2014 World Cup / USMNT Player Ratings

World Cup player ratings: USA 2-1 Ghana

It is pretty amazing that even after scoring in the first minute, no team can live up to the tried and true cliché, “Play like it’s still 0-0.”

When he scored the fastest goal in US World Cup history, Clint Dempsey threw out the game plan not just for Ghana, but for his own side as well.

Throw in injuries to two of the most consistent American starters, and neither team — but especially the US — truly recovered from Dempsey’s shock opener until the beginning of the second half. By that point, Ghana was firmly on the front foot, and two US players with less than 10 caps a piece were thrust into the action, trying to help batten down the hatches.

A goal to the good, but with their psyche clearly fragile from the losses of Jozy Altidore and Matt Besler, the US performance was far less about team shape or meticulous coaching than it was about effort, heart, and a healthy helping of scrambling defense. And when it mattered the most, the players who anchor the American defense — Geoff Cameron, Tim Howard, Kyle Beckerman, Jermaine Jones, and John Brooks — rose to the occasion, leading the US to victory.

Player Ratings

Tim Howard – 6

Howard’s reading of the game kept the US alive as he was quick to fly off of his line whenever Ghana looked to slice behind the US defense.

Fabian Johnson – 5

When locked in a 1 v 1 assignment, Johnson did very well, but when asked to read the play and find runners, he struggled. Defended for approximately 99 of the 100 minutes against Ghana, hard to imagine that changes much against Ronaldo and Co. He gets an extra point not giving up on the play that resulted in Graham Zusi’s corner kick and John Brooks’ game winner.

Geoff Cameron – 7

Deserves a lot more credit than he gets for not just being versatile, but for being the best US player at multiple positions. Right now, Klinsmann needs him at center back and he has responded brilliantly.

Matt Besler – 5

Not sure where calm, cool and collected Matt Besler has gone. Should still be the starter against Portugal if his minor hamstring tweak allows it.

DaMarcus Beasley – 5

Sent out to defend the left flank, often by his lonesome, Beasley and his ankles that Christian Atsu broke struggled to get a foothold in the first half. In the second half with better communication with Jermaine Jones, Beasley turned in a much tighter performance, ending Atsu’s influence on the match.

Jermaine Jones – 8

Selfish Jermaine Jones is dead. Team-first, leave-it-all-on-the-pitch Jones remains. Long may he reign.

Michael Bradley – 3

The US won a World Cup match in which Bradley added little more than occasional defensive pressure. Ask any USMNT what would happen if “The General” had a nightmare performance at the World Cup, and each and every one would predict a devastating loss. If he can recover and play anywhere close to his best, Portugal is in for a long night. But if he turns in another 90 like this again, the Rocketpops are in big trouble.

Kyle Beckerman – 7

Played the kind of smart, simple game that the US needed in the center of the park. He may not have elite athleticism and pace, but he made up for it by being one of the most efficient players on the pitch.

Alejandro Bedoya – 6

Gave it his all on the right flank and was one of the few Americans who had the technique to match his work rate.

Clint Dempsey – 6

Got the US off to a flying start before having his nose nearly kicked into his brain. Showed plenty of guts and desire as he soldiered on, but was guilty of over-complicating things, trying back heels and flicks when simple passing would have sufficed.

Jozy Altidore – 6

Looked powerful and focused before a hamstring injury put his continued World Cup participation in jeopardy.

Substitutes

Aron Johannsson – 4

Asked to dive into the action, Johannsson labored to find his place in the match almost as much as his teammates struggled to get him the ball.

John Brooks – 8

Are you not entertained? In the span of 45 minutes, Brooks went from a hotly debated roster inclusion to a household name. The future is now.

Graham Zusi – 7

Replaced the tiring Bedoya with a much needed energetic spark. Provided the perfect ball for Brooks to bury the match-winner.

41 Comments

  1. Andy Muenz says:

    Was anyone else reminded of a certain MLS team when they watched Ghana? Fall asleep and give up an early goal. Dominate possession from there on in but don’t create great opportunities…

  2. 8 is a bit generous for Brooks . . . he scored the goal and blocked a shot, but he also made some bad plays in his box that provided chances for Ghana. Take away the goal and he’s probably a 5 so 7 tops for me

    • Eli Pearlman-Storch says:

      As far as I’m aware, he made precisely one bad play, which he himself cleaned up. He played through some immense nerves and made smart clearances late in the game, including blocking Essien’s header off a set piece.
      .
      He won the game for the US after coming in at halftime and doing a pretty darn good job shutting down his side of the pitch.

  3. A 6 for Dempsey is just too low, especially when he was probably playing with a broken nose and his strike partner who was in over his head Yeah, he gave the ball away, but everyone on the team did.

    When you think about the performance of the centerbacks, there was very little activity directly in front of Howard. All three of them (and Beckerman) did a great job in keeping that area clear for Howard to claim balls.

  4. I’d deduct a point from Jones for leaving Beasley so consistently to fend for himself, even after it was abundantly clear that Ghana was targeting that side of the pitch. In the second half, focusing more on his defense, he was excellent.

    And MOTM to Brooks for stalwart defending under adverse conditions (in multiple respects) plus the game-winner, with Cameron a close second.

  5. “[Johannsson] to dive into the action.” Was this a pun? I counted at least three times when he went down way too easily, with little to no contact. To make things worse, two of them were during counters with high potential.
    .
    I think Johannsson has been and can be good, but he looked like he was trying to match Brazil’s approach, apparently not realizing that there’s no way in hell we get those same generous calls.

  6. McMohansky says:

    Please stop rating players Eli. It makes the blood boil and the reading stop.

  7. Exceptional post but I was wanting to know if you could write a litte more on this topic?

    I’d be very grateful if you could elaborate a little bit more.

    Kudos!

    my web blog – Atlanta Roofing Contractors

  8. Every weekend i used to pay a visit this web site, as i wish for enjoyment, since this this website
    conations truly good funny stuff too.

    my web page; two line business phones New York City

  9. Everything is very open with a really clear description of the
    issues. It was really informative. Your site is useful.
    Many thanks for sharing!

    Here is my site: labors of love birth center

  10. Do you have a spam problem on this blog; I also am a blogger, and
    I was curious about your situation; we have created some nice procedures and we are looking to trade methods
    with other folks, be sure to shoot me an email if interested.

    Feel free to surf to my web-site: midwife Greenville

  11. I am regular visitor, how are you everybody? This paragraph posted at this website is
    really good.

    Here is my site; driveway repair allentown pa

  12. Heya i’m for the primary time here. I found this board and I to find It truly helpful & it helped me out much.

    I hope to provide one thing back and aid others like you helped me.

    Feel free to surf to my homepage; voice service voip sip New York City

  13. Hey there! Would you mind if I share your blog with my twitter group?

    There’s a lot of folks that I think would really enjoy your content.
    Please let me know. Many thanks

    my homepage virtual pbx service New York City

  14. I’ve learn some good stuff here. Definitely value bookmarking for revisiting.
    I wonder how much attempt you put to make the sort of excellent informative web
    site.

    Look into my blog: system pbx New York City

  15. I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own blog
    and was curious what all is needed to get set up? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny?
    I’m not very web savvy so I’m not 100% certain. Any tips
    or advice would be greatly appreciated. Cheers

    Here is my web page; online marketing

  16. It’s a pity you don’t have a donate button! I’d certainly donate to this excellent blog!
    I suppose for now i’ll settle for bookmarking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account.
    I look forward to brand new updates and will share this blog with
    my Facebook group. Chat soon!

    Feel free to surf to my website – business voip services New York City

  17. ketosis diet plan

    Kirsch, sponsored by the National Center for Education Statistics.
    New York writing workshops will likely be popular during writers who offer special spaces with new functions that can aid their creative writing.
    within [https://theartscentregc.zendesk.com/entries/53048720-The-Big-Distinction-Between-Unhealthy-Diet-And-Nutritious-Diet] ace
    dietary supplement side effects Listen towards the chirping
    of the birds, and watch as leaves rustle inside wind. That provides a ready excuse
    for why the ebook was rejected, but additionally all-but guarantees that it will
    likely be.

  18. Today, I went to the beachfront with my children. I found a sea shell
    and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She
    put the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit
    crab inside and it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back!

    LoL I know this is totally off topic but I had to tell someone!

    Check out my blog post macnoje.centerblog.net – Charity,

  19. It’s amazing to pay a visit this site and reading the views of all friends concerning this post, while I am also zealous
    of getting knowledge.

    Stop by my web-site: voice over ip phone service New York City

  20. WOW just what I was looking for. Came here by searching for business phone options New York City

    Review my weblog; cloud pbx services New York City

  21. Hello to every , for the reason that I am actually keen of reading
    this web site’s post to be updated regularly. It consists of good information.

    My web page: hosted ip phone service New York City

  22. great put up, very informative. I wonder why the other experts of this sector
    don’t realize this. You must proceed your writing. I am sure, you have a great readers’ base already!

    Here is my webpage – voip voice over ip New York City

  23. When I originally commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox
    and now each time a comment is added I get several e-mails with the same comment.
    Is there any way you can remove people from that service?
    Appreciate it!

    My site – picture holiday cards

  24. Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is an extremely well written article.
    I’ll be sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your useful info.
    Thanks for the post. I will certainly comeback.

    My website – your business phone New York City

  25. Do you have a spam issue on this site; I also am a blogger,
    and I was curious about your situation; we have created
    some nice procedures and we are looking to trade methods
    with other folks, why not shoot me an email if interested.

  26. Valuable info. Lucky me I discovered your web site
    accidentally, and I’m stunned why this twist of fate didn’t
    happened in advance! I bookmarked it.

  27. Hi! I’ve been following your blog for some time now
    and finally got the bravery to go ahead and give you a shout
    out from Atascocita Tx! Just wanted to mention keep up the excellent work!

  28. Currently it looks like BlogEngine is the top blogging platform out there right now.
    (from what I’ve read) Is that what you are using on your blog?

  29. Have you ever considered writing an e-book or guest authoring on other blogs?
    I have a blog centered on the same subjects you discuss and would love to have you share some stories/information. I
    know my viewers would enjoy your work. If you are even remotely interested, feel free to send
    me an e mail.

  30. I blog frequently and I truly thank you for your information. This article has truly peaked my interest.
    I am going to book mark your site and keep checking for new details about once per week.
    I subscribed to your Feed too.

  31. Everyone loves what you guys are usually up too.
    Such clever work and coverage! Keep up the fantastic works guys I’ve added you
    guys to my own blogroll.

  32. I do accept as true with all the ideas you have offered on your post.
    They’re really convincing and can certainly work. Nonetheless, the posts are too brief
    for novices. Could you please lengthen them a bit from
    subsequent time? Thank you for the post.

  33. I blog often and I really appreciate your content. Your article has really peaked my interest.
    I will book mark your site and keep checking for new details about once a week.
    I opted family fun in sydney for
    your RSS feed as well.

  34. Hi! This is my first comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and say I really enjoy reading through your posts.
    Can you suggest any other blogs/websites/forums that cover
    the same subjects? Thanks a lot!

  35. You really make it appear really easy along with your presentation but I to find this topic to
    be actually one thing that I think I would never understand.
    It sort of feels too complicated and very wide for me.
    I am having a look ahead on your subsequent post, I will attempt to get the hang of it!

  36. I love reading through an article that can make people think.
    Also, thank you for allowing me to comment!

  37. What i don’t realize is in fact how you’re now not really much more smartly-liked than you
    might be now. You are very intelligent. You understand therefore considerably in terms of
    this subject, made me for my part imagine it from so many varied angles.
    Its like women and men aren’t interested unless it’s one thing to accomplish
    with Lady gaga! Your individual stuffs nice. Always
    care for it up!

Leave a Reply to https://theartscentregc.zendesk.com/entries/53048720-The-Big-Distinction-Between-Unhealthy-Diet-And-Nutritious-Diet Cancel

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*