Regardless of how the U.S. finishes up here (even if they shock the world and defeat Brazil who we all know is going to beat S. Africa), there is one area where I will have to completely disagree with you on and that is who should coach the United States.

Many may take the following statement as unpatriotic blasphemy but, if the United States ever wants any chance at succeeding in World Cup play (which as a Nation should be the end goal for any country) we need an international coach. A U.S. coach will never win a World Cup and, in reality, I’ll be shocked if we even come close in the finals of the Confed Cup.

I’m proud of what the team has accomplished and hope I’m wrong. I hope we win in the Finals and shock the world but, let’s face it. The United States only got out of their pool because of the idiotic tie-breaker rules of Goal Differential as opposed to head to head play. Beyond that, just as American’s have seen in the NCAA Tourney over the years, massive upsets simply happen here and there.

My take is that the U.S. generally speaking, has the best athletes in the world. Our best athletes DO NOT play soccer which, while I find unfortunate, is the case.

Other European or South American countries not only have their best athletes playing the sport but, grow up in a culture where they all play this 1 sport as opposed to the U.S. where just about any good athlete growing up plays 2-4 sports (2 or 3 in High School alone).

The reason the U.S. is outclassed by most international squads is because of the mentality set forth by the coach as much as anything else. Bob Bradley does not set a standard or mandate a culture that eats, breathes and sleeps soccer. While the U.S. has plenty of heart (as we have seen in the past few games), they were clearly the less skilled team against Spain and, barring Egypt, have been the less skilled team compared to everyone else in the tourney they’ve played thus far.

The skill and style of play will only change with an internationally born coach (possibly someone like Klinsmann whom the U.S. have had their chances with in the past). It will be nearly impossible to install a culture where great athletes want to play soccer at the highest level but, at least with an international coach, players would benefit from the knowledge of someone who has grown up in such an atmosphere.

I’m not trying to be a hater…I hope the team proves me wrong on many fronts.

“Let me set the scene…Spain was ranked #1 in the world, had not been bested in 35 consecutive games, and had won 15 consecutive games outright. Needless to say, the American team was seen as no threat whatsoever and was made the subject of many backhanded compliments or straight-out insults. Everyone told me Spain would probably shut out the US and win by at least a couple of goals.

Today the country is in shock. My co-worker who bet me a 6 pack of beers is currently banging her head against her computer, and the guy who pays us has threatened to withhold our paychecks if anyone mentions the US victory.

It’s a great day.”

What about McBride for 60 tough minutes and then Ching, or Davies, or shifting Dempsey to forward and bring in another midfielder? Or Kenny Cooper splitting time with McBride and Ching?

And Bocanegra is a left back for Rennes, and is good there, so we just need the other central back – Parkhurst or Gonzales – the U. MD back now at LA Galaxy. Or Chad Marshall, give him a chance.

Bradley has done well, Very well, but not perfect and the above would makea big difference.