I think the 2-2 result was fortunate. Howard and Bradley get very high scores. Everybody else should be worried about getting a seat on that 2014 plane to Brazil.
This team's back line is very much in question. I have no idea who will be starting back there for the WC. Bocanegra is getting old and just tore his hammy in this game (6-8 weeks recovery). I don't think his position is secure even if he comes back 100%. Fabian Johnson looked pretty secure for a while at left back, but now seems shaky. Timmy Chandler is serviceable I guess on the right side, but seems off his game lately. Goodson? Meh. We need guys like Tim Ream and Cherundolo back and to be at their best.
I do like the talent pool in midfield. Especially if Stuart Holden is able to return to what he was a couple years ago. I think he'll be returning (finally) to Bolton next month. I agree that Bradley is emerging as truly world class. Jermaine Jones is consistenly serviceable in a defensive midfield role, but nothing special. I think the hope was for Danny Williams to steal that starting spot from Jones, but after this Russia game, Williams will have to work very hard to earn back some credibility. He was truly awful.
Forwards? Hard to say. I can live with Hercules Gomez. He always gives a great effort and is smart and opportunistic. Altidore? Meh. He'll probably be in the mix, but he needs to step it up a bit. I know he's doing well with his club team in the Dutch league, but hasn't scored for the national team in a year. I think we might see either Dempsey or Donovan combined with Gomez up front. If Holden is back, then this is a perfect scenario.
I think it's possible that things come together for the US to make a nice run in 2014, but, man, that defense is looking pretty shaky right now.