By Jorge Bannister
Fan Fanatic Sports
It was no secret to our readers that I thought the United States was fit for a bronze medal in the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup. Boy, was I wrong.
For 55 minutes, the U.S. played with such aggression and desire that I thought it was going to be Upset Special No. 2 in this tournament.
(For those of you who haven’t watched any of this tournament, or have been under a rock when it comes to American sports in recent news, the U.S. defeated Spain, 2-0, to gain the Final. Brazil advanced by defeating South Africa, 1-0, on a late goal.)
Sadly, in the 84th minute, Dempsey — who scored the first goal in the 10th — lost sight of Lucio and the defender headed home the winner off an Elano corner. U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard, who was named best goalkeeper of the tournament, had no chance.
U.S. players heading to the medal stand to accept their silver medals were downtrodden. Dempsey was the more emotional one, crying heavily on the pitch (that’s what they call the field in soccer) before slowly walking to the medal stand with his head hung low.
While this is great news for U.S. soccer fans, the players would’ve liked a win. Landon Donovan, who hasn’t beaten Brazil at any level, eluded to it in his post-game interviews.
If anything else, I know that I now have respect manager Bob Bradley a little more — even if his team did play tentative and scared in the second half. He proved that this group belongs among the world’s elite. However, he needs a way to get them to play a full 90-minute match every time much like they did against Spain. It seemed as though he managed the second half from the private VIP boxes rather than field level.
I know one thing for certain — if the U.S. makes the 2010 World Cup, which is scheduled to be played in South Africa as the Confed Cup was, nobody will take them lightly. Not even if they play like hell in any of the CONCACAF Cup games.
Showing posts with label 2009 Confederations Cup. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2009 Confederations Cup. Show all posts
Monday, June 29, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Dempsey, defense sends U.S. to Confed Cup Final
By Jorge Bannister
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Well, this isn’t the last time I will be wrong — I can assure you of that.
In what will be known as quite possibly the darkest day in Spaniard Soccer history, the United States pulled off the previously thought of improbable upset.
The U.S. scored in the 27th minute on a goal by Jozy Altidore, then came out flat in the second half.
It almost cost them the lead until Clint Dempsey got his 15th international goal in the 73rd minute to give the U.S. a two-nil victory over Spain.
For those of you new to the soccer lingo, that’s 2-0.
The four backs — Jay DeMerit, Carlos Bocanegra, Oguchi Onyewu and Jonathan Spector — absolutely shut down Fernando Torres, David Villa and Xavi.
There was one situation where I thought a goal was all but assured for the Spaniards. In the 53rd minute, midfielder Cesc Fabregas lobbed a ball over Landon Donovan to Xavi inside the 18-yard box. However, Donovan bumped Xavi hard from behind taking him out of the play and referee Jorge Larrionda didn’t even make a movement to bring the whistle to his mouth to call the foul.
Soon after, the U.S. was finally able to get the ball to safety in the neutral zone and finally into its attacking zone for Dempsey’s goal.
The defense/midfield was stupendous for the U.S. and will have to be come Sunday for the final when they will no doubt face Brazil.
A phenomenal showing for the U.S. which has certainly given its fan base something to look forward to: A possible Confederations Cup championship.
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Well, this isn’t the last time I will be wrong — I can assure you of that.
In what will be known as quite possibly the darkest day in Spaniard Soccer history, the United States pulled off the previously thought of improbable upset.
The U.S. scored in the 27th minute on a goal by Jozy Altidore, then came out flat in the second half.
It almost cost them the lead until Clint Dempsey got his 15th international goal in the 73rd minute to give the U.S. a two-nil victory over Spain.
For those of you new to the soccer lingo, that’s 2-0.
The four backs — Jay DeMerit, Carlos Bocanegra, Oguchi Onyewu and Jonathan Spector — absolutely shut down Fernando Torres, David Villa and Xavi.
There was one situation where I thought a goal was all but assured for the Spaniards. In the 53rd minute, midfielder Cesc Fabregas lobbed a ball over Landon Donovan to Xavi inside the 18-yard box. However, Donovan bumped Xavi hard from behind taking him out of the play and referee Jorge Larrionda didn’t even make a movement to bring the whistle to his mouth to call the foul.
Soon after, the U.S. was finally able to get the ball to safety in the neutral zone and finally into its attacking zone for Dempsey’s goal.
The defense/midfield was stupendous for the U.S. and will have to be come Sunday for the final when they will no doubt face Brazil.
A phenomenal showing for the U.S. which has certainly given its fan base something to look forward to: A possible Confederations Cup championship.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Soccer should be in your hearts, too
By Jorge Bannister
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
What’s a sports Web site without futbol? Excuse me — soccer.
The 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup — the second biggest soccer tournament in the world, behind only the World Cup — has been relatively nondescript.
Brazil has done what it’s supposed to in Pool B — namely, a 3-0 record with a goal differential of plus-7 in its pool. The South American powerhouse blew past two opponents (it defeated both the United States and Italy, 3-0), but that was after struggling with Egypt. (A Kaka penalty-kick goal in injury time lifted the Brazilians in a tough match.) Clearly, Brazil overlooked its first opponent and clearly it didn’t make the same mistake twice in pool play.
The United States lucked out that Italy was blanked by the Brazilians on the last day of pool play. That same day, the U.S. defeated Egypt, 3-0. By virtue of a goals-for tiebreaker, the U.S. (four) advanced while Italy (three) packed its bags.
Actually, the only surprise of this tournament, at least to many casual fans, has been South Africa in Pool A. Being the host country, RSA had an automatic bid and it has not disappointed its local faithful. After going 1-1-1 in pool play, RSA is the No. 2 team in Pool A, behind undefeated Spain (3-0-0).
Speaking of Spain, Fernando Torres has been on a tear. He had a hat trick against New Zealand, and David Villa scored one goal in each of the next two games in this tear. Spain’s goalkeeper, Iker Casillas, has been one of the best goalkeepers in the tournament. He’s made eight saves, including five against New Zealand in the opening match.
When Spain won UEFA Euro 2008, Casillas was one of three goalkeepers on the Team of the Tournament (which is what they called their All-Tournament team), while Villa (four goals) won the Golden Boot (given to the person who scored the most goals) and Xavi (a midfielder) won Player of the Tournament.
All four of those players are still on the club and carry with them more international experience.
Semifinals
Wednesday, the United States will face off against Spain, while on Thursday Brazil will go against South Africa.
Spain’s 2-4-5 tactical lineup (two strikers, four midfielders and five defensemen) has been its staple and many teams have had a difficult time stopping them. The U.S. had a difficult time stopping Brazil’s 2-4-5 attack, and could be in trouble stopping the Spaniards, too.
The U.S. may be able to stymie the Spaniards for a bit, however offensive powers Torres and Villa, and stellar defense and goalkeeping puts Spain in the final.
Brazil should continue its steamrolling ways past RSA setting up a Spain-Brazil final.
Finals
Brazil-Spain should be one for the ages. The Spaniards are still young and may get caught up in the moment. However, if Spain plays its game — as it’s done this whole tournament — we’re in for one great final.
Spain could win this thing, but you certainly cannot count out Brazil. The Brazilians are probably the favorites at this stage of the tournament, especially the way they’re playing.
So, what’s my prediction? Spain. It’s going to be a rock fight, but the Spaniards take it.
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
What’s a sports Web site without futbol? Excuse me — soccer.
The 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup — the second biggest soccer tournament in the world, behind only the World Cup — has been relatively nondescript.
Brazil has done what it’s supposed to in Pool B — namely, a 3-0 record with a goal differential of plus-7 in its pool. The South American powerhouse blew past two opponents (it defeated both the United States and Italy, 3-0), but that was after struggling with Egypt. (A Kaka penalty-kick goal in injury time lifted the Brazilians in a tough match.) Clearly, Brazil overlooked its first opponent and clearly it didn’t make the same mistake twice in pool play.
The United States lucked out that Italy was blanked by the Brazilians on the last day of pool play. That same day, the U.S. defeated Egypt, 3-0. By virtue of a goals-for tiebreaker, the U.S. (four) advanced while Italy (three) packed its bags.
Actually, the only surprise of this tournament, at least to many casual fans, has been South Africa in Pool A. Being the host country, RSA had an automatic bid and it has not disappointed its local faithful. After going 1-1-1 in pool play, RSA is the No. 2 team in Pool A, behind undefeated Spain (3-0-0).
Speaking of Spain, Fernando Torres has been on a tear. He had a hat trick against New Zealand, and David Villa scored one goal in each of the next two games in this tear. Spain’s goalkeeper, Iker Casillas, has been one of the best goalkeepers in the tournament. He’s made eight saves, including five against New Zealand in the opening match.
When Spain won UEFA Euro 2008, Casillas was one of three goalkeepers on the Team of the Tournament (which is what they called their All-Tournament team), while Villa (four goals) won the Golden Boot (given to the person who scored the most goals) and Xavi (a midfielder) won Player of the Tournament.
All four of those players are still on the club and carry with them more international experience.
Semifinals
Wednesday, the United States will face off against Spain, while on Thursday Brazil will go against South Africa.
Spain’s 2-4-5 tactical lineup (two strikers, four midfielders and five defensemen) has been its staple and many teams have had a difficult time stopping them. The U.S. had a difficult time stopping Brazil’s 2-4-5 attack, and could be in trouble stopping the Spaniards, too.
The U.S. may be able to stymie the Spaniards for a bit, however offensive powers Torres and Villa, and stellar defense and goalkeeping puts Spain in the final.
Brazil should continue its steamrolling ways past RSA setting up a Spain-Brazil final.
Finals
Brazil-Spain should be one for the ages. The Spaniards are still young and may get caught up in the moment. However, if Spain plays its game — as it’s done this whole tournament — we’re in for one great final.
Spain could win this thing, but you certainly cannot count out Brazil. The Brazilians are probably the favorites at this stage of the tournament, especially the way they’re playing.
So, what’s my prediction? Spain. It’s going to be a rock fight, but the Spaniards take it.
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