The planets and stars aligned themselves perfectly for the U.S. men’s national soccer team on Sunday as the Americans pulled off an improbable 3–0 victory over Egypt. And with Brazil trouncing Italy by the same score, the U.S. qualified for the semifinals, where they will face Spain on Wednesday.
At the start of the day at the Confederations Cup, the U.S. was basically down and out. Having lost their first two matches 3–1 to Italy and 3–0 to Brazil, a weak exit from the tournament seemed to be in the cards.
Meanwhile, Egypt was in the driver’s seat for reaching the semifinals having narrowly lost 4–3 to Brazil and then having beaten Italy 1–0.
But now, the U.S. qualifies for the semifinals as runner-up to Brazil in Group B based on having scored more goals than third-place Italy. The U.S. and Italy had the same -2 goal differential so goals scored became the tiebreaker. Egypt finished last in the group.
Michael Bradley, midfielder and coach’s son, was quoted on www.fifa.com, “It’s an amazing thing and I can’t even begin to properly explain how happy I am right now.
“This team never stops scrapping and clawing, and fighting. We proved people wrong tonight.”
Soccer fans around the world may question U.S. talent at the top level but they certainly can’t question the U.S. heart and desire to win.
“We thought it was our last game, honestly, we just wanted to go out and give a good showing,” captain Landon Donovan told www.fifa.com.
The U.S. needed serious help from Brazil if they were to progress. Brazil did not disappoint, scoring three goals in a span of eight minutes. The “Clash of the Titans” between Italy and Brazil, the last two World Cup winners, wasn’t much of a clash after all.
Italy’s normally rock-solid defense was shredded by the quick attacks of the Brazilians. Luis Fabiano scored two goals for Brazil in the 3–0 demolition.
Charlie Davies scored first for the U.S. by tenaciously battling to ram home the ball at the side of the net in the 21st minute. The early lead settled the U.S. and allowed them to continue with their game plan.
“We talked at half-time about keeping up the pressure and trying to get as many goals as we could; knowing it was 3–0 for Brazil against Italy in the other game,” explained U.S. coach Bob Bradley. Admittedly, it had to be hard not to do some scoreboard watching during the game!
Sure enough, the U.S. got two more goals in the second half as Michael Bradley poked home a pass in the 63rd minute. In the 71st minute, Clint Dempsey, who plays for Fulham in the English Premier League, fought off a defender and headed in a cross.
Egyptian goalkeeper Essam El Hadary talked about the pain of being so close but yet so far. “We failed to go through to the semifinals by a one-goal margin.
“I had to get five stitches in my head, but that injury doesn’t hurt nearly as much as losing this match.”
Up next for the U.S. is Spain in Wednesday’s semifinal. The Spaniards have been outstanding winning all three of their games, scoring eight goals and conceding none. Their play has captivated the soccer purists and they will be heavily favored to advance.
This is an incredible opportunity for the U.S. to test themselves against the hottest team in the world. No matter what the result, the U.S. will learn something about themselves and will be better equipped in a year’s time for the World Cup.
Brazil faces the host nation South Africa in Thursday’s semifinal. The final will be played next Sunday.
At the start of the day at the Confederations Cup, the U.S. was basically down and out. Having lost their first two matches 3–1 to Italy and 3–0 to Brazil, a weak exit from the tournament seemed to be in the cards.
Meanwhile, Egypt was in the driver’s seat for reaching the semifinals having narrowly lost 4–3 to Brazil and then having beaten Italy 1–0.
But now, the U.S. qualifies for the semifinals as runner-up to Brazil in Group B based on having scored more goals than third-place Italy. The U.S. and Italy had the same -2 goal differential so goals scored became the tiebreaker. Egypt finished last in the group.
Michael Bradley, midfielder and coach’s son, was quoted on www.fifa.com, “It’s an amazing thing and I can’t even begin to properly explain how happy I am right now.
“This team never stops scrapping and clawing, and fighting. We proved people wrong tonight.”
Soccer fans around the world may question U.S. talent at the top level but they certainly can’t question the U.S. heart and desire to win.
“We thought it was our last game, honestly, we just wanted to go out and give a good showing,” captain Landon Donovan told www.fifa.com.
The U.S. needed serious help from Brazil if they were to progress. Brazil did not disappoint, scoring three goals in a span of eight minutes. The “Clash of the Titans” between Italy and Brazil, the last two World Cup winners, wasn’t much of a clash after all.
Italy’s normally rock-solid defense was shredded by the quick attacks of the Brazilians. Luis Fabiano scored two goals for Brazil in the 3–0 demolition.
Charlie Davies scored first for the U.S. by tenaciously battling to ram home the ball at the side of the net in the 21st minute. The early lead settled the U.S. and allowed them to continue with their game plan.
“We talked at half-time about keeping up the pressure and trying to get as many goals as we could; knowing it was 3–0 for Brazil against Italy in the other game,” explained U.S. coach Bob Bradley. Admittedly, it had to be hard not to do some scoreboard watching during the game!
Sure enough, the U.S. got two more goals in the second half as Michael Bradley poked home a pass in the 63rd minute. In the 71st minute, Clint Dempsey, who plays for Fulham in the English Premier League, fought off a defender and headed in a cross.
Egyptian goalkeeper Essam El Hadary talked about the pain of being so close but yet so far. “We failed to go through to the semifinals by a one-goal margin.
“I had to get five stitches in my head, but that injury doesn’t hurt nearly as much as losing this match.”
Up next for the U.S. is Spain in Wednesday’s semifinal. The Spaniards have been outstanding winning all three of their games, scoring eight goals and conceding none. Their play has captivated the soccer purists and they will be heavily favored to advance.
This is an incredible opportunity for the U.S. to test themselves against the hottest team in the world. No matter what the result, the U.S. will learn something about themselves and will be better equipped in a year’s time for the World Cup.
Brazil faces the host nation South Africa in Thursday’s semifinal. The final will be played next Sunday.
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