Tottenham’s Yedlin and USMNT Lifeless in Colombia Defeat
Much was talked about Tottenham Hotspur’s DeAndre Yedlin for his work with Sunderland. But In the opening game of the Copa América Centenario, a 2-0 loss to Colombia showed no standout players from the USMNT despite an average performance by Los Cafeteros.
Once the pre-match ceremony was finished, the first half kicked-off and all of the excitement and wonder continued on as Levi’s Stadium grew louder and louder. Although by the eight minute, it would be the Colombian supporters who made the most noise after they took a quick 1-0 lead from a corner kick.
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Stoke City center-back, Geoff Cameron, would lose his man after having to go around teammate Michael Bradley who was marking his opponent, leaving Cristián Zapata unmarked once he made his run towards the ball.
It was a simple well-orchestrated set piece that the U.S. weren’t ready for.
However, after conceding an early goal and trailing just eight minutes into the game, the United States Men’s National Team would begin their move. They would begin finding passages of space, making decisive runs and picking out good passes.
All of this was to say that America was ready to battle back. Getting fouled just a few yards away from the penalty box on four separate occasions to set up free kicks helped too. Unfortunately none actually forced Arsenal goalkeeper, David Ospina, to make a play as Colombia’s wall blocked every single attempt.
Eventually, the U.S.’ pace and urgency would soon fade away over time.
There was still life to them late in the first half, but a penalty called on Tottenham right-back, DeAndre Yedlin, for a handball (which it was, because he jumped in to block the shot with his body while turning away, but failed to put his arm behind his back or close to his body) put the American’s in a difficult spot with Real Madrid’s James Rodríguez looking to cash in from 12-yards out.
A smooth approach and finish sent Aston Villa goalkeeper, Brad Guzan, diving right while the ball went to the left. A 2-0 scoreline in the 42nd minute left USMNT manager, Jürgen Klinsmann, perplexed, furious and questioning head official, Roberto García’s, decision to award a handball.
No matter what people may think of the call — whether it was right or not — down by two goals after 45 minutes of play against the third ranked national team in the world wasn’t that bad of a hole to begin with.
Especially after responding well since conceding the first goal.
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It’s just too bad that America couldn’t keep their level of play once half-time was over, as things suddenly changed.
The second half saw what could best be described as a lifeless U.S. team who weren’t interested in attacking Colombia both offensively and defensively.
If Colombia had possession of the ball, they would gladly pass amongst themselves at the backline with chants of “Olé!” ringing throughout the late afternoon/early evening.
It wasn’t enough to just see the opponents have no real desire to move forward after taking the lead and not being troubled during the first half. But to not have any high press from the United States was a shock because they were still in the game.
All they needed was one goal to get a spark and they’re back in it.
But again, things would only get worse when Klinsmann’s side managed to get the ball. With plenty of talent on this American team, plus some cohesiveness being shown in their tune-up matches prior to the Copa América Centenario kicking off, it had completely disappeared during the middle of the second half.
Even with a brief spell of attack oriented football showing up in a span of four to five minutes that wasn’t enough in of itself, sadly.
The passing game wasn’t there, as it mostly involved Geoff Cameron and Hertha Berlin center-back, John Brooks, taking a majority of the passes and possession. Forward runs were non-existent both in terms of no one attempting one, or no one being spotted and receiving a long diagonal ball.
Quite frankly, there was no sense of urgency despite being down 2-0 and eventually facing a Colombian side who had to play without one of their better attacking players in James Rodríguez after he was forced to leave due to a left shoulder injury.
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It was said during the broadcast that nine percent of teams who lose their opening match of a major tournament dating back to 1998, advance from the group stage and still qualify for the knockout rounds.
If you add in the European Championship, that number of survival rises to 15 percent. An increase of just six percent. Which is still very low and clearly not going to help the USMNT’s confidence moving forward with the odds stacked against them.
Simply put, America has to have Lady Luck on their side and hope that Costa Rica and Paraguay end up in a goalless draw and that the United States beats both of them soundly in the final two group stage matches.
Otherwise the senior team’s program along with its head coach and technical director will be seeing some major changes ahead of the 2018 World Cup in Russia.