Positive Feedback Loop | Thoughts on USA v. Panama

What an abominable game to watch. Though the US held the advantage for long stretches, Panama probably looked a touch more dangerous when they did come forward. Both sides, however, largely negated each other to make for some terribly dull viewing. The referee, not content to let 30 seconds pass without tooting on his whistle, only made things worse by killing any semblance of flow. with a bewildering array of foul calls that seemed little different from the stuff he let go.

Some quick thoughts before I head off to watch Mexico v. Honduras...

* There was no early defensive frailty as against Guadeloupe and Jamaica, which was a positive. Good thing too, as an early goal might have been too much for this lot to overcome, particularly if Panama packed things in even more. Still, the wobbles towards the end were worrying. Not that balls in the air should be much of a problem against Mexico (there I go, making assumptions...), but quick attackers buzzing about certainly will be. We didn't deal too well with those either.

* Hard to imagine a more pathetic figure than Kljestan, or, as I'm now dubbing him, "Possession Concession Kljestan." Rolls right off the tongue doesn't it? No distribution wide or forward, constantly losing the ball. Maybe he would be more effective deeper, but playing the central role between lone attacker and the Jones-Bradley pivot, he was miserable. That said, Donovan cut a similarly miserable picture before pushing wide to let Dempsey have his shot in the middle. Even Clint had only marginal success before...

* Holy crap, it's Freddy freakin' Adu! No minutes thus far in the tournament, playing second division ball in Turkey, and Bob brings him on to save the day. I'll admit that I shouted "WTF, Bob?" at the screen as the numbers flashed and Adu came on for Agudelo. But, and much as it pains me to say this considering he ran out a lame starting lineup again, Bob made the right choice (though looking at his bench, he had precious few others). Freddy changed the game for the US, providing not only an outlet in the a-mid spot, but one that knew what to do with the ball moving in a positive direction, particularly in setting up...

* The winner. All credit to Dempsey for a great far post run, hugging the line created by the defender at the other side of the six. All credit to Donovan for a terrific splitting ball to find that run. Hell, let's even shovel some credit the way of the linesman for keeping his flag down; CONCACAF refs haven't been covering themselves in glory thus far (or ever, I suppose). But that goal only happens because of Freddy having the vision and skill to find the ball that set Donovan on his way. Can you imagine Kljestan's first look being the diagonal outlet to space on the wing? Me neither. And how about the vision Adu displayed in picking out runs from the deeper holders through the middle? And the running with the ball?

Freddy Adu. Game-changer. Been a while since we've heard that one, eh?

Though I didn't expect it to be Freddy who proved this point, there is a certain logical inevitability about it. Bob wants to play with the double holders, leaving six back and a mobile four in attack with bursting runs from deep when warranted. That style of play, so common now on the international stage amongst the more accomplished sides, doesn't require big, physical players in attack, it requires buzzing, technical types. It also requires a string puller to set those buzzing types on their way.

I'd assumed Dempsey or Donovan (though particularly the latter), would fill this role, maybe Holden when he returns. But Donovan proved exactly what I've been harping on about in my reactions lately. He's not a game-taker-over any more. He's a complementary sort now. You can't plop him in the spot Freddy was in and expect him to walk on water. But give him quality to feed off of and he'll echo the quality in a positive feedback loop.

I still can't believe that quality has "Adu" across its back.

Wonder what Bob does for the final? One thing's for certain: if Kljestan starts, I say sack him at halftime.

Okay, off to see who we'll be facing in the final...