The Friday 4-4-2: Thierry, Jozy, and more

With two international matchdays and the conclusion of World Cup qualifying, there was definitely a lot to choose from for this week's edition of the 4-4-2. So after careful deliberation, here's what we settled on:

What USSD liked:

1) Donovan named MVP: I was somewhat surprised to learn that Landon Donovan had never won this award in his career, but he put an end to that drought by claiming this year's honor. Donovan beat out Jeff Cunningham and Shalrie Joseph, adding another accolade to an already crowded mantle. He will look to put the finishing touches on one of his best years as a professional soccer player this weekend, as he leads the LA Galaxy in the MLS Cup final.

2) Cunningham's finish: It's always a special moment when a player scores their first international goal, and you couldn't help but feel good for Jeff Cunningham, who has finally risen back into the national team picture after years off the radar. Cunningham showed a soft touch to chip the ball over a sliding Danish defender before finishing with a good strike off his left foot from outside the box. Though it was just one goal in a November friendly, it will certainly help Cunningham's confidence going forward, as he fights for a spot on Bob Bradley's World Cup roster.

3) Slovenia upsets Russia: FIFA's controversial decision to implement a seeding system for the UEFA playoffs just a couple months before the end of UEFA qualification rubbed many people the wrong way, USSD included. So it was nice to see that one of the "lower seeds" were able to move on despite FIFA's best efforts to favor the big boys. Slovenia's dramatic win over Russia was filled with some hectic final moments, and it will certainly live on for many years in the collective memory of the country. The Slovenes will be looking for their first World Cup win when they make their second appearance in the competition next June.

4) Benny Feilhaber's first half: There was definitely a little extra motivation for Feilhaber, who was playing in front of his club team fans in Aarhus. In the opening 45, Feilhaber was all over the field and looked very confident on the ball. The US has been severely lacking in creative options outside of Landon Donovan, so it was good to see Benny take control of the attack in the first half. He did taper off in the second half, like most of the other USMNT players, which might add fuel to the argument that he is most effective in the super-sub role. Either way, he turned in a good first half that finished with the US on top 1-0 and playing with some confidence.


What USSD didn't like:

1) Jozy Altidore: Following Charlie Davies' unfortunate accident, Jozy Altidore seemed to be on a mission to play each game like it was his last, to honor Charlie and not take for granted the opportunities that he has. In the Costa Rica game, it looked like Jozy really meant what he said, turning in a great performance despite not finding the back of the net. In the two friendlies last week, however, Jozy was largely invisible, contributing very little to a sputtering US attack. His spot is pretty much secure on Bob Bradley's roster based on his World Cup qualifying performances, but it is still disheartening to see Jozy sleepwalk through two games, particularly when World Cup preparation time is at a premium. Hopefully he sees more playing time at Hull City to keep his form at a high level in between international duty.

2) Thierry Henry's hand: Say what you will about what should be done to resolve the feud over the conclusion of the second leg between Ireland and France, but there is no denying that Ireland were robbed. It seemed like Henry used his hand intentionally (twice), and it's a shame that such a classy player has sullied his reputation by choosing to cheat on one of the world's biggest stages. Henry surely couldn't have anticipated the postgame firestorm of criticism that was waiting for him outside Stade de France, and he seems to be backtracking a bit to try to restore some of his reputation, going so far as to back the idea of a replay. Too little, too late, Thierry, FIFA have made their decision, and you must live with your actions.

3) Frankie Hejduk: It's really hard to knock on a guy like Frankie Hejduk who has invested so much emotion and effort into representing the Red, White, and Blue. His performance against Denmark, however, was definitely one to forget, and could be the game that indicates to Bob Bradley that the Crew defender just doesn't have the stuff for the international level anymore. Hejduk went the full 90 despite some shaky play, and he failed to follow the runner that cut behind the US backline and eventually scored the tying goal.

4) 10 minute collapse: It was a promising start for the US in Aarhus, finishing the first 45 with a 1-0 lead. It all went horribly wrong when the two sides came out of the locker rooms, however, with the Danes scoring three goals in a matter of minutes to completely turn the match around. The US defense has given up its fair share of goals this year, and Bob Bradley will have to tighten things up at the back leading up to South Africa.


What USSD is looking forward to:

1) MLS Cup 2009: Like we said in our guest post over on Match Fit USA, Sunday's game will show the past, present, and future of the USMNT. Landon Donovan will also be playing his final game of 2009, definitely a year to remember for the Galaxy captain. Tune in to ESPN at 8:30 ET to see Real Salt Lake and LA square off at Qwest Field.


2) Hull City v. West Ham: Hopefully we will get to see Jozy Altidore square off against Jonathan Spector, who has been playing consistently for the east London side over the past couple weeks. Spector looked solid for the US as a centerback during the international friendlies, while Altidore failed to make any kind of impact in either game. Jozy will try to change that in this battle of relegation candidates.