Thank you for saying what’s been on my worried mind for the GK situation. Turner is the CLEAR choice and I saw so many comments about how the game locked up the starting job for Turner. I just have a bad feeling that GGG is going to start Steffen if given the chance with some BS like “you can’t lose your job due to injury.”
It really looked like these teams went out with two very different objectives. The Japanese were there to win with a plan tailored to the opponent. They were setting traps for certain US players and getting stuck in on others. Meanwhile the US looked like they were conducting a training exercise, which seems crazy so close to the WC.
Appreciate the calling out of specific players by name, including quotes of them semi-owning their mistakes. Accountability is needed for performances like this only 2 months from a WC, however, we all know that send-off/warm-up matches do not always equate to success in the WC, just like qualifying form isn't always a good indicator. Hopefully, this can be chalked up as a turning point and shows the need for Musah/CP in the build-up to drive the ball forward at times.
Excellent Turner interview! He sounded downright ebullient. This was a nice tonic to the recent flood of pessimism from most US fans. And the way he expressed his kindness shows that he is ahead of the game mentally as a human. Like the cereal for the teammate. With that attitude and his skills and perserverence, the sky's the limit for this guy. I also liked how you phrased your questions, Grant. They were foundational but not bland. Onward!
Most of 2022 has been a disaster for the USMNT, so why would it be better now? Multiple-goal, decisive shutout losses in Canada and CR; got outplayed in a tie at Jamaica. This team should be better, shouldn't it? Ugly.
Sounds like nobody’s ducking their responsibility for the bad game. Confidence is a very fragile thing. Tuesday will tell us a lot. Great insight into the life of a “journo”.
Nobody is talking about Dest. Yes, he provided that cross to Ferreira that was our best chance, but he also should have been marking the guy who scored the first goal and just was not even on the screen. Should Gregg tell him to start staying home?
The team seemed dis-interested. There was no leadership from anyone. Not even an attempt at such. I think the players we are missing is damaging. We don’t have Jedi’s pressure uo the left; Weah’s speed on the right; Pulisic’s skill set and pace. And we’ll never replace the loss of Miles Robinson. It was the same lack of energy and talent we saw when we lost to Costa Rica. This team seems a mess.
Loved the behind-the-scenes info! Your critique is always spot on. Let's hope this less than stellar effort shocked the players as well as the rest of us!
The game reminded me of usa lack of intensity and not being ready in opening 1990 world cup game of usa vs czechoslavakia losing 1-5. Team went out with three loses in group play.
We want to hear the Ronaldo story! (Great insight into your profession, by the way…)
Thank you for saying what’s been on my worried mind for the GK situation. Turner is the CLEAR choice and I saw so many comments about how the game locked up the starting job for Turner. I just have a bad feeling that GGG is going to start Steffen if given the chance with some BS like “you can’t lose your job due to injury.”
Lucky you. I was with the Jamaican team on a packed commercial flight out of Kingston to Miami in 2013!
It really looked like these teams went out with two very different objectives. The Japanese were there to win with a plan tailored to the opponent. They were setting traps for certain US players and getting stuck in on others. Meanwhile the US looked like they were conducting a training exercise, which seems crazy so close to the WC.
Appreciate the calling out of specific players by name, including quotes of them semi-owning their mistakes. Accountability is needed for performances like this only 2 months from a WC, however, we all know that send-off/warm-up matches do not always equate to success in the WC, just like qualifying form isn't always a good indicator. Hopefully, this can be chalked up as a turning point and shows the need for Musah/CP in the build-up to drive the ball forward at times.
Somehow my biggest takeaway from this article is that Stejskal/Tenorio didn't get beer at the airport. Massive disappointment.
Excellent Turner interview! He sounded downright ebullient. This was a nice tonic to the recent flood of pessimism from most US fans. And the way he expressed his kindness shows that he is ahead of the game mentally as a human. Like the cereal for the teammate. With that attitude and his skills and perserverence, the sky's the limit for this guy. I also liked how you phrased your questions, Grant. They were foundational but not bland. Onward!
Most of 2022 has been a disaster for the USMNT, so why would it be better now? Multiple-goal, decisive shutout losses in Canada and CR; got outplayed in a tie at Jamaica. This team should be better, shouldn't it? Ugly.
Sounds like nobody’s ducking their responsibility for the bad game. Confidence is a very fragile thing. Tuesday will tell us a lot. Great insight into the life of a “journo”.
Did we scout Japan. I’d have to that their teamwork buzzing around like Energizer bunnies would mean they are WORST OPPONENT to play outta the back.
In the World Cup, if GB doesn’t adjust more quickly to this tactic, we are doomed.
Nobody is talking about Dest. Yes, he provided that cross to Ferreira that was our best chance, but he also should have been marking the guy who scored the first goal and just was not even on the screen. Should Gregg tell him to start staying home?
The team seemed dis-interested. There was no leadership from anyone. Not even an attempt at such. I think the players we are missing is damaging. We don’t have Jedi’s pressure uo the left; Weah’s speed on the right; Pulisic’s skill set and pace. And we’ll never replace the loss of Miles Robinson. It was the same lack of energy and talent we saw when we lost to Costa Rica. This team seems a mess.
Loved the behind-the-scenes info! Your critique is always spot on. Let's hope this less than stellar effort shocked the players as well as the rest of us!
The game reminded me of usa lack of intensity and not being ready in opening 1990 world cup game of usa vs czechoslavakia losing 1-5. Team went out with three loses in group play.
Iran is no slouch either
One of the worst US performances in many years, Japan toyed with US and could/should have scored at least 5 goals.