Until yesterday, the United States Men’s National Team had a record of 0-7-3 against Italy. That all changed very late last night with a 1:0 victory at Genoa — making the United States the first time in I don’t even know how long to beat the Azzuri in Italy, and the first time ever the United States has beaten the four-time world champions. Normally, I root for the Azzuri, except when they play the U.S.A. This doesn’t establish U.S.A. as the team to beat from the North American conference for Brazil in 2014 — that’s two years in the future and Mexico is traditionally stronger than the U.S.A. anyway — but it does boost the Stars and Stripes’ street cred.
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I realize this was the Italians, but I look forward to the day the USNT scoring 1 goal is considered underachieving rather than a bonus.
I was most upset at having forgotten to record this game, though Leander Schaerlaecken’s piece on this (rightly, I think) throws a bit of a turd in this punch bowl. Still, if there is any way in the world that Dempsey can keep something approaching his current form going for the next 2+ years (a definite possibility….the guy has the best and toughest attitude of any American player I can recall) and Altidore can achieve his potential (sadly less likely, I think), then maybe there’s cause for more optimism this cycle than I previously had.
Good to see Klinsmann realizing how valuable an asset Michael Bradley can be. My big concern remains the relative lack of talent between 20 and 24 years old at the moment.
Haven’t read the critique. Is it the complaint that Italy wasn’t really at full strength? A valid point, but USA was without Donovan so that mitigates it.
Dempsey is a bit of a clod on the pitch, but he’s tough as nails and always seems to find a way to the ball when it’s free in the box.
Agreed. He has many of the same victimized flopping tendencies of the spanish players. He’s one of those guys you can’t stand if he’s on the other team but love when he’s on yours.
I’m all gung ho about the U.S. beating the blues, but initially I thought your title referred to this story, in which I am also rooting for Stars and Stripes.