World

North America

USA

The Day After The Disaster

June 13th, 2006 | By: Daryl | 64 Comments »

Click on Bruce Arena’s image (right) to hear the mp3 of his “day after the disaster” press conference.

Edited highlights, and interpretations, available below.

-On personel changes against Italy…

“We’ll make some changes. I don’t think from the result last night I need to say that that eleven is the one we should go with again against Italy. I think it’s obvious we need to make a couple of changes, what they are we don’t know yet at this point.”

-When asked what they would be…

“We will have a tactical change against Italy. We’re not going to go with the three zero loss game plan. We threw that page away after the game.”

“There’ll be some changes on Saturday. I’m not making any changes now, I’m making them on Saturday.”

-After watching the tape…

“Defensively we actually played quite well. Which I’m sure most of you will probably not agree with, but we were pretty good. Especially in the first half, oddly enough. We gave Koller all he could handle, yet Koller walks away with a goal… We were much poorer on the attacking end of the field than we were on the defensive end.”

“Oddly enough as I watched the game, the first 45 minutes the Czech team had possession of the ball 25-30 yards from our goal only on four ocassions.. yet we’re down two goals at the half. I think it wasn’t as bad as the scoreline tells you and really we weren’t good at the attackng end. We weren’t dangerous enough, our set pieces were poorly executed, technically probably it was the worst I’ve seen our team play in a long time. We didn’t pass well, we weren’t good in serving crosses, hitting set pieces, whether it’s a corner or a couple of free kicks.”

(to a certain extent I agree. The defending wasn’t great by any stretch of the imagination, but it was better than the limp excuse for an attack)

-On his earlier comment that we “got nothing” out of DMB…

“If he’s any kind of player, and a man, he understands that. If he doesn’t then he’s not going to be able to help us in games two or three either.”

(might all depend on how Beasley reacts to criticism)

“Beasley playing agianst a good player. Jankulovski did a great job against Beasley. Landon could have played better, he knows he could have played better. Landon’s lack of aggression in attack, his running off the ball his desire to make plays happen and be part of the game was not on last night. He knows that and I’m sure he’ll pick it up again on Saturday.”

(much more faith in Donovan’s attitude than Beasley’s)

-Did he criticize the players out of frustration?…

“No, it was accurate. The reason we lost the game is that their players played better than our players. individually they were better, won most of the match ups on the field. At the end of teh day, it is about that … Maybe Convey had the edge over his guy, maybe Reyna.”

“Disappointed in the confidence some players had on the field, because you need to play with confidence eto make plays happen. When you’re in a reactionary mode you’re reacting to things instead of anticipating.”

-How he feels after last night…

“Emotions? Oh… joy! … I was disappointed. You always look back and you wonder where you can do better. Sometimes, as they say, shit happens. Shit happened.”

-Brian McBride…

“came back a little too much, I think a result of not having a good partnership with Landon.”

(so we might not see the McBride up top, Donovan behind partnership again)

-Bobby Convey…

“Bobby, was one of our few players who was comfortable in going after them and trying to get behind the right back …he can play better than that, he can hit beter crosses … over the last month has been one of our best players and it would be dificult to take him off the field.”

(so Convey should keep his place for Saturday)

-Responsibility for defeat…

“I take all the blame. All. You can check all the boxes, you can blame it all on me.”

(he says this, but it’s not too convincing)

Tags: Bruce Arena, DaMarcus Beasley, USA

USA World Cup RSS Feed

Comments

Displaying the most recent 25 comments from a total of 64 comments.

Read the rest of the comments

By enzo | June 14th, 2006 at 12:56 pm

Soccer Dad, I know very little of the USA team so I can’t comment on how good they are capable of playing. I only judged them on the day, and I was expecting more, and if you say you also expected more then I sympathise, ’cause any football fan will truly understand with your disappointment. Which football fan hasn’t been disappointment on some occasion when his team of professionals play like amateurs. The 3-0 loss must be demoralising and it will uphill for the USA, unfortunately.

Posted from Australia

By Drwho | June 14th, 2006 at 2:27 pm

Enzo:

That the Czechs were just a better team on that day is far to simple an answer. Clearly that is true but why play the game? You have to have a strategy in place to try to get a result even, especially, against a better team. I applaude Arena for sticking ti his guns in trying to put an attack-minded side on the field. when successful that is what we want the American side to be. We want to be Brazil, not a team that packs it in and plays for 0-0. However, as Spayman said in this format you have to play tight and look for an opportunity. In fact that is how the Czechs played and they got those chances and finished them off. That said, we certainly pushed ahead against Portugal 4 years ago and we can’t complain about that result. You either play tight or go full steam ahead. Unfortunately our boys just couldn’t find a way to get it going forward and we fell on our face. Here’s to hoping that we show up against Italy.

Posted from United States

By spaymen | June 14th, 2006 at 3:18 pm

Yes the US wants to be Brazil. This is something one works on in international play against lesser oposition. Without dominating players this is not the best course of action here. The Czechs were very efficient on attack. We gave up 3 goal each one very different. Each one showing a completely different weakness. The Czechs shut US out very easily. They are not the best side in this group.

Posted from United States

By Wilson | June 14th, 2006 at 3:43 pm

Here’s an idea:

The post-Arena era should begin with a European Americo-phile.

How about Jurgen Klinsmann?

Posted from United States

By spaymen | June 14th, 2006 at 3:48 pm

US still gets to play Italy. I agree we need to go way outside the US in the future for success at this level.

Posted from United States

By Jodido | June 14th, 2006 at 4:11 pm

It’s time to go Dutch - they are masters of the sport and currently unbeaten in the Cup….too bad Hiddink is headed to Russia, because he would be perfect.

Posted from United States

By ETucker | June 14th, 2006 at 5:41 pm

Dutch coaches have done wonders with South Korea…

Posted from Dominican Republic

By ejesse | June 14th, 2006 at 5:55 pm

I actually think Arena’s comments are fairly accurate. And the defense DID play pretty well. Yes, the first goal was absolutely a gaffe between Lewis and Convey that allowed Grygera to make about as perfect a cross as you’re going to see. That ball curved away from the goal and right into Koller’s head. Since the left side was wide open, Gooch got pulled off a bit to cover and Koller just outmuscled Pope.

Aside from that I don’t think you can fault the defense too much. Rosicky’s goal was simply fantastic, and for his second we were playing with one less man back in cover, so that’s the risk you run when you’re down.

The problem was that the attacking attitude wasn’t there and, aside from Reyna, no one really seemed to step it into another gear after we went down. At least it seems from the player quotes that they don’t seem to be melting down like they did eight years ago. Hopefully everyone will show up Saturday and give a better showing, even if the result still isn’t positive, it would be nice to score, which even Costa Rica(!) managed.

Posted from United States

By ETucker | June 14th, 2006 at 6:37 pm

Costa Rica was clinical in front of goal. Their forward had a calm and grace that US players can only hope to emulate…

Nevertheless, the Czech game is a gutcheck: the US team realizes that they have to put forth maximum effort and show some tenacity.

Bruce’s comments were dead on: the players did stink it up. However, he should have benched Beasley. Also, a 4-5-1 only works agains an attacking formation…the Czechs also deployed a 4-5-1. Perhaps a hint?

I really think the only way the US wins is by going to a 4-3-3 and trying to use long balls to avoid the midfield…JOB is injured, Reyna is old, Convey is confident but not quite there (he will someday I think), and Mastroeni is great defensively bt lacking in the distribtion department.

This is what Man U did to beat Chelsea in the premiership, and its touh to argue with a) Sir Alex Ferguon and b) reslts.

Of course, our team is nowhere near that talent level…

Posted from Dominican Republic

By Jackie Chiles | June 14th, 2006 at 7:33 pm

Soft…

Just play hard…for the love of God. If you are a professional soccer player and can not get up for the World Cup, there is something wrong with your head. There are thousands of American kids out there that would give an arm and a leg to go all out for 90 minutes in the World Cup.

It’s just too bad that little 5 foot nothings like Donovan have been told they are the best for their whole lives when realistically, none of these guys would start on the top international teams.

How do you make up for it then?

You just have to play with guts and if anything, just show people that you aren’t afraid because Beasley and Donovan (the supposed leaders of this team) shriveled up into nothing when anyone on the Czech team even looked in their direction. Christ, it looked like you could go up to any guy on the US, push them to the ground, and they wouldn’t do a damn thing about it.

They need to start from scratch and Bruce needs to get off that stupid stationary bike he is always riding, get these kids motivated, and get 11 guys out there that WANT to play regardless of previous reputations…Don’t just play Landon Donovan because he is Landon Donovan! Sit him on the bench if he isn’t going to press and play hard! The whole match Bruce looked like he was deciding where and what he wanted to eat after the match. And keeping the roster secret really helped out Bruce…you had a team of guys out there that didn’t know what the hell they were doing and what position they were playing!

If they just play hard, I don’t care how badly they get beat. Losing like this though, is inexcusable.

Posted from United States

By Augster | June 14th, 2006 at 7:51 pm

Embarrassing and disappointed loss, yes. Did Arena fall on the sword and blame himself, yes. Is the US a #5 ranked team, NO! I hate to say it, we were out-coached, out-manned and out-played. The Czech’s capitalized on mistakes and made us pay for it…that is good soccer and good teams make teams pay for their mistakes. In the Cup we will see this multiple times. I’m not going to fault DMB, who I thought played without passion, or Donovan who seemingly lost his skills one-v-one skills. Coach Arena learned a valuable lesson and hopefully our guys have taken this loss to heart. Personally, I was hoping for a tie, I thought our strategy should have been focused on this to get us through to the next round…hey, we played one of the best teams in the WORLD and lost. Okay, it’s tuff for us in the US to swollen, but all of the great teams have been their…so have we. Time to learn, plan, strategize and play with renewed passion to get by Italy…not an easy task but definitely achievable given the right set of circumstances. I, for one, say…GO USA…find whatever spirit and guidance you need to get us a cap win over Italy and move on to Ghana. For the guy blaming youth development and for the others who are pointing a finger at specific players…you’re all off base and blaming will accomplish nothing. Get behind your team with spirit and enjoy our moment in the Cup…win or loose. To Bruce A. and the Boyz…you got the talent, find the desire and MAKE IT HAPPEN by putting it all on the field…make us proud by showing us you’ve got the passion and American spirit.

Posted from United States

By Rhythmwize | June 14th, 2006 at 8:26 pm

I liked the way Reyna slowly, very slowly, closed down Rosicky
and then turned his back on the guy as he blasted the ball into the net…Too me, that says it all. And Arena says he played well…WTF?

Posted from United States

By Colin D | June 14th, 2006 at 9:38 pm

Wow - you guys sure are fast to point fingers, and to throw away four years of work because of oe lousy game.

And that’s all it was. Chech got a quick strike, but the U.S. bounced back well, I thought, with 60%+ possession the first 35 min, and should have equalled on Reyna’s shot. If so, it would have been a much differnet game

Yes, we got our but whipped, and looked awful for much of the 2nd half, but we’re supposed to get beat by the Czechs - playing our best we would be lucky to get a point.

The team Arena put on the field, with our without a couple of changes, is capable of getting results against both Italia anad Ghana - I have a feeling that Saturday will be a whole new ballgame.

By Joe | June 14th, 2006 at 9:41 pm

I think one of the major problems with the MNT is that they don’t really have an identity. They were basically set up for counter attacking soccer but when the Czechs sat back our offense completely died. It seems lately all of our offense has come from runs down the outside and crosses, but the Czechs were ready for this, closed down the space and the US was left without a clue. The US is known as a physical and fast team but we play so slow with the ball I don’t understand how anyone can say that.

Arena needs to stop trying to play tricks on his opponents, like in 2002, and play to his teams’ strengths. No one is going to overlook the US now, even the Italians on Saturday. If you’re going to sit back and counterattack then do it, if you’re going to play aggressively then take your chances and take people on. We were stuck somewhere in the middle on Monday and got killed for it.

Play hard and execute the gameplan, we’ll be alright.

Posted from United States

By rodni | June 14th, 2006 at 11:49 pm

Hey ,don’t be so gloomy The Side that the USA played may very well win the World Cup ,Czech is the best side out there as a team (think about it EA sports the FIFA guys predict that they will Hold the Cup ..They were just the better side

Posted from United States

By mark | June 15th, 2006 at 12:27 am

Final..
USA vs TOGO

LOLOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL

2002 WAS A fluke…LEARN THAT !!!

Posted from United States

By mark g | June 15th, 2006 at 2:00 am

WE suck - enough of this trying to be like mexico or brazil - go back to fundamental AMerican European physcial style of soccer - thats what got us there in the first place -

Posted from United States

By spaymen | June 15th, 2006 at 2:04 am

Totti & Toni against Ghana were working there butts off. These guys were redy to drop dead for there win. USA watch the film. This is what it takes at this level. Break a sweat at least. Stationary is not football. Someone said longballs (I hate those) you have to win them if you are going to send them. Go USA!

Posted from United States

By johno | June 15th, 2006 at 3:29 am

the usa coash bruse arena made a
comment about australia being one
of the weekest sides in the world cup but the way things are going it
looks like the usa might not even
get a win.bruse arena has a great
soccer side at his despoal but the
lack of coashing abilty has been his downfall. the man can talk to the press and cry all he wants but the simple thing is bruse arena cant coash. the usa soccer fans should be calling for his head after the world cup

Posted from Australia

By Sean | June 15th, 2006 at 5:37 am

Get a new Coach and play more forcefully with aggression!!! USA!!! We have a chance!!!! Get those freakin’ pasta eatin’ eyeTalians!!!

By John Darer | June 15th, 2006 at 7:11 am

USA should’ve soaked up the pressure and played the Czechs to tie 1-1 or 0-0 or low scoring 0-1 loss. The forwards were getting nowhere The 0-3 is worst possible outcome

Posted from United States

By Vincent | June 15th, 2006 at 8:44 am

I do understand the disappointment among american fans, but I don’t understand the surprise or trying to blame someone/something.

Quite simply put the Czechs have a world class football team and the USA does not. Most of the backlash seems caused by unrealistic expectations. The American team made a lot of progress over the past decade, but in general still just plays too many easy games outside of the WC that overestimates their power.

Noone did anything wrong. USA is simply not ‘there’ yet and got unlucky to draw a tough group. There’s no shame. At least you still get to qualify easy and be at the WC every time, unlike the struggle European countries have to qualify out of groups that are sometimes tougher than World Cup groups.

Posted from Switzerland

By spaymen | June 15th, 2006 at 2:56 pm

Vincent is really on here. The US is lucky to be here. Easy qualifying is a beautiful thing. We need to thank the sports gods and make the most of it. Bruce Arena is not a smelly old euro football coach but he could start thinking like one. Make the most of the next two WORLD CUP games and have a proud smelly old hard fought result.

Posted from United States

By ETucker | June 16th, 2006 at 12:26 am

Vincent-

I think what bothers US fans is not the result, because I put the Czechs up there with Brazil in terms of talent and class.

Rather, it just looked like a lack of effort. As Bruce said, we hardly got any second balls and did not fight to get any of the long balls.

How many fouls did we commit? How many offsides? Hardly any…..

Posted from Dominican Republic

By Hotlink caller ringtones | September 2nd, 2006 at 5:30 am

Hotlink caller ringtones

Download Cool Ringtone Right This Time: Hotlink caller ringtones

Posted from United States

Comments are closed