[gusbus]

Originally Posted by JWsleep

I agree the US showed way more passion, and the reffing was as bad as I've seen. That was a gutty effort to get a point against a tough Italian side--thank god they took off Totti! The Italians made poor subs, and were caught at the end with an injured player and no subs left. I was surprised not to see Eddie Johnson as well, given how everyone was dragging at the end there. But whatever. We got the point we needed, and given the Ghana win, we're in decent shape. First, of course, we have to beat Ghana, which won't be easy, but is still the team the US probably matches up best with in the group (and if we can't be Ghana, we don't deserve anything). Second, Italy DOES NOT want to finish 2nd and have to play Brazil in the next game. So they are going to be gunning for the Czechs. And they match up well with them, unlike us.

As for the D, it was way better today. I think we've had touble replacing Gibbs and Hayduk--both potential starters who got hurt. I have NEVER been a Churundolo fan, and Eddie Lewis was a bad move by Arean, IMO. Bocanegra plays in England and knows how to handle top-quality players, so I was very glad to see him in there. The loss of both Pope and Masterioni next game will shake things up. Who replaces them? Conrad, I guess. Maybe Allbright? Lewis again? We need a stopper in the defensive midfield!

USA USA USA!

I think, You replace Pope with Albright, He is physical and can win some 50/50s. I would replace Pablo with Eddie Johnson. Put Johnson up top and move Landon back in midfield and Reyna back in Pablo's spot. And try to get Ghana on it's heels early like what they did to the Czechs.