Photo by ISIphotos.com
In case you haven't seen them yet, here are the highlights of the U.S. national team's three goals in its 3-0 victory against Egpyt, a win that helped the United States qualify for the semifinals of the Confederations Cup.
Charlie Davies, Michael Bradley and Clint Dempsey scored the goals that helped the Americans pull off what seemed impossible when the day began.
Enjoy:
The USA still should have sent a B+ team to Copa, not the B- / C+ team
Dempsey may be “tired”, but still, he needs to show the same hustle that he has when with Fulham. If we need a “moment of brillance”, bring him in as a super sub in the 65th minute.
Benny is really good, however, he needs to work on his hustle and defense. He’s like Dempsey right now … loses the ball and just sulks instead of tracking back and making life difficult for the guy who dispossed ’em.
I agree with the poster that questioned Spain as no 1. Yes, they are consistently playing well since their Euro-2008 win, but Brazil progressed a lot in the last WC Qualifying round. Yesterday, just needed one half to finish Italy. 6th win in a row, and facing much stronger opponents than Spain (4-0 vs Uruguay and 2-1 vs Paraguay in CONMEBOL Qualifying, and I’ll pick USA or Egypt vs New Zealand or Iraq anytime).
Anyway, I expect the semis to be really tough both to Brazil and Spain.
Brazil always struggles more with African teams than they do with european sides, but are clear favs. I think the US will pose a much bigger threat to Spain given how motivated they are after the near-miracle they pulled. Just hope they don’t give up before the match even starts, like they did against Brazil.
This is what i wrote two days ago under: Italy vs. Egypt (Your Running Commentary):
“Are you guys kidding? We lost Zidane, Shawky is injured, Fathy is injured!!!!!!! Sayed is injured…we need a miracle to make it. The United States is not as bad as some of their fans think. You played against the two greatest champions of the game, what did you expect? Of course you look bad, now they have a chance to erase that picture against Egypt.
I will be very thankful of we can win 1-0”
Simply, we ran out of gas after facing the 2 world champions…no…i am not giving execuses…you outplayed us as we outplayed Italy and Brazil(2nd half).
Congratulations, This is football.
Good Luck in the next game.
In order to play well against Spain, we have to do a flawless job tactically and this is where I question Bob Bradley. How did Iraq play them to a 0-1 defeat — through good tactics and packing their entire team in the defensive third. We are better than Iraq and can probably afford to play a bit more out of our own third, but to start two forwards is delusional against one of the best teams in the world. Altidore should be the lone striker, period.
In addition, I have to question whether Spain is really the world number 1 team after seeing Brazil play in this tournament. One should not assume that just because Spain is the best team in Europe that they automatically become number one in the world. I think CONMEBOL might have something to say about that!
1. Paulo–great posts. Just great.
2. Things were not as bad as they seemed a couple of days ago nor are they as good as they seem today:
–Bob Bradley isn’t inept and has strengths. But as David Mosse at ESPN pointed out, the USA and Kuwait (and now an aging Italy) are the only 3 teams that have made Dunga’s Brazil look impressive. They concede space in midfield and are weak on the left side yet we did nothing with that. The USA (until Egypt) was consistently giving up early goals (a sign of a poorly coached team) and gave up the initial goal to Brazil on a restart (to that point, Brazil’s last 4 goals had come off of dead balls)–that’s also a coaching issue.
–I never interpreted it as the USA had quit (though that’s what Lalas and Harkes tend to see when we lose badly–but I think that’s a reflection on how Bora taught a bunch of underskilled Americans how to stay in the game). Being down a man with your gameplan out the window against a technically superior team has you chasing the ball and often indecisive.
–I think it’s wishful thinking to believe that 2 referee calls cost us those first 2 matches. Yeah, they might have made a difference. And we might still have lost by the same margin.
–We did not see the same Egypt that beat Italy and nearly beat Brasil. They were missing key attackers, gave us too much space in midfield and were lacking energy.
–That said, most other sides would have folded their tents and just shown up on Sunday. The USA refused to quit and took what the Egyptians gave us (space and time on the ball) and our boys made their fortune. That speaks well of them.
3. I love the one lonely comment praising the decision to send the “A” team to the Confed Cup (and “B” team to the Copa). This tournament (ConfedCup) has never been about winning it or getting great results against teams. It’s nice if we do. What (in my mind) it’s really about:
–learning how to play tactically with the “big boys.” We don’t get that in MLS or Concacaf.
–forcing our boys to learn to play in tighter space and with less time on the ball (which is in theory what players get when they play in the top leagues in Europe–if they get playing time).
–learning to play tight, error-free defense so we don’t gift teams goals and force them to win the game (rather than hand it over on a platter).
–learning to score in the run of play rather than rely on restarts and PKs for our goals.
Mexico has gotten some great results in ConfedCup play. And big f’ing deal. Getting a little trophy from an official senior FIFA men’s tournament is nice. But setting us up to do better at the WC–showing our players and coaches where they need to be, what they need to work on, what we can realistically improve on–that’s better than any trophy.
I love how people still call for Bradley to be fired, Dempsey to be benched, and Adu and Torres to start.
You can’t argue with the result: a 3-0 win and advancement. Would you have preferred a 4-0 win?
What happened yesterday? Still can’t believe it. Just WOW!
I thought we were out. I knew we had the slimmest of chances, but I didn’t think we could pull it off.
Soccer’s a funny game.
I wish we played like that all the time. Great game, great effort, great goals. And now as a reward, a game against Spain. Can we do it again?
I’ll be watching anyway. 🙂
I said it before and I’ll say it again, it was a great call to take the A-team to the Gold Cup instead of Copa America.
Posted by: Trav | June 21, 2009 at 11:16 PM
——————————–
Trav, I’m with you. That decision brought us here. We can look forward to Copa America in the future, I doubt they’ll ignore the gringos for too long.
Also, as much as I’m not sure he’ll get any more calls up. I feel Frankie Heydude’s passion and fire would have been a large boost during this tourney. I hope he gets the call for that reason in WC ’10, guy brings passion to this team which has seen to be missing since his last game with the USMNT.
Can someone please explain to me why Conor Casey is getting on the pitch when there is far superior talent than him? So he’s leading the MLS in scoring…..I don’t see Scholetto getting the call up in Argentina. I can’t wait for Chingy to get back.
I also remember one tackle from Demerit near the sidelines towards the end of the game. He got all ball but took the player out with him, got up and was like “Come get him” because he knew he had just completely owned that guy. Demerit is pretty hardcore back there.
People should give Ricardo Clark some credit. He wasn’t perfect, but he did a good job of allowing Bradley to go forward and kept getting and passing the ball so that Donovan didn’t have to go and dig for it as much. Maybe it’s possible that he learned his lesson from the Italy game. Maybe Sascha will too. Maybe even the coach learned a couple of things too…
I do think though for the Spain game someone else (who? I’m not sure— but a certain young player who looked good against Spain & Argentina last year— I don’t want to incur the wrath from Ives) should get a shot in place of Dempsey if he’s still acting like a sourpuss…
That sure was one hell of a cross from Spector on that last goal.
Thanks Tolik.
My only problem is you would think a country with 300 Million and our resources we’d come up with more Strikers.
Boy do I miss McBride. Heart, Passion, Technically Sound.
Paulo,
Love the comments…I’m not an immigrant, nor the child of immigrants, but can tell you that the vision I have of your father tearing up over a US match is one that I hope, one day, will become the norm, not the exception. The son of a family friend – he was born in Costa Rica – roots for the US at all times, save when the Ticos play the Americans…and he’s the kind of kid whom I can see playing for the Stars and Stripes one day (and he’s admitted as much). We’re making progress!
Yesterday afternoon’s match reminded me that one ought not get too high, nor too low, during any particular stretch. We showed what we’re capable of yesterday; when we become more consistent in our form, we’ll be dangerous. For the Bradley haters out there, I’ll make this observation: he sure has them fit, doesn’t he? Back to back matches against world powers, both of which were played, for much of the time, a man down…yet, we come in with the deck stacked against us and perform as we did yesterday.
Well done, men!
to Youngee8: good analysis. Very much agree.
I was calling for BB to be fired. I still do. Nothing changed much.
Our guys deserved the luck by playing valiantly against Egypt. But it still dumb luck. We got it and I am happy for it. But we got lucky.
BB made a good number of bad calls. We have advanced despite them, not thanks them.
Fire Bradley!!!!!!!
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaa.
I’m just as relieved as the rest of our fans. We all collectively agree:
1 No more DMB, Casey or Shasha. Thanks for your service to your country but you are DONE. Demps…love ya man but you got to step up your game b/c you have sucked for the past 10 games or so (BTW- nice finish but we need your sorry A_ _ for the full 90).
2 BB made some bad judgement calls. In World Soccer you don’t have “ENTITLEMENT” and apparently BB Does.
3. Great call on getting Brad G. some PT on a big stage but it was so obvious.
4. Spector’s No. 1 in all of our hearts now. What a stud. Demerit is a nice surprise.
5. Landon has the heart but needs to be more selfish in the box.
6. Jozy needs development as he’s only 19 so why not on this stage.
Here’s what’s up for debate.
1 Benny F. or Clark. Both are doing well? I actually agree putting Clark in first. Covers a lot of ground and shuts down attacks. Benny F. solid play. Either way you can’t go wrong with the two.
2. Do we play Demps or not? We’re left no other choice. Davies did a nice job up front but he’s not ready.
3. None of us know what goes on in camp as we’d all like to see Torres but it’ll have to wait for the Gold Cup. Adu the same.
4. Donovan has to be on the flanks just like our boy Earnie Stewart.
5. Bornstein’s not to bad at the moment but won’t see the Cup in 2010.
6. Demerit should see more game time on this stage and must start ahead of Boca after coming off an injury.
Altidore Demps (who else?)
Donovan Clark Bradely Benny F.
Bornstein Gooch Demerit Spector
Brad G. (Need PT and’s not bad)
Thoughts?
“It’s like that quote from ‘Dumb and Dumber’: ‘So you’re telling me there is a chance.’ That’s what we kept saying,” defender Jonathan Bornstein said.
ahaaa quoting a fine movie
(see SoccerNet’s match report)
YES! I enjoyed seeing those highlights again (and again, and again…)
woo hoo! USA!
so proud of y’all!
deep down we are a country of a fighting underdog spirit; now that we are #1 in just about everything except soccer.
Now’s the time!
Bradley would be a complete idiot if he did not start the EXACT SAME TEAM against Spain. Except sub in Adu early, that’s it. No Beasley (brings nothing to the offensive table..nothing) and no Clark(mistakes outweigh benefits). Without a doubt, Davies aggressiveness was HUGE against Egypt, and will be sorely needed against Spain.
Great game! I was losing faith that the US knew how to score during the run of play. If Donovan and Davies did the exact opposite of what they did, it might have been two more goals. Donovan should have been more greedy and shot the ball instead of passing to the back post. Davies should have passed to a wide open Altidore on the back post instead of shooting it.
I’ve never been a Bornstein fan, but he’s a good bandage solution right now. Once Dolo is back, then the strongest backline is:
Spector, Boca, Gooch, and Dolo
I believe Spector has and does play both RB and LB for West Ham?
Bob is doing a competent job and will get the US to qualify. This tournament is a terrifict “test run” as it shows the team that you’re never ever out until the fat lady sings. This was an even worse “group of death” than 2006!
I do think that we need a coach like Klinsmann than can bring a bit more sophistication and attaching soccer to the USA team, esp for 2014. In the run up to World Cup 2006, Germany was not a very strong team, esp on offense. But Klinsmann was able to bring a confident and attacking style and get Germany has carried it over afer he left.
That video was beautiful. Beautiful. I’m sad I had to work today and missed the game, but so happy at the result
I am shocked by how many are STILL unwilling to give Bob any credit after pulling off what has, arguably (noting the 2002 world cup achievement) been one of the biggest accomplishments in US Soccer to date. We just came out of a group with Italy, Brazil and Egypt after beating Egypt 3-0 and playing the equivalent of a full game down a man. If that does not make you feel any love for Bradley, then you either 1) just love to criticize or 2) are too blinded by the fact that he doesn’t play [insert your favorite player — probably Adu or Torres]. And as long as we are on Torres, he ain’t playing in part because he is brand spanking new to the national team and has yet to gel. He’ll get his chances during the Gold Cup I expect.
Ulrich, talk about a downer. You obviously don’t know much about football. The US has injuries as well, and the fatigue would effect them greater as they played 2 games with 10 men.
Ives,
I know Spain is amazing. They are the world’s numero uno. However, they are mortal after all. We’ve played them well before, and that was with Heath Pierce and Eddie Lewis in the line up (no offense to them, just not our best players currently) How do you think the USA needs to attack the spaniards, how do you defend them, and if the US fights like they did today, what are the chances we win?
(yeah guys, I said it. I’m a fan after all, I want to see our boys actually WIN, not just bicker about how much better they’d be if I was a manager *hint hint*)
You’re my boy Paulo!
Never First, thanks.
I agree with you … the more successful we are, the greater the number of immigrants will say “hey, I want to play for THAT TEAM!”
And the same goes for families following U.S. soccer. I think my family is a bit of an outlier in that both my parents are beyond passionate about U.S. soccer and really apathetic about the Brazilian team. Most parents I’d say root for their home countries and teach their kids to do the same so that the “culture’ is kept alive. That’s fine, I don’t blame them … what does REALLY PISS ME OFF is that the parents/kids also root against the U.S. when they play any team from a similar region.
Another true story: I actually broke up with a casual gf because I couldn’t stand the fact that she’d root for any Latin America team when they played against the U.S. For goodness sakes, go take a hike I told her, why the F are you rooting for Guatemala when they play against us if your parents are from Costa Rica. Needless to say, she was good in bed, but not the brightest:)
Anyhow, back on point, I think at some point kids won’t care who their parents root for and go for the winning team. After all, who’s going to win a World Cup first: USA or Guatemala?
I just explained to my wife that when we need to block out time on Weds to watch the US lose to Spain between 2:30 and 4:30. The game will NOT go into extra time bc we have to get to an apartment viewing apppointment at 5:30.
Please no Beasley, and no Dempsey in midfield.
Spector is a beast. His crossing albeit inconsistent at times is probably the best on the team. There is a reason West Ham haven’t resigned Lucas Neil yet. They now spector can play and that Neil isn’t worth the money he is asking.
BTW: Never First, It isn’t necessarily the points that Michael Bradley are making that make these quotes important. It is the way he is defending his team.
Not enough is being made of Jonathan Spector, both today and ever since he was given a shot at the RB job. I’m not entirely sure Cherundolo just walks back into the starting role at this point. That cross was perfect. That’s why West Ham want him on the pitch. At the very worst it puts an end to the Hejduk love-fest, or so I can only hope.
Ulrich,
“The third goal was just luck”??????
Either you’re completely delusional and clueless or you’re a troll. Go trolling somewhere else. We’re overrun here, already.
Great cross by Spector and phenomenal strength and body control to fend of the defender by Demps. People knock the first goal, but it was one hell of a turn by Jozy, which is an underrated (if inconsistent) part of his game. As streaky as his hold-up play has been this tournament, he has flashed a lot more than he ever has before. We know he has the strength. Now he’s showing that he has the skills to play that role. He just has to demonstrate more consistency.
There were definitely several moments where he should have boxed out his defender to possess the ball but he did not. If he could add hold up skills to his turns, his developing long range shooting, his ability to run at defenders, and his strength on the ball, he could be a world class beast to defend against. Keep working on that first touch as well, Jozy (still streaky). Love that kid.
You’ve got to figure BB will go with exactly the same lineup unless Boca is 100%. Does anyone know if Spector can cross as well from the left? We may want to move him over there when Cherondolo comes back, no?
Quotes from a future captain.