Landon Donovan appeared to take a dig at Jurgen Klinsmann during the USWNT win, then got burned by Alexi Lalas
The U.S. beat Germany 2-0 in the Women's World Cup semifinals, sending American Twitter into an explosion of enthusiasm.
Landon Donovan, though, appeared to use the moment to take a veiled dig at U.S. men's manager Jurgen Klinsmann.
Love the enthusiasm and veteran presence of
@AbbyWambach despite not playing much. That kind of leadership is priceless during a WC
— Landon Donovan (@landondonovan)
July 1, 2015 That could be in reference to Donovan being left off the U.S. roster for the 2014 World Cup.
And it was far from the only time Donovan tweeted positively about the 35-year-old Wambach who, like Donovan, was central to one of the most important moments in U.S. soccer history, but has seen her role diminish due to the inevitable onset of age (Wambach played about 10 minutes Tuesday).
Abby's size helps on both ends of field right now. Hold the ball up top and help defend set pieces at end of game
https://t.co/KxOaRjgVqO— Landon Donovan (@landondonovan)
July 1, 2015Full credit to Jill Ellis. Changed to 4-3-3, took a big chance by bringing Rapinoe off, substitute O'Hara scored second goal.
— Landon Donovan (@landondonovan)
July 1, 2015Yes she did
https://t.co/x9hhupoCzD— Landon Donovan (@landondonovan)
July 1, 2015 Well, another big name in American soccer wasn't about to let that slide:
Agreed.
@J_Klinsmann should have taken
@AbbyWambach.
https://t.co/YSB2atDagU— Alexi Lalas (@AlexiLalas)
July 1, 2015 Alexi Lalas? More like Alexi LOLOLs. That tweet has more burn than
the original name of MLS's Dallas franchise.
Donovan did respond, likely referring to the fact that Lalas
picked Germany to win 2-0:
Haha. Still rooting for Germany?
https://t.co/DLUd5IskP1— Landon Donovan (@landondonovan)
July 1, 2015 On Wednesday morning, Donovan followed up with this:
People can't appreciate an honest comment anymore, it's sad. I'll continue with positivity.
#lovewins https://t.co/vW4X8kUT2f— Landon Donovan (@landondonovan)
July 1, 2015 We'll just leave this here: The U.S. men finished behind eventual champion Germany but ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal and 2010 quarterfinalist Ghana in their World Cup group, then lost to Belgium in extra time in the round of 16.
Whether that proves Klinsmann right or wrong is up to you.
H/T
SB Nation