It Seems To Me . . .

A World Cup report card for U.S. team.

By Robert Wagman
SoccerTimes

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Sunday, July 7, 2002) -- Before closing the book on the United States’ 2002 World Cup campaign, it’s time to take a final look at how the team performed overall, and how each player did.

Obviously, the U.S. accomplished far more than even the most optimistic fan could have expected. Before the tournament started, the consensus was that the team would do well to make through to the second round before bowing out gratefully. "That is our goal, to make it to the second round," was U.S. coach Bruce Arena’s mantra.

In the end, the U.S. not only advanced from Group D by finishing second, but then convincingly defeated Mexico 2-0 in the Round of 16. The U.S. was even more impressive in losing to Germany 1-0 in the quarterfinal match. Considering the U.S. was denied a goal by a hand ball in that match, it was not that far from the semifinals, or even the title match in Yokohama, Japan.

By any measure, the U.S. effort was a huge accomplishment, and major leap forward for U.S. soccer. But consider how close the Americans came to a World Cup disaster. Knowing a victory or tie would mean advancement to the second round, the U.S. lost 3-1 to Poland in the Group D finale. Only because Ji Sung Park scored in the 70th minute to give South Korea a 1-0 victory, did the U.S. move forward.

Had FIFA's "World Player of the Year" Luis Figo not missed inches wide with a free kick in the 75th minute, or had Sergio Conceicao’s shot off the inside of the South Korean post gone in instead of boucing away, it would have been Portugal joining the Koreans in the second round, not the U.S. Arena might have resigned as U.S. coach by now; if not, there would certainly be a chorus crying for his removal.

The U.S. came within inches of disaster, but regardless, success probably should not be measured solely by result. Whether the U.S. made it to the quarterfinal, or whether it had gone home with a 1-1-1 record in group play, the Americans showed that they now have the players and coaching to put together a team capable of defeating anyone in the world.

In his daily meetings with reporters, Arena repeatedly stressed, regardless of opponent, he was preparing a game plan designed for victory. At first, that was treated with the proverbial grain of salt by most, but, in retrospect, that is exactly what happened. Except for the letdown against Poland, the U.S. was in every World Cup match until the end, a huge achievement when compared to 1998.

Little was said of the numerous American injuries because of the secretive nature of Arena and his staff. Beyond acknowledging that defender Steve Cherundolo, a reserve player who hurt his knee, was out for the tournament, and later that Jeff Agoos was also out, every other player who was said to be injured either received "a little knock" or was "day to day." In fact, key players, such as midfielders Earnie Stewart, Claudio Reyna, DaMarcus Beasley, and striker Joe-Max Moore were banged up throughout much of the tournament. When they did play, it was impossible to determine their level of fitness.

Stewart, the most dangerous attacking force during qualifying, was limited to 155 minutes in five games. Against Germany in the quarterfinal, he was only able to hobble through 11 minutes near the end. How much better would the U.S. have been had he been 100 percent throughout the tournament?

For many of teams in South Korea and Japan, any change in their starting lineup from match to match was greeted by headlines and endless debate. The fact that Arena used virtually all of his players was the subject of endless fascination for the foreign press, but the U.S. coach said on more than one occasion injuries caused many of the changes.

The foreign press also found it difficult to pinpoint the U.S. style since it changed from match to match, dictated by who played and on the opponent.

For the final two matches against Mexico and Germany, Arena went from four back to three tall defenders -- Gregg Berhalter, Eddie Pope and Tony Sanneh -- with two defensive midfielders in front of them and two flank midfielders all committed to giving the U.S. the capability of defending with up to seven players when necessary. The idea was to clog the middle, while at the same time defending against crosses from the outside reaching the opponents’ tall strikers. But at the same time both sets of midfielders were ready to push forward to join with the three offensive players to try to keep the opponents back on their heels, force them to play defense and hopefully to score some goals.

The strategy was effective against Mexico in the 2-0 victory and Germany in the narrow 1-0 loss. This might well be a formation to build on in the future.

However, as Arena said so often to reporters during the tournament: "Don’t get too hung up on formations. This is a team game and a team effort. Tactics don’t win games, players and their efforts do."

Did Arena make any missteps in South Korea? Possibly. He admits he had planned to possibly platoon Brad Friedel and Kasey Keller in goal. He started Friedel against Portugal, because he thinks him a better distributor of the ball, and better at using his feet to clear balls. When Friedel started hot, Arena went with him for the balance of the matches. While Friedel made great saves in all five matches, might Keller have done better against Poland and Germany? Maybe, maybe not, but it is interesting to speculate.

Hopefully, the U.S. won’t end up a victim of its 2002 success. From now on, when it steps on the field in Mexico City or Honduras or El Salvador, it will be expected to win. The 2002 team might end up having shoes that will be difficult to fill.

U.S. Player Ratings

Goalkeeper Brad Friedel (450 minutes) - 7: Was more than solid in goal. Came up big in match after match, especially in the opener against Portugal. Was really only solidly beaten on a single goal, South Korea’s leveler. You can’t ask much more of a keeper.

Goalkeeper Kasey Keller (0 minutes) - 6: Should be highly rated not only for his attitude, which was constantly upbeat even though he wasn’t playing, but also for the very hard work he put in on the practice field getting Friedel and his teammates ready for matches. His was a class act.

Goalkeeper Tony Meola (0 minutes) - no rating: Trained hard and was ready to play. Otherwise, seemed to enjoy the trip.

Defender Frankie Hejduk (334 minutes) 6.5: Played terrific soccer throughout the tournament. Few thought he could move from the right side to the left, but he did with ease. After the Germany match, German coach Rudi Voeller, for whom he had played at Bayer Leverkusen, couldn’t say enough good things about his play. His performance could put him in demand in Germany.

Defender Jeff Agoos (215 minutes) 4.5: Unfortunately, Agoos career accomplishments were overshadowed by a subpar performance in which he seemed consistently over his head. Became the fan’s "player we love to hate," and was mercilessly kicked about in the media, treatment far worse than deserved by his effort. His dreadful own goal against Portugal could have proved costly; there were three other occasions when it seemed he came up short on plays that led to goals. Still, he was a leader and loved by his coaches and teammates. Agoos’ strained calf against Poland saved Arena the painful decision of benching him.

Defender Eddie Pope (439 minutes) - 6.5: Few realized Pope played practically ever World Cup minute on a painful right knee that required cortisone shots. Still, he was a rock in the middle and one of the most impressive Americans. After being slowed for a couple of years, Pope looked like a player who rejuvenated his career, assuming his knee problems are serious.

Defender Gregg Berhalter (180 minutes) - 5: Was moved into the central defense for the two knockout games to combating the high ball that both Mexico and Germany use so effectively. Did so with general effectiveness, but was shaky from time to time.

Defender Carlos Llamosa (15 minutes) - 5.5: Didn’t complain about his role, seemed generally thrilled to be with the team and the one time he was called upon, played a key role, running out the clock for the final 15 minutes against Mexico in the quarterfinals. Clearly, a veteran contribution.

Defender Tony Sanneh (450 minutes) - 7: Quite simply the best player on the field for the U.S. over the full five matches. He was both the most consistent defender and an offensive threat. One of several U.S. players whose careers might have been born -- or born again -- on the fields of South Korea. Offers for his transfer have been made to Germany’s FC Nurnberg.

Defender David Regis (0 minutes) - no rating: Since Arena had lost faith in Regis, he probably should have used the roster spot for another player who might have helped. However, Arena was not sure Hejduk could play on the left side, so took Regis for cover.

Defender Steve Churundolo (0 minutes) - no rating: Injured in training and not available for games. As the 23rd man, his prospects of playing time were not good anyway.

Midfielder Pablo Mastroeni (259 minutes) - 6: Played really well considering his lack of exposure to top international play. He impressed with his tenacity and his versatility, being able to play on the back line or defensive midfield, enhance his future prospects.

Midfielder Earnie Stewart (155 minutes) - 6: The U.S. hard luck story helped the U.S. get off to a flying start in the first half against Portugal, then had to come off and fought against injuries the rest of the tournament. Was clearly not anywhere near his usual self. Had he been 100 percent throughout, the U.S. may well have done even better.

Midfielder John O’Brien (450 minutes) - 6.5: Demonstrated he has grown into an extremely competent professional, capable of competing at the highest levels of international or club football. He was rock solid at both ends of the field. He is still young and probably a few years away from his prime. Should be a fixture on this team for years to come.

Midfielder Landon Donovan (434 minutes) - 6: Continues to mature both physically and emotionally. While he showed flashes of brilliance, he also disappeared for long stretches of matches. Stardom on an international level will come if he continues to develop his technical skills and his ability to play more intelligently. Cost his team by taking unwise and unnecessary fouls, but at 20, his future seems to be whatever he chooses to make of it.

Midfielder DaMarcus Beasley (219 minutes) - 6: He is all about pace, determination and promise. Played very well in stretches before sustaining a severe bruise to his right knee. His lack of size will always be problem, especially in physical matches, but he has tons of raw talent that now must be refined. Probably more than any other U.S. player, he must move beyond Major League Soccer if he is to fully develop his skills.

Midfielder Claudio Reyna (360 minutes) - 6.5: While naming him to the tournament All-Star team might have been a stretch, he remains the heart and soul of the U.S. team. In the quarterfinal victory over Mexico, he probably had his best match ever with the U.S., in part because he was used as an outside midfielder, a role that suited him. He is the first to admit he is not an attacking central midfielder -- a true "number 10" -- even though that is a role he is often asked to play. Is a terrific player when he can play within himself and do what he does best -- link between the defense and attack,. down a flank. After missing the opening match against Portugal because of injury, increasing showed his leadership ability as the tournament progressed

Midfielder\forward Joe-Max Moore - (49 minutes) 5.5: As one of the walking wounded, he was not able to play much, but did contribute.

Midfielder Cobi Jones (105 minutes) - 6: Possibly more than any other U.S. player, found his role and filled it well. His job was to come off the bench, add a spark and help kill time if there was a lead. He did that to perfection against Mexico.

Midfielder Eddie Lewis (196 minutes) - 5.5: After playing only 16 minutes in the three group matches, went the distance and contributed against both Mexico and Germany. Wasn’t flashy, but was competent along the left side and played some strong defense.

Forward Clint Mathis (204 minutes) - 5: Went to the World Cup with lofty expectations, but outside of a brilliant strike against South Korea -- one probably not within the capability of any other American -- his play varied from ordinary to sub-par. A lot was written about Arena questioning his work ethic. What was questioned was his fitness, not his willingness to work. For a player looking to move to the highest levels in Europe, a tournament to forget.

Forward Brian McBride (373 minutes) - 5.5: An uneven tournament. Worked hard and certainly had his moments, including two great goals. However, his effectiveness was tied to the quality of the service he received. Perhaps understandably, considering the beating he took in the air, he seemed to tire late in matches.

Forward Josh Wolff (68 minutes) - 5: Not enough playing time to really allow him to show much. He did seem overmatched often.

Senior correspondent Robert Wagman's "It Seems To Me . . . " appears regularly on SoccerTimes. He can be e-mailed at bobwagman@soccertimes.com..