USA!

[Steve]

how about that?! shocking the world!!!

2-0 over spain

 

[IHateMarkMay]

Just got home from work, watched highlights, can't believe it. Amazing.

 

[jason_h537]

Get the fuck outta here? I think the world might actually be coming to an end now

 

[NeuteredDoomer]

Great win

 

[Sureal]

WOOOHOOO!!!! Told you guys that Jozy is the man!!!


WOOOHOOO!!!

 

[nlroma1o]

I still can't believe they pulled off that win.... it doesnt really mater tho bc they arent going to defeat Brazil.

You know wierd stuff is going on when the US beats Spain and Italy can't even beat Egypt......

 

[NDinL.A.]

Saw the entire game, but was too shocked by the Martin/Fauria news to post.

My dad was born and raised in Spain. I have family in both Barca and Madrid. I watch the national team every chance I get, as well as the U.S. team, who I also follow very closely. I watched every match of this tourney, I thought for sure I would be rooting for Spain. But when the kickoff came, I found myself cheering loudly for the U.S. Maybe it was the underdog factor, or the fact that I was born in raised here, or the fact that it was a more important match for soccer in the U.S, I'm not sure, but what a game.

Spain screwed up in the sense that they took the game too lightly. It was apparent from the 5th minute on. In the 2nd half they woke up but by that time there were 11 Americans in front of the goal. Just one of those games for Spain, and the Americans deserved to win, as several of them played inspired soccer (Donovan, Howard, Onyewu, DeMerit, etc.).

I will say this: if you don't follow soccer, Spain is like the Boston Red Sox. ALways talented, but seemingly cursed. Could never win on the big stage. Something always happened. Choke jobs galore, horrible refs, you name it. But winning the Euro Cup 2008 for Spain last summer was like the Sox winning the WS in 2004. The monkey was off their backs. Watching them win that tourney was one of my favorite sporting events of my lifetime. True bliss. They haven't lost since then either, destroying opponents until the U.S.A's unreal victory yesterday.

In short, I'm sad for Spain, but this tourney didn't mean as much for them as it meant for the U.S., in a total soccer sense. An embarressment, yes, but they'll survive. But I'm extremely happy for U.S. soccer...

 

[BGIF]

I still can't believe they pulled off that win.... it doesnt really mater tho bc they arent going to defeat Brazil. ...

Hello Mr Wet Blanket.

Greatest victory in US soccer history and you want to crap on their parade.


1100 BC David doesn't have a chance against Goliath

1948 Dewey Wins!

1960 Lake Placid The Ameicans won't even score on the Russians

1969 Orioles Will Win In 4 Over Hapless Mets

2008 Michigan Limbers Up Against Div AA App State

2009 Spain won't even work up a sweat against the Americans


You don't win unless you think you can.

 

[nlroma1o]

hahahaha sry dude i'm not crapping on the USA's great victory. Im just stating the obvious. I didn't mean to offend anyone.

I personally am just bitter about the whole tournament because I'm Italian and support Italy's football squad before the US. Il Azurri

 

[notredomer23]

USA is going to woop up some ass. I cant wait for the real world cup though. I love world soccer. Cant stand MLS though.

I think its just meant to be for the US this year. Even if they do not beat Brazil, that is a HUGE stepping stone in the right direction because they now believe they can win against anyone

 

[BGIF]

hahahaha sry dude i'm not crapping on the USA's great victory. Im just stating the obvious. I didn't mean to offend anyone.

I personally am just bitter about the whole tournament because I'm Italian and support Italy's football squad before the US. Il Azurri

scusa.

I used to represent an Italian equipment company and they couldn't comprehend how I could be a passionate football fan yet know nothing about the World Cup. I don't follow world football, I don't even follow the NFL.

So your comment about the seemingly invincibility of the Brazilians was more based on 0:3 21/06/2009 than the skill of the American Team?

Wasn't Italy ranked higher than Brazil?

Why did Brazil win?

 

[notredomer23]

Wasn't Italy ranked higher than Brazil?

Why did Brazil win?

dont forget spain. undefeated in their last 35 games. til now

 

[nlroma1o]

scusa.

I used to represent an Italian equipment company and they couldn't comprehend how I could be a passionate football fan yet know nothing about the World Cup. I don't follow world football, I don't even follow the NFL.

So your comment about the seemingly invincibility of the Brazilians was more based on 0:3 21/06/2009 than the skill of the American Team?

Wasn't Italy ranked higher than Brazil?

Why did Brazil win?

I'm not sure what your questioning.....?

My comment about the Brazilians was based off of my knowledge of the Brazilian players and the strength of the team. I've played soccer and follwed the sport closely my entire life. I'm not a random spectator who decided to make a comment about US soccer. I'm making that prediction based off of the fact that Kaka, Robinho, and Fabiano are going to be far too much for the US to handle. I couldn't even imagine what it would be like if Ronaldinho was playing and Pato was given some pt. To answer your question, No, I did not base that predictions solely off of Brazil putting the Italians out of their misery.

Yes, Italy was ranked higher than Brazil because they won the World Cup in 2006. But thats just a rankings. You know that doesnt mean anything.

 

[BGIF]

dont forget spain. undefeated in their last 35 games. til now

And something like half of them by shutout I believe I heard.

 

[notredomer23]

Yeah i am pretty sure it was more than that. It was the first goal they allowed since they played Turkey which was before this tournament I believe

 

[BGIF]

I'm not sure what your questioning.....?

.... To answer your question, No, I did not base that predictions solely off of Brazil putting the Italians out of their misery.

Yes, Italy was ranked higher than Brazil because they won the World Cup in 2006. But thats just a rankings. You know that doesnt mean anything.

That was what I was questioning and you answered it very well. I am a casual fan, never played the game except in gym class, and appreciate your description of the Brazilian Juggernaut.

Sounds to me like America's win over Spain was like David beating Goliath but I gather you're telling me Goliath's brother just showed up carrying more weapons and he knows about David's sling. He's got his shield up and won't be caught by surprise.

As for the rankings I thought they were updated frequently to reflect recent action.

If I was looking at the right website Spain was #1, I don't recall #2, Italy was #3 and Brazil #4 (before the match with Italy) and the Americans were #14. How much would you expect the Spaniards to fall and the American to rise based upon you familiarity with world football polls?

 

[notredomer23]

I think if America wins this thing they will move up to #5. If they lose it top 10.

I wouldnt call this David vs Goliath. While it is a huge upset, its more like Vietnam defeating us in the war. Lol. I like these anologies

 

[BGIF]

... I wouldnt call this David vs Goliath. While it is a huge upset, its more like Vietnam defeating us in the war. Lol. I like these anologies

If David had been around today he would lose.

The media would report his planned unfair ambush and chastised his use of ruthless missiles as escalating the arms race with superior weaponry giving him an unsportingly advantage over his elderly, slower moving, opponent who should be on disability for his life threatening giganticism disease.

Polls would mandated that David only aim for areas of the body covered by armor, no head shots, no knee shots, no elbow shots and definitely no groin shots. David would have to remain in a neutral corner while Goliath would be granted a mandatory 8 count before David could move in. Goliath would be get a complete physical by a panel of physicans including an MRI to confirm lack of brain activity. David could only excise his head after the Supreme Court reviewed years of appeals and confirmed due process had been taken. After all Goliath has rights.

But we digress. Anyone who wants to continue this line, take it to a new thread.

 

[NDinL.A.]

I'm not sure what your questioning.....?

My comment about the Brazilians was based off of my knowledge of the Brazilian players and the strength of the team. I've played soccer and follwed the sport closely my entire life. I'm not a random spectator who decided to make a comment about US soccer. I'm making that prediction based off of the fact that Kaka, Robinho, and Fabiano are going to be far too much for the US to handle. I couldn't even imagine what it would be like if Ronaldinho was playing and Pato was given some pt. To answer your question, No, I did not base that predictions solely off of Brazil putting the Italians out of their misery.

No, there's a reason why Ronaldinho isn't w/ Brazil, and it's because he simply isn't worthy of it. His play has dropped off dramatically since the height of his career, as he concentrated more on his nightlife than his game, and Barca dumped him and were better off for it. Now he doesn't even start regularly for Milan.

As for the Brazil game, it depends on which American team shows up, and will they have enough juice left to finish the deal? They can play with the Brazilians if they put the effort that they did vs. Spain, but I'm not sure their legs will allow it, esp Donovan, who has been balling all 4 games. Losing Bradley hurts. And don't forget, it also depends on which Brazilian team shows up. Will it be the one who beat Italy 3-'nil', or will it be the team that lost to lowly Ecuador 2-0 last month? Should be fun...

 

[irishrecruiting]

I couldn't help but join in on a soccer thread. Imagine if Pato and Fabiano played together!!! Pato looked excellent at Milan, and if they want to give the 19-year-old any experience before next year's World Cup I would have wished they had put him in for some PT in the other Confederation Cup games. I think Pato had an extremely strong season with Milan - he's so quick and his first touch is normally perfect...today the Brasilian attack didn't look like they knew what they wanted to do (at least in the first half. I didn't get a chance to watch the second half).

Robinho kept doing the step overs and lost the ball, Kaka took (if I remember correctly) a wild shot, and when him and Robinho pushed up with Fabiano, that left the center midfield vulnerable and until they got back a little deeper, the South Africans took advantage of it. Now like I said, that's only for the first half.

I did manage to catch Dani Alves' beatiul free kick like I've seen him score at Barcelona before on GolTV this past year. I don't think he'll start against the USA though, for the same reason Sergio Ramos of Spain was criticized - he's attacking, which is good, but too an extent. Bob Bradley made sure after Ramos would push up, if the US got the ball they would counter down the left flank; where Ramos is supposed to be covering. I think Alves would have the same problem with that even though he's a World Class player, and Dunga, the Brasilian coach, should notice that.

Let me post more thoughts in a second - I've followed soccer longer than football, so hopefully that gives me a little credibility here with talking soccer.

 

[jason_h537]

I'm half Spanish and now i got to hear from all these damn Mexicans about how we got beat by the US. I am not so pumped up by the win anymore

 

[GOLDENISTHYTATE]

I am very excited by the victory, but still not convinced that they are a very good team. The second goal was beyond lucky, and the first one, while great that jozy was able to turn the Spanish defender, his shot was horrible and Casillas still almost got it. Howard played a hell of a game and although the defense played better, still aren't that strong when you see that the US had 9 shots and Spain had 29.

I am beyond ecstatic for the team, but I hope this win translates into confidence for the team and not arrogance.

 

[nlroma1o]

No, there's a reason why Ronaldinho isn't w/ Brazil, and it's because he simply isn't worthy of it. His play has dropped off dramatically since the height of his career, as he concentrated more on his nightlife than his game, and Barca dumped him and were better off for it. Now he doesn't even start regularly for Milan.

As for the Brazil game, it depends on which American team shows up, and will they have enough juice left to finish the deal? They can play with the Brazilians if they put the effort that they did vs. Spain, but I'm not sure their legs will allow it, esp Donovan, who has been balling all 4 games. Losing Bradley hurts. And don't forget, it also depends on which Brazilian team shows up. Will it be the one who beat Italy 3-'nil', or will it be the team that lost to lowly Ecuador 2-0 last month? Should be fun...

NDinL.A.

I should have been more specific. I was referring to the Ronaldinho that the world fell in love with 3 years ago. Not the current state of the man who won the Footballer of the Year Award back in.......I think it was 2006 or 2007??? i can't remember when he won that. Please correct me.

And BGIF,

One thing that would be helpful to know is that the attitude many teams have towards playing in the Confederations Cup. It isn't that big of a deal for many of the stronger teams ie. spain, italy, i'd even dare to say brazil. I mean, the Euro championship last summer EURO 2008 was more important to spain and italy than this tournament. I read an article about how the Italians didn't even want to come to the tournament bc the majority of their squad just finished very long post seasons with thier club teams and they'd rather take a break than go spend a month in south africa at a meanigless tournament. Their eyes are on defending their title as world champions NEXT summer. Not the confederations cup.

 

[BGIF]

...
And BGIF,

One thing that would be helpful to know is that the attitude many teams have towards playing in the Confederations Cup. It isn't that big of a deal for many of the stronger teams ie. spain, italy, i'd even dare to say brazil. I mean, the Euro championship last summer EURO 2008 was more important to spain and italy than this tournament. I read an article about how the Italians didn't even want to come to the tournament bc the majority of their squad just finished very long post seasons with thier club teams and they'd rather take a break than go spend a month in south africa at a meanigless tournament. Their eyes are on defending their title as world champions NEXT summer. Not the confederations cup.

Ok

 

[BGIF]

Brazil Rallies for 3-2 win

Brazil Rallies for 3-2 win

A tale of two halves, first USA 2-0, second 0-3 Brazil.

Ok soccer buffs did the Americans just run out of gas or did the ubertalented Brazil team just toy with them in the 1st half before turning it on in the second half?

Have the American raised their level of play or just lost in an unimportant event?

Enlighten the neophyte.

 

[NDinL.A.]

A tale of two halves, first USA 2-0, second 0-3 Brazil.

Ok soccer buffs did the Americans just run out of gas or did the ubertalented Brazil team just toy with them in the 1st half before turning it on in the second half?

Have the American raised their level of play or just lost in an unimportant event?

Enlighten the neophyte.

I thought the USA would be tired today after having to give EVERYTHING they had to get here the last 2 games, especially after barely using their thin bench.

A coupole players did look tired IMO, considering they had to chase the 2 top possession teams in the world, Spain and Brazil. But I thought they lost because of 2 reasons:

1. Brazil is beyond talented, and they moved the ball superbly the last 60 minutes. Combine their ball movement with the U.S.'s tiredness, and that's a recipe for disaster.

2. I think the U.S. played not to lose after they scored the 2nd goal, instead of playing to win. They basically just defended the last 60 minutes, instead of calmly knocking the ball around the way they did in the 1st half.

Oh well, great effort, and they can take a lot out of these last 3 games going forward into WC qualifying...

 

[jason_h537]

2. I think the U.S. played not to lose after they scored the 2nd goal, instead of playing to win. They basically just defended the last 60 minutes, instead of calmly knocking the ball around the way they did in the 1st half.

Exactly right. Usually i would call this a choke job, but the US is still a few notches below the worlds elite. The fact that they were up 2-0 is very impressive