Less than 24 hours until the US kicks off their shock Confederations Cup semifinal date with Spain, a date that the US has plenty of people to thank for. Brasil came out firing on all cylinders on Sunday versus an Italy team that made the mistake of looking forward. The result: a 3-0 Brasil win---the US needed every one of those goals. Also to thank, an Egypt team that found itself "enjoying" its time at the tournament a little too much...and those women-of-unnamed-profession who made sure they enjoyed their time in South Africa (if you're missing my hint, simply Google "Egypt soccer prostitute scandal." The result of their "best efforts:" a 3-0 US win---and the US needed every one of those goals, as well. (For those behind on the news, the US advanced, even on points with Italy and Egypt, even on goal-differential with Italy, with one more goal scored than Italy).
Tomorrow afternoon, the US faces a Spanish squad that is on fire--- a 35-game unbeaten run, 15-game winning streak, and wins of 5-0 (New Zealand), 1-0 (Iraq), and 2-0 (South Africa) in this tournament. The US is a member of those streaks, playing to a 1-0 loss in Santander last summer. Sure, the Yanks put up a solid effort, especially considering Landon Donovan wasn't in the US squad for that one...but neither was (for all intents and purposes) the Spanish striking duo that has eaten defenses for breakfast all tournament. David Villa, he of the constant transfer rumors, sat out that match, while Fernando Torres played well below 100% (as he did for much of last season) with a significant ankle injury. As if Spain didn't have enough of an advantage, the US had to make the trip from Rustenburg to Bloemfontein with only 2 days between games...the Spanish, who'll be playing on 3-day rest (more for a lot of the starters, afforded the luxury of the South Africa game off after already clinching a semifinal berth), played their last 2 group games in Bloemfontein.
All the history, current form, travel, etc. aside...the US might actually be in a position to pull off what would definitely be the biggest win in the history of the National Team. Iraq and South Africa demonstrated how to hold the Spanish defensively---compact play, forcing the play to come through (ironically) the central midfield (normally a playmakers role, but a weakness (if you can call it that) in the Spanish squad), and denying time and space to Torres and Villa. Jozy Altidore, Landon Donovan, and Clint Dempsey provide a stronger counterattack than either the Iraqis or the host nation, and if Bob Bradley decides to start Charlie Davies up top with Altidore, the US attack is even stronger. The "X-Factor" for the US will be in the defense... Will Carlos Bocanegra be healthy enough to play? Does the Jay DeMerit/Gooch Onyewu partnership continue to improve (having improved steadily as this tournament has progressed) if Bocanegra can't go? Jonathon Spector has been one of few shining points for the US at right back, but does the other Johnathan (Bornstein) step up for the biggest game he's ever played? Plenty to be seen tomorrow afternoon (2:25pm ET on ESPN).
A couple other notes from the soccer world today:
--Roque Santa Cruz has said he's excited over his transfer to Manchester City. It's widely expected Carlos Tevez will be joining him later in the week after his loan to Manchester United ends...and Mark Hughes is reportedly very interested in Samuel Eto'o. With a strike combination like that (in addition to Robinho, who's already at the club), who wouldn't be excited?
--Manchester City have also made another move, signing Stuart Taylor, fomer goalkeeper for the England U-21 side, from Aston Villa. Taylor shouldn't see much playing time behind Shay Given (still one of the best goalkeepers in the game, easily in the top 5 (more likely the top 3) goalkeepers in the Premier League), which isn't why he was signed...this move allows Joe Hart, a young 'keeper who's higher in the line for the England throne, to be loaned out to Birmingham, where he'll gain valuable playing time for the recently-promoted side.
--Real Madrid is claiming that David Villa's proposed sale is "100% dead." Of course, that just means that there's an extra couple tens-of-millions in the coffers for the new Golacticos... Among the new reported targets? Inter's Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Lyon's Karim Benzema, and cross-town rival Athletico Madrid's Diego Forlan, who led La Liga in scoring last season.
Should be plenty to talk about tomorrow, win or lose---be sure to check back!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
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