fits. His touch, movement, and hold up play were good. I’d like to see more of a killer instinct in front of goal from him, but being 19 years old and the go to guy for the Americans up front, I’d say he’s done well.

He’s got more developing to do, and a full season of playing with his club will help. I’m not expecting the world from the guy, but here’s hoping he continues to grow and eventually becomes a force for the U.S. team.

Davies brought a great work rate to the game. He’s not the best skilled player out there, but he works hard and brings speed up top. Davies is getting his chances and showing time and time again that he is deserving of the chances he gets. His goal opened the scoring, and while it was hardly pretty, a goal is a goal. His willingness to persevere is what led to the goal—a good quality for a striker to have.

This result should not give Bob Bradley a free pass. He still needs to address a lot of concerns with the team, as well as his own ability as a coach, where I feel there are some glaring weaknesses. I won’t be too hard on him here, because he did have the team up and ready to play, despite the almost impossible task of moving forward in the tournament.

The real test comes Wednesday against Spain. I certainly don’t see the U.S. winning against a team that is as talented and in as good of form as Spain is right now, but a loss isn’t the worst thing that can happen.

The U.S. embarrassed themselves in the second half against Italy, and for the full 90 minutes against Brazil. There’s no shame in losing to the best teams in the world, as long as you go down with a fight, with some dignity, and prove that maybe on another day, you’ll shock them all.

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written on June 21, 2009 Sports