Eric Wynalda is fond of using the classic line, “Players win games, coaches lose them.” Last night, Bruce Arena did not do anything special to change the USMNT from the squad that lost their first two qualifiers in the final round and got off to the worst start in modern history. All he did was put players in a position to be successful, gave them confidence, and let them play. Sometimes, it really is that simple.
A national team coach’s job is not to develop players, it is not to take players out of their comfort zone, it is simply to get results.