Confederations Cup

[TexasTerror]

Figured we would keep this separate from the WCQ thread...

Group Action today...

Iraq 0-0 South Africa
Spain 5-0 New Zealand

Tomorrow...

Brazil v Egypt
USA v Italy

[TexasTerror]

USA Roster...

No. Name Pos.
1 Howard, Tim GK
2 Bornstein, Jonathan D
3 Bocanegra, Carlos D
4 Casey, Conor D
5 Onyewu, Oguchi D
6 Pearce, Heath D
7 Beasley, DaMarcus M
8 Dempsey, Clint F
9 Davies, Charlie F
10 Donovan, Landon F
11 Wynne, Marvell D
12 Bradley, Michael M
13 Clark, Ricardo M
14 Califf, Danny D
15 DeMerit, Jay D
16 Kljestan, Sacha M
17 Altidore, Jozy F
18 Guzan, Brad GK
19 Adu, Freddy M
20 Torres, Jose Francisco M
21 Spector, Jonathan D
22 Feilhaber, Benny M
23 Robles, Luis GK

[slycat]

USA Roster...

No. Name Pos.
1 Howard, Tim GK
2 Bornstein, Jonathan D
3 Bocanegra, Carlos D
4 Casey, Conor D
5 Onyewu, Oguchi D
6 Pearce, Heath D
7 Beasley, DaMarcus M
8 Dempsey, Clint F
9 Davies, Charlie F
10 Donovan, Landon F
11 Wynne, Marvell D
12 Bradley, Michael M
13 Clark, Ricardo M
14 Califf, Danny D
15 DeMerit, Jay D
16 Kljestan, Sacha M
17 Altidore, Jozy F
18 Guzan, Brad GK
19 Adu, Freddy M
20 Torres, Jose Francisco M
21 Spector, Jonathan D
22 Feilhaber, Benny M
23 Robles, Luis GK

Looks like the true US line up for now. I figured they would try out some new guys with the Gold Cup coming up.

[OhioHen]

Looks like the true US line up for now. I figured they would try out some new guys with the Gold Cup coming up.

Gold Cup doesn't serve as the qualifying tournament for anything this time around, so I expect to see some experimental lineups and/or new faces in the Gold Cup.

[OhioHen]

Figured we would keep this separate from the WCQ thread...

Group Action today...

Iraq 0-0 South Africa
Spain 5-0 New Zealand

Tomorrow...

Brazil v Egypt
USA v Italy


Four of the top five sides are bunched together in Group B. xnonox

[TexasTerror]

Gold Cup doesn't serve as the qualifying tournament for anything this time around, so I expect to see some experimental lineups and/or new faces in the Gold Cup.

Yep - Gold Cup will probably feature Houston Dynamo members like Stuart Holden and Bobby Boswell. I think Holden will play into the 2014 World Cup cycle...

And the Confederations Cup lineup is devoid of Brian Ching, who if he is in shape, may play in the Gold Cup as well...

[tribe_pride]

Yep - Gold Cup will probably feature Houston Dynamo members like Stuart Holden and Bobby Boswell. I think Holden will play into the 2014 World Cup cycle...

And the Confederations Cup lineup is devoid of Brian Ching, who if he is in shape, may play in the Gold Cup as well...

Important not to rush Ching back too quickly. Needs to be better for the next round of qualifiers in August. Next game, at Mexico. They need 3 points in that one to be comfortable. It would be great if we could get 1 point there.

[TexasTerror]

Clark was rung up with a red at the 34' mark.

Donovan got elbowed and was not too happy about it. Italy got a yellow for it.

So, the US MNT is playing a man down.

Almost gave up an own goal, if not for an offsides call just prior...ouch! Italy is just keeping the pressure up now.

[TexasTerror]

DONOVAN SCORES!

JOZY draws the PK, LANDON SHOOTS AND SCORE!

U-S-A! 1-0, 40'

[thefortyniner]

DONOVAN SCORES!

JOZY draws the PK, LANDON SHOOTS AND SCORE!

U-S-A! 1-0, 40'

If you were to tell me that the US woud be leading Italy, a man down, at the half...

...I would have laughed at you. Just 45 more. U-S-A! U-S-A!

[SuperJon]

Keep me updated. I'm at camp and can't watch.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Holy Cow!

All-out defend! All-out defend!

DeMerit gets the start at right back. If he can keep the USA's back line intact in what promises to be a tough second half, you may as well pencil them in as the starters going forward.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Reading a summary, Bradley is making a fool of me by playing like a master in midfield. FWIW the commentary I read said that Clark deserved the red card for a dangerous tackle on Gattuso.

[TexasTerror]

Giuseppe Rossi in... Italy making a few tactical moves to get more offensive.

US 1-0 Italy 56'

[biggie]

Don't even really care, but gave me an excuse to watch something on ESPN while at work.

As soon as I do its tied 1-1 at 58'

[TexasTerror]

Did not take Rossi long...

1-1 58'

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Did I say I would be happy with a tie? :o

[biggie]

I've listen to a few minutes now. And I've seen horrible soccer from the US and I want pasta for dinner.

[TexasTerror]

I would be happy with a tie after we'd been playing 55 minutes a man short...(by the time the 90 minutes had come up)...

The goal made me want a win, but a tie against Italy would be fine, we'll just have to get goal differential and/or beat Brazil.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Goal DeRossi

[biggie]

From what I've seen and being man down, game over.

[Hansel]

US has looked horrible the entire second half

CONCACAF is the MEAC of world Soccer

[thefortyniner]

1. Rossi is a traitor. I know what the 'rules' are but when you live here and enjoy our schools, our healthcare, all of that... and then leave to go play for Italy, you are a traitor. Plain and simple. I hope he never returns to America.

2. I have never seen such inconsistent officiating. The red card was not even remotely deserved, and the subsequent elbow deserved a red card. The no-call on the penalty in the box may have been the worst call I've ever seen in any sport.

If this official is not suspended, or at least investigated, following this horrid showing, I will lose all faith in FIFA's ability to hold a fair and unbiased tournament.

[UNCBears2010]

1. Rossi is a traitor. I know what the 'rules' are but when you live here and enjoy our schools, our healthcare, all of that... and then leave to go play for Italy, you are a traitor. Plain and simple. I hope he never returns to America.

2. I have never seen such inconsistent officiating. The red card was not even remotely deserved, and the subsequent elbow deserved a red card. The no-call on the penalty in the box may have been the worst call I've ever seen in any sport.

If this official is not suspended, or at least investigated, following this horrid showing, I will lose all faith in FIFA's ability to hold a fair and unbiased tournament.

Word.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

The "traitor" just scored again in extra time. 3-1. xsmhx

[GannonFan]

Unfortunately, the bane of international soccer, officiating, continues to play a way out-sized role. Club soccer is more interesting than this stuff. xsmhx

[appmaj]

1. Rossi is a traitor. I know what the 'rules' are but when you live here and enjoy our schools, our healthcare, all of that... and then leave to go play for Italy, you are a traitor. Plain and simple. I hope he never returns to America.

2. I have never seen such inconsistent officiating. The red card was not even remotely deserved, and the subsequent elbow deserved a red card. The no-call on the penalty in the box may have been the worst call I've ever seen in any sport.

If this official is not suspended, or at least investigated, following this horrid showing, I will lose all faith in FIFA's ability to hold a fair and unbiased tournament.

xthumbsupx

[JMU Newbill]

If the roles were reversed... an someone who was born in Italy came to play in the US... him and his family would be banished from Italy and likely physically threatened. I hope Rossi receives similar treatment. I don't want my taxes supporting what is likely just another Italian Jersey mob family.

[tribe_pride]

Just saw the red card. You have to be kidding me. That is not a red. It's a definite yellow though.

[gmoney55]

Sucks to lose 3-1 to a guy from Clifton, New Jersey. Traitor.

[ElSissy]

Questionable officiating and treason aside, the USMNT must find a way to score on something besides set pieces and penalty shots. We have nobody who can take it to the net besides Donovan. He rarely gets the chance because there is nobody who can feed it to him.

Does anyone here really think Coach Bradley is the answer? If he is, the question must be really stupid.

[Dane96]

Jurgen Klinsman.

Get it done Sunil.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Before we get too bent out of shape, the USA went toe-to-toe with Italy a good chunk of that time with one man down. Sure I have issues with Bradley as a head coach, but I'm hard pressed to see how Klinsmann could have ended the game differently for the USA.

If you want someone to blame, start with Sunil, who has made MLS into a retirement home for aging superstars instead of a real place to develop US players. If Jonathan Bornstein is the best player we're developing domestically, well, there's your problem.

[ElSissy]

If Klinsman had taken over just before the Italy game, the result probably would not have been different, but we aren't talking about just one game. I'm talking about the program. Klinsman would be a great choice. I don't think he's a miracle worker, but he has proven himself at the highest level, has taken a stagnant program and turned it around and already lives in the US, just a few miles from where the USMNT trains. Let's give him a shot. I think we all know Bradley is not the long-term answer.

[Dane96]

Klinsmann has the creativity that Bradley does not. Look...right now our pool still isnt as deep as other powers, however we lack any creativity.

All I know is Klinsmann took an average squad...one that many in the world pooh-poohed and led them to a 3rd place World Cup finish.

He gets my vote...and he lives near the Home Depot Center.

Nuff said.

[LacesOut]

I'm assuming Brazil will thrash us.

So do we have a shot against Egypt?

[tribe_pride]

I'm assuming Brazil will thrash us.

So do we have a shot against Egypt?

Not sure why you think Brazil is that much better than Italy. Italy won the 2006 World Cup and we were the only ones to even get a draw against them (although France lost in PKs and Germany lost in extra time). Believe them or not but Italy is ranked higher in the FIFA rankings than Brazil (4 v. 5). Brazil should beat us but who knows and were exposed against Egypt. I'd be happy with a tie.

Egypt looked tough in their first game against Brazil losing on a last second PK.

The other half of the draw is a complete joke in comparison with the exception of Spain.

[biggie]

Blowing goat nuts already. Brazil up 1-0.

Granted the free kick that scored the goal was from a guy tripping over his own feet and they called a foul.

[JMU Newbill]

Final score.... Brazil 3, US 0. Without a pk, we can't score against a world class team (that includes Egypt).

[NHwildEcat]

Has anyone had a chance to see this team live? I really love the energy of a crazy soccer crowd!

[biggie]

2-0 and I'm cutting it off. Had rather watch US Open, and that's not much of an improvement over paint drying.

[NHwildEcat]

Damn, these are the teams they need to be playing with...it they ever want to get into a World Cup final, we need to be able to hang with Brazil and the like...

[Hansel]

Beasley needs to be out of the lineup

[Lehigh Football Nation]

I watched that pathetic excuse for a half of soccer. The USMNT just flat-out sucked. Brazil owned our side of the field, and we didn't have a credible scoring chance all half. You could even look in the eyes of the players in the tunnel leading out there: this game was lost before the game even started.

If we score a goal I'll be shocked.

I've never seen a USMNT this low on confidence. I'm beginning to think that Klinsmann may not do any better than Bradley Sr., but he certainly couldn't do much worse.

And Beasley simply isn't up to international standards. It's time to ease him out and put anyone else out there to see if they can hack it.

[LacesOut]

I'm at work so I'm not watching, but it just seems at times that a good MLS team would beat our mens national team.

So to be able to play with top teams like England, Germany, Brazil, Italy, France, (and countless others I don't feel like listing) is just a far fetched wish. And please don't give me what they did in 2006. Talk about now, this present US team.

[Blue Hen Nation]

Sack Bradley! The man lacks vision and an eye for talent. xmadx

[ElSissy]

It's hard to believe the USMNT is ranked #14 by FIFA. I guess that tells us how credible FIFA rankings are.

[JMU Newbill]

Final score.... Brazil 3, US 0. Without a pk, we can't score against a world class team (that includes Egypt).

I hate being right in this case.... but it is what it is.

When is Bradley going to lose his job? We are down 2-0, and all he can come up with substitution wise is bringing in the likes of Conor Casey (garbage) and then an attacker for another attacker (Fielhaber for Altidore)? Why not take your worthless son out, who did absolutely nothing all game, and put in someone with some promise. Try taking Adu off the bench for once. Try playing Beasley in one position for longer than a 1 game stretch. Ugh... it frustrates me to no end. No one should coach their son past little league. To see this crap represent our country is a disgrace.

[JMU Newbill]

It's hard to believe the USMNT is ranked #14 by FIFA. I guess that tells us how credible FIFA rankings are.

I agree. If the United States were.... basically any other country.... our ranking would be significantly lower. If we were a south american country, we would be ranked AT BEST #75.

[LacesOut]

Another azz raping, just as expected.

As far as rankings, LOL, they must be all BS. I'm sure someone here can list at least 30-40 teams better than us.

[JMU Newbill]

I'm at work so I'm not watching, but it just seems at times that a good MLS team would beat our mens national team.

So to be able to play with top teams like England, Germany, Brazil, Italy, France, (and countless others I don't feel like listing) is just a far fetched wish. And please don't give me what they did in 2006. Talk about now, this present US team.


What exactly did the US do in 2006? Nothing. We tied a world cup game that we could have easily lost by 3 goals. We had a chance to advance out of group play, and we lost to Ghana. Who would be proud of that or even want to talk about it?

[GannonFan]

If this isn't the deathknell for Bradley, nothing will be. They've regressed within CONCACAF recently (throttling at Costa Rica, come from beind win at home against Honduras) and now two throroughly humiliating losses in this tournament. There's just nothing positive to look forward to. Forget playing the "B" team in the Gold Cup - the top team needs to be there just to play together, since they aren't very good at that now. And there has to be changes other than the coach - some of these guys are just blowing their chances. If this is a preview of 2010, count me out.

[LacesOut]

What exactly did the US do in 2006? Nothing. We tied a world cup game that we could have easily lost by 3 goals. We had a chance to advance out of group play, and we lost to Ghana. Who would be proud of that or even want to talk about it?

Another poster in this thread referenced how we tied Italy in 2006. I assumed by that he meant we were good or able to play with top competition now because we tied a good team back in 2006.

[JMU Newbill]

Another poster in this thread referenced how we tied Italy in 2006. I assumed by that he meant we were good or able to play with top competition now because we tied a good team back in 2006.


Then that poster is an idiot. Sorry for jumping on ya!

[LacesOut]

Then that poster is an idiot. Sorry for jumping on ya!

LOL

It's a message board, so we're all idiots at some point in at least some of our posts!

[JMU Newbill]

Another azz raping, just as expected.

As far as rankings, LOL, they must be all BS. I'm sure someone here can list at least 30-40 teams better than us.

How many countries are in Europe? That's a start. Haha.

Add 1/2 of south america, and 5 random teams from the Asian region (includes a lot of the middle east and australia).

Don't forget to add costa rica.

You should get your 30-40 and then some.

[mcveyrl]

If this isn't the deathknell for Bradley, nothing will be. They've regressed within CONCACAF recently (throttling at Costa Rica, come from beind win at home against Honduras) and now two throroughly humiliating losses in this tournament. There's just nothing positive to look forward to. Forget playing the "B" team in the Gold Cup - the top team needs to be there just to play together, since they aren't very good at that now. And there has to be changes other than the coach - some of these guys are just blowing their chances. If this is a preview of 2010, count me out.

Yep. Any World Cup excitement I had brewing is now gone.

[slycat]

Yep. Any World Cup excitement I had brewing is now gone.

No kidding. This could be even worse then 2006. I'm just glad we still aren't playing a 1-5-4 though. That was lame.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

And now Egypt beat Italy 1-0, meaning that Egypt will have everything to play for on Saturday. Incredibly, the USMNT is not mathematically eliminated (though they would need to beat Egypt by 3 or 4 goals PLUS Brazil would have to beat Italy by 4 goals, or something ridiculous like that).

I know we were undermanned and everything, but the effort in the game was simply inexcusable. We gave up 23 shots to Brazil - no, that's not a typo - and I don't think we got a single shot off in the first half. Brazil put the pressure on early and the USMNT missed the mark on a free kick for the first goal (credit to Bradley I think) - then Brazil scored when Beasley f***ed up on OUR OWN CORNER and then Brazil was off to the races. We played bush league, and they made us pay.

Was Dempsey even out there? I didn't see him or hear his name called once.

The question I have is the following: Is this a case of the coach draining the confidence of players that are actually quite good? Or does the USA simply have no talent presently, and no significant talent coming up the way? After watching this today, I honestly can't tell you the answer.

[UNHWildCats]

Team USA needs atleast a +6 goal differential pickup meaning they need to win and Italy needs to lose and the differential in the two games needs to be atleast +6

So say USA wins 3-0 and Brazil wins 3-0 team USA would then have tied Italy on GD if its more then 6 USA advances if its six then it goes to total goals scored and team USA would need to score 3 more goals then Italy in their respective matches. If they could only manage scoring two more goals then Italy they would remain tied and the next tie breaker would be total points from matches between the teams which Italy would get.

[ElSissy]

Would anyone like to set odds that Bradley will not be the head coach of USMNT by the time South Africa 2010 rolls around?

[DSUrocks07]

Team USA needs atleast a +6 goal differential pickup meaning they need to win and Italy needs to lose and the differential in the two games needs to be atleast +6

So say USA wins 3-0 and Brazil wins 3-0 team USA would then have tied Italy on GD if its more then 6 USA advances if its six then it goes to total goals scored and team USA would need to score 3 more goals then Italy in their respective matches. If they could only manage scoring two more goals then Italy they would remain tied and the next tie breaker would be total points from matches between the teams which Italy would get.

xdizzyx

[EPJr]

http://msn.foxsports.com/id/9697818_18_1.jpg

http://msn.foxsports.com/soccer/story/9697770/U.S.-fans-should-be-disgusted-after-Brazil-debacle

[Lehigh Football Nation]

OK I'll bite. Suppose Bradley benches Beasley, puts a lineup out there with Donovan/Altidore in front and Adu/Bradley/Torres/Dempsey next game, and we beat Egypt (say) 3-1 (from a Donovan PK, a Dempsey FK, and an amazing 1-2 with Adu and Altidore reminiscent of their U-23 days). Does he save his job?

Do people see the Egypt game as Bradley's final chance to prove he belongs, basically? If it is, I think they would need at least a 2 goal win to have people at least think about it.

BTW, I read abunch of the comment stream on that Fox Sports summary of the game - there are a LOT of folks clamoring for Bradley's head (and, to a lesser extent, Gulati, who I think is more responsible than most people think).

[EPJr]

Make the vuvuzelas stop
http://de.fifa.com/mm/photo/tournament/destination/vuvuzela_2730.jpg
was it just me or did they get on anyone else's nerves?

[OhioHen]

Make the vuvuzelas stop
http://de.fifa.com/mm/photo/tournament/destination/vuvuzela_2730.jpg
was it just me or did they get on anyone else's nerves?

Just like cowbells at southern football stadiums. xnodx

[GannonFan]

Make the vuvuzelas stop
http://de.fifa.com/mm/photo/tournament/destination/vuvuzela_2730.jpg
was it just me or did they get on anyone else's nerves?

They gotta be outlawed before the World Cup or I'm not watching - couldn't even hear the crowd cheer those things were so loud and so constant.

[LacesOut]

I'm not sure what type of result I want to see against Egypt.

Do I want them to get hammered again, so that some changes are made?

Or do I want a win (haha) or a tie, just to save some face?

[Dane96]

Has anyone had a chance to see this team live? I really love the energy of a crazy soccer crowd!

I have...four times. The team that played Argentina (the last game I saw) would wax the ones that have takent the pitch the last four matches.

They are terrible.

[ElSissy]

Bradley needs to go regardless of the result of the Egypt match. He's already made too many poor decisions since taking over. I hope USMNT plays well against Egypt but I just don't see that happening. Egypt has a lot to play for at this point. USMNT doesn't.

[UNHWildCats]

Team USA needs atleast a +6 goal differential pickup meaning they need to win and Italy needs to lose and the differential in the two games needs to be atleast +6

So say USA wins 3-0 and Brazil wins 3-0 team USA would then have tied Italy on GD if its more then 6 USA advances if its six then it goes to total goals scored and team USA would need to score 3 more goals then Italy in their respective matches. If they could only manage scoring two more goals then Italy they would remain tied and the next tie breaker would be total points from matches between the teams which Italy would get.
So Brazil leads Italy 3-0 and USA leads Egypt 2-0

xeekxxeekxxeekxxeekxxeekxxeekxxeekxxeekx

[UNHWildCats]

USA needs to add another or have Brazil add two more. Brazil almost just added a 4th

[UNHWildCats]

GOAL USAAAAA 3-0 USA in position to advance

[UNHWildCats]

Brazil wins 3-0

[UNHWildCats]

USA WINS 3-0 AND ADVANCES!!!!!

[T-Dog]

It's a freaking miracle. Made up a six goal differential. Has something like this ever happened before.

Not to mention this was the best USA game in a long time. They looked like the Dutch out there in terms of offense execution.

[appmaj]

wow...squeaking one out there

[slycat]

What a comeback. Spain is up next. What a great win that would be to snap Spains huge unbeaten streak.

[LacesOut]

OMG@!!!!!!!!

Unfreakinbelievable!!!!!!!!

USA played very very very well. Wonderful goals.

Still can't believe they advance. Over Italy?!?!?! LOL at soccer and it's rules.

**Edit** A holy hell to those damn horns being blown! Stop it already.

[TexasTerror]

Unbelievable!

The US advances, who'd of thought? Perhaps there is hope after all!

Now the USMNT gets at least two more matches. Spain and then probably South Africa. Can you imagine is the American somehow make their way into the Confederations Cup final?

[malibudude]

Congrats USMNT ! When Donovan runs at people with courage it opens up a whole lot of space. Backline had its best match in a very long time, still shakey, but better.

[TheValleyRaider]

Eat your heart out Giuseppe Rossi :p

http://www.enterprisemobilitymatters.com/.a/6a00e008d27b9388340115705a7abc970b-800wi

xlolx xlolx xlolx

[introvertedGSUfan]

USA just trolled the hell out of Italy. Hilarious!

[LacesOut]

USA!! USA!! USA!!

LOL at me, I thought they had no chance to win a game, let advance!!

Bradley saves his job???

**EDIT** LMFAO at Italy! hee hee

[Dane96]

I just got back-- my bday and of course, partying with my paesans in our N. End soccer cafe hangout.

Thoughts- the Italians were awful all tourney; the Brazilians look unstoppable (Spain vs. Brazil would be epic); the US FINALLY SHOWED HEART; baby Bradley saved poppa's job; and CHARLIE DAVIES NEEDS MORE MINUTES...WOW....he played a heck of a match.

BTW...Guzan just solidified himself as our No. 2. Great game from him...great game.

I would be happy to keep it within 2 of the Spainards.

[Hoyadestroya85]

To think.. this team isn't even fully healthy. I think this team has the talent to open some eyes in 2010, and make a serious run in 2014. The only thing that is really lacking on this team is young defenders. We're fine with attacking players and goalies but not with defenders.

Imagine if our best athletes played soccer like they do in other countries. Could you imagine what Devin Hester could do with a Soccer ball?

[EPJr]

http://pdashmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/flying_pig.jpg

[ElSissy]

I still think Bradley should be fired. There, I said it.

[Hoyadestroya85]

I hope Russia has a terrible string of bad luck, the US fires Bradley and signs Guus Hiddink. I'm convinced that he's the best coach in the world.

[Dane96]

I still think Bradley should be fired. There, I said it.

I agree...wholeheartedly.

[Dane96]

I hope Russia has a terrible string of bad luck, the US fires Bradley and signs Guus Hiddink. I'm convinced that he's the best coach in the world.

Wasnt there rumors that he wanted to leave? That would be a coup!

[slycat]

I hope Russia has a terrible string of bad luck, the US fires Bradley and signs Guus Hiddink. I'm convinced that he's the best coach in the world.

That would be huge. I was hoping Germanys old coach would have replaced Arena.

[Hoyadestroya85]

Bradley's not nearly as bad as Arena.. the most reasonable criticism of Bradley IMO is that he never starts the same 11. While good for developing young players, its bad for cohesiveness.

[Dane96]

Most reasonable criticism is his starting 11 changing?

Huh? In fact, it is the exact opposite. I was a Bradley supporter...but the last few months have been a nightmare. He doesnt play the youngin's nearly enough; he is partial to guys like Dempsey (out of form), Casey (really...should not be on a Nat team) and Beasley.

He got extremely lucky with his substitutions today...and frankly should have used the third...even just to kill time.

He is tactically inept and doesnt have the players to run out the empty bucket on daily basis.

Sorry...he, just like Arena, has done as good of a job as he can. Doesnt make him a bad coach...just not one to take us to the next level.

[Hoyadestroya85]

Most reasonable criticism is his starting 11 changing?

Huh? In fact, it is the exact opposite. I was a Bradley supporter...but the last few months have been a nightmare. He doesnt play the youngin's nearly enough; he is partial to guys like Dempsey (out of form), Casey (really...should not be on a Nat team) and Beasley.

He got extremely lucky with his substitutions today...and frankly should have used the third...even just to kill time.

He is tactically inept and doesnt have the players to run out the empty bucket on daily basis.

Sorry...he, just like Arena, has done as good of a job as he can. Doesnt make him a bad coach...just not one to take us to the next level.

Are we really gonna ever make it to the next level when our best athletes have three other sports where they can make as much money and be universally adored in America? We're the only country left in this thing that doesn't send it's best athletes to academies to play the sport at an early age. That's the only thing holding back US Soccer.

[JMU Newbill]

Most reasonable criticism is his starting 11 changing?

Huh? In fact, it is the exact opposite. I was a Bradley supporter...but the last few months have been a nightmare. He doesnt play the youngin's nearly enough; he is partial to guys like Dempsey (out of form), Casey (really...should not be on a Nat team) and Beasley.

He got extremely lucky with his substitutions today...and frankly should have used the third...even just to kill time.

He is tactically inept and doesnt have the players to run out the empty bucket on daily basis.

Sorry...he, just like Arena, has done as good of a job as he can. Doesnt make him a bad coach...just not one to take us to the next level.


I agree.... I think the biggest mistake that anyone who follows soccer would have noticed is that in the waining minutes of the game, he sat there peering at his watch, obviously worried about time. Any decent coach would have made a third sub. Who and where does not matter... what matters is that you waste a minute of time off the clock.

[OhioHen]

Are we really gonna ever make it to the next level when our best athletes have three other sports where they can make as much money and be universally adored in America? We're the only country left in this thing that doesn't send it's best athletes to academies to play the sport at an early age. That's the only thing holding back US Soccer.

That and the fact that our players don't know how to fall down like they've been shot when they're barely (or almost) clipped.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

How can the USMNT make you want to rip into their head coach and players one minute, then want to whoop it up when they pull off the most improbable comeback that I've ever witnessed in soccer? Bradley certainly saved his job yesterday, and - of all people - Dempsey was the guy ultimately that put the USA through. Talk about a guy that was shiite all tournament, then is present enough for a nanosecond to put in a world-class header to put us through.

Having said all that, the Egyptians took us lightly. Their head coach's decision to rest their best striker (though I think he was injured) yet still go with a 4-3-3 looks really, really foolish in retrospect. What was incredible was how quickly the Egyptians fell apart when Bradley put that second goal in - somehow, their "indomitable spirit" came crashing down and visions of abject panic came in their eyes. After the third goal, it was over - all those good feelings about beating Italy and keeping it close against Brazil, all gone.

Anyone who still thinks Bradley Jr. doesn't belong should be required to watch a tape of this game. He is without question the real deal. What's funny, though, is how the USMNT seemed to advance despite the best efforts of their coach. I just shook my head when I saw Ricardo Clark in the center instead of Adu, and Donovan on the wing - and while Clark didn't show much IMO (of course, Adu would have been much better in the center with Bradley), Donovan made things work at left wing (granted, in a 4-3-3 he is given more open space) and his runs gave them fits. I was beside myself too when Fielharber came in for Altitore (you need one goal to potentially move on, and you take out your best, creative goalscorer? Brilliant... xrolleyesx ) and he put Dempsey at striker - but against all odds he scored the winning goal, making him look brilliant.

I think when all is said and done this win for the US will be seen a damned lucky break for Brazil to beat Italy by 3 goals (when was the last time Italy gave up three goals in a match?) and really, really bad tactical decisions by the Egypt coach - disastrous even. All the coach needed to do was play conservative, and he would have won, even if the scoreline was 3-1 or 2-0. Had the Egyptians played boring 4-5-1 ball, they'd be playing Spain right now.

[Dane96]

Agreed on all the above.

[Hansel]

Nice to see Beasley not playing, would have liked to see Adu and/or Torres in the lineup though

Dempsey is capable of world class finishes- as he demonstrated yesterday- but if you are going to play him don't put him into a position where he is dribbling or passing in the midfield- because that is ugly.

Also- would like to see Donovan try to take a shot on goal in a situation other than a PK

[EPJr]

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y44/Jeremy7679/postcard_giuseppe.png

[Dane96]

Awesome!

[UNHWildCats]

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y44/Jeremy7679/postcard_giuseppe.png
xlolxxlolxxlolxxlolxxlolxxlolxxlolxxbowxxbowxxbowx xbowxxbowxxbowxxbowxxbowxxbowx

[EPJr]

http://store.objectivo.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image//j/u/judas.JPG

http://store.objectivo.com/home/rossi-judas-t-shirt-born-in-the-usa-t-shirt.html

[JMU Newbill]

OK.... I can't believe I am saying this... but I am going to have to take a break from watching around the horn and PTI. I am so sick of hearing these _______ complain about US soccer, saying that they should not have advanced because head to head should be the tiebreaker.

So... is that an argument someone has the right to make... sure? But... let me put it into perspective like this... and please let me know if this makes sense to anyone.

Let's assume that the three main tiebreakers are head to head, goal differential, and goals scored (no particular order).

Let's assume that all these sports writers are correct and head to head should be the magic determining factor.

Ok... so if thats the case.... you have three 1 - 2 teams. Tie breaker is head to head. Well... Italy beat US, US beat Egypt, Egypt beat Italy. Looks like we are all still sitting at a tie since everyone beat each other. Ok... lets move on to goal differential then... right? Well, that elminates Egypt. So we are left with goals scored, and that eliminates Italy. Or hey, at that point you could go straight to goals scored too and just by-pass goal differential... wouldn't matter. US advances either way.

Suck it Wilbon.

[UNHWildCats]

OK.... I can't believe I am saying this... but I am going to have to take a break from watching around the horn and PTI. I am so sick of hearing these _______ complain about US soccer, saying that they should not have advanced because head to head should be the tiebreaker.

So... is that an argument someone has the right to make... sure? But... let me put it into perspective like this... and please let me know if this makes sense to anyone.

Let's assume that the three main tiebreakers are head to head, goal differential, and goals scored (no particular order).

Let's assume that all these sports writers are correct and head to head should be the magic determining factor.

Ok... so if thats the case.... you have three 1 - 2 teams. Tie breaker is head to head. Well... Italy beat US, US beat Egypt, Egypt beat Italy. Looks like we are all still sitting at a tie since everyone beat each other. Ok... lets move on to goal differential then... right? Well, that elminates Egypt. So we are left with goals scored, and that eliminates Italy. Or hey, at that point you could go straight to goals scored too and just by-pass goal differential... wouldn't matter. US advances either way.

Suck it Wilbon.

Well once a team is eliminated from tie breakers it reverts back to the top of the list. so if head to head were first Italy would advance.

But thats not how it works. not in soccer and Wilbon should just shut up... whats his problem with hating on america anyway... we should lock him up at gitmo

[UNHWildCats]

Wild prediction. Team USA will shock the world later today with a stunning victory over the Spaniards.

[JMU Newbill]

Wild prediction. Team USA will shock the world later today with a stunning victory over the Spaniards.


My heart wants to believe you. However, I think a result similar to our first two games is inevitable.

But hey... crazier things have happened. Iraq played Spain very tough. Hopefully we can do the same.

[appmaj]

Here's hoping we can pull it off

[Lehigh Football Nation]

I hope so too, but I haven't forgotten the beatings at the hands of the Brazilians and Italians. I'll be happy if we finish the game with 11 men and don't embarass ourselves too badly. xnodx

I will say this, though: if the USA were ever going to play with house money, it's today. There may not be another game in these guys' careers with less pressure.

[TexasTerror]

Update...

0-0 '13

[Skjellyfetti]

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

USA 1
ESPANA 0

[TexasTerror]

ALTIDORE! ALTIDORE!

USA 1-0!

And he got booked for taking his shirt off...

[biggie]

1-0 at half. Ball has stayed on US's half most of the time though, need to do better at getting it out to relieve pressure some.

[UNHWildCats]

nice

[TexasTerror]

Spain definitely had a few chances there in the last few minutes, how many corner kicks in the final 5-10 minutes of the opening half?

[biggie]

More of the same so far in the 2nd half. All Spain shots and corners.

The couple chances the US has had, they've blown it badly.

[TexasTerror]

Game is in the 68th minute incase anyone was wondering...

Donovan playing well, really picking it up defensively.

[biggie]

Donovan playing well, really picking it up defensively.
He's had to, cause there is no offense for the US.

71 min now.

[Skjellyfetti]

xeekxxeekx

Goal by Dempsey.

US up by 2

[biggie]

Wow, thought Donavon should have shot, but then got lucky that Dempsey got an easy shot.

[TexasTerror]

Unbelievable!

The US MNT is going to be playing for a major soccer championship!

[biggie]

And damnit do I hate the 'fake' injury thing in soccer.

[UNHWildCats]

THIS IS AWESOME

[Thunderstruck84]

DO YOU BELIEVE IN MIRACLES?!?!?

[Benne]

This is a good game.

[biggie]

Another Red card for US, amazing.

[Benne]

Bogus red on dempsey

[biggie]

Howard and defense has been very good so far.

87'

[UNHWildCats]

U S A U S A U S A U S A
U S A U S A U S A U S A
U S A U S A U S A U S A
U S A U S A U S A U S A
U S A U S A U S A U S A
U S A U S A U S A U S A
U S A U S A U S A U S A
U S A U S A U S A U S A
U S A U S A U S A U S A

[UNHWildCats]

Team USA hands Spain its first loss in 36 matches

[UNHWildCats]

Spain walks off without swapping jerseys

[TexasTerror]

Spain walks off without swapping jerseys

It looked like there were a few guys who did...

Where does this win rank all-time amongst US victories in major international competition?

[Ivytalk]

Spain walks off without swapping jerseys

Pussies! Sore losers! SOCIALISTS!!xmadx

[UNHWildCats]

It looked like there were a few guys who did...

Where does this win rank all-time amongst US victories in major international competition?
Right there with 1980 Hockey over USSR

[UNHWILDCATS05]

Right there with 1980 Hockey over USSR

One of the most ridiculous things you have ever said (which is saying alot xsmiley_wix)

[Thunderstruck84]

Right there with 1980 Hockey over USSR
Meh, I don't know. The political overtones of that made it a lot more symbolic and the fact that it was on the biggest worldwide stage made it even bigger (this isn't the World Cup). But it's unfair to judge this victory against that, what an amazing win for USA soccer! It could do wonders for the popularity of the game stateside heading into the World Cup next summer.

[TheValleyRaider]

HOLY ****!!! xeekx :D xhurrayx xrotatehx xthumbsupx xeekx :D xhurrayx xrotatehx xthumbsupx xeekx :D xhurrayx xrotatehx xthumbsupx xeekx :D xhurrayx xrotatehx xthumbsupx

VIVA AMERICA!

[Ivytalk]

SPANISH SOCCER IS NOW DEAD! JUST LIKE GENERAL FRANCISCO FRANCO!!!:D

[LacesOut]

I can't believe this!

But sweet!!

[Rob Iola]

Bogus red on dempsey
the red was on Bradley - but yes, definitely bogus (ah, memories from this idiot ref from the last WC)...

Uruguay sucks...

[Rob Iola]

Right there with 1980 Hockey over USSR

Were you even alive in 1980?

If not, then with all due respect you know not of what you speak...

[griz8791]

I was at the salt mine while this was underway. Anyone hear anything about a re-broadcast?

[Rob Iola]

I was at the salt mine while this was underway. Anyone hear anything about a re-broadcast?
Tonight on the Deuce I believe...

[TheValleyRaider]

This isn't even the biggest victory in US Soccer history. That would be, I think, their 1-0 win over England in the 1950 World Cup, and given the circumstances, you could arguably put the 2002 2nd Round win over Mexico on the list, as it came in the World Cup. Maybe the win over Trinidad and Tobago that qualified them for the 1990 WC, finally returning the US to the world stage

This is a big one, no doubt about that though xnodx

[ElSissy]

SPANISH SOCCER IS NOW DEAD! JUST LIKE GENERAL FRANCISCO FRANCO!!!:D

I expect Franco will make a stunning comeback in the near future. He's already spinning in his grave.

[Benne]

the red was on Bradley - but yes, definitely bogus (ah, memories from this idiot ref from the last WC)...

Uruguay sucks...

I caught that about the time I hit submit. Awesome win though. Let's hope they can hang with Brazil, assuming Brazil advances.

[Tribefan]

This isn't even the biggest victory in US Soccer history. That would be, I think, their 1-0 win over England in the 1950 World Cup, and given the circumstances, you could arguably put the 2002 2nd Round win over Mexico on the list, as it came in the World Cup. Maybe the win over Trinidad and Tobago that qualified them for the 1990 WC, finally returning the US to the world stage

This is a big one, no doubt about that though xnodx


Portugal game was the biggest simply because Mexico was already our bitches and because wins against quality european sides are rare. A win in the World Cup trumps a win a Friendly-Type tournament such as the Confed Cup.

Still a big win though. Probably in the top 5.

[Hoyadestroya85]

This is the Carling cup of international tournaments.. Big win nonetheless

[bobcatfan06]

Right there with 1980 Hockey over USSR

Not even close. That was more than hockey...this was just a soccer game.

[tribe_pride]

The win may have been big but you also have to remember that Altidore's goal was the first goal against Spain in 451 minutes and just the third goal the Spaniards allowed in 17 games dating to last summer's European Championship. Dempsey's was obviously the 4th.

[Hansel]

Had a four pint lunch with a Spanish co-worker at a Sports Bar in Bozeman, he was a little cocky going in- not so much now. I am trying hard to keep on giving jabs at work without being obnoxious

[TexasTerror]

Apparently, according to the radio on the drive home - the pundits are putting this at third...

1) USA vs USSR, 1980 Olympic Hockey
2) USA vs England, 1950 WC

Makes sense. England thought back in 1950 it was a mistake when they saw US 1-0, that they put in papers that it was 10-0 England!

[UNHWildCats]

Had a four pint lunch with a Spanish co-worker at a Sports Bar in Bozeman, he was a little cocky going in- not so much now. I am trying hard to keep on giving jabs at work without being obnoxious
No no no, being obnoxious is the way to go

[blueballs]

Had a four pint lunch with a Spanish co-worker at a Sports Bar in Bozeman, he was a little cocky going in- not so much now. I am trying hard to keep on giving jabs at work without being obnoxious

You can console him by telling him that at least the Spaniards still have us beat at bullfighting.xbawlingx

[slycat]

Fantastic victory, huge win. I love it!!!!

[griz8791]

http://www.elmundo.es/index.html

[EPJr]

http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/watchdog/blog/cosell_talking.jpg
That is why they play the game!

[CrackerRiley]

I'm not a huge soccer guy but I didn't like how the refs seemed to be favoring Spain. Some of those offsides calls were suspect.

That red card... ARE YOU KIDDING ME!xmadx

[Hoyadestroya85]

You can console him by telling him that at least the Spaniards still have us beat at bullfighting.xbawlingx

and racism (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-512165/Spains-Grand-Prix-status-risk-outcry-racial-abuse-Lewis-Hamilton.html) xthumbsupx

[appmaj]

Avoided the news all day...just watched on the DVR. WOW!!!

Awesome! Love it. USA!

[appmaj]

This is the Carling cup of international tournaments.. Big win nonetheless

How many "cups" have we won???

None of these teams were playing their "b" squads.

Reaching the final is a big deal for US Soccer

[grizband]

How many "cups" have we won???

None of these teams were playing their "b" squads.

Reaching the final is a big deal for US Soccer
The US has placed third twice in the Confederations Cup (formerly the King Fahd Cup) - this will be there be finish ever. The tournament started in 1992, has been held eight times, and has two repeat champions (Brazil - 1997, 2005; France - 2001,2003).

[saccat]

How many "cups" have we won???

None of these teams were playing their "b" squads.

Reaching the final is a big deal for US Soccer

I don't think we have ever won a Major tourney like this.

[appmaj]

The US has placed third twice in the Confederations Cup (formerly the King Fahd Cup) - this will be there be finish ever. The tournament started in 1992, has been held eight times, and has two repeat champions (Brazil - 1997, 2005; France - 2001,2003).


I shouldn't take away from it but in 1992 they were 3rd of 4.

1999 was better, beat Germany and New Zealand in the group stage. Beat Saudi Arabia in the 3rd place match/



I don't think we have ever won a Major tourney like this.

Kind of my point xsmiley_wix

[Dane96]

Were you even alive in 1980?

If not, then with all due respect you know not of what you speak...

Exactly.

Amazing win today...but I remember vividly, as 6 year old the ramifications of that game. I remember the entire game...the neighborhood...everything.

Doesnt even come close to the miracle on ice.

[introvertedGSUfan]

This was such an amazing game. It sucks that the US doesn't appreciate it as much if soccer were as big as even the MLB.

[EPJr]

You don't have to be the best team in the world to win
just the best team in the stadium today - Lou Holtz

[appmaj]

A second chance against Brazil (I am jumping the gun and saying they take care South Africa)

Thoughts.....

[JMU Newbill]

I will be interested to see how they play without Bradley in the middle. I don't personally think Bradley is that good, but he has been somewhat of a mainstay in the middle for a while now. Hopefully it won't mess with the consistency of the team too much. The first 20 - 25 minutes yesterday, you can almost say our midfield dominated theirs. We will need that type of effort to be competitive against Brazil.

The one thing I really hope they don't do is squeeze Donovan into the middle with Dempsey and start Beasley again on the wing. I think its easy to see how well we are doing without him in there.

Hopefully they will start Feilhaber, on the wing or in the middle either one. I'd prefer not to see Kljestan anymore either to be quite honest. But.... since Adu or Torres neither one has seen the field much or at all in a while, I'd say its a toss up between Feilhaber and kljestan in Bradley's mind. I think the choice is easy.


GO USA!

[JMU Newbill]

I don't think we have ever won a Major tourney like this.


This is the USA's first final in a FIFA tournament (keep in mind Gold Cup is a CONCACAF tournament).

We started competing in FIFA tournaments in the early 1900's.

[flea]

Congrats on the win. Truly a shock result & while not a huge tournament it is still a FIFA tournament. Might actually watch the final haven't see any games despite it televised.

[OL FU]

While one FU Alum is taking abeating in the SC Governors Mansion, here is to celebrating two FU alums in this thread.

http://www.furmanpaladins.com/sports/m-soccer/spec-rel/062409aaa.html


Former Furman soccer standout Clint Dempsey tallied his second goal in as many matches and former Paladin midfielder Ricardo Clark helped the United States National Team record its second consecutive clean sheet as the U.S. ended top-ranked Spain's 35-match unbeaten streak and advanced to the finals of the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup with a 2-0 victory on Wednesday in South Africa.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Spain was elegant. Spain had the better players. They had better attacking. They had more opportunities. But they lost to a USMNT that - for a change - worked extremely hard in defense and despite a very uncreative attack somehow managed to put two in the nets.

This wasn't Lake Placid 1980, but it was big. David Villa, Torres and the like are the elite attacking force in the world, and this was a Spain team with the same cast of characters that won the Euro last year. They were playing full-bore, and they couldn't solve the USA defense. (Boy, something I NEVER thought I'd say after last week.)

Man of the match has to be Howard. He stopped five - no, eight - certain goals head-to-head. Bradley's benching of him against Egypt was a masterstroke - Howard came out with something to prove, and he proved it with a clean sheet. He did get help from the tenacious "D", but even so he stopped an incredible number of one-on-ones.

We were lucky Bocanegra was healthy enough to come back - his presence seemed to give the entire team a lift, and could have been the difference. I absolutely loved Altidore's powerful shot that was the first goal - he (legally) fought off the defender, had an inch of space and fired a power shot that took two deflections and found its way in. It was a world-class strike - not many strikers can kick the ball like that with that much force with that little space to find its way in. (Take THAT, Villareal, you bastards!!!!) Dempsey's was sort of a garbage-y goal, but hey, I'm not complaining - Dempsey's finally making the most of his opportunities, and it's paying off.

Bradley's red card in the 87th was a complete chump call. He was going after the ball and kept both his legs down - it may have been worthy of a yellow at best, but a red? Come on. His presence will almost guarantee that Feilharber will start on Sunday. (Of course, this is Bob Bradley, so all bets are off.)

I loved the win - it's the best win for the USMNT since the win over Portugal, IMO - but this win has the potential to be overspun (and it's starting to be already). It's kind of like making it to the finals of the preseason NIT - it's nice, but there's a whole season to go before we make it to the games that really matter.

[DSUrocks07]

Spain was elegant. Spain had the better players. They had better attacking. They had more opportunities. But they lost to a USMNT that - for a change - worked extremely hard in defense and despite a very uncreative attack somehow managed to put two in the nets.

This wasn't Lake Placid 1980, but it was big. David Villa, Torres and the like are the elite attacking force in the world, and this was a Spain team with the same cast of characters that won the Euro last year. They were playing full-bore, and they couldn't solve the USA defense. (Boy, something I NEVER thought I'd say after last week.)

Man of the match has to be Howard. He stopped five - no, eight - certain goals head-to-head. Bradley's benching of him against Egypt was a masterstroke - Howard came out with something to prove, and he proved it with a clean sheet. He did get help from the tenacious "D", but even so he stopped an incredible number of one-on-ones.

We were lucky Bocanegra was healthy enough to come back - his presence seemed to give the entire team a lift, and could have been the difference. I absolutely loved Altidore's powerful shot that was the first goal - he (legally) fought off the defender, had an inch of space and fired a power shot that took two deflections and found its way in. It was a world-class strike - not many strikers can kick the ball like that with that much force with that little space to find its way in. (Take THAT, Villareal, you bastards!!!!) Dempsey's was sort of a garbage-y goal, but hey, I'm not complaining - Dempsey's finally making the most of his opportunities, and it's paying off.

Bradley's red card in the 87th was a complete chump call. He was going after the ball and kept both his legs down - it may have been worthy of a yellow at best, but a red? Come on. His presence will almost guarantee that Feilharber will start on Sunday. (Of course, this is Bob Bradley, so all bets are off.)

I loved the win - it's the best win for the USMNT since the win over Portugal, IMO - but this win has the potential to be overspun (and it's starting to be already). It's kind of like making it to the finals of the preseason NIT - it's nice, but there's a whole season to go before we make it to the games that really matter.

And at the end of the day, that's all this is...great win nonetheless but we still have to put it all into context.

[EPJr]

Jermaine Jones wants to play for the USA
http://www.soccerbyives.net/.a/6a00e54ef2975b8833011570fc848c970b-500wi
The deepest position in the U.S. men's national team pool is about to get even deeper.

Schalke 04 midfielder Jermaine Jones has notified the German Football Federation that he intends to change national teams and plans to play for the U.S. national team. Jones is taking advantage of the new FIFA rule that allows players of any age to change national teams if they are eligible for multiple national teams and have yet to play in an official match for either.

Jones is hoping that FIFA will be able to rule on his application for a national team switch in time for him to play in some World Cup qualifiers. Lastly, Jones does speak English (though not fluently) and is excited about the chance to play for the United States.

So who is Jermaine Jones? He's a talented 27-year old who will easily be one of the best midfielders in the U.S. pool the minute he puts on a uniform.

A brash defensive midfielder who boasts incredible athleticism as well as a noted mean streak. The son of a German mother and American serviceman father, Jones made three appearances with the German national team, but all three matches were friendlies, meaning Jones can still change national teams.

From what I can remember about Jones' story, he didn't have much of a relationship with his American father, and considered himself completely German, but that attitude might have changed after getting effectively snubbed by the German national team despite being considered one of the best midfielders in the Bundesliga.

A fan favorite at Schalke for his fearless approach to the game, Jones will join a central midfield pool that also includes Michael Bradley, Ricardo Clark, Maurice Edu, Benny Feilhaber and Sacha Kljestan. He could bring some much-needed bite to a midfield that could use some (if he is ready to play for the USA by then, Jones is definitely the type of player who could make a major impact vs. Mexico at Azteca.)

If you are wondering how the U.S. national team missed out on him in the first place he wasn't really an option before. Before he was 21, Jones was a German Under-21 player with German national team aspirations. He lost his U.S. eligibility when he turned 21 in 2002, but regained that eligibility when FIFA ruled that players could switch national teams at any age, rather than by the age of 21.

Jones' decision is the first of what could be a few that go in favor of the U.S. national team after FIFA's rule change. While the United States could lose out on Arturo Alvarez, who will likely be allowed to play for El Salvador, American-born Mexico Under-23 defender Edgar Castillo could also now make the switch from playing for Mexico to playing for the United States.

What do you think of this news?
Like the idea of adding Jones to the pool?
Still hoping Edgar Castillo changes his mind and plays for the United States?

[Lehigh Football Nation]

I think he may have a problem getting PT behind the son of the coach, to be honest with you - and not only that, he's the exact same type of central defensive midfielder that Bradley is. Of course, with the frequency Bradley Jr. seems to be getting red cards dished out to him lately, having his clone available off the bench would be fantastic.

If I were Bob Bradley, I'd say goodbye to Alvarez and say hello to Jonesy in the Gold Cup, why not? Of course, this being Bob Bradley, that probably means he'll offer to start Alvarez every game during the Gold Cup and push Jones back into the arms of the German national team.

As for Castillo, I'd be doing everything in my power to get him to switch sides - though the USMNT's main selling point at the moment is that they're not Mexico, who is in deep danger of not qualifying for the World Cup if they continue to struggle.

[appmaj]

The first 20 - 25 minutes yesterday, you can almost say our midfield dominated theirs. We will need that type of effort to be competitive against Brazil.


I would say for the first, 8-10 we dominated completely. A couple of good scoring chances and possesion of the ball almost throughout that time period.

[Rob Iola]

...

Man of the match has to be Howard. He stopped five - no, eight - certain goals head-to-head. Bradley's benching of him against Egypt was a masterstroke - Howard came out with something to prove, and he proved it with a clean sheet. He did get help from the tenacious "D", but even so he stopped an incredible number of one-on-ones.

...
Howard was huge and deservedly MOTM, but Gooch, Demerit, Boca, and even Clark (saving a goal with that sliding block near the end of the 2nd half) were unfriggin believable - seared in my mind is Gooch's over the shoulder reverse heel flick block - sweet Sassy Mollassy!

And Donovan was sublime - such a great calming presence with every touch plus an unreal workrate and productive runs down the flank - although he was very very lucky to avoid both conceding a PK and getting a 2nd yellow for his dives...

Nice to see Dempsey getting time at forward, plus the continued growth of Davies. Now if only Jozy would do better with his controlling touches at mid-field...

[Dane96]

Howard was huge and deservedly MOTM, but Gooch, Demerit, Boca, and even Clark (saving a goal with that sliding block near the end of the 2nd half) were unfriggin believable - seared in my mind is Gooch's over the shoulder reverse heel flick block - sweet Sassy Mollassy!

And Donovan was sublime - such a great calming presence with every touch plus an unreal workrate and productive runs down the flank - although he was very very lucky to avoid both conceding a PK and getting a 2nd yellow for his dives...

Nice to see Dempsey getting time at forward, plus the continued growth of Davies. Now if only Jozy would do better with his controlling touches at mid-field...

That heel flick was sick. Btw...i often rag on Landycakes...but he has been phenomenal of late. Arguably, we should have had more goals...he was so open half the time...finding space and BEGGING for the ball to be reversed across the pitch.

BTW...tactically, there is no difference between Jones and Clark.

You're starting midfield will be Lando, Jones, Bradley, and Dempsey.

The real question is...Davies. I honestly believe the guy should be starting up top with Altidore if he can keep this up. If not, maybe move up Dempsey...but who plays on the right.

Bradley and Jones in the middle will absolutely HUMBLE teams. Jones is more of a destroyer than Bradley...and this will allow Bradley to play box-to-box...where he was most effective in Holland and where my office-mate (a local boy from Moenchengladbach) said he played best for Borussia this year.

Edu...will be the odd man out and the super-sub with Feilheiber. Feilhieiber for control and passing...Edu in to destroy. Torres....may go back to Mexico at this rate....

[biggie]

Surprised that Brazil and SA are still 0-0 almost at half.

[Rob Iola]

Nil nil at the half in the other semi - could you imagine South Africa making it thru and a USA - South Africa matchup in the final?

I'd probably hafta turn off the volume entirely if that happened - those damn horns would be wayyyy out of control...

BTW - these two sides combine to form pretty much the entire all-name team for the tournament...

[UNHWildCats]

Brazil wins 1-0 on a late goal

[TheValleyRaider]

Good

Nothing against the hosts, but I want another shot at the Seleção xnodx

[Rob Iola]

Good

Nothing against the hosts, but I want another shot at the Seleção xnodx
Yeah, but I believe the outcome will define "anti-climatic".



Of course, if that's the case Algore might hafta give a speech...

[Hoyadestroya85]

I just ordered my Jozy Altidore national team jersey today. I had plans to order one but i couldn't decide what player to get. Yesterday sealed it for Jozy.

[Peems]

Tomorrow, if the US wins, this would perhaps be the biggest thing we've ever done as a nation in soccer. Sure it isn't the level of the World Cup but the possibility of beating Spain and Brazil back to back is pretty awesome

[Rob Iola]

Tomorrow, if the US wins, this would perhaps be the biggest thing we've ever done as a nation in soccer. Sure it isn't the level of the World Cup but the possibility of beating Spain and Brazil back to back is pretty awesome
Dude, congrats on 7K!!! When do you get your snazzy new custom moniker?

[Peems]

Dude, congrats on 7K!!! When do you get your snazzy new custom moniker?

i'm not sure, have to wait for the higher ups!

[TheValleyRaider]

What a finish in the 3rd Place match!

Danny Guiza scores twice in the 88th and 89th minute to give Spain a 2-1 lead, then SA punches in a free kick from 40 yards out in stoppage time to tie it! xeekx

[TexasTerror]

Danny Guiza scores twice in the 88th and 89th minute to give Spain a 2-1 lead, then SA punches in a free kick from 40 yards out in stoppage time to tie it! xeekx

Awesome! Counting down to the US game against Brazil. Wish I would've caught the final moments of regulation in the Spain-South Africa game!

[tribe_pride]

It's not over yet. 8 minutes in to extra time. They will go to PK if necessary. ESPN2. Mphela just missed a hat trick on an almost break away

[TheValleyRaider]

Xabi Alonso scores on a free kick in the 107th minute

3-2 Spain with about 7 minutes left

[tribe_pride]

Unfortunate goal (for goalie) moving 1 way expecting the ball to be deflected and it never happened. Not his fault but he just looks dumb on that play. Kind of like on a PK.

Well deserved for Spain though because they should have been given a PK when South Africa had a handball in the box but for some reason it was not called.

[TheValleyRaider]

ESP 3-2 RSA
Final A.E.T.

[tribe_pride]

And that would be game. 3-2 Spain.

[NHwildEcat]

I am heading down to the SuperLiga game between the REVS and Atlas @ 4:30. But before that game Gillette Stadium is opening up the doors early so people can watch the US/Brazil game!!

It should be an awesome afternoon!

[SuperJon]

Is there any way to watch this game online for free? I don't get ESPN360.

[TexasTerror]

Is there any way to watch this game online for free? I don't get ESPN360.

You do not get ESPN360 for free online?

http://channelsurfing.net/

[TexasTerror]

US 0-0 Brazil 7'

BRA - two corner kicks thus far
USA - some early pressure in the first three minutes

[TexasTerror]

U-S-A! U-S-A!

CLINT DEMPSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSEY!

USA 1-0 BRA 10'

[UNHWildCats]

WOW Americans take early 1-0 lead

[OL FU]

U-S-A! U-S-A!

CLINT DEMPSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSEY!

USA 1-0 BRA 10'

FUxhurrayxxhurrayx

[UNHWildCats]

2-0 usa

[UNHWildCats]

Its unbelievable how different this team is from its first two games to its past three

[UNHWildCats]

2-0 Americans at the half.

[TheValleyRaider]

USA 2-0 BRA
Halftime

Dempsey 10'
Donovan 26'

This. is. awesome.

Great give and go between Donovan and Davies on the 2nd goal. Howard's made some great saves. Brazil had a great chance right before the half, and no doubt will keep on coming. Gotta hold that backline....

[UNHWildCats]

Since 1993 the Americans have lost just once when leading at the half, that came two weeks ago against Italy.

[TexasTerror]

Dempsey is having one helluva tournament...

Hope this momentum carries over to our MNT effort in August against Mexico when we have our A team back.

[slycat]

What a half by the US. Hope the defense keeps playing perfect because Brazil will continue to bring it.

[UNHWildCats]

USA gives up a very quick goal to start the 2nd half

[TexasTerror]

The USMNT is holding off the pressure from Brazil. Howard just had a brilliant save.

What subs can we expect from Bob Bradley? No Michael Bradley today.

[UNHWildCats]

USA got away with one there.

[TexasTerror]

Crap.

2-2. Brazil with the equalizer.

[LeopardFan04]

You do not get ESPN360 for free online?

http://channelsurfing.net/


Your internet provider has to have a deal worked out with ESPN for it...we're finally getting it here "in time for football season..."

[TexasTerror]

Your internet provider has to have a deal worked out with ESPN for it...we're finally getting it here "in time for football season..."

Interesting...I get it on Bell South Internet and at work. Good to know... xthumbsupx

[UNHWildCats]

Your internet provider has to have a deal worked out with ESPN for it...we're finally getting it here "in time for football season..."
your thinking of ESPN360 Channelsurfin.net is different

[TexasTerror]

Brazil 3-2 USA 84'

Set piece goal...

[TexasTerror]

FINAL

Brazil 3-2

[slycat]

USA let Brazil dominate them the whole game. US got 2 goals in the first half off nice breakaways. But Howard can stop only so many shots.

[SuperJon]

Does this mean Bradley gets the boot?

[TexasTerror]

Does this mean Bradley gets the boot?

Bradley is safe through this WC cycle barring anything really disturbing. So, he's got just over a year left.

Next USMNT coach will be Dominic Kinnear, if he wants it. :D

[UNHWildCats]

Bradley is safe through this WC cycle barring anything really disturbing. So, he's got just over a year left.

Next USMNT coach will be Dominic Kinnear, if he wants it. :D
How far does Team USA need to get in the WC next year to save Bradley's job?

[slycat]

How far does Team USA need to get in the WC next year to save Bradley's job?

I'd say quarter finals to have a shot and semis would seal it up.

[TheValleyRaider]

It was a game effort for sure. Brazil is good. Very good. If anything, the US scored too early. Gave Brazil too much time to bring pressure on goal. It just got worse and worse as the half wore on

Hard to be overly disappointed, given the way the tournament started. The biggest thing for this team will be maintaining the consistently strong effort they showed against Egypt and Spain. Bring that to the table, and no one in CONCACAF will be able to stop them

On a side note, I'm curious to see if/how the cold weather has any effect on the World Cup next year. Not that these players are completely unused to cooler temperatures (especially those that ply their trade in the Premiership), but I have to think it could disadvantage some teams. Could be an interesting subplot next year

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Amazing to think that the USA was up 2-0 on Brazil. 2-freaking-0! At halftime! Yes, there were signs the defense was starting to wilt from the constant Brazilian pressure - notably on the wings with Spector and Bocanegra, which has to concern any USA watcher - but everyone had to be thinking that "this was it". Preseason NIT or no, finally avenging Tab Ramos' injury and not only beating but humiliating the Brazilians was within reach. And boy would that have been sweet, even if this is the preseason NIT of soccer tournaments.

But the first Brazilian goal after halftime - admittedly nothing that DeMerit or the USA team could do anything about - was the beginning of the end. The two next Brazilian goals showed the two greatest weaknesses of the USMNT at this time: overall fitness and defensive set pieces. I attribute the two goal (and the non-goal "should have been a goal") due to defensive breakdowns: Give Brazilians that much room in the box, and they're going to beak through. Onyewu was to blame for the second - how did he get two or three shots at scoring? - and while Dempsey might blame himself for the game-winning goal, where was the central defender that should have been marking him?

I think the USMNT might have pulled off the upset if Bradley was in there. (There, I said it.) It also would have helped if Bradley Sr. could have subbed out Donovan after 70 minutes and put in a defensive midfielder on the wing to mitigate the damage Brazil was causing - or perhaps taken Altidore out, put the defensive middie in and switch Donovan or Dempsey to forward. I think what I'll always wonder is: what if Bradley was in there and able to help out on defense? Might one - or both - of the goals been prevented? I absolutely think it could have.

Overall, it's been quite a Confederations cup roller coaster ride. The USA started pathetically against two of the best teams in the world. They then - through a great effort against Egypt, sure, but with a heaping portion of pure dumb luck - got a chance to play Spain, and then proceeded to beat the best team in the world. Then the USA goes up 2-0 on Brazil - Brazil! - and then the whole thing comes crashing down.

The USMNT proved this time out they can hang with the best in the world for 45 minutes, provided they 1) don't get any idiotic red cards, 2) play with heart from the opening tip and 3) organization (which seems to be contingent on Carlos Bocanegra's presence). But fitness has to be, IMO, the biggest concern - they were also wilting against Spain, too, in the late going - a fact which was obscured by Howard standing on his head and stopping an incredible array of shots from two of the best strikers in the world. In the World Cup, the USMNT cannot lean on Howard bailing them out.

How the USMNT handles these weaknesses in the next year - fitness, defensive set pieces, overall defensive organization, preventing the dumb fouls - will determine the USMNT's success in the next World Cup. I have a funny feeling that this loss might actually be good for the USMNT in the long run - that Brazil's come-from-behind victory will convince that the USA has the players to hang, but just need to work on some very specific things to become an elite team. Time will tell.

[GannonFan]

Gotta be happy with the performance. This team should be able to take the field against anyone and look good. Of course we're still long shots to make serious international noise, but there's no reason for this team to be embarrassed playing any teams (as they were against Italy and Brazil the first time). Hopefully the effort in the past 3 games proves that to themselves and hopefully that carries over to the World Cup.

On the plus side, European teams have struggled in World Cups not held in Europe (still haven't had a European team win a WC outside of that continent) and the US, who has shriveled in WC's in Europe, does better in tournaments outside of that continent so there's reasons to feel optimistic going back to South Africa next year. They just need to keep up the effort and get some consistency and they should be fun to watch.

[YoUDeeMan]

Not sure what game you guys were watching, but I saw the US team get absolutely dominated by Brazil. The Brazilians scored 4 goals (despite the score) in a half (in a HALF) and, without our goalie making a number of stellar saves, it could have easily been more.

Our players just don't have the skills that are needed to maintain control of the ball and to organize consistent scoring opportunities.

Just before the tying goal one of our players got the ball on the right wing and was wide open with little pressure. He had a great opportunity to cross the ball into the box where we had 2-3 players. Instead, the guy made a lousy pass that went about 15 yards to nobody - and no one ever had a chance, it wasn't a miscommunication - and was essentially a give away, and the Brazilians were off and running.

We simply do not have players that can make individual moves to create space or to put the ball on the money to a cutting teammate. They also lack chemistry up front and on the back line.

As exciting as it was to be up 2-0, the difference in skill level between us and the rest of the top teams in this tournament was huge.

We got beat by Brazil 3-0. Italy came back and beat us with how many goals in the second half? We beat Spain, but were outshot 29-9. And Brazil smoked us - worse than the scored indicated - when it counted.

Great to say we finished in second place! xnodxxthumbsupx But, unfortunately, we were worlds away from being the second best team in that tournament.

[GannonFan]

Not sure what game you guys were watching, but I saw the US team get absolutely dominated by Brazil. The Brazilians scored 4 goals (despite the score) in a half (in a HALF) and, without our goalie making a number of stellar saves, it could have easily been more.

Our players just don't have the skills that are needed to maintain control of the ball and to organize consistent scoring opportunities.

Just before the tying goal one of our players got the ball on the right wing and was wide open with little pressure. He had a great opportunity to cross the ball into the box where we had 2-3 players. Instead, the guy made a lousy pass that went about 15 yards to nobody - and no one ever had a chance, it wasn't a miscommunication - and was essentially a give away, and the Brazilians were off and running.

We simply do not have players that can make individual moves to create space or to put the ball on the money to a cutting teammate. They also lack chemistry up front and on the back line.

As exciting as it was to be up 2-0, the difference in skill level between us and the rest of the top teams in this tournament was huge.

We got beat by Brazil 3-0. Italy came back and beat us with how many goals in the second half? We beat Spain, but were outshot 29-9. And Brazil smoked us - worse than the scored indicated - when it counted.

Great to say we finished in second place! xnodxxthumbsupx But, unfortunately, we were worlds away from being the second best team in that tournament.

Brazil's very likely the best team in the world. I seem to remember them scoring goals in bunches against Italy too. So yeah, we're not the best team in the world. I don't see anyone saying as such. But we did look good against Italy for a half, and had to play with 10 men, we did thump Egypt, who was the best African team out there, and we did stop the hottest team in the world in Spain (sure they outshot us, but I'd take that matchup again in a second - Spain's got no air game and I like that matchup).

What it boils down to is that we are respectable and outside of the real top teams in the world (i.e. Brazil) we shouldn't be embarassed by anyone. And like I said, I like the chance to play European teams out of their element (i.e. home continent) - while the US won't win the WC in 2010, they could make quite a lot of noise.

[tribe_pride]

If you look at the first 20 minutes of the games, we were actually playing ok. It's once we scored, we kind of changed strategies. We were definitely not as skillful as the Spanish or Brazilians but the way we play once we get a lead will kill us.

By the way, nice teamork and touches by both guys on Donovan's goal (who knew he had some speed). Good 1 touch pass and then nice 1 touch by Donovan to the inside to avoid the defender and then great shot.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

But we did look good against Italy for a half, and had to play with 10 men, we did thump Egypt, who was the best African team out there, and we did stop the hottest team in the world in Spain (sure they outshot us, but I'd take that matchup again in a second - Spain's got no air game and I like that matchup).

Exactly - we hung with Italy, Spain, Brazil for a half (and held on to beat Spain). If games were 45 minutes long, we'd be one of the best teams in the world and winners of the Confederations Cup. However, games are 90 minutes+ET and the USMNT will need to concentrate on fitness more than anything in order to weather these types of storms next year. In every game after about 60-65 minutes everyone was gassed - Altidore specifically had nothing in the tank after that mark in every game, taking away our best scoring threat. You can blame that on those Villareal bastards to some degree, but fact is Altidore needs to be able to go 90 minutes, and Bradley needs to make that happen. If Altidore's low fitness can (possibly) be excused, it's harder to justify for Spector and a lot of the EPL/Bundesliga guys.

The USMNT did expose something interesting: how come the young US players seem to get the Ramada overseas for the most part? When the USMNT was beaten 3-0 and 3-1, it looked like it was because the US simply wasn't that talented. After the CC, it's abundantly clear that the USMNT certainly has a decent amount of top-flight talent that ought to be starting for top flight European teams - Altidore, Donovan, Adu, Edu, Torres, DeMerit, etc. It's tempting to speculate that they're getting benched and not starting simply because they're Americans - though perhaps egos are involved, perhaps it's stylistic, I'm not sure.

US players live in this weird limbo: there's the MLS and below players who for the most part are "single A minor league", and there's the EPL/Bundesliga/La Liga players who are "major league". The soccer equivalent of AAA teams in baseball don't really take US players since they're unmarketable in the USA and on their home fields. You get the occasional Danish team, French team, etc. that take a player or two, but their numbers are pitifully few. We need more EPL players, of course, but more importantly we need 150 mid-level Americans ripping up the Dutch and French leagues to be able to earn their way to the EPL. At one time I thought MLS was the answer to this, but I'm not so sure about that anymore.

[89Hen]

Did anyone else think Kljesten > Altidore was a TERRIBLE mistake? I was yelling at the TV NOOOOOOOO. SK promptly turned the ball over three times in a row. xnonono2x

[GannonFan]

Exactly - we hung with Italy, Spain, Brazil for a half (and held on to beat Spain). If games were 45 minutes long, we'd be one of the best teams in the world and winners of the Confederations Cup. However, games are 90 minutes+ET and the USMNT will need to concentrate on fitness more than anything in order to weather these types of storms next year. .

Well, you can't really use the Italy game since we were a man down for 60 minutes of that game. As for Spain, we didn't have to press. Spain had the ball a lot, but to no effect. The US was more than happy to have Spain on the edges and trying to cross the ball in - Spain just isn't very good in the air and the US, on the other hand, is pretty decent in the air. Nothing wrong with sitting back and let that happen. Spain, for all their possession, didn't really generate many good offensive chances. Brazil, well, they are Brazil - you don't win all those WC's for no reason. They could've, and have, done the same thing to top flight countries what they did to the US last night.

As for fitness, again odd, you read the BBC and all they talk about is how fit the US is versus a side like Spain. Sure Dempsey and Altidore got gassed, but the rest of the team looked plenty fine. Strikers normally get winded - our problem is we don't have enough of them to put a fresh one in later in the game. And not having Bradley in the lineup hurt the mid-field substitution as Feilhaber wasn't there to come in fresh in the second half. IMO, the team just needs the depth you talk about - it's amazing how much more "fit" the team can look when they bring in quality depth to replace the quality starters, as teams like Brazil do.

[89Hen]

BTW, a couple other observations...

- FilipeMelo should have EASILY gotten a second yellow for the elbow to the back of Donovan's head. There were actually two instances he would have gotten a yellow if he didn't already have one.

- The whole turning the jersey around so everyone can see your name further proves that soccer players are the biggest arses in all of sport. There is so much diving and crying and whining... now this?

- Did NOT care for Donovan's 'Me, me, me' celebration. See above.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Sure Dempsey and Altidore got gassed, but the rest of the team looked plenty fine. Strikers normally get winded - our problem is we don't have enough of them to put a fresh one in later in the game. And not having Bradley in the lineup hurt the mid-field substitution as Feilhaber wasn't there to come in fresh in the second half. IMO, the team just needs the depth you talk about - it's amazing how much more "fit" the team can look when they bring in quality depth to replace the quality starters, as teams like Brazil do.

You're right - and it's worth noting that Brazil's depth is not only the best in the world most likely, their subs would be 90 minute men on a lot of national teams. It's no accident that Brazil won on late game-winners against both South Africa and the USA with their super-subs running all over the field.

Just looking again at our bench just gives me the willies: Connor Casey, Jonathan Bornstein, DaMarcus Beasely, Sasha Kjlestian, Marvell Wynne, and Danny Califf. You've got to hope some folks in the Gold Cup make pushes to oust these guys - Adu of course, but also possibly Cherundolo, Heaps, Robbie Rogers, and Brian Ching.

[appmaj]

Let's see how the gold cup goes??????

[B&G]

BTW, a couple other observations...

- FilipeMelo should have EASILY gotten a second yellow for the elbow to the back of Donovan's head. There were actually two instances he would have gotten a yellow if he didn't already have one.

- The whole turning the jersey around so everyone can see your name further proves that soccer players are the biggest arses in all of sport. There is so much diving and crying and whining... now this?

- Did NOT care for Donovan's 'Me, me, me' celebration. See above.

Speaking of celebrations... I liked that Dempsey's celebration appeared to be a tribute to Michael Jackson.