USA vs. Netherlands recap

The USMNT lost 2-1 to a deep and talented Netherlands, in a game where they dominated throughout the 90+ minutes. The US struggled throughout the game to get good chances on Holland's net. It wasn't a poor performance, but the Dutch were definitely the superior side. The first half was a good showing by the starters. As they only gave up a penalty, on a weak and stupid tug on Wesley Sneijder by Jonathan Bornstein, that Dirk Kuyt routinely finished. The USA's only chance in the first half was a Torres shot from outside the box that went just above the bar.

The second half was an entirely different game as substitutes from both sides cam into the game. The Dutch scored off of a deflection, while the US added a goal from Carlos Bocanegra from a Demarcus Beasley free kick. The US defense played rather well, but it was the offense's inability to produce any great chances. Or when their was a chance, it was followed by weak shots. In the first half Robbie Findley got through the defense, but his finish was as threatening as a fly. The offense didn't seem to really go at the Dutch net until late in the match, when Jozy ripped a laser towards the net, but was saved relatively easily. I would of liked to see this kind of attitude during the earlier part of the game where the US seemed to lack either the creativity and/or the quality in the final third.

Another disappointing aspect of the game was in the first half of the game, when a challenge by Man City's Nigel de Jong broke Stuart Holden's fibula. It is sad for Holden as he was beginning to see the field for Bolton Wanderers, and appeared to be making ground in terms of making the WC squad.

Netherlands Preview

The USA will take on the Flying Dutchmen tomorrow at 2:30 PM (EST) in Amsterdam on ESPN2 and ESPN 360.

WTWF Strikers: Look to see how Jozy is playing, he been playing well at Hull, but not tearing it up. I think Findley will start because of what he showed last week against El Salvador. Eddie Johnson who has played fairly well in Greece will probably play in an attempt to impress BB.

WTWF Midfield: Edu who scored in the Old Firm over the weekend now gets a chance to impress BB, he has a chance to step-up because of Ricardo Clark's injury. Demarcus Beasley can try to start a fresh slate, after his performance in the Confederations Cup.

WTWF Defense: Heath Pearce, Clarence Goodson, and Jonathan Bornstein all have a chance to build upon there performances last week. Simek seems to be a strange call-up.

4-4-2

GK: Howard

DF: Pearce, Goodson, Demerit, Spector

MF: Beasley, Edu, Bradley, Donovan

ST: Findley, Altidore

I think the US will tie 2-2 jumping out to an early lead then relinquishing the lead late, goals scored by Altidore and Donovan.

US 20 man roster for Netherlands

GK: Tim Howard (Everton FC), Brad Guzan (Aston Vila), Marcus Hahnemann (Wolves)

Def: Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas MLS), Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes), Jay Demerit (Watford), Heath Pearce (FC Dallas), Clarence Goodson (IK Start), Frank Simek (Sheffield Wednesday), Jonathan Spector (West Ham)

MF: Demarcus Beasley (Rangers), Maurice Edu (Rangers), Landon Donovan (Everton FC), Michael Bradley (Borussia Monchengladbach), Stuart Holden (Bolton Wanderers), Alejandro Bodeya (Orebo), Jose Fransisco Torres (Pachuca)

ST: Jozy Altidore (Hull City), Robbie Findley (Real Salt Lake), Eddie Johnson (Aris Thessaloniki)