'Murica that I'd love to punch a Buckeye right now in celebration!
When I heard about the changes to the starting lineup my stomach was in knots. Omar Gonzalez? Against Germany?!! Why?!?! But then, as I watched, and saw Omar have one of the best performances of his international career, I found myself convinced of one thing. Don't doubt the platinum-haired futbol guru. Its becoming apparent that Klinsmann knows far more about his players than any of us, as he should, but I didn't think it was to this extent. Surely, this can't be luck. Yedlin, Gonzalez, Zusi, Brooks, and even Wondo (even though he barely played ten minutes against Portugal, he was the nusiance he was supposed to be) have all been excellent in their substitute roles, give or take an error or two. Yedlin and Gonzo especially.
DeAndre Yedlin was one of the guys that most everyone had not making the final 23 and yet here he is, entering in the 70th minute and wreaking havoc in the last two matches. His speed and creativity on the offensive end have been invaluable in the last two matches. It was his speed that gave the team a chance to tie the game late against Germany and he was a big reason why the team scored that second goal against Portugal. He's like a younger, faster, but less defensively capable Fabian Johnson.
In the most recent match, Gonzalez put his athleticism and potential on display. After an early error, he settled in nicely and cleared away several German chances. I remember an offside call on Klose late in the game in particular. Klose had him beat and was about to receive a cross that would have surely been a goal if he hadn't been called offside, but then Gonzalez comes from behind and clears the ball anyway. If that guy ever puts it together, he's going to be a fixture in the US defense for years to come.
Hopefully Klinsmann can continue his hot streak in the knockout rounds. This team can beat just about anybody, especially if Jozy comes back.
