This is probably what everyone asked themselves on Sunday afternoon, when they heard that Team USA advanced to the semifinals of the Confederation's Cup. Everyone thought Team USA was down and out after going 0-2 with losses of 3-1 to Italy, and 3-0 to Brazil. They seemed to just be in a different league from all the other teams. They showed no heart and just looked flat out lackadaisical. As they strolled into Sunday, they knew in order for the magic to happen, they had to first take care of there own business against Egypt. USA player Landon Donovan said in response on how to advance following the Egypt game, "The first thing that was required was belief." Well belief is what Coach Bob Bradley had in mind when he made 3 changes to his starting lineup. He inserted backup goalkeeper Brad Guzan, midfielder Ricardo Clark and forward Charlie Davies. Well all these changes took into effect early and often as Team USA took care of business and beat Egypt 3-0. Though Egypt was without their two key players, forwards Amr Zaki and Mohamed Zidan, who were out due to injuries, Team USA left no doubt. One of Bradley's subs Charlie Davies got the scoring started early, as he scored in the 21st minute. The USA didn't quit though, even though they were only up 1-0 at the half. Though the Brazil and Italy game was going on simultaneously and there was some scoreboard watching, they never let it effect them and kept pushing on the offensive side, where it finally paid off, as Michael Bradley scored in the 63rd minute, and Clint Dempsey got Team USA to the magical 3-0 lead. The question was would the 3-0 score hold, or would Egypt get a cheapy? That question was quickly answered by replacement goal keep Brad Guzan, as he kept the door closed the entire match and saved 13 shots on goal.
With Team USA taking care of business, they could finally look up and know they were in to the semifinals. What did they see when the looked up? They saw a 3-0 halftime lead by Brazil, and that score would hold, and Coach Bradley and company moved on. We all know it wouldn't happen on it's own, as Team USA got a little luck on their side, as one of the 3 goals for Brazil came from an own goal by Italy as Andrea Dossena tried to block a shot on goal, but ended up knocking it in his own goal off his leg. It didn't matter though as the Team USA is moving on to face the #1 team in the world Spain.
It'll be interesting to see how the Team USA goes into the game against Spain. Following Spain's 2-0 win over South Africa the victory gave Spain a world record of 15 consecutive international wins and 35 straight matches unbeaten.
I can't wait to see it Wednesday afternoon!!
With Team USA taking care of business, they could finally look up and know they were in to the semifinals. What did they see when the looked up? They saw a 3-0 halftime lead by Brazil, and that score would hold, and Coach Bradley and company moved on. We all know it wouldn't happen on it's own, as Team USA got a little luck on their side, as one of the 3 goals for Brazil came from an own goal by Italy as Andrea Dossena tried to block a shot on goal, but ended up knocking it in his own goal off his leg. It didn't matter though as the Team USA is moving on to face the #1 team in the world Spain.
It'll be interesting to see how the Team USA goes into the game against Spain. Following Spain's 2-0 win over South Africa the victory gave Spain a world record of 15 consecutive international wins and 35 straight matches unbeaten.
I can't wait to see it Wednesday afternoon!!
great match! One of the happiest moments of my time watching the USMNT. Great wrap up too!
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