Winners And Losers: USA 1-1 Argentina

Posted Monday, March 28, 2011 by YAHOO Sport

Tim Howard: In all honesty, Howard didn't have a great World Cup, as at times he was a bit overeager and out of position. Yet he not only has now cemented himself as the USA's No.1, but he's also entered that exalted status of having fans plead with fate or whatever deity they follow for Howard to avoid injury, because the team would be so diminished without him.

Against Argentina, Howard made saves many goalkeepers simply couldn't. One could tell from the surprised looks of the Argentine players, who perform in top leagues around the world, that they were hitting shots they were sure would go in. Versus other goalkeepers, they probably would. But not Howard.

Juan Agudelo: Oh to be young and utterly fearless - Agudelo now has more goals for the USA national team than he does for the New York Red Bulls, his club team in Major League Soccer. The spark that he brings isn't sheer power or speed, but unmitigated hunger for the goal.

Besides his goal, Agudelo showed complete willingness to work hard up front - even with all his early success, he's hardly a diva. That bodes well for his continued development.

Winners And Losers: USA 1-1 Argentina

Timothy Chandler: A bit lost in the adoration for Agudelo's performance was the quietly capable stint put in by the German-American. Chandler fit in with the USA squad almost seamlessly, which was remarkable given that he'd never played with any of the American players before. The discovery of the defender and his enthusiasm about playing for the USA cause gives the USA defense much-needed depth.

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