World Cup Over

Ah, shit. Two things had to happen today for the U.S. team to finish second in the group, advance to the next round of the tournament and then get destroyed by Brazil in a lackluster showing. Italy had to beat the Czech Republic, which they did, and the U.S. had to beat Ghana, which they did not. Like an idiot Seattlest picked the U.S. to win today in the Seattlest World Cup Challenge. Betting with our heart there - The U.S. deservedly lost and have exited the tournament, hopefully marking the end of the Bruce Arena era in which we have consistantly sent out superbly conditioned and tactically sound duds as fodder for hungrier and more skilled teams to chew up.

Arena isn't the only member of the squad we'd like to bid Adu, though. You don't make an early exit from a tournament with an "experienced" side and not have a bunch of old guys way past their prime. Reyna, we're looking at you. Not just because you gave up that goal (what the hell was that, btw?) but because you seem like you had your last good offensive thought some time in the last millenium. We'll never score again with you at midfield. Eddie Lewis, see ya, grandpa. Donovan, we thought you retired or something because we can't remember you doing shit since the talk show circuit four years ago. McBride, no specific complaint but it's time to step aside. John O'Brian, you didn' t even play in this Cup because you're injured, but why the hell are you even on the team in that case? You're taking up space and we hold you accountable for it. Water boy, you just weren't aggressive enough and we don't want to see you hydrating anyone in a U.S. jersey again.

Seattlest has a clear head, now, though, to get down to the business of randomly selecting winners in the World Cup Challenge and enjoying the rest of the tournament uninhibited by the particular performances of 11 random dudes who happen to reside inside of the same political entity as us.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@seattlest.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Dan in News on June 22, 2006 10:31 AM

Comments [rss]

James Geluso

Beasley had one great moment, when he decided he was going to play like, well, Beasley, and he fought through three defenders and passed to Dempsey for the goal. That was the USA playing like the USA.

I'd be much more willing to keep Arena if he recognized his mistakes. He says "blame it on me," but until he demonstrates that he knows what he did wrong by using the word "formation," i won't have any faith that he can recover us.

Seth

We're the fucking United States. Next World Cup, let's just use our hands. You got somethin' to say about it, Ghana? Not unless you want to get bombed back to the Stone Age, you don't.

Dan

All well said, but I have a sentimental attachement to beasly that I'm not ready to let go of. He sucked in the first game, he sucked for most of the time he played in the second game, too, but he would have scored if mcbride weren't offside. And today he had a few beautiful touches that led directly to the u.s. goal. I think you keep him out there, but you dont ask a lot of him on defence and you find someone in the center that can give him some space.

Jason

O'Brien played 45 minutes against the Czechs. Fire Arena now, don't even let him on the team flight home. donovan, Beasley, turn in your uniforms as you leave Germany. McBride, Reyna, here are some nice parting gifts, maybe a testimonial for all you did in the past but sadly, your time is done. Keller, you get to be the wise old sage on the bench for a while for our upcoming crop of goalkeepers, but your time as #1 is probably over.

COMTE

Yeah, they were a pretty dejected-looking lot over at the G&D when I swung by about 8:15 on my way to work this morning.

I mean, I knew Ghana had a good record coming into the group series, but seeing as it was their first Cup, I for one have certainly underestimated their potential against more experienced teams.

Going to have to rethink my strategy for the next round...