The expression “That’s why they play the games” was never more fitting than the last round of matches in Group B of the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup. The United States look DONE. The Stars & Stripes had scored 1 goal and allowed 6 in their first 2 Group B matches, they had more red cards than goals, U.S. were practically eliminated and no one thought they would advance to the Semis.
Basically, there had to be about a 6 goal shift between the US and Italy with Egypt having to lose to the U.S. Seemingly improbable events but sonofabitch it happened. Bob Bradley finally played Charlie Davies and it payed off with his 21st minute goal that was more persistence than skill but it was the kind of play that the Americans needed.
It was a massive confidence booster that lead to the US defeating Egypt 3-0, surprising the entire world who thought Egypt would terminate the Confederations Cup dreams of the Stars & Stripes.
Meanwhile, the Italians were getting run off the pitch by Brazil whose offensive talents, counter attacking prowess, and speed were too much for the World Champs who were spared a worse beating with a 3-0 loss.
Andrea Dossena’s own goal in the 45th minute proved to be the goal that gave the US a semifinal berth. Dual 3-0 results and the US get to play Spain in the semifinals. All Italy & Egypt needed to do was get 1 goal and one of them could be in the semis but they both failed. Every scenario fell into place for a US side that probably didn’t deserve to advance but neither did Egypt and Italy so the US did what they were supposed to do.
The Americans competed with more grit than The Pharaohs & The Azzurri and now they face the best team in the world, La Furia Roja – Spain. Everyone is predicting an a Spanish annihilation of the US but this last round of matches proves that anything is possible.
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I wasn’t totally suprised that the USA beat Egypt, but to see the Italians lay a major egg against Brazil was shocking.
Why are we jumping up and down about this? If this were a legitimate event where head-to-head was the first tie-breaker, the U.S. would be on the first prop plane out of Johannesburg.
http://startingeleven.blogspot.com/2009/06/starting-eleven-football-blog-roundup_22.html