Yanks are in the Semi-Final!

How they hell did they do that? Well 3 teams in the group all had 1-0-2 record. The tie breaker was not goal differential but rather goals scored. That right whoever scored them most goals of the 3 team would go through?

Egypt scored 3 against Brazil losing 4-3

Then they beat Italy 1-0 for a total of 4 goals. Going into final they just need a win, a tie of not to lose by 3 goals. They lost 3-0

Italy going in need a win or a tie or not to be outscored by either Egypt of the US.

They beat USA 1-0

They lost to Egypt 0-1

Then they were stunned 3-0 to Brazil....

They Yanks are in the semifinal and will face Spain.

The yanks played much better this game while Egypt looked to defend as the match went on. They yanks had some calls so against them. The ball hit and Egyptian arm in the box but no call. Then Bradley and Clark were yellow carded for tackles that just brushed the opponents.

They yanks got help from young Charlie Davies who looked like he belongs. He was not afraid to run close to goaltender and keep the ball alive and score with some great determination.

Dempsey looked tired the whole match however you just need his brigantine once to make a difference. Dempsey scored the 3rd goal on a header.

Good news there was no red cards. The yanks finished with 11 men and that was a good lesson learned.

Confederations Cup

Well the USA went all out to participate in the Confederations Cup. They won the Gold Cup in 2007 in dramatic fashion to represent CONCACAF. Do I think they are going to do well? The answer is no. Brazil and Italy have better players at every position (excluding goal) the game is being played on the continent of Africa so the advantage should go to Egypt.
I will be presently surprised if the Yanks get through group play.

There is a reason why Bradley went all out to win the Gold Cup. He wanted his younger players playing and competing against the top competition in the World. He also wants them to get use to South Africa and its stadiums. This will give him team familiarity with the World cup experience next year. His team will not be in awe. He hopes they will be "been there done that attitude" and focusing on advancing in group play.

Most of the top team has their top players and by reading the quoted it sounds like they are all serious about winning.

This tournament has not peeked my interest yet. My Yanks were dominated by Costa Rica and did not look as good as Honduras did during most of a home game in Chicago. My yanks have many questions at the LD, RD and midfield. There have been a plethora of players (over 60) that Bradley has played but 3 positions look weak to me.

What I would like to see is some cohesion through the midfield with combinations of passes. What I want to see is some build up to some scoring chances? I want to see a team that will represent CONCACAF well and show the world that we have some good players also. Playing well is more important that advancing in this tournament.