It was to be the night were records were beaten for International victories. Sixteen should of been the new lucky number for Spain. Instead the unthinkable happened and USA came out winners in the end by a two nil scoreline, or should we now say nil to two. The Americans fort till the end and defended as if their very lives depended on it.
The first semi final brought together two teams whose form in the groups could not have been any more different. Spain not yet to concede a goal (albeit against South Africa, New Zealand and Iraq) were not fazed by the defining noise around south Africa, one thing which has to be put in place is the noise around the stadium, creating atmosphere NO creating havoc Yes.
The USA in a tough group stumbled in to the semi finals with a last gasp 3-0 win over Egypt. Dedication and hard work paying off for Bill Bradley’s men.
USA took the lead through Altidore, the on-loan Villarreal man showing Spain what he can do albeit with suicidal defending form Villarreal team mate Capdevila , and a helping hand from the always dependable Iker Casillas .
Goal number two again doing Spanish defending no favours, it came from Clint Dempsey, after a horrible error from Sergio Ramos. The Madrid defender almost posing as he trapped Landon Donavon’s tame cross. the full back caught in two minds seemed to take an eternity on the ball in his own six yard box, asking for trouble even at Sunday league level. Dempsey had no such thinking only to put USA two goals to the good.
Spain didn’t look the team we have seen of late, more sticking to creating half chances but were unfortunate not to have a penalty after Xavi was rashly barged by Donavon.
USA gave Spain no time and were in their faces early on, A heroic performance at the back by Jay DeMerit with lots of blocks frustrating the Euro 2008 winners.
The only downside for the USA was having the Manerger’s energetic son Michael Bradley sent of for a foul on Xavi, They will either face Brazil or South Africa in the final. Has the USA finally arrived on the International stage? If it’s good enough for Beckham it’s good enough for me. Good luck for the final I say!
