Avoiding the Drop

Bob Bradley, lost in thought.

The above quote (from the New York Daily News) was give by Landon Donovan, referring to manager Bob Bradley. Two Yellows hinted at a similar sentiment over the weekend; whether or not you like Bradley (and, really, I’m on the fence), you have to acknowledge the fact that the U.S. is going into the last day in complete control of their own destiny, and that on some level that has to be put down to his management. And, really, it is that simple: a win tomorrow puts them in the Round of 16. Even with that odd refereeing call and the defensive lapses, the U.S. team is still in a position to contend.

Everyone I’ve talked to, whether in bars, in person, or on Twitter, has made the same comment: if the U.S. plays like they did in the second half, they should beat Algeria. That means, among other things, aggressive play: pressing, pushing forward with the fullbacks, and allowing one of the central midfielders to join the attack. On one hand, that sounds easy; when the U.S. plays like that, they’re really hard to handle.

On the other hand, though, there’s a problem; it’s the “almost” in Donovan’s statement, it’s the first half against Slovenia, and the first two games of the Confederations Cup. It’s those periods where, for whatever reason, this team comes out flat, seems surprised at the pace of the game, and generally fumbles for the ball. That team’s the team I see most often, and the glimpses of this “other” team that seems to play with passion and understanding only make the slower version more aggravating.

However, the U.S. have a little bit of momentum on their side; that robbed goal should have them feeling slighted, and the fact that a win puts them through to the Round of 16 (possibly as winners of the group) should make them push harder. Based on our generally slow start, I tend to think that Bradley’s motivational techniques don’t work (outside of situations where the team clearly needs to perform, can you ever remember them really taking it to a team when they didn’t need to?), but even he can’t screw up the “win and you’re through, don’t mess this up” speech.

Usually, I’d use the day before a game to find things I don’t like, to whine about selections, or to defend a player that would later disappoint me (I’m looking at you, Mr. Findley). Today, though, I think we’re all on the same page: if they play like their future in the tournament depends on it (which, really, it does), they should be okay. Algeria is, with all due respect, not good; that’s what makes England’s draw against them all the more frustrating for English fans. If the U.S. plays pedestrian against them, they deserve what they get; if not, though, than there’s a real chance to not only move on into the Round of 16 but, potentially, move past that point.

It’s really on Bradley. I think his hand’s been forced on position selections; I can’t imagine the midfield pairing being anything but Bradley-Edu, and I’d imagine Edson Buddle will start alongside Altidore. The defensive personnel (if not the mindset) should remain the same, and Tim Howard’s clearly not coming out. Donovan and Dempsey should be in their usual spots, and it should play like that 4-2-2-2 we came to know and love at the Confederations Cup. I think it’s a safe bet that Stuart Holden will see the field at some point, and I wouldn’t rule out a Benny Feilhaber or Herculez Gomez appearance either.

So on the day before the biggest U.S. match since this week last year, I’m willing to give Bradley a pass and just see what he comes up with. His players are apparently behind him; Donovan’s saying that almost all of Bradley’s decisions have worked out in a way. I don’t hear many English or French players sticking up for their manager like that.

All I’m hoping for is that Donovan’s proclamation includes the decisions Bradley’s about to make for tomorrow’s game.