Dissecting the USMNT myths

The USMNT qualified for the 2010 World Cup in style, defeating Honduras in San Pedro Sula, in a 3-2 barnstormer of a game. This victory, coupled with a strong Confederations Cup showing, has led to a peculiar claim – the US can win the World Cup

Technically, no legal obstacle bars the US from winning the World Cup. And the US has gone toe-to-toe with the giants of the game. But let´s not forget the last Copa America. Or the first two games of the Confederations Cup.

In the spirit of rattling the fenches surrounding Area-51, of shedding light on the CIA operative to assassinate JFK, and of finally evicting from his posh Las Vegas apartment, I will take a knife to some alien cadavers. I will closely examine some USMNT myths. And this could get messy.  

Myth #1 – the US depends on Landon Donovan

Donovan has been in scorching form – and the sliderule passes have been delightful. But who scored the winning goal against Mexico in the Gold Cup Final two years ago? Who scored against Egypt? Landon is an assist machine, but finally has teammates to put the ball in the back of the net.

Bradley deserves immense credit for finding Donovan´s best spot on the field. In Germany 2006, Bruce Arena gave Donovan total freedom as a second striker to roam the field. His resulting performances would have made the protagonist of a certain Ralph Ellison novel seem visible. Conversely, on the left flank, Donovan has a set patch of grass which he must attack and defend. And he has never looked more focused. But with his responsibilities limited, other players have blossomed.

Myth #2 – the US has improved at forward

Everyone is excited by the young crop of US forwards. Davies & Altidore provide pace & power, so yes, depth has improved. But can either of them, at this stage in their career, hold a candle to Brian McBride?

Brian, known as “yee haw” by Fulham supporters, laid an egg at the last World Cup. But, at the time, he was an established starter and consistent goalscorer for an EPL club. Yes, Fulham faced relegation and McBride´s game was one dimensional, but he still was an established day in -day out professional. And Hull is not exatly much better.

Both Charlie and Jozy scream potential, but how will they react to soccer´s biggest stage? Will they be a bundle of nerves? McBride scored in two different World Cups, and scoring for the US 98 side is a monumental achievement.

Myth #3 – The US has retrogressed at defense

Remember Eddie Lewis? He currently plays midfield for the LA Galaxy and had a successful spell in England with Leeds & Derby. He was well-known as the American David Beckham – not for his looks, but for his sweet left-footed cross. But he was not known for his defending. And he was our starting leftback against the Czech Republic!

Jonathan Borstein struggles against aerial threats, while Carlos Bocanegra´s first step fails to convince. Heath Pearce is awol. But these are all respectable candidates who play defense day-in and day-out. There is competition – not a gaping blackhole.

In the center, Gooch is four years wiser and either DeMerit or Bocanegra is an improvement over the elderly Eddie Pope. And at rightback, Spector made a strong case at the Confederations Cup, while Cherundolo offers a solid veteran presence.

We may not know which combination will start, but the depth and competition ensure a respectable if not spectacular backline.

Myth #4 – the US is “ready”

Under Bradley, the US has recorded impressive away victories in both rounds of qualifying. Still, to an extend the US has rode its luck. What if Cornel Glen´s chip had gone in? What if Carlos Pavon had sunk his penalty kick? What if the Italy had only lost to Brazil 2-0?

The US offense has improved beyond setpieces and counterattacks. In a sense, the US now has the talent and savvy to capitalize on good forture. This is an important development. At the last World Cup, when De Rossi got redcarded, my heart literally stopped as my mind buzzed into overdrive – could the US capitalize on the man advantage? Would Eddie Johnson be subbed on? No. No. Even worse, the US would soon have two men sent off.

Despite some important steps forward, the US does not control its own fate. A FIFA seeding would be nice, but underlies a cruel fact. Sepp Blatter´s air-powered, numbered ping pong ball shaker will determine largely the US´s destiny. The US could go on a confidence-inspired run, ala Turkey at Euro 08, but you don´t expect miracles. You pray for them.

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