On my second viewing of the US vs. Brazil game, I was optimistic to see more positives emerge from my frustrated initial thoughts. But that was not the case. It was a lousy performance from a team that played on its heels and rarely showed a complete effort. The ratings:
Tim Howard [7] – He could have done better on the first goal. But he kept the US in the game. Two plays standout: his punching out a chance in the 72nd minute and coming off his line to snag a ball in the 77th minute.
Jonathan Spector [8] – He was the man of the match for the US. He was collected and poised bringing the ball out of the back and provided support for the attack with his creative runs. He threw himself in the way of shots and intercepted numerous through-balls. The only knock was his partial responsibility on the first goal.
Jay DeMerit [6] – He was able to get his head to the ball in several dangerous situations and did a good defending when isolated. But he needed to read the game better on the third goal, where he got caught ball-watching.
Oguchi Onyewu [8] – He covered a lot of ground in the back for the US and continually pressured and forced shots wide. He had a critical tackle in the box and read the game well to cut-out many chances.
Jonathan Bornstein [6] – He did not appear to be intimidated and did a good job defending. But he has to do better at keeping possession of the ball. He had a couple of dangerous crosses.
Landon Donovan [7] – He put in a tireless effort, creating chances with his work-rate and composure on the ball. He combined well with teammates. His set-pieces were dangerous, and he worked with Spector to shut-down the right flank.
Michael Bradley [6] – He did well pressing in the midfield, but his passing out of the back was inconsistent. His bad touch led to the set-piece in the 7th minute.
Sacha Klejstan [3] – The red card was deserved for the unnecessary foul, committed out of frustration. He did a bad job of defending in the box , where Kaka blew right past him. His passing was questionable, and he was never dangerous.
Clint Dempsey [4] – Arguably, his worst performance for the national team. He repeatedly turned the ball over and struggled to defend. He held the ball for too long in the attack, when better options were available.
DeMarcus Beasley [3] – He has become painful to watch, taking too many touches and not connecting any passes. He gambled in the wrong spot defensively, but then failed to close his man down in the defending third. He takes the entire blame for the second goal, where a lack of concentration led to an easy chance for Brazil.
Jozy Altidore [6] – He was starved for service, and rarely got the ball where he could be dangerous. He had the best chance for the US. But his first touch popped the ball up, not allowing him to get a good strike on it.
Connor Casey [4] – He was lazy. He did not apply any pressure and committed too many fouls. He did have good one-touch pass and the header off the bar.
Benny Feilhaber [7] – He brought a much needed creative spark and energy to the game. He did well chasing back to cover and got forward to support the attack.
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