Wondering What Might Have Been

We have had a few entries on the quality of officiating in this Cup. The US's last two games (unfortunately) are a prime example.

Now let me state that I just don't think that the US would have advanced regardless, but both referees changed the fundamental nature of the game with their calls. I really and truly hate blaming the refs, but I hate an activist referee even more. You simply cannot predict what would have happened if the US would have maintained a man advantage or have been even. You also cannot know what would have happened if the US-Ghana game remained square - might the Ghanese have pressed more creating a counter opportunity?

But the fact remains that the US players were not putting itself in a position to win, and I think the coaching strategy was abysmal. It is time for the US MNT and Bruce to part company. He has done a fantastic job re-building the program from the '98 disaster, but like Grady Little of the Red Sox, he has taken them as far as he can.

And that isn't far enough...