Landon the Goat Ives Galarcep writing at Soccernet:

If anything, Donovan provided clear-cut evidence that it is time for him to pack his bags, sell his beachside condo in California and go back to Europe. He has sold us on a bill of goods for more than a year about being a better player when he is comfortable. Being comfortable doesn't make you a better player. Being comfortable makes you a comfortable player.

Donovan -- and any soccer player worth his golden spikes -- needs pressure to evolve. Pressure makes diamonds, busts pipes and turns soccer players into big-game stars. The World's best players, be they European or South American, live a life of continuous pressure to perform. Do it all the time, and suddenly the World Cup doesn't feel like some overwhelming experience, which is exactly what it was for Donovan, who came into this tournament with expectations he didn't have to deal with four years ago.

The whole column is worth reading, and I agree heartily.  If Donovan really wants to be able to be "the best player on the field at any given moment" as he has said, Europe is the only way to go.  Clint Dempsey and Eddie Johnson will be over there soon, and they'll pass Donovan by quickly if he doesn't get over there.

In other news: I really don't think Australia is going to get killed vs. Italy as I have seen some people suppose.  I think they might even win.  They are a tough, physical team, and actually hung with Brazil pretty well.
  ¶ 10:32 AM