This is why I love sports so much because you never know what is going to happen. In one of the biggest upsets in USA soccer history the Americans defeated the #1 ranked Spain 2-0 today. Altidore and Dempsey scored the goals and they got standout play from the back line and the goalie Howard as the Spanish dominated possession time and had their chances to score a number of goals. This ends their 35 game unbeaten streak and sends the USA into the championship game this Sunday against the winner of Brazil and South Africa. On a unfortunate note, Michael Bradley picked up a cheap red card late and will have to sit out the final. I would start a very deserving Benny Feilhaber in his place and bring Sasha Klejstan in as a sub late. Altidore scored a nice goal but he needs to improve his work rate on other parts of his game. Dempsey scored a goal in his 2nd game in a row once he was moved to striker late in the game. Maybe he should play at that spot permanently.
Soccer Tournament-South Africa
- Thread starter guest301
- Start date
The BBC website never ever mentions the U.S. on their Football (soccer) page, but winning brings mountains of respect, even to the stodgiest of football fans. The article posted after today's fantastic victory over the #1 ranked team in the world is filled with many positive remarks on the American performance. Usually, remarks, such as superior athletism, or solid defence are rarely made by the European press about the US Men's National Team. Let's hope for a victory in this Sunday's final to keep turning the tide of public perception that in fact the US can play the beautiful game at its highest level.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/8114585.stm
Saj Chowdhury
USA caused one of the biggest surprises in Confederations Cup history by beating European champions Spain to reach Sunday's final.
Jozy Altidore scored the opener when he turned his marker Joan Capdevila to fire in from 15 yards.
Fulham's Clint Dempsey doubled the lead in the second half when he converted Landon Donovan's pass from close range.
Tim Howard saved from Fernando Torres and Cesc Fabregas before USA's Michael Bradley saw red for a foul on Xavi.
Many would have predicted Spain to win this match with a lot to spare, judging by the ease with which they won their group games.
But Vicente del Bosque's men had only faced New Zealand, Iraq and South Africa in the lead up, and with all respect to those teams, the Americans were always going to be a tougher proposition.
Time and time again in the first half, the USA managed to read Spain's trademark killer passes by sticking tight to potent forwards David Villa and Fernando Torres.
In fact, prior to USA's goal, Spain's best opportunity fell to Liverpool hot-shot Torres whose attempt at a volley from six yards was superbly scuppered by Watford's Jay DeMerit.
What was starkly apparent on the Free State Stadium pitch, was the superior athleticism of the Americans.
On occasions during the opening 45 minutes, they had as many people in their attacking third as they did in their own box.
They went close on a couple of occasions before taking the shock lead, with Charlie Davies sending his bicycle-kick two yards wide before Dempsey missed by the same margin with a low 20 yard drive.
The goal came as a result of a one-two between Carlos Bocanegra and club team-mate Dempsey who found well-built forward Altidore.
The Villarreal striker turned Capdevila far too easily before smacking his drive, which Iker Casillas only managed to get a weak hand to en route, into the back of the net.
Embarrassment was not in Spain's script, so they upped their game and came close to equalising just before the break when Howard was forced to save low with his feet after Torres sold Bocanegra the sweetest of dummies from six yards.
The pressure on the USA defence increased tenfold after the interval with Everton number one Howard forced to make quality saves from Fabregas, twice from long range, and Ramos, who rifled in an angled drive at the near post.
Despite using up masses of energy in defence, the USA made the most of their one and only break forward in the second half.
Donovan found himself free on the right, surged to the edge of the area before playing in a square ball that Ramos, oblivious to who was behind him, could only touch on to Dempsey who fired in from six yards.
Spain surged forward but could not find a way past the solid American defence.
Bradley, who exemplified his side's tenacity, was sent off for a late challenge on Xavi, but by that point the USA had all but cemented their place in the final.
But perhaps most significant was that they prevented Spain from setting a new world record of 36 matches without defeat.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/8114585.stm
Saj Chowdhury
USA caused one of the biggest surprises in Confederations Cup history by beating European champions Spain to reach Sunday's final.
Jozy Altidore scored the opener when he turned his marker Joan Capdevila to fire in from 15 yards.
Fulham's Clint Dempsey doubled the lead in the second half when he converted Landon Donovan's pass from close range.
Tim Howard saved from Fernando Torres and Cesc Fabregas before USA's Michael Bradley saw red for a foul on Xavi.
Many would have predicted Spain to win this match with a lot to spare, judging by the ease with which they won their group games.
But Vicente del Bosque's men had only faced New Zealand, Iraq and South Africa in the lead up, and with all respect to those teams, the Americans were always going to be a tougher proposition.
Time and time again in the first half, the USA managed to read Spain's trademark killer passes by sticking tight to potent forwards David Villa and Fernando Torres.
In fact, prior to USA's goal, Spain's best opportunity fell to Liverpool hot-shot Torres whose attempt at a volley from six yards was superbly scuppered by Watford's Jay DeMerit.
What was starkly apparent on the Free State Stadium pitch, was the superior athleticism of the Americans.
On occasions during the opening 45 minutes, they had as many people in their attacking third as they did in their own box.
They went close on a couple of occasions before taking the shock lead, with Charlie Davies sending his bicycle-kick two yards wide before Dempsey missed by the same margin with a low 20 yard drive.
The goal came as a result of a one-two between Carlos Bocanegra and club team-mate Dempsey who found well-built forward Altidore.
The Villarreal striker turned Capdevila far too easily before smacking his drive, which Iker Casillas only managed to get a weak hand to en route, into the back of the net.
Embarrassment was not in Spain's script, so they upped their game and came close to equalising just before the break when Howard was forced to save low with his feet after Torres sold Bocanegra the sweetest of dummies from six yards.
The pressure on the USA defence increased tenfold after the interval with Everton number one Howard forced to make quality saves from Fabregas, twice from long range, and Ramos, who rifled in an angled drive at the near post.
Despite using up masses of energy in defence, the USA made the most of their one and only break forward in the second half.
Donovan found himself free on the right, surged to the edge of the area before playing in a square ball that Ramos, oblivious to who was behind him, could only touch on to Dempsey who fired in from six yards.
Spain surged forward but could not find a way past the solid American defence.
Bradley, who exemplified his side's tenacity, was sent off for a late challenge on Xavi, but by that point the USA had all but cemented their place in the final.
But perhaps most significant was that they prevented Spain from setting a new world record of 36 matches without defeat.
Matra1
Mentor
So how does this rank in US soccer history?
The others that come to mind are (in order of most significant according to me!):
1) making it to the World Cup quarter-finals in 2002
2) beating England at the World Cup in 1950
3) making it past the group stage in 1994
The others that come to mind are (in order of most significant according to me!):
1) making it to the World Cup quarter-finals in 2002
2) beating England at the World Cup in 1950
3) making it past the group stage in 1994
I was just about to start to watch the replay of the game and the total morons on ESPN flashed the score right at the beginning on the game. ESPN is the worst network on the planet. I tried to say away from the score, but I turned on the ESPN radio and they were talking about the game ,but I turned the station quickly. I though there migh tbe something up. I really despise ESPN.
This might be the biggest,but it's hard to say.
Now I will go watch the game that I already know the outcome of.
This might be the biggest,but it's hard to say.
Now I will go watch the game that I already know the outcome of.
Matra1
Mentor
ESPN is rubbish. On their channel in Europe, ESPN America, they regularly give away the score of tape delayed ('as live') events on the superfluous 'bottom line'. (Due to the time difference between the US and Europe a lot of middle of the night games are shown the following evening in Europe). Europe-based viewers have been complaining endlessly about it but ESPN still keep doing it without any explanation as to why they keep doing it or for that matter why a bottom line is needed at all. The BL is especially silly in Europe where all TVs have 'teletext' so you don't even need to go to the internet to find out scores of games you haven't seen you just need to hit a few buttons on your TV remote. Another problem with ESPN, and most other sports channels these days is they are not so much about showing sport as 'personalities' talking about sport and those boring highlights shows.
i like the european teams as much as anybody, but brazil overrated? they have all time winning records against, england, argentina, italy, france, germany, mexico, russia, U.S., netherlands, spain, portugal.... basically they have a winning record against EVERYBODY. i mean give credit where credit is due.
Matra1 said:
It seems Europe if far ahead of in the teletext area. That's been around for a while in Europe I think. I think that Bottom Line stuff started with 9-11 on all news channels and they keep doing it. When you watch a game anywhere, but especially ESPN ,there are so many things on the screen it drives me crazy.
You are right about ESPN being pesonality driven with all their talk shows.I have seen Sky Sports News and it's much better than the hyper Sportscenter with the hosts screaming all the time. The people on Sky are just presenters. They are not the show so to speak.On Sky it's not about trying to be clever.
Nobody watches ESPN fot the Bottom line.They have a separate ESPN news channel also.
Matra1
Mentor
Europe has had teletext since the early 1980s.
NorCal831,
We know Brazil can play but all my life I've been told by the media that Brazil are the best in the world and that they play the most attractive football. At various times over the past 35 years that has been true. But there have been many periods when Brazil were not the best team in the world nor have they always played the most beautiful football.
NorCal831,
We know Brazil can play but all my life I've been told by the media that Brazil are the best in the world and that they play the most attractive football. At various times over the past 35 years that has been true. But there have been many periods when Brazil were not the best team in the world nor have they always played the most beautiful football.
i hear you, i just dont think its accurate to say brazil is overrated, they have a great team almost every year. but i dont think any country is hands down the best. brazil is just one of the countries in that elite group with germany, italy, argentina, france, england, and sometimes spain.
I am getting fed up with all these 3rd world players. Germany's under 21's have Nigeria, Ghanain, Iranian players on their team. National teams are meainingless at this point. They even have a "German footballer of Spanish descent"
As for Brazil. I don't want to watch them .They are so arrogant. They go into Europe and take all these places and money from Europeans. They are like the latin players in baseball. And the idiots in Europe cheer for them as their relatives and friends are displaced. The Serbs and Croatians and Poles should play in their countries also. If they can't make as much money, that is too bad.
As for Brazil. I don't want to watch them .They are so arrogant. They go into Europe and take all these places and money from Europeans. They are like the latin players in baseball. And the idiots in Europe cheer for them as their relatives and friends are displaced. The Serbs and Croatians and Poles should play in their countries also. If they can't make as much money, that is too bad.
ToughJ.Riggins
Hall of Famer
The U.S is up 2-0 at the half in the Fifa Cup final. Clint Dempsey's goal was good, but Landon Donovan's was even better. Landon is an agile athlete who brings amazing bursts of speed with and without the ball.
I wonder if Landon Donovan could have been a RB in the NFL if he played American football. I guess we'll never know, due to the ludicrous Caucasian ban at tailback and Landon's smart choice to go the soccer route.
I wonder if Landon Donovan could have been a RB in the NFL if he played American football. I guess we'll never know, due to the ludicrous Caucasian ban at tailback and Landon's smart choice to go the soccer route.
Matra1
Mentor
Brazil came from behind to win it 3-2. They showed plenty of character to come from behind like that. The US didn't recover from the early second half goal. Very entertaining tournament all round. Certainly better than the UEFA U-21 tournament going on these past two weeks.
Jimmy Chitwood
Hall of Famer
i've been a big critic of goalkeeper Tim Howard, but he played very well against Brazil. VERY well, indeed. however, as good as young Guzan is (and he performed magnificently in his one appearance in the Confederations tourney), i'd like to see him get more chances.
also, i have been wondering for quite some time why Clint Dempsey hasn't been given a shot at playing forward. he certainly has the speed and skill, and he seems to have the knack for scoring goals. yet, he's never in the mix for some reason.
meanwhile, "future star" Jozie Altidore continues to be all hype and little performance, while Charley Davies is very fast but rarely makes any plays. our strikers are sorely lacking, and i think that's a HUGE weakness for Team USA.
also, Onyewu has looked terrible. he's routinely out of position, and consistently gets out run in the open field. i know that he's considered a stalwart by most, but he was the weak link in America's back line throughout the tourney.
also, i have been wondering for quite some time why Clint Dempsey hasn't been given a shot at playing forward. he certainly has the speed and skill, and he seems to have the knack for scoring goals. yet, he's never in the mix for some reason.
meanwhile, "future star" Jozie Altidore continues to be all hype and little performance, while Charley Davies is very fast but rarely makes any plays. our strikers are sorely lacking, and i think that's a HUGE weakness for Team USA.
also, Onyewu has looked terrible. he's routinely out of position, and consistently gets out run in the open field. i know that he's considered a stalwart by most, but he was the weak link in America's back line throughout the tourney.
Howard did have many nice saves, but I don't like when he goes into histrionics when he feels his defenders missed a play. I think it is showing up his teammates.You can give your defenders tips or correction , but don't show them up. I don't see too many keepers act like he does. I think it is over the top.
Donavon also had a great goal that showed speed and agility. I would like to know what he runs the 40 in.
Donavon also had a great goal that showed speed and agility. I would like to know what he runs the 40 in.
Onyewu was at Newcastle for a year but didn't make it and I think went back to Belgium. They said he might get another offer from an English club, but I don't know if he his good enough to play in the Premiership.
I would like to see Donavon in England to see how he does, but at the same time I think there are already too many foreign players there. The US players should build the MLS. I know they can't make as much money, but England isn't their country.
I would like to see Donavon in England to see how he does, but at the same time I think there are already too many foreign players there. The US players should build the MLS. I know they can't make as much money, but England isn't their country.
Jimmy Chitwood
Hall of Famer
good points, Europe. Donovan clearly has the talent and skill to shine in the Premiership, however he has turned down huge contracts in order to stay in MLS. he has said he wants to help build the game of soccer in the USA. apparently, ideals matter more to him than money. how rare is that in an athlete!
i haveall therespect in the world for him.
i haveall therespect in the world for him.
Freethinker
Hall of Famer
I'm a bit late to comment but I thought at the end of the tournament the US may have played its finest ball ever.
I was very impressed with Dempsey, Feilhaber, DeMerrit, Spector and Bradley. I thought Onyewu played well for the most part. They did face the top 2 scoring countries in the world and faced wave after wave of attack.
I also would not be too critical of Altidore. He had his moments where he looked great but is a bit lazy and needs to show a max effort like Donovan. Also, I've been critical of Davies but I'd prefer him over Beasley who is older and has never impressed me.
Richardo Clark always sucks and needs not play.
Seems like the US is sending its "B" squad to play in the Gold Cup. The only notable guys on the roster are Ching, Davies, Adu and Cherundolo. Does this tourney have any importance to the World Cup next year?
I was very impressed with Dempsey, Feilhaber, DeMerrit, Spector and Bradley. I thought Onyewu played well for the most part. They did face the top 2 scoring countries in the world and faced wave after wave of attack.
I also would not be too critical of Altidore. He had his moments where he looked great but is a bit lazy and needs to show a max effort like Donovan. Also, I've been critical of Davies but I'd prefer him over Beasley who is older and has never impressed me.
Richardo Clark always sucks and needs not play.
Seems like the US is sending its "B" squad to play in the Gold Cup. The only notable guys on the roster are Ching, Davies, Adu and Cherundolo. Does this tourney have any importance to the World Cup next year?
Freethinker
Hall of Famer
ahhhh I see. Thanks for the info guest301!