The USA Men’s National side went to Sarajevo to play their friendly game against Bosnia. If the crowd were anything to go by though it was clear this was going played at a little bit of a higher intensity than your regular, run of the mill, friendly.
Bosnia started stronger, which as the home team you would expect. The USA kept their shape for the first few attacks but then got distracted in the 7th minute by Ibisevic, who was clearly offside, and just seemed to stop, allowing an onside Edin Dzeko to score at the second attempt past a very frustrated Tim Howard. At this level, not playing to the whistle, is something that will frustrate Klinsmann who will demand better.
The USA looked good going forward but just could never seem to find that final pass. Eddie Johnson went on a good run put then kept it too long. Later he would pass but not have enough weight on the ball to get it to another US shirt. A USA free kick outside the area was floated in and the Bosnian defenders dealt easier with it.
With only fifteen minutes left before the half Bosnia struck again, this time through Ibisevic. After clearing their lines the back four lose their shape and the cross finds the scorer unmarked, 2-0.
Second half just saw the one change initially for the USA with Diskerud (midfield) coming off for Castillo (defender). Ten minutes into the second half and the USA had halved the deficit with Altidore getting on the end of a long ball. His touch whether heavy or planned went to Eddie Johnson who had nothing but net to shoot at, 2-1. Minutes later Altidore got on the score sheet himself to tie up the game with a laser beam of a shot.
Substitutions came thick and fast with Johannssen and Corona coming in the 63rd minute. Five minutes later it was change again as Kljestan came on for Jones. The emphasis now on the home side who were sinking without a trace. As the clock signaled the last twenty minutes had arrived the Bosnians did come very close to going ahead again.
Courtesy: Zimbio
Then with 8 minutes left on the clock a superb free kick from Altidore lifted over the wall and beat the keeper to send the USA side into the lead for the first time in the game. His hat trick came a few minutes later and what wasn’t even dreamt about at half time was now the reality.
Edin Dzeko got Bosnia back into it with a great glancing header but would that bee too little too late for the home side? There would certainly be enough time for them to do something considering how quickly the USA had scored earlier. However the USA stayed strong at the back and Klinsmann will be very happy to see that a Dempsey and Donovan-less side can compete with some top sides
