USA - Argentina Observations (And A Rant)

I saw Esteban Cambiasso coming off the pitch and wondered aloud, "who is coming on?" I slumped my shoulders, let out a deep sigh and said "oh #*^%, it's Aimar." A few moments later, Pablo Aimar scored, the USA was cooked, and then they brought on Tevez. A few observations:

• Eddie Johnson looked better in this one than he has in most recent performances, but he still appears to lack confidence going forward. Had he played this match with the "A" team, he might have had more chances. He scored a well-earned and well-taken penalty, however.
• Marvell Wynne didn't appear rattled at all, and delivered a strong performance at right-back, although he did tire late in the match.
• Fatigue on the back line killed the U.S., as Crespo, Aimar and Tevez had their way with a tired back four. Bradley would have done well to make a defensive substitution late in the game.
• Jonathan Bornstein probably had his best defensive match in a USA shirt thus far, going to toe-to-toe with Leo Messi and not giving an inch.
• Hernan Crespo is a wildly underrated striker; how has a guy this good been bounced around by so many clubs? He destroyed the USA back line all game.
• I think it's time to close the Kasey Keller chapter of USA soccer. Kasey is obviously a national team icon, but his reaction, handling and distribution are all pretty suspect at this stage of his career. Let's see what Brad Guzan can do the rest of the way.
• After observing last night's early game, I think the USA beats Columbia but loses to a very organized and dangerous Paraguay team. Roque Santa Cruz was a terror last night.

What is up with Americans who cheer against the USA? I'm not talking about Argentine transplants, I'm talking about the group of American dudes at the pub last night who were not only cheering on the other team, but antagonizing USA supporters. You front-running, wannabe posers, what the eff are you trying to prove by rooting against your home nation? Are you trying to impress the hot Argentine girls at the bar (as if they can't tell you're a bunch of glory-chasing dorks)? Do you think you look cool singing "You Only Win In Chicago," while everyone around you is singing in Spanish? Get the #*^% outta here. Try being a real fan who experiences real emotion for a team that carries personal pride, rather than trying to fit in with a bunch of fans who won't even speak to you because you don't speak their #*^%!#& language. Jerks.