Nice bit of work by Defoe on a challenging day for on-the-deck football with the pitch so soft and broken. Not bad, mind you, considering a foot of fresh snow fell here just over a week ago after a very harsh winter. Still, the ball was bobbling about, making clean contact a bit of a lottery.
Defoe looked sharp getting into good positions. A great early chance was stopped by a great reflex flick of the goalie's boot - 'Kick save, and a beauty' as the hockey commentators love to say.
Later, he was worked in close, with the goalie at his mercy, but only managed to hit the post. When he did score, it was a bit of luck and a poacher's instinct, controlling a partially cleared rebound near the spot and slotting it neatly between the goalie and post. Place went mental. He's been given star billing in a city desperate to see a winner and, so far, he's lived up to it in every way. Followed up today's performance with a gracious appearance at a glamorous charity banquet in the evening.
He's been great with the media, especially getting used to having the entire dressing room opened to reporters and cameramen within 10 minutes of game's end. When you're winning, it's a nice thing to deal with. Lose and you're facing instant accountability. Either way, they're voracious.
As good as Defoe has been, the real star in all this is prickly U.S. midfielder Michael Bradley. He's an instant legend for steam-rolling the ref in the first half. Sent him tumbling, tits over tea-cosy, didn't break stride pursuing the ball.
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His tenacity and passing skill help create the service springing Defoe in on goal, especially when he provokes a midfield turn over. Quite brilliant, and an absolute bastard to play against. But you love to have them on your side. If these performances continue through the World Cup and into the MLS playoffs, he'll have a short stay in Toronto. Some Premier League team will be in for him. It's only two games in, but something to watch for.
Defoe, of course, is already taking lessons in Portuguese. Bom dia, Brasil.