Some saw Landon Donovan's omission from the starting lineup as a benching (me!!), but others weren't so sure. Hot Time in Old Town points out that Donovan did not look particularly sharp against Jamaica and not starting him against Panama means he should be just fine for Mexico.
I think Bob Bradley simply is giving Landon a bit of extra rest heading into the final. While it could be viewed as risky to start this game with him on the bench, the reality is that Mexico will likely win later tonight, setting up a great showdown between two rivals. And if I have to pick between a rested and fresh Donovan vs. Mexico or a 3/4 Donovan vs. Panama, I will always take the former. I think Landon has looked a bit sluggish of late, so sitting for an extra half will help keep him fresh heading into the final. It worked last game against Jamaica, where he was very dangerous, and I think it will work again in the final. Plus Landon has lots of experience against Mexico in big games, something many other USMNT players can't say. If Mexico does win as expected, playing them in a big game is a much different animal than it may seem.
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