It's the amount of unforced errors they make that frustrates me. Not the fact that they're less talented. They did play better near the end of the game, though.
Yeah, they do that a lot. It actually has less to do with talent than it does with experience. US players only started to join the European teams in the last 8 years, so many of the guys on our team don't have anywhere near the international experience of a team like Italy or Brazil. The top Euro teams are as good (and maybe better) than the top international teams, and many of the best players play each other in the Champions league each year (as well as the UEFA cup). The American players have most of their experience in MLS and the Mexican vs American league matches. This is a major reason Beckham pushed to get loaned to Milan, because the experience of playing in the MLS actually makes it much harder to play at the international level. Next time you watch a game, check to see where the players that mess up play during the club season and I bet you will find that many of those guys are playing in the MLS or on a low tier Euro league.
I agree the unforced errors are horrible, but at this point it is just a timing and getting more playing time issue. As players return and get in sync with their teammates, the US squad will improve greatly. Good to hear there is someone else on here that watches futbol, although I am quite aware that many here do not enjoy it, which is fine. It is a baseball message board afterall.
