Something about the U.S. national team’s 1-1 draw with Mexico on Wednesday, Jurgen Klinsmann’s debut as U.S. coach, felt eerily similar, almost as if Bob Bradley were still in charge. The United States started slowly, was tactically overwhelmed, couldn’t defend the left wing and allowed the first goal. Led by Landon Donovan, the Americans fought back with emotion and determination to salvage the result.
It was like the 2010 World Cup all over again, but it felt totally different with Klinsmann pulling the strings. Even though his choice to start Michael Bradley as an attacking midfielder was a bust, the decision to reorganize the offense and ultimately replace Bradley with Robbie Rogers — who scored a minute after coming onto the field — had Klinsmann’s attacking vision all over it. Hopefully, when the U.S. team convenes again for two matches in September, it won’t take 60 minutes to realize that Donovan’s best role is one in which he touches the ball the most.
With Donovan in the middle and 21-year-old Brek Shea’s coming out party on the left wing, a stirring final 30 minutes left the United States buzzing at the final whistle instead of concerned about Klinsmann’s starting lineup. But Klinsmann’s enthusiasm spoke volumes, too. Instead of complaining about a missed red card afterward, Klinsmann conveyed his undeniable passion for the game.
ESPN analyst Taylor Twellman put it best, pointing out, “He said ‘fun!’?”
– Craig Stouffer
