Heart and soul: making sense of U.S. effort at South Africa 2010

PRETORIA, South Africa – This U.S. team has something of an identity crisis.

There can be no doubt that success will find the United States only through hard work and heart, through industry and hustle.

The Americans may want to believe their collective game has grown to the point that results can be generated through skill and tactical acumen. But that’s just not the case.

At some point, you are what you are. And this team is one that simply cannot take the field with anything less than 100 percent commitment to the cause and an equipment bag full of fighting spirit.

Look, for instance, at how Algeria got a result against England. The Northern Africans simply wanted it more. Case closed.

The U.S. passion and desire came shining through in the final 45 on Friday at Ellis Park. It was an inspirational, memorable night, one that should have ended in victory but for a Malian referee who was in over his head from the start.

Expanded player ratings are here. A breakdown the tactical goings-on is here.

Five quick thoughts on the match are here. (Those are all from yours truly.) Here’s a nice piece on the on the barroom brawls that ensue in modern penalty areas. (His take on the referee was slightly different than mine; diversity of opinion can be a good thing.)

U.S. manager Bob Bradley will speak to the press later today at Irene Farm; the Americans are back at their secluded Pretoria base.