A change is gonna' come...

"Will somebody please tell me how to properly utilize my substitutions?"

Okay, I admit it; I drank the Kool-Aid. After an abysmal start to the 2006 World Cup, I left the U.S. for dead. Then they had to go and play inspired soccer against an Italian team in a game nobody thought they could tie, much less win. So, many of you apparently fell for it as well, and thought the boys would get the result they needed today against Ghana, and we'd be shopping for presents for the Italian team after they dispatched the Czechs. Well, 1/2 of it was right. Italy held up their end of the deal, while the U.S. once again played with frustrating inconsistency, and, let's just say, deservedly are going home.

Lots of stories will be coming out in the next few days about this game, the poor refereeing once again going against the U.S., bad luck in finishing, such as hit posts, but's let's be honest, this is all about the players and coaches.

First, coaching. For once, I agreed with Eric Wynalda when he said Bruce Arena poorly managed this team in this tournament, and arguably leading up to it as well. The 4-5-1 has never worked under Arena, not last year down in Mexico, not 5 years ago when they played in Costa Rica, and not once during this tournament. McBride was on an island up top, and it let opposing defenders play higher up w/out worrying about U.S. players getting in behind them. The result? A crowded midfield where U.S. players had more alternatives going square or backwards rather than forwards. An Eddie Johnson or Landon Donovan up top would stretch the defense out and provide more room for Reyna, Convey, Dempsey, etc. Such was not the case.

Arena's substitution pattern (or lack thereof) was also mind-boggling. The lack of Eddie Johnson in this Cup was a crime. Granted, Johnson is a streaky player, but we never really found out what he could do because his time was so limited. He brought a spark off the bench in game 1 against the Czechs, didn't get on the field against Italy when fresh legs up top would have held Italian defenders in check, and today, it was 60 minutes in, and the U.S. a goal down, before he entered the fray. Johnson's strength is getting behind defenses, and he couldn't do that when he came in because of Ghana's tactical approach to defense, when simply a draw would get them through to the 2nd round. Johnson didn't really have a meaningful touch all game, when, had he started, I feel he and McBride could have created havoc against the Black Stars defense. Also, why was John O'Brien on the roster if he couldn't play? Bruce took a gamble that he'd be ready to go, and was obviously wrong. Bobby Convey played well in the first 2 games, so why was he on the bench today? You want Eddie Lewis on the left? Fine, but you can't tell me Beasley was a better option in central midfield w/ his recent form. Remember Convey as the attacking mid against Germany 2 months back? Yeah, the Convey that ran at people and made knifing runs. Bringing him in the last 15 minutes didn't let him get much of a chance to do anything.

I could go on and on, but my hands are starting to cramp up and I need to rate the players.

Kasey Keller - good tournament, made several crucial saves
Gooch - Solid, solid solid...didn't deserve the penalty call against you. Had a great tournament overall and I expect him to be in the English Premier League this season (Middlesborough?)
Steve Cherundolo - Pretty good overall. Provided good service and could be a part of the 2010 team.
Carlos Bocanegra - I won't blame him for not clearing the ball on the call that led to the penalty kick. Played pretty well in both games.
Jimmy Conrad - Not bad, didn't do anything poorly or anything especially well.
Eddie Lewis - Did little w/ the few opportunities he had.
Claudio Reyna - Not the way he should go out of the International scene. A horrible mistake that led to Ghana's first goal is what most people will remember.
Ben Olsen - I was proud of Ben. He brought a ton of energy and fire to the game, and made solid plays on both sides of the ball.
Eddie Johnson - Can't really give you a grade, son, since we were never given a good chance to see what you could do.
Clint Dempsey - Outside of Gooch, maybe the best overall U.S. player in the tournament. No fear, made good plays on offense and defense, which was supposedly one of his weaknesses. I think he'll get some offers from overseas, and he deserves them.
Brian McBride - Looks old at times, but still did the best he could under tough circumstances w/ no partner up front to draw defenders away from him. Like Reyna, deserves to go out on a better note.
Bobby Convey - played well in each of the first 2 games, and should have started today. I'm looking forward to seeing what he can do in the Premier League next year w/ Reading.

And now, the 2 "Golden Boys."

DeMarcus Beasley - Has been out of form since February, when he lost his starting spot at PSV Eindhoven. The usually jovial Beasley was noticeably more reserved, whiny, and downright indignant at times over the past few months. Had a horrible tournament and needs too clear his head so he can be a productive member of the team in the future, or he might not be on it.

Landon Donovan - Did he play today? How about in game 1? I think I saw #21 out there, usually putting free kicks out of bounds or corner kicks square into the heads of the first defender. Landon, here's some unsolicited advice; keep your mouth shut for the next4 years. don't talk about how you hate Mexico, how you're gonna' do this, do that. You did nothing when your team needed you most today. You looked lost, scared, and most of all, uninspired. Stop reading your press clippings and get back to being the fearless, take-no-prisoners player we saw 4 years ago in Asia and immediately following in MLS. Maybe when you get back to L.A., Frank Yallop will put his foot in your *ss. you need it. Speaking of Yallop...

U.S. Soccer should give Frank Yallop the job. Yes, I know he just joined L.A. Let him finish the season there and then move on to the National team. Yallop knows the American player, knows tactics, and although people will say he didn't get the job done in Canada, remember that he had very little talent to work with. Yallop's won 2 MLS titles, and has the respect of people like Bruce Arena, who no doubt will advise USSF President Sunil Gulati on whom should be his successor, provided he steps down. Whether he will or not is another story. There is no other American coach who could step in and do the job, so why not go w/ the Canadian who knows the American player? I know there will be cries for Dick Advocaat (who wouldn't be a bad choice either), Carlos Quieroz, even Sven Goran Ericksson, but I think we still need a person who knows the psyche of the U.S. player. Yallop's that guy.

From a personal standpoint, I have to admit this was a pretty crushing blow to watch this team go out this morning. I thought a possible 2nd round game against Brazil, regardless of the score, would have drawn huge ratings on tv and gotten more people watching the games. This was a big opportunity for the U.S., and they couldn't get the job done. It's time to make some changes within the organization to take the next step, and I hope Arena will see that it's time to move on.

Next round matchups:

Brazil/Ghana - Hats off to Ghana for being the best story of the tournament so far. NOBODY expected them to go through this group, which was the toughest of the 8 (and don't even think about arguing with me on that one). Brazil finally found their rhythm today against an overwhelmed Japan team, but still have had moments of sluggishness (is that a word?). However, Ghana's best player, and arguably the best player so far in the tournament, Michael Essien, will be sitting this one out because of yellow cards. No Essien, no chance.

Prediction: Brazil 2 - Ghana 0

Italy/Australia

Australia gets by Croatia for 2nd by the skin of their teeth, and are probably the 2nd best story of the tournament. They're getting quality play from their top stars in Kewell, Viduka, and Cahill. Italy looked really good against the Czechs today, and as this team usually does, seems to get stronger as the tournament goes on. Although it's an intriguing matchup, Italy is just a better team from top to bottom and will find a way to get through to the quarterfinals.

Prediction: Italy 2 - Australia 0

I was able to chat w/ a couple of DC United players last night about the Cup and get their opinions, but I'll save those for tomorrow when I don't have quite so much to write about.

As always, please feel free to leave your comments on today's match the future of the U.S., whether or not you think I'm full of crap, etc. Post 'em in the comments section, or email me if you're more comfortable.

It's a pretty sad day, folks, but it's not the end. Remember, the 2010 Cup is right around the corner in 1,450 days. :)