World Cup
Jul 1, 2014 9.00pm
2
1
ET Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador
  • Vincent Kompany 42' yellowcard
  • Kevin De Bruyne 93' goal
  • Romelu Lukaku 105' goal
  • yellowcard Geoff Cameron 18'
  • goal Julian Green 107'

Landon Donovan criticises USA's tactical approach

Donovan criticises USA tactics

Landon Donovan has criticised manager Jurgen Klinsmann's tactical approach following USA's World Cup exit against Belgium.

The LA Galaxy forward, who was omitted from the 23-man US squad for the finals in Brazil, says that failing to overcome the Red Dragons in Salvador on Tuesday was a "missed opportunity".

Belgium came out on top 2-1 after extra time to set up a meeting with Argentina on Saturday afternoon.

"The thought of having a game Saturday – the day after the July 4, against Messi and Argentina, with what was already a swelling audience – would have been incredible," Donovan is quoted as saying by FourFourTwo. "It's certainly a missed opportunity.

"I think we're all disappointed in what happened [against Belgium]. I think the most disappointing thing is we didn't seem like we gave it a real effort, from a tactical standpoint.

"I thought the guys did everything they could, they did everything that was asked of them, but I don't think we were set up to succeed yesterday, and that was tough to watch."

The 32-year-old has featured in three previous World Cups - 2002, 2006 and 2010.

Author photo

Written by

Share this article:
Subscribe to our newsletter

Get FREE daily news and in-depth previews for games from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football — straight to your inbox.

Subscribe