Klinsmann was vilified for selecting untested players and attempting untried tactics in unfamiliar positions. It was seen then as pretty much a complete failure.
But the coach was also largely unfazed by the criticism.
"You
take a game like this, you digest it and you analyze the mistakes, talk
about the mistakes they've done, and then you move forward," he said
after the loss. "You'll see a totally different team, hopefully, in the
next game."Digest he did, and having snacked on the opposition in the last four games, the U.S. will meet Honduras in the Hexagonal rematch in Utah tonight (8 p.m. ET), seeking a fourth consecutive victory without a hint of indigestion.
The U.S. sits alone atop the six-team group as the second half of qualifying begins tonight; even traditional regional rival Mexico is trailing with just one win and five draws in its six qualifiers.
It turned out that first Honduras game was a foundation, albeit a shaky one. And while the next game wasn't necessarily totally different, by the time the fourth game of qualifying rolled around last week, the U.S. was putting in its most complete performance of the Hexagonal so far, decisively beating Panama 2-0 before a rocking Seattle crowd.
By necessity, Klinsmann has blooded young new players and is beginning to reap the rewards.Highly-rated central defender Omar Gonzalez was slated for his performance in Honduras, for instance, despite making his World Cup qualifying debut in the game.But Klinsmann kept the faith, Gonzalez retained his job and now the 24-year-old LA Galaxy mainstay, who has paired with central defensive partner Matt Besler for five games, is becoming as much a cornerstone in the back four for his country as he is for his club.
Graham Zusi and Jermaine Jones are expected to return tonight after missing the game against Panama through suspension and concussion, respectively, while Real Salt Lake's Kyle Beckerman was added to the roster.
In comparison, Honduras is missing several key players, including leading goal-scorer Jerry Bengston, not a comforting sign for a team without a road point -- or goal -- in the Hexagonal so far.
After tonight's game, the U.S. doesn't play another World Cup qualifier until September.
Successfully defend a 24-game home unbeaten streak in qualifying dating back to 2001 tonight, and the U.S. will literally be more than halfway on the road to the Cup in Brazil.
Photos: Above left: This June 11, 2013 file photo shows Fabian Johnson, of the U.S. national soccer team, running during practice in Seattle. Nothing defines Johnson better than versatility. It is one reason why the German-American was such a coveted addition to the U.S. national team in 2011. Johnson can shift between midfield and left back with ease. No matter where he plays on the field, he takes to the position like it is his natural one. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File); Above right: U.S. head coach Jurgen Klinsmann stands for the National Anthem before an international friendly soccer match at RFK Stadium Sunday, June 2, 2013, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Source: http://www.mercurynews.com/sports/ci_23483866/soccer-coach-klinsmann-deflects-criticism-u-s-is
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