United States Beats Spain In Semifinal Match Of FIFA Confederations Cup

Gambling News - June 24, 2009 - Written by Jimmy

When the United States took the field today, it was only by luck. On Sunday, the only way for the United States to advance to the semifinal round, was to defeat Egypt by 3 goals. It had looked like Brazil and Italy would advance, as long as Brazil did not win by 3 goals. The Brazilians crushed Italy, 3-0, to keep the United States' hopes alive. At this point the United States, Italy, and Egypt were all tied with 3 points, competing for the second spot. The goal difference for both the United States and Italy was at -2, leaving them in a deadlock. For the United States to advance, they would need to score 3 goals, in order to take the goals scored tiebreaker, from Italy.  It turns out, the United States came to play that day. The Americans crushed Egypt, 3-0, stealing the Semifinal berth away from Italy. Everything fell into place for the United States that day, as it did today, in their FIFA Confederations Cup Semifinal Match against Spain.

Coming into the game, Spain was a heavy favorite, and was expected to easily beat the United States. After all, the Spanish entered the match as the number 1 ranked team in the World. That is quite an accomplishment, when you consider what the Brazilians bring to the table. As they did on Sunday, the Americans played a perfect game. The Americans' defense was solid, as was their will, and they beat Spain, 2-0. The Americans received great performances from Joze Altidore and rock solid defense from Tim Howard. The win from the U.S. snapped a 35 game unbeaten streak, that the Spanish currently held. This is no doubt a crushing defeat for Spain.

This win now puts the Americans their first ever berth to the FIFA Confederations Cup Final. This will be unfamiliar territory, for the U.S. men, as they have never had much success against European Football Clubs. At this time, it is unknown who the United States will face on Sunday, in the final. The match that decides the other half of the final, will be played by Brazil and South Africa. The Brazilians are heavy favorites over South Africa, and are expected to have a rematch with the United States. When these two met earlier in the Confederations Cup, Brazil had their way with the U.S., easily beating them by a score of 3-0. This will be a great chance for the Americans to redeem themselves, and complete what would be a Finals sweep of the World's two greatest teams, Spain and Brazil.

The match between South Africa and Brazil will take place around 5:30pm EDT, from Johannesburg, South Africa. As for the finals, they will take place on Sunday, June 28th, 2009. The game will begin at 2pm EDT, and will broadcast, in the United States, on ESPN.