Today the United States men's soccer team defeated number 1 ranked Spain 2-0 in the FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa. The US had only sneaked into the semi-final on goals for, and was a massive underdog. Spain is defending European champions and was unbeaten in 35 games.
Spain started confident, but US goalkeeper Tim Howard kept the score even and appeared key for motivating and organizing the outfield players. The US clearly wanted to let Spain possess and counter-attack, but was not able to keep possession. Then, against the run of play in the 27th minute, Jozy Altidore used his body to shield a Spanish defender from a ball into the box and scored the go ahead goal. Spain continued to dominate possession but failed to really test Howard in the remainder of the first half.
Spain seem to come out of the locker room with renewed confidence, and was all over the US defense for the next 20 minutes. Finally, US manager Bob Bradley substituted Benny Feilhaber for forward Charlie Davies in the 68th minute. Obviously believing that they could not grant Spain so much possession and keep the clean sheet, the US began to hold the ball up and relieve the pressure. This worked less than 10 minutes later when Clint Dempsey won the ball in his own half. Feilhaber made a long snaking run into the final third and laid the ball of nicely to Landon Donovan. Donovan eventually found Dempsey at the far post to complete the move that he started some 30 or 40 yards back and the US was up 2-0. It wouldn't be a walk to the finish line, however. US midfielder Micheal Bradley received a (dubious?) red card in the last 10 minutes, but the US was able to cling tightly to that clean sheet.
The next game for the US on Sunday will be the winner of the Brazil - South Africa semifinal being played tomorrow. Then, in July, the Gold Cup will be played on home soil. The US is still hopeful to qualify for the World Cup taking place next year, also in South Africa. The American team showed today that, with discipline, any team can be beaten. If the US hopes to win on Sunday, they will need to keep their shape and defend as hard as they did today. And maybe keep some possession, too.
Spain started confident, but US goalkeeper Tim Howard kept the score even and appeared key for motivating and organizing the outfield players. The US clearly wanted to let Spain possess and counter-attack, but was not able to keep possession. Then, against the run of play in the 27th minute, Jozy Altidore used his body to shield a Spanish defender from a ball into the box and scored the go ahead goal. Spain continued to dominate possession but failed to really test Howard in the remainder of the first half.
Spain seem to come out of the locker room with renewed confidence, and was all over the US defense for the next 20 minutes. Finally, US manager Bob Bradley substituted Benny Feilhaber for forward Charlie Davies in the 68th minute. Obviously believing that they could not grant Spain so much possession and keep the clean sheet, the US began to hold the ball up and relieve the pressure. This worked less than 10 minutes later when Clint Dempsey won the ball in his own half. Feilhaber made a long snaking run into the final third and laid the ball of nicely to Landon Donovan. Donovan eventually found Dempsey at the far post to complete the move that he started some 30 or 40 yards back and the US was up 2-0. It wouldn't be a walk to the finish line, however. US midfielder Micheal Bradley received a (dubious?) red card in the last 10 minutes, but the US was able to cling tightly to that clean sheet.
The next game for the US on Sunday will be the winner of the Brazil - South Africa semifinal being played tomorrow. Then, in July, the Gold Cup will be played on home soil. The US is still hopeful to qualify for the World Cup taking place next year, also in South Africa. The American team showed today that, with discipline, any team can be beaten. If the US hopes to win on Sunday, they will need to keep their shape and defend as hard as they did today. And maybe keep some possession, too.
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