There are numerous reasons the United States dropped a 3-1 decision against Italy in each team's opening game at the Confederations Cup. SportsNation blogger GQuagmire21 (giggity!) offers a comprehensive look at his candidates for the list, including tactical miscues and a dubious red card that put the Americans a man down.
But as Bob Bradley's team meets Brazil Thursday (9:55 a.m. ET, ESPN2) in a tournament with only modest significance, the bigger question is how much do you care?
Before Barcelona and Manchester United squared off in the Champions League final, 65 percent of SportsNation said they hadn't watched any soccer in the previous year. But there are some signs of life on the soccer front.
- 56 percent: Would rather win the World Cup than Olympic gold in ice hockey.
- 60 percent: Expect the U.S. to advance out of group stage in 2010 World Cup.
- Fan Groups: USA National Team | Euro Soccer Nation | Soccer/Futbol fans
“Losing against the Italian team and playing down a man for an hour is not devastating. The team does not have the depth of many international squads so losing Bocanegra and Ching didn't help. The send off was a bit harsh, but it happened. The key problem is that the US has no real scoring threat--no McBride. Altidore might become one. Dempsey has to stop falling down and complaining. Donavan has to stop taking set pieces. Bob Bradley needs to find a play maker and a finisher. Where can he find them? Not in the old man's league -- the MLS.
” -- FussFool
“Who really cares if Rossi scored and celebrated against the USA? The fact that he wanted to play for Italy over us makes me believe that he doesn't care about America. So if he scores and celebrates, who cares! It's such a stupid thing to be angry about. The fact that we still have this buffoon Bob Bradley as our coach means we will never make it to the knockout stages of any major tournament.
” -- rwd5035
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