El Mundo Sports

The Confederations Cup in South Africa is a tournament of 8 soccer teams playing from several different continents in what amounts to a dry run for the World Cup in 2010. Several stadiums are being tested to make sure they are adequate for hosting the world’s largest event in a years time. Teams take this tournament very seriously as it allows the players to be tested in a hostile environment and go up against some of the best in the world. Spain, Italy, and Brazil all played in the Cup and are ranked #1, #4, & #5 in the world respectively, making it a true challenge and opportunity for all teams involved.

The USA Men’s Soccer Team started out poorly in their first game in the tourney. After losing to Italy 3-1, the Americans came out and played even worse against Brazil as they were blasted 3-0. It seemed as if the team was over and out until something special happened. In a performance for the ages, the Americans came out and beat Egypt 3-0 in the last game of round 1 to advance to round 2.

Next up for the Americans was #1 in the world Spain. With confidence high, and expectations growing, the USA team came out firing as Clint Dempsey, Jozy Altidore, and Landon Donovan pushed the envelope and helped the Americans pile pressure on the Spaniards. It seemed as if Spain didn’t know what to expect and were their heels more often than not. Offensively, the USA looked a much different side and nearly scored several times in the first half before taking the lead through Altidores stunner. But that wasn’t the story.

The Americans are known all over the soccer world for 2 things. Great goalkeepers and being very physical. It took both of those and one of the best defensive performances in American soccer history to upset the #1 team in the world. The USA threw their bodies in front of shots by Spain and kept the world class Spanish strikers at bay. The communication between the defensive players for the USA and the effort by all involved led to frustrating a potent Spanish attack. In the shock of all shocks, the Americans pulled out a 2-0 win to advance to the Finals of the Confederations Cup.

Special attention should be paid to the defensive effort, and especially goalkeeper Tim Howard, who kept the defense organized and confident. The win is a huge step in the right direction for USA soccer. Does it validate soccer as a major sport in the United States? Probably not. But what it does is show that the US team can win on the big stage. Will that happen at years World Cup? Only time will tell.

Beating Spain isn’t a bad start.

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