Day 4 World Cup 2006

Day 4

Australia 3 Japan 1

How do you go 80+ minutes then give up 3 goals? The Socceroos pulled a stunning come-from-behind to claim 3 points in their group. Japan got their goal in the 26th minute, but super-sub Tim Cahill entered the game in the 53rd minute, and netted goals at the 84th and 89th minute. Then in extra time Aloisi added the final insult. So momentarily, Australia sits atop Group F over heavy weight (yet to play) Brazil and Croatia.

US 0 vs Czech Republic 3

Ok...so, facing the number two team in the tournament the US fell. What was disappointing in this loss was the total lack of "git-r-done" displayed by the US. Arena made a nice move to start the second half by putting Johnson and O'Brien on the field. I have yet to see the entire game, but, from what I have seen so far, McBride was a non-factor. Beasley seemed overwhelmed with the size of the opposition and seldom seemed to have a form.

Koller proved to be a monster in the middle and physically manhandled Pope to get the first goal. The American's never adjusted to the physical style of play by the Czech's and seemed to be playing one to two men short the entire match.

Arena needs to go back to the board. The lineup he had just did not get it done, and seemed to be at odds to find a rhythm. If this was a dance, the US was doing the Polka, and the Czech's were in final form for "So you think you can Dance." The saturday game is now must win, and we cheer for the Czech's to win out.

Italy 2 Ghana 0

Ghana's attack was nice. They strung together several nice plays and seemed to take it right at Italy. They were creative and dangerous. Italy seemed to play predictable and took advantage of Ghana mistakes to claim their 3 points. A severe misplay in the back resulted in the final goal of the match. Ghana had the edge in possession 53%, but managed only 4 shots. Italy is dangerous, but didn't appear lethal.

USA OUTLOOK -- The US needs to find a form. Lineup for Saturday:

Keeper -- Keller
Defense -- Pope, Onyewu, Albright, Bocanegra
Mids -- Beasley, Donovan, O'Brien, Reyna
Forwards -- Johnson, Wolfe

I think Johnson shows he deserves more time. Wolfe is a playmaker. I think he and Johnson could have a good game up top. I did not like Beasley and Donovan today. I like it better when the two of them flow through the play and take positions dictated by the run of play, not a pre-set alignment. They both are creative and electric when they can challenge more than one position/player.

I have not been a Reyna fan, but, I think he could be a playmaker/distributor. Today was the first time I recall him taking a shot in an WC match that seemed to have a prayer going in. I agree with Marcelo today, Onyewu seemed to have a better day once Koller was gone. I think he will be needed against Italy.

Pope needs to be a leader, love the guy since he was at DC United under Arena -- but, he needs to get some teeth in his game and bite some butts. Maybe Berhalter would bring leadership to the back.