After thirty five minutes of this match the USA could not have imagined how they could possibly not make into the last four of the FIFA under-20 World Cup. But two decisions by Austrian coach Paul Gludovatz turned the game in his team’s favour. The first move to bring on Harnik on the right side of midfield helped stem the attacks that the USA was mounting down that side. The second was to bring on striker Erwin Hoffer in extra time and he scored the winner with his first touch of the ball.
For almost all of the first thirty five minutes the USA was very much in control of this game. The opening goal was well crafted and started with Bradley taking a quick free kick and pushing the ball out to the left. Rogers picked the ball up before springing Freddy Adu deep in the Austrian half. Adu then got behind the Austrian defense and send over a teasing out-swinging cross. Altidore held off two defenders and placed an inch perfect header down to the keeper’s right that bounced just inside the post.
The Austrian equalizer came from multiple errors. First of all Proedl was not closed down and allowed to shoot (even though he was far out the wet surface places a premium on blocking shots from any range). Then Seitz spilled the original shot to Okotie who was quick to follow up. Okotie was then able to outmaneuver one US defender before Valentin chose to stand off him and allowed the Austrian striker to get his shot off. Seitz was unable to keep the shot out as Okotie’s strike overpowered him low to the right. It was the second time in the half that Seitz spilled a shot and doubts about his fitness were confirmed as he became less and less mobile as the game progressed.
In fact every time the Austrians lofted a ball into the USA penalty area there was confusion. Ironically it was probably the strength of Austria in the air that caused American coach Thomas Rongen to gamble on Seitz in preference to the smaller Brian Perk who had deputized in the win over Uruguay. However, with the mobility of Seitz compromised, the US lost one of his key strengths – his control of the penalty area.
Chances for the USA were limited in the second half and i####oal was to come it was more likely to come from Austria. Half way through the second half Sturgis had to clear off his line as the USA’s confidence visibly wilted. Ten minutes later and a double save from Seitz and the goal post saved the day again.
In extra time Freddy Adu missed a golden opportunity to put the USA into the lead after being played in beautifully by Dax McCarty. However, his touch around the Austrian keeper (who never looked confident but was rarely tested) produced a poor angle and the final shot went wide.
Then just three minutes later Anthony Wallace was given a second yellow card for an ill-considered challenge on Harnik. The resultant free kick was played in and never dealt with by the USA defense as it bobbled around and at one stage it clearly struck Michael Bradley on the arm. The left off was only temporary as the ball eventually broke to Hoffer as it rebounded off the goal post and he slid home the winner from six inches.
As the ten men US pushed forward Austria had numerous chances to sew the game up but failed to make the most of their opportunities. With six minutes left a free kick found Ferrari alone at the back post with the Austrian goal open and at his mercy. He failed to hit the target. The final USA chance fell to Freddy Adu who was left with the keeper to beat but Zaglmair stood his ground and deflected the shot wide.
Austria becomes the fifth team in nine knock out games to come from behind to win and they continue their quest to become the Greece of 2007. It’s amazing how far some grit, determination, good organization and a little bit of good fortune can take a team.
Bobby, in my opinion Rongen either lacked faith in his reserves or was gun shy to pool the trigger on an effective change. Both wide mids Zizzo and Rogers were ineffective and might have needed an earlier substitution.
Bandnorass - agreed. Rongen did not efficiently use his squad reserves. As I kept saying all along, 90 exhausting minutes against Brazil - 3 days later 120 exhausting minutes against a brutal Uruguayan squad - and 3 days later to play against a much more rested Austrian squad - fatigue would be a major factor.
Igwe and Sarkodie are competent defenders. We never saw Zimmerman. Who else? Akpan and Ferrari mostly AWOL. McCarty certainly could have started a match in many positions. Just poor. Just poor.
Last edited by nebulachapin on July 14th at 2:43 PM.
Having only seen the Uraguay and Austria game I can’t speak for our earlier performances. However, I am extremely wary about the objectivity of those who were getting us all overly-excited about this US team. While the team showed flashes of quality for brief moments of the game, never more than a few minutes at a time, they often lacked the quality we were led to believe they had. In their defense maybe it was the rain. And also to give the team credit.they did at least look confident and showed a good forward attacking style for 5 minutes after taking their 1-0 lead.
Altidore was invisible and sleepy the whole 2nd half. I do not see why everyone was raving about him. He appeared lazy and doesn’t show the hunger you’d expect to be playing in a world cup. Like EJ, he looks more focused on striking a casual pose for the camera immediately after blowing a scoring opportunity than he looks to be hungry for making a run at goal. The same lackluster attitude is written all over Wallace’s face, whose mistimed and unnecessary slide earned him his second yellow and cost us that second goal. While these 2 players show potential, they lack thesense of urgency you see on Adu’s face. As for Rogers, he dribbled himself away from his teammates and into a corner too often where he’d end up losing the ball. Not enough directness in his game. His poor touches also cost us a few goal scoring chances. To be fair he did have 1 or 2 nice runs at the defense early on. Bradley showed lots of positive qualities and looked to be the best over
I dont think it was just Altidore. It was everyone who looked sleepy. Altidore was recovering from a knock as well.
Honestly this just reiterates my point. Altodore is not the only striker on the roster. I would have rolled the dice in this game ans started some key players on the bench. McCarty should have started as he is much fresher, for one.
We can't put all the blame on Altidore, he was mostly playing alone with Adu withdrawn and the service he was getting was poor. Some fresh legs might have helped.
Freddy, though I applaude his abilities, went for glory rather than a higher percentage pass to Altidore that could have put the Austrians down 2-0. And again in extra time failed on the 1 v 1 and the choice to shoot rather than pass in the box.
I agree with both your points. Would have been nice to see Ferrari get the start over the weary Altidore, who, if he was tired should have subbed himself out.
A disappointing result, but the Austrians completely outplayed us for most of the game. Had they played with the good passing and finishing of the Poland game I believe the US would be moving on to the semis. And despite Seitz's injury, I was still impressed with his play on several multi-shot saves. Yes, he coughed up the ball for the first goal, but skippers like that are a royal pain in the keister for just about anybody.
the usa were very naive as united states failed to know that austria were built on solid defense and were very pragmatic, but while l feel that it might look as a disapointment but if this team is kept together we can possibly see a really great usa side because l thought it was inexpirience and probably the mls should allow these kids to go toeurope and then possibly a semi final or final
They were not naive. They were expecting hard fought match. Everybody has been saying that this is the knock out stages and anything could happen. With reality setting in we all need a little perspective. We weren't good enough in the backline. However, for the first time it feels like the USA played some creative attacking style football. Hopefully, this will translate to the Senior squad. There are a lot of positives to take out of this tournament.
I am not interested in the would of, could of, should that is taking place in this forum. I think the only thing worth talking about is what this tournament means for players professional careers. My question is the following now that everything is finalized for the US: who elevated there status in the eyes of the scouts and how much?
I also would have liked to see Johan Smith play in this touranmentand see what he has to offer. I thought Ward was terrible all tourney. Igwe would have been a better sub. I think that overall fatigue is the true reason that the US lost today. They just did not show the pace and energy that they have shown all tourney.
Unrelated note:
The penalty-red card in the Mex v Uraguay game had to be the weakest thing I have ever seen. Didn't know breathing on someone was illegal.
I actually was really impressed with Wallace. His composure, poistioning and technique were excellent. Hopefully he'll blossom into an elite LB.
Jozy is amazing when he gets the ball. But seemed to wait around for the ball to be played to him rather that work to get into position where there is a better chance for the ball to find him.
Unfortunately, I don't see any big euro sides clamoring for any player. Maybe Adu will get signed by a middle tier club.
Losing againt Spain would have been easier to deal with but Austria? This loss hurts.
I tink you have to consider that the US was never in a game in which the result didn't matter. That was their fifth game in 15 days and the second games in four where extra time has been played.
When a team is fatigued, and most are at this stage of a tournament, they face the truest test of their abilities. Movement off the ball becomes critical, because it allows for an economy of play both on offense and defense. Technical ability is best assessed when a player is tired. Anyone can pull off party tricks and knock a few balls accurately when they are fresh, the truest measure of any player is how well he can play when tired. As Bobby noted, Austria was very well organized throughout the match. In order to break down a well organized side, you have to put together a string of highly technical ball movements that most any US national team, youth and senior, are not capable of doing. You can say want you want about Rongen, but, on balance, he did a fine job. With more technical ability, he could have done more.
As for the scouts, Seitz will have impressed any in attendence and could be our next starting EPL keeper in a few years. Sturgis proved to have the savy and technical ability. He could end up in Holland, Scotland or the Bundesliga as a solid squad player and probably as a defensive midfielder with quality distribution. His lack of pace means that could be his limit. Altidore will get interest because of his build. You can't coach size so he will get a chance. Freddy will get a chance too but it won't be a major club that comes in for him and he will have to accept that he will be a perimeter player across the pond. Bradley may have a chance to move up from his current club. Rogers might get another chance overseas and Zizzo mut get a look. H
True, Bobby. The players did look a little weary. Maybe the team was not deep enough for Rongen to try fresh legs. Guess it's more dissapointing because the team played so well most of the tournament. At least a trip to the semi would have been more platable after the expectation with the win against Brazil.
Like how you put Austria as "the Greece of 2007". Well put. Sometimes it is interesting how a team of no names (not that well known) that are tactically organized, work hard and are determined can still pull a shock or two in the soccer world.
Good bunch of players on that American squad. You could see them wilt as the first half wound down. Can't imagine the rain helped their tired legs, requiring a little more effort to stop or control the ball.
Edu and Altidore looked great and why do they need to go elsewhere right now? MLS is giving them all kinds of playing time and responsiblility. They're both a little young still to be pushing for places on top European teams.
I really liked Wallace and Bradley too and why is it that America is such a goalie factory?
Though they did look tired as the game wore on, they did show character by generating some late chances to pop in an equalizer.
Too bad the Beckham circus has eclipsed this event and that most of America has no clue what depth of talent has been created in a terrific national program.
It was a great game all around. US never looked like they were giving any less than everything they possibly could, despite losing the game. That alone is a worthy aspect of their performance. The talent is there and will blend and florish.
Adu had some Messi-esque moments - you did not know what he would do, but you were confident he could create his own space and move play forward. Late on he could have equalized with that one-on-one, he just seemed to not know exactly what to do when alone at that exact moment. His build up in the play was excellent - he will learn what to do with the final ball. They were triple teaming him as soon as the ball entered the middle of the field, and he still beat them many times. Not perfect, but such potential.
Altidore - he's Trezeguet-esque, he may not look like he's doing much, but he's a big guy who could suddenly score the winning goal. You don't take him off - but you may want to think about taking off someone who's tired and playing with a yellow card. (Ahem.)
When down to 10 men they briefly lost confidence and concentration, and immediately found themselves down. Amazing how sudden a game can change - one card, free kick, ballgame. The US regrouped and threw everything at them, just didn't have enough.
That Austrian striker who scored the goal looks pretty nasty - If I were a big club I'd look at him.
The U. S. couldn't attack Austria from the air with multiple payers. Plain and simple. The U. S. couldn't move around the defense or use brute strength to get past the defense. This U-20 team lacks the paitence in midfield to hold possesions for long periods of time or to brutally attack a defense directly because of a lack of elite talent. The U. S. may have quality players, that, however does not mean that they have a quality team. If there is a difference between Argentina and the U. S. or even Mexico and us it is in midfield containment and the generation of offense from the backline.
Here is a question for those of you who watched the game today. With a view to the next ten years if you had a choice of taking the USA or Austrian teams which one would you choose?
usa hands down because they look more of an adventerous side the kind of a brazil like approach, whereas austria are more of a team that is compact, and not adventurous
Bobby, you are right on when you identify Seitz's immobility probably due to his previous injury as being key to this loss I'm surprised Rongen went with - and stayed with - him. sorry, but i don't like your last question -more to the point from this audience is which US players do you se playing for us in 2010? It's easier for me to eliminate some - so - definitely OUT = Beltran, Wallace, Zizzo.
The point I was trying to make was I thought that the USA loss today had very liitle to do with technical ability. The Austrian team is built around two very solid central defenders and taking opportunities and in a lot of ways what the US was lacking was a more physical option. Altidore didn't look anything close to 100% to me. As for prospects for 2010 - I think you are being very unrealistic if you think you are going to get one starter out of the 2007 side. 2014 perhaps but 2010 - I doubt it. There is a massive gap between under 20s and playing at the World Cup. I know earlier in the week some posters were calling for the wholesale movement of under 20 players into the senior squad. I can't think of a quicker way to destroy a players confidence. If any of them are to move up it has to carefully done and certainly not a wholesale change. Bradley's intro at the Gold Cup was an intelligent way to handle it I thought.
I get your point and agree that Bradley, above all, clearly shows qualities (even those intangibles) that might help him be on the senior squad. Any opinion on Altidore? Because other than his header, he didn't do much. Whcih defender do you think showed the best today?
With Dempsey, Donovan, Fielhaber and Beasley as locks for 2010. I would have to say that Bradley is a lock for 2010. Paired with Fielhaber in the mid. The ultimate question that should be asked is whether the US will abandon the big strong post foward (McBride and Ching)... ala most of the EPL...in exchange for speed, creativity, and ability to go 1v1...ala south american style. If you put adu and beasley wide and dempsey and donovan up top how much creativity and speed would be generated??? Don't we have more players coming up that are beginning to fit that style??? Altidore, Zizzo, Rogers, Ferrari, McCarty, Adu, Beasley, Donovan, Dempsey...I just don't see very many post-up fowards like McBride in the US squad.
In the back I don't think that any of the backs from the U-20's will make it to 2010. Unless of injury. Churundolo, Gooch, Bocanegra, DeMerit, Simek, Bornstein, Conrad. Too many backs with either european experience or more experience. Seitz will make it as a backup...maybe...
I think our guys just plain ran out of gas against a determined and well-coached Austrian team. The tough Brazil and Uruguay matches drained the U.S. Bobby's comment about which team would you want for the next 10 years is intriguing. I suspect even the Austrian coach would pick the U.S. Full credit to the Austrians, they deserved the win for the reasons Bobby noted, but from a strictly talent standpoint, there are only 3 or 4 Austrian players that would start for the U.S.
I agree with the above posters about how the US team ran out of gas and couldn't keep up with Austria. For teams lacking depth, tournament becomes increasingly difficult as it progress due to fatigue and injuries. Honestly, this is probably as far as US could go...
The other game, Czech was CLEARLY UNDERATED by media! Their defense is physical and solid, and their goalie Radek Petr is just unbelievable.
Mini Argentino couldn't get a break, it really didn't surprise me that spain couldn't pound one in after such intensive bombardment. They were really lucky to get the equalizer at the beginning of second extra period, and Czech deserved the PSO win.
Wonder how the cards will affect Czech in semi though. They do carry through no?
First five minutes, I know that US is in trouble because they cannot string one single pass. But when somehow Altidore scored, I was hoping they can play conservatively by keeping control of the ball and hits Austria with deadly counterattack. But looks US has trouble to keep the ball by simply mishit (without much pressure) or trying too cute by flick and one-touch etc. in a rainny condition. As Seitz had trouble with first long range shot, I thought the coach should talk to players to tight up on that, but looks it isn't done. Really if Rongen puts some fresh legs in the game to beef up the defense and improve possession, it is very winnable and manageable. Such as taking Altidore and Zizzo out by puting Arquez and McCarty in but keeping Szetela, we may get a late counter from Freddy for a 2-0.
Bobby-
I wholehearetdly agree with you in dismissing a lot of the posters on this site's contention that the US side lacks "technical ability" and I would also like to dismiss other ludicrous notions that other people have said here that the "US does not have first touch or can't string together one pass".
It really comes down to finishing, dominant midfield control and solid D.
What matches have you all been watching? You should spend more time on Bobby's blog and less on Trecker's.
Just to make one point clear, I was not stating that the US lost this particular game due to less technical ability. My point is, which I firmly believe must be addressed if this country is to reach elite levels, is that generally speaking in many matches against top teams the US is the lesser in terms of tactics and technical ability. The strikers especially lack creativity and technique around the goal. I believe this stems directly from the way the youth programs are driven in the US versus other nations.
I want soccer to flourish in the US as much as anybody; however until those in control get their heads out of the sand we'll continue stumbling along beating up on the weaklings of CONCACAF, occasionally getting the nice win against a stronger foe, but never really progressing.
I was at the match, it was wet and kinda of chilly, after the US scored the match kinda of reminded me of an Arsenal-Bolton match in January. You know those matches in which the Arsenal players would have that look in their eyes that even though they were more skilled, they didn't really want to be there and were outhustled and outmuscled all over the pitch. The US just seemed to pack it in after the 1st goal.
I was at the match, it was wet and kinda of chilly, after the US scored the match kinda of reminded me of an Arsenal-Bolton match in January. You know those matches in which the Arsenal players would have that look in their eyes that even though they were more skilled, they didn't really want to be there and were outhustled and outmuscled all over the pitch. The US just seemed to pack it in after the 1st goal.
When I post about technical ability, I am using a very high standard in judging those players. Having been involved in soccer in the USA for some time and at many levels, the greatest weaknesses I see are the preferences for coaches to just win at the expense of player development, particularly skills, and this is manifested in our national teams at all levels. Always remember, that we have more children that start playing this game than many elite soccer playing countries have in their entire population! Do we lose a lot to other sports? Of course, but the numbers are still in our favor. I am of the mind now that there should be no more excuses and US Soccer should start taking the heat for not getting coaches to focus on the right things at the early ages. And let us all hope that they abandon this abmoniation called ODP. How many quality players have drifted away after a bad political experience with that lot?
I also found it interesting that in an article Bobby linked up for us last week, the English FA has begun to dcry the win first mentality that has crept into the English Youth system. I ran into to some knowledgeable Scottish coaches last year and they were saying the same and more about Scotland.
Thomas Rongen has received some stick for not using Perk in this game, but Perk was far from convincing in his start. Maybe if Perk hadn't fumbled the ball so often against Uruguay, he might have waited longer to give Seitz an opportunity to heal. Sal Zizzo made a number of impressive solo runs but I couldn't help wondering if a player brought up in a Latin American country wouldn't have exploited those runs into free kicks from dangerous angles. Freddy Adu showed me more than I expected. Hopefully he can take some confidence back to MLS and build on his WC performance.
oldcoach - I would not be giving up on Sturgis as a centre back. Anticipation and reading of the game can make up for a lack of pace in that position. Critics would point out that Bobby Moore was slow but you were hard pressed to ever find him caught out of position.
I agree but I wonder if they will give him a chance. If he keeps working at his game, I could see him developing into a player along the of Ricardo Carhvalo, without the ego problems of course. I still remeber one of the biggest MLS draft day howlers revolved around Sturgis. He was initally projected to go in the top five, but he dropped down to the bottom of the first round because teams were questioning if he had the instincts to play the game. Here you have a kid who clearly makes it to high level of play without pace and they question his instincts.
When will they let you take over the Scottish FA? Or is that one you don't touch with a barge pole?
The recent appointment of Gordon Smith to head up the SFA will I believe turn out to be an inspired choice. A former player who has a business education and has been involved as a players agent and media pundit I think he will do well.
I don't think anyone here can argue with a straight face that the US youth players (on average) have developed anywhere close to the technical skills and abilities that are on display from other countries. It is a matter of base skills and technique such as "first touch" and "trapping", that US youth players never learn properly from a young age. It is painfully evident when watching the senior team, and although there appears to be some improvement it is still a major problem with the youth squads.
As was discussed earlier in this thread, this is a problem with philosophy in a nation in which at an early age, emphasis is placed on winning, and NOT on development of technical and tactical skills. As a result its likely any very young players with natural skill and ability have said abilities "coached" out of them early on.
There can be no argument on this. This is one major thing (among many) that MUST change in order for the US to go beyond having "great potential" and achieving consistent competitiveness and potential for winning big silverware we all know is there.
Last edited by nebulachapin on July 15th at 2:25 PM.
I am the soccer analyst for the Fox Soccer Report and appear twice a week - every Monday and Friday at 10:00 EST. I have also been a regular contributor to the Fox Soccer Channel website since the summer of 2004. Over the last twenty years I have contributed to various radio and television programs throughout North America as well writing about the game for newspapers, magazines and websites.
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