Final preparations before the World Cup

In their last tune-up before the World Cup, United States took care of business in defeating Australia 3-1. As in all games there were good things, bad things and a little bit of luck.

Scoring two goals, Edson Buddle was the hero of the match.

Starting in place of the injured Jozy Altidore, Edson Buddle made the most of his first opportunity overseas in a senior-level USA jersey by scoring two goals. The first came from a takeaway from an Aussie defender (4'), and the second from a wonderful cross from Steve Cherundolo (31'). Late in the second half it was sub Herculez Gomez who found perfect placement from a masterful pass from Landon Donovan in dangerous territory (90'). The lone goal US would surrender came from Tim Cahill who went unmarked on the far post to squeeze in a corner-fed goal (19'). There was simply nothing Tim Howard could do to prevent it.

A huge impression was made by the forward trio of Buddle, Gomez, and Findley. While Buddle and Gomez were eating up space in the box and scoring goals, Findley was using his speed in making several runs at Australian defenders. Although he had plenty of chances, Findley failed numerous times to put the ball away. At one point he had defeated the defense and the goalkeeper, but sent a point-blank shot wide. Nevertheless, like we saw against the Czechs, he has proven to be quite a handful for opposing defenders. This news is most welcome as the South African injury bug has hit none other than Jozy Altidore - more on this later.

Other observations:
Jay DeMerit - looked flat out bad on several challenges. There were times where he would pass the ball straight to an Australian attacker, or just failed to clear the ball. But this was okay because...
Jonothan Bornsten - actually played well as a sub. He has been the our whipping boy as our fans continue to bash him (and for good reason), but today after entering the game for Carlos Bocanegra (who's health we need to preserve), he performed well. Successful challenges, good passes, and no own goals! Its like he and DeMerit switched roles for a day.
Ricardo Clark - While he is not my first choice to be Bradley's counterpart in the middle of the field, he played very well in the first half. Later on in the second half we kind of lost control of the middle of the field, and I do believe Clark is to blame there. I would have liked to see Bob Bradley pull him out as a sub for Maurice Edu or José Torres.
Gooch - Is getting better. I am still concerned about how many minutes we will see of him against England. In my opinion he must start, and he must go at least 45' if not more.
Clint Dempsey - was about to kill an Aussie. All day they were coming in at him with some reckless challenges. Just days before the World Cup, the last thing you want to see is one of your playmakers get hurt.

Overall it was a good game. It wasn't great, but we get the win. In the end that is all you can ask for. With this, the US will now begin to focus in on the opponent we have been waiting for. Exactly one week from today we will be taking on England in what we hope will be a repeat of what we did back in 1950. Unlike these warmup friendlies, this one counts.

South Africa Injury Update

Out:
Rio Ferdinand (England) - knee ligament damage

Réne Adler (Germany) - ribs
John Obi Mikel (Nigeria) - ankle
Michael Essien (Ghana) - knee
Michael Ballack (Germany) - ankle
Carlo Costly (Honduras) - foot
José Bosingwa (Portugal) - knee
Charlie Davies - automobile accident last October
Salvador Cabañas (Paraguay) - Was shot in the head in Mexico in January. He is recovering.

Who the hell knows:
Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast) - broken arm
Arjen Robben (Netherlands) - hamstring

Day-To-Day:
Jozy Altidore (USA) - ankle sprain
Michel Bastos (Brazil) - something with his leg
Diego Milito (Argentina) - ankle sprain
Humberto Suazo (Chile) - hamstring. likely to miss the first match vs Honduras.
Andrea Pirlo (Italy) - calf
Gareth Barry (England) - ankle
Fernando Torres (Spain) - knee
Júlio César (Brazil) - back