Would US have tied or beaten Germany with Donovan?

[elias7]

US midfield play was non-existent save for Bradley's hustle and clever long balls, but essentially Germany thoroughly dominated play and US relied on counterattack for any scoring chances (very few).

My opinion is that it is highly questionable leaving Donovan off the team; he does respond in big games and is still probably US's best player. My conspiracy theory is that the decision was personal on Klinsmann's part, and my ultra-conspiracy theory is that Klinsmann left Donovan off the team to insure Germany's advancing. Any thoughts?

[BKH70041]

1. Maybe. Maybe not.

There was a question as to Donavan's commitment to the team, and to the game itself, given he took time off. I would have left him on the team, but I'm not the coach.

As to Klinsmann leaving off Donavan "to insure Germany's advancing," not in this lifetime. The USA could have 11 Donavan's and that's not going to stop a powerhouse like Germany.

[Codeine]

2. Putting yourself on a sabbatical

is a sure way to take yourself out of the running for national team duty. Landycakes did this to himself through his lack of commitment and general laziness.

He's always been like that. His petulance and lack of professionalism is the reason he couldn't survive in Europe despite his decent skill level.

As far as Klinsmann wanting to help Germany advance, I can assure you after some of the press he's received over there and his complex relationship with Low that there is nothing he would have liked more than to deliver a defeat to the Germans.

[Aquavit]

3. Maybe, but...

I don't mean to be "that guy," but Germany didn't go into this tournament hoping Klinsmann would somehow help them advance through his team selection. The Germans are a team that has contested three WC semifinals in a row and has never once failed to advance out of the group stage. A healthy majority of the German team have either contested or won the UEFA Champions League final in 3 of the last 5 seasons. They are ranked #2 in the world right now, and for very good reason.

I'm pleasantly surprised by the play of the US team so far in the tournament, but I don't believe that Donovan would really have that much impact on either their chances against Germany or on their ultimate fortunes in the tournament. He's a creative player, but his team has to have the ball in order for him to make a difference. Klinsmann's tactics didn't really force the possession issue at all against the Germans, and ultimately I think that's the reason the Americans lost the match.

[BlueCollar]

4. No - I don't buy Donovan as the key to the squad

Soccer is a game of opportunity and skill, with a dose of luck.

Player for player the German squad is slightly more experienced.

That being said, the game broke the way it did. The US Men's team had every opportunity to win or tie...

That's why it's the World Cup.

I think the real test will be Belgium.