Confederations progress points way to bright future for U.S Soccer

America’s national football team (by which I imply soccer to any Yanks out there) took one giant leap into the realm of credibility tonight by achieving a feat which many had put beyond the men from the states.

Having lost both their opening group games to powerhouses Italy and Brazil, the U.S would require a miracle of Grand Canyon proportions against Egypt if they were to progress to the next stage of Confederations Cup. The fine margins required were such that even Forest Gump wouldn’t have waged his bus fare on the far from likely outcome which was to unfold.

The U.S took a 22nd minute lead through Charlie Davies, but at this stage Bob Bradley’s men were simply playing to salvage some pride in what had so far been an unrewarding trip to the host nation of the 2010 World Cup.
But over in the group’s other game, a manic final eight minutes of the first half saw Italy’s world crash down around them as Brazil well and truly took the ‘Piza’ out of the Azzuri. Bradley’s half time team talk turned from praise to inspiration as the American dream was somehow on. However is was just merely a dream, a flicker of Bob Hope, as Landon Donavon and co. needed to score twice more with no reply from either the Italians or the Egyptians. And so the second half ensued with only Brazil sure of their place in the semi-final stages.

There were plenty of nerves on display and plenty of near misses for and against America’s chances, but in the 63rd minute, up and coming midfielder Bradley finished from just inside the area to make it 2-0 and all or nothing. With the fans, managers and players of Egypt, Italy and the U.S all on tenterhooks knowing that one goal in either game could sway proceedings very much in their favour, up stepped Fulham’s Clint Dempsey to produce one of the most magical moments in Confederation Cup history. Dempsey superbly held off the challenge of Wael Gomaa to superbly head home the vital third, sending the American contingent into pandemonium.

The overall performance of a team for so long doubted on the international stage was one of guts, courage and no absence of fine skill. Michael Bradley in particular stood out with his driving forward runs and ability to carry the ball for long distances. Jose Altidore was also a handful and showed just why Villarreal took a gamble on him two-years ago. The U.S team now have a much different task in facing the best team in the world, Spain, in the semi-finals. But after what they achieved last night, they will feel that anything is possible.

The American’s have yet to take ‘Soccer’ to their hearts. They do not believe that the ‘beautiful game’ is exciting enough. The thought of paying to watch what could be resulted a nil-nil draw is probably enough to deter even the most ardent of sports fanatics. Soccer is not their game; it cannot be supersized to fulfil their expectations of a sporting experience; glitz, glamour, half time shows and high scoring spectacles. It is just a shame that only a relatively small percentage of their population will have noticed their own national team’s achievement; even less would have tuned in to watch. But those who did, can you honestly claim to have been bored with the events that unfolded?