Reality Check For US As They Get Rocked By Spain

There were no doubts in many people’s minds that Spain was going to win. What no one truly thought was that it was going to be such a drubbing, schooling, pounding, and absolute humiliation of a US side that was still living off of the success they had against La Roja in South Africa two years ago.

The magic carpet that they were riding in the Confederations Cup was not a rug collecting dust in the proverbial corner of US soccer fans. The memories of that match are now recollected in everyone’s mind as that “one in 100″ match that Spain would have lost to the US have they played that many times.

For Spain, it was a match where the wounds of the four Clásicos played almost a month and a half ago were healed and they showed that there were no rifts- at least on the pitch.

The US just played poorly. Forget what John Harkes was saying, eternally apologizing for the US’ poor performances. This time he discarded Spain’s utter dominance by saying that Bob Bradley fielded a B-side. Uh, John, Spain fielded virtually a B+, C side. Although that sounds denigrating to a point, many nations would like to have an A side of that caliber.

Xavi, Fernando Llorente, Carles Puyol, Pedro, and Cesc Fabregas did not play. Puyol wil be gone for two months due to knee surgery. Andrés Iniesta showed up for a half. Goodness sakes, Fernando Torres scored his first goal in 42 days, that of which broke a 92-day streak. It was also his international first goal since September 10th when he scored a brace against Liechtenstein.

Also what Harkes failed to mention was the fact that every defender with the exception of Carlos Bocanegra played today. That, along with the poor midfield play were the most telling signs for the US as they get ready to face Canada on Tuesday in Detroit.

Don’t really think that inexperience was a factor in this match, either. Don’t really think that 506 caps (avg. 31.6 caps/player) between all 16 players that Bradley can account for lack of experience. Also add to the fact that 13 of the 16 play in foreign leagues either in Europe or Mexico. That “inexperience” factor doesn’t fly with me. The US were simply outclassed by the world champs and their weaknesses were attacked from the getgo.

Don’t also think that Bob Bradley was going to pick an “inexperienced” side to play the Gold Cup with a ticket to the Confederations Cup on the line.

Exposed?

If there are a few that are certain one of them has to be that the US defenders might be suffering from slight hip fractures as they were broken on more than one occasion by Spain.

The US defenders were found out more than ever that they cannot defend against cutbacks. On several occasions David Silva as well as David Villa had more cutbacks than the Federal government and on many occasions that opened up more chances for Spain than taking the ball to touch. There was no need to. Jonathan Spector and Tim Ream were the revolving doors of preference for the Spanish attack.

Silva’s cutback in the 32nd minute left the path wide open for Santi Cazorla who had room and time to strike the cross the way he wanted to and placed it far from Tim Howard’s reach. With that option of play being established, that opened up a great a superhighway of attacking options which led to Álvaro Negredo scoring the second.

That goal was being foreshadowed especially when the Sevilla striker was able to get behind the US backline and stroke a ball over the head of Tim Howard, which ended up hitting the crossbar. The second time he did not forgive and placed the ball in the back of the net to make it 2-0.

Right before the half, Silva had his way yet again on the left and would find Villa. He let the ball go through his legs and Cazorla would earn his first brace with La Furia; his first since May of last year.

Bradley’s lone consolation was his subtitutions, but by then there was nothing to salvage. Dempsey had a couple of brave chances that really led to no danger to Spain’s goal.

The second half saw a bit more even matchup, but in the end Spain added a fourth courtesy of a pass by Borja Valero. For the Villarreal midfielder it was a perfect way to debut with Vicente del Bosque setting up Fernando Torres for goal number four of the evening. The US defense again caught wrong-footed and were beaten soundly on the left side. They lost reference of Torres and lost their marks easily as they began to ball watch, play flat, and were flat-footed- the three Cardinal sins of defending tiki-taka.

What was worse was that Spain sat back and waited for the US to give them the ball back. There was very little need for the visitors to press and try to prevent any outlets. There was no one to really direct traffic as the traffic wasn’t really getting to that end of the pitch to begin with.

I have always been a proponent of the mindset that friendlies are exactly that. With that being said, there is one exception and one only. When you get beat soundly it is a red flag being raised. It’s like getting beat up while play fighting. In the end, you’re just happy that the other guy wasn’t angry. More importantly, it is a moment where you have to truly reflect on yourself.

Many, like Harkes, think this is an anhorration. That this result is not part of the big picture, they are right. It’s not the big picture. It has become the ever-annoying blot within that big picture. Now it’s up to the creator and artist to do something about it.