US 3, Australia 1.

Our offense looked great, our defense looked confused. Interestingly, Bradley had us pressing the Socceroos for the the first 15 mins of so of the match, and it lead directly to a goal by the in-form Edson Buddle (who scored a second around min 30). Jozy sat because of his ankle knock so Findley and Buddle started, and they caused all sorts of problems for Australia. Findley, unfortunately, displayed some terrible finishing, missing a couple sitters. I think Jozy and Buddle will be effective starting forwards, and it's pretty clear at this point that Lando and Clint are comfortable and dangerous on the wings. Herc came on late and scored a goal in injury time. That guy's got a poacher who's just feeeeeeelin' it right now. A great super-sub.

Bradley and Clark were the central mids, and Bradley played quite well, in my view. Faster and tighter than against Turkey. Much more of what I've come to expect from him. Clark's performance was "eh," not a disaster, but not significantly positive. Like most, I think either Edu or Torres should start ahead of Clark. I hope Bob was just throwing a curveball at the English scouts (including Becks!) who were watching the match. But I doubt it.

Our individual defense play was not terrible (including Bornstein), but our organization and marking was. Repeatedly Aussies were open in the box and we were lucky to avoid goals (although, in fairness to the ultimate result, we had several goal opportunities we should have consummated).

I like the odds of us scoring against England. But they'll score against us as well. Whichever side's confidence is less shaken by the opponent scoring will have the advantage.

As for the Liverpool circus, I've banished it from my mind until the World Cup concludes.

FF