SAN JOSE, Costa Rica — How bad was it? Well, it is difficult to pick where to start.
There was no fluidity from the United States men’s national team here on Tuesday night against Costa Rica, no flow or rhythm or concentrated attack. There was also little drive or energy, either early or late. There was no sturdiness or stoutness or resilience. There was no creativity.
Mostly, there were a lot of mistakes. And moments of confusion. And missed passes. There were also, understandably, a lot of goals, as Costa Rica — pounded by the United States earlier this year during the Copa América — absolutely shredded the Americans, 4-0, in a World Cup qualifying result that left Coach Jurgen Klinsmann and his team simultaneously reeling and embarrassed.