Football is back on the USA's menu. You can sense the optimism in the players and their growing belief in Juergen Klinsmann.
This was easily the best performance by the MNT since Klinsmann's takeover. Landon Donovan scored a blazing hat trick with his 47th, 48th, and 49th strike and then picked out Jermaine Jones with a beautifully calculated cross for the midfielder's goal. Michael Bradley had a blinder of a match. He was simply outstanding. Check out that fine Donovan chip pass and Bradley's superlative half volley. Jose Torres down the left flank caught the eye with his movement on the ball in a typical mazy run at the end of which Terrence Boyd narrowly missed scoring a goal of his own.
Scotland was hit and hit again by a metronomic one touch football of a quality that would do the legendary 1970 Brazil squad proud. It left Juergen Klinsmann exulting and US fans feeling very, very good about themselves.
For Scotland, the very opposite as Cragi Levein's heaviest defeat left their fans grumbling and longing for the days of Archie Gemmill. I am sure Carlos Bocanegra and Maurice Edu had to lift the sagging spirits of fellow Ranger Allan McGregor who cut a frustrated figure in goal.
Kev, They look like they're clicking as a team. Klinsi has Edu, Bradley, and Jones play to their strengths without crowding the midfield or creating redundancy. Hope they continue to do the same against Brazil. I'll be at the Argentina vs Brazil game which should see some good football too.
I was at the match. Great atmosphere and an enthusiastic crowd. I met several US fans who were at their first national team game and I was very encouraged to see many of them there. Hope we can play well against Brazil.