“The stunning 2-0 victory by the United States over Spain — the best team in the world — is probably the greatest victory by the men’s national soccer team. And when you think of it, the victory Wednesday is probably the second-biggest upset by an American team, behind only the 1980 Miracle on Ice by the hockey team over the Soviet Union in the Olympics.” The NYT’s George Vecsey sings the praises of
the surprising 2-0 US win over #1-ranked Spain yesterday in the Confederations Cup.
I happened to catch the entire game and, while Spain looked like the dominant team for most of the match (particularly the top of the second half, when they unleashed a barrage of quality shots on goal), USA definitely capitalized on their limited offensive opportunities — I thought goal No. 2, above, was particularly pretty.
I watched the game at the British Bulldog, here in Denver, with a packed bar. The bar tender gave me a free shirt out of charity, because I showed up in my Torres #9 Spanish top.
Spain had yet to find a team that could deal, defensively, with their quality in the attacking 3rd. They found that team in the U.S. Very proud of Tim Howard and the boys at the back. They shut down the likes of, my boy, Torres by playing really heavy on him and throwing him off. Which is exactly what you have to do with a Spanish attack. If you give them any sort of space, they will eat you alive.
The few chances the U.S. were able to capitalize on, due to Spain’s midfield dominance, were met with the worst Spanish defense I’ve yet to see. Ramos, in the goal highlighted, made a mistake that many 10 year old soccer players can figure out. He gave a lackluster first touch when under tremendous pressure, and Dempsey easily accepted that gift.
Being a massive Liverpool fan, I wish Spain were advancing. Being a U.S. citizen, I’ll take this result any day.