Thursday, June 25, 2009

Remember the Maine

Yes...after almost 24 hours to let this all settle in, it's time to say yesterday's match between the US and Spain was one heck of a day for the US Men's Team. I want to use loads of descriptives, but they've all been used, tons of cliches, but I try to avoid those anyway and I generally just want to scream...but i'll hold it to see how they do in the Final against either Brazil (again) or South Africa.
If you haven't seen it already, or if you're like me and you enjoy watching it over and over again, ESPN has some good video of the highlights.

Everything clicked for us on the pitch yesterday and i'd love to see something similar happen in the final. We had minor moments that were similar in the match against Brazil when they demolished us, but nothing worth mentioning. Now the USMNT will be in their first ever major FIFA Tournament Final...I can only hope they are ALL able to bring their "A game" (excuse the cliche) for the match on Sunday.

My big question for this tournament is ... WHY are the refs continually giving us lame red cards. For the third time in four matches, a US player has received a QUESTIONABLE red card! Bradley MIGHT have needed a yellow for going in cleats up, but he did so at a low angle and HE GOT THE BALL, not the player! There was obviously no malicious intent, yet there he stood, dumbfounded like the rest of us who actually saw the play, as the ref held high another stupid red card. He will be missed on Sunday, just hope it doesn't hurt us over all.

Regardless of what goes on in the Confederations Cup from here on out...the win over Egypt and the win over Spain (do we need to mention once again that they are the #1 team in the world?) should show a lot of folks that the US still can be a team of fortitude...when they want to be...and all pistons are firing. I'm ready for consistancy myself, but am enjoying this ride while it lasts. I think a lot of people are more interested in the US and their qualification for the World Cup 2010 and this, I like.