The United States looked spectacular in the first half against Brazil. The Americans attacked with fluidity and had their opponents constantly making poor decisions. However, a quick goal out of the half changed everything and once again Bob Bradley failed to adjust.
The US dropped into a shell after Brazil scored the first goal, which it simply could not do. Instead of responding by bringing in a substitution to add creativity to the field, Bradley continued to let his side sink deeper into a shell. The Brazilians were allowed time and space, and it was just a matter of time before they broke the defense down.
The US managed to bunker and hold the lead against Spain, but Brazil is too good for that strategy to work. They are a more a creative side that is capable of figuring out different ways to score. They scored the first goal by simple brilliance. On the second, they were allowed space down the flank and then outworked the tired US. The third goal was off a set-piece against a disorganized defense.
The substitutions were also puzzling. After Brazil tied the game, Bradley sent in Jonathan Bornstein for Benny Feilhaber that was clearly a defensive move. He also replaced Jozy Altidore with Sacha Klejstan, a player who showed nothing in the first game against Brazil and is lacking confidence. Sure enough, Klejtstan would turn the ball over and show no offensive spark. Bradley significantly reduced the American firepower.
After Brazil took the lead, he needed to insert a player to add a creative spark, create chances, and bring energy. Instead he inserted Connor Casey, by far the most lethargic player on the team. Casey should be brought on to help kill of a game, not in a desperate situation when you have to score a goal.
Bradley has shown some positive coaching traits. His tactical organization before the game should rarely be brought into question. But he has to improve his in-game decisions. It is a shame to see a tremendous effort undermined by a poor coaching effort.
What did you think of Bradley in this match? Should he have responded earlier? Are you puzzled about his substitutions? Share your thoughts below.
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I think you got the switches on the subs backwards. Bornstein effectively came on for Altidore, bumping Donovan to right mid and Dempsey to forward. Kljestan was basically a straight swap for Feilhaber.
That is true. Since the subs were at the same time, I just lumped together. I am not sure what ESPN showed.
-Tim (Soccer Academics)
I agree with your 100%. Bradley lines up a team he thinks can play. He doesn’t line up against the team he is playing against. And those subs were stupid. I would have loved to see Adu and Torres instead of Bornstein and Klesjtan. And in the 65th minute not the 75th. And Casey had no business being out there.
I don’t think Bradley has coached better in the last few games, I think the players wanted to show up the fans and bloggers that were calling them out for not playing with heart.
Bradley OUT!