Such was my Facebook posting just minutes prior to the start of the Confederations Cup semi-final between Spain and the United States, but it was more than compulsion that had me tuning into the match. After all, what could most reasonable spectators expect with the Spaniards, ranked number one in the world in the FIFA rankings, shooting for their 36th straight unbeaten match in international competitions versus a scrappy American team that barely managed to make it this far?
What resulted, of course, is the stuff of legends, a true high point in the development of U.S. soccer on the national stage. Surely, the 3-0 win over Egypt to advance from the group stage was a bit of a nice salve after the disappointing results against Italy and Brazil, but they were now facing Spain.
The first half was certainly an energetic affair with good movement from both teams, but it was the U.S who struck first when Jozy Altidore blithely tossed aside a Spanish defender to score the first goal of the game, a strong shot that deflected off of the hands of Spanish goalie Iker Casillas midway through the half.
Clint Dempsey was able to deliver the knockout goal late in the second half, off of a Landon Donovan shot/cross that took a fortunate bounce off of a Spanish defender. Dempsey was quickly able to thread the ball between another reacting defender and Casillas for the goal, the finishing touch on the goal was something that Spain lacked throughout the match. Spain certainly had their prime chances that came along with the lion's share of possession, but the stout U.S. defense and goalie Tim Howard were able to respond without a lot of fuss and bother.
Admittedly, the first 20 minutes of the second half were the most nerve-wracking for me, with Spain putting on a determined effort to break down the defense, but it was certainly a joy to watch every ball coming forward being knocked back to frustrate the Spanish side, and when Dempsey scored the second goal in the 73rd minute, the feeling that there was no way Spain could score two goals in the remaining time was quite palpable.
We'll see Sunday how the U.S. team responds when they face Brazil again for the championship, hopefully the thrills from Wednesday won't overshadow the obstacle that faces them.
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