Confederations Cup

[Leeds Guy]

Fucking get in. Egypt didn't let me down. They rode their luck at the end but the 'keeper made some outrageous saves, Egypt play some nice stuff. Even at the end they were passing it around instead of hitting and hoping.

I sincerely hope Brazil play properly and beat Italy and that Egypt don't come unstuck when they are favourites. As underdogs they have been superb, but everyone now expects them to beat the US. Egypt have lit up this tournament that has been rather dull outside of their matches.

Agreed, it seems as though your predicition for a scalp was warranted. Egypt played superbly and again were the better team, they should beat the USA. Italy vs Brazil should be an entertaining match Italy need to go for the win and Brazil are awesome playing on the counter. Interesting final group games. I can see Spain vs Egypt in the semis.

 

[Leeds Guy]

Well that was shocking. I cant believe the USA made it through. Congrats go out to the Americans they played fantastic. Lets hope you can pull of the mother of all upsets and do in Spain in the semis. I just might have to support the Red White and Blue for the rest of the tourny

 

[The Todd]

Well that was shocking. I cant believe the USA made it through. Congrats go out to the Americans they played fantastic. Lets hope you can pull of the mother of all upsets and do in Spain in the semis. I just might have to support the Red White and Blue for the rest of the tourny

Traitor. You cheer on anyone but them haha. I also like how no Americans have actually commented on their greatest ever accomplishment in "soccer".

Before you get too carried away with praise for the Yankydoodles, don't forget Egypt were bloody awful. How they went from outclassing Italy to being that shite is beyond me. They have gone from my new favourite team to on a par with Hartlepool with one performance.

As for Brazil vs Italy, well Italy are a shambles and Brazil were clinical. Best I have seen from Brazil in quite a while.

Now the semi's should both be a procession before Spain vs Brazil and I can't wait. It will be a great occasion of two proper footballing teams going at it.

Unless both Spain and Brazil get too complacement with the ties they have and cause the mother of all upsets in the semis. I sincerely hope not cos I want to see good football in the final.

 

[Leeds Guy]

Traitor. You cheer on anyone but them haha. I also like how no Americans have actually commented on their greatest ever accomplishment in "soccer".

Now come on my fellow Jobber credit were credit is due the Americans played fantastic.

Before you get too carried away with praise for the Yankydoodles, don't forget Egypt were bloody awful. How they went from outclassing Italy to being that shite is beyond me. They have gone from my new favourite team to on a par with Hartlepool with one performance.

But Hartlepool have James Brown how can you not like them?
Serious Egypt were awful, I dont understand how they can go from beating the World Champions to..........that mess. The caved under the pressure.

As for Brazil vs Italy, well Italy are a shambles and Brazil were clinical. Best I have seen from Brazil in quite a while.

Now the semi's should both be a procession before Spain vs Brazil and I can't wait. It will be a great occasion of two proper footballing teams going at it.

Brazil were quite good in the first half second half it was back to normal. For Footballing reasons I'm hoping for the likely Spain Vs Brazil but In the famous words of Kevin Keegan ''I would Love It'' if USA beat Spain or South Africa beat Brazil. Not a bad tourny though 1 from Europe 1 from South America 1 from North America and 1 from Africa make the semis.

 

[The Todd]

Now come on my fellow Jobber credit were credit is due the Americans played fantastic.

They were good, I'll admit, but how they managed to get through that group is down to other teams awfulness.

But Hartlepool have James Brown how can you not like them?

Local rivals. The only thing from Hartlepool I can remotely stand is Big Jeff Stelling.

Serious Egypt were awful, I dont understand how they can go from beating the World Champions to..........that mess. The caved under the pressure.

Yep. They sure as shit can't win a match when they're heavy favourites.

Brazil were quite good in the first half second half it was back to normal. For Footballing reasons I'm hoping for the likely Spain Vs Brazil but In the famous words of Kevin Keegan ''I would Love It'' if USA beat Spain or South Africa beat Brazil. Not a bad tourny though 1 from Europe 1 from South America 1 from North America and 1 from Africa make the semis.

I'd prefer it if Spain and Brazil racked up over ten goals between them in the semi finals. it won't happen, but it would show how weak the rest of the tournament is compared to the top two.

Come on Americans, is no one going to comment on such a great sporting achievement? You have achieved something in a sport the rest of the world play, how often does that happen? I know no one will have watched, and it won't have made it onto any of the back pages, but one comment would do.

 

[Ximimaro]

I've been watching the Confederations Cup. Spain is amazing. I had a feeling the US was going to win. Definitely glad they did one of the couple teams I'm rooting for. Brazil, again, these guys are amazing as usual. Italy is total garbage now, they go to World Cup Champs to getting beat out in advancing by the US. But, great job for the US. Can they pull off another upset? I doubt it, but I am definitely going to be watching Spain vs US. Brazil and S. Africa will most likely be a slaughter fest.

 

[Thriller Ant]

Wow. I just got done watching the U.S. vs. Spain, and what a match. The U.S. had all the momentum from the kickoff, but I would have bet money they were going to give the goal back at some point. Absolutely stunning game by Tim Howard. The only downer for me was the red card on Bradley. That was a bullshit red, he clearly going for the ball and might have gotten a piece of it.

 

[Ximimaro]

I totally agree about the red for Bradley, absolute bullshit. Now he can't play in the Final if I'm not mistaken. Amazing, very amazing game by Howard. From this showing the US could easily be a dark horse in the World Cup.

 

[One Punch Doug Crashin]

a lot of people are going to lose money off of the U.S Spain game what an upset!



then again they get Brazil or South Africa. hopefully South Africa........ DAMN I still can't believe it!

 

[Franchize1990]

I was waiting on how far we would get before I posted on this thread and seeing how there's no round after the finals, I might as well post now. I am very proud that the US soccer team did something that no team has done in 36 games (not sure if that is the right stat) and score twice against a team that hasn't allowed a goal in a very long time. Whoever they play in the finals better come prepared. Here's to the USA actually winning this tournament for the first time

USA ALL THE WAY!!!

 

[The Todd]

LOL the American's come out in force now they've got to the final. I do want to vent my anger at how this tournament, which was basically all about Spain and Brazil playing in the final playing proper football has now been ruined by defensive play, but instead I'll man up. USA have done amazing to get this far. They were extremely lucky that Italy and Egypt simultaneoulsy capitulated in the group stage, and they met a rusty Spain side who hadn't had a decent enough warm up match.

Let's face it, if Villa and Torres had turned up it would have been an easy Spain match. They both missed chances they'd have tucked away on another day, same with Ramos with his chance. Both the US goals game from awful defensive errors but they took advantage. Unfortunately, the get a lucky goal and defend for your lives tactic works which makes so many teams do it. A Spain win would have been a win for good football, the US win is for hardwork and graft.

This could be a blessing in disguise for Spain though. They have had things too easy for a while now and have took their foot off the gas. If they went into next years World Cup without a shock like this they would have been surprised there. Now they can regroup, get Iniesta back, drop Riera, and work back towards the World Cup.

If Brazil lose tonight then, no offence you lot, the tournament is a sham. No one will watch the final.

 

[One Punch Doug Crashin]

I think your wrong on the nobody will watch the finals if Brazil loses to South Africa. they're the host nation next year and it'll be a testiment to them if they reach the finals. whoever the US plays I hope its a good competitive game. not a carded game.

 

[Leeds Guy]

LOL the American's come out in force now they've got to the final.

We would do the same if England got to the final.

I do want to vent my anger at how this tournament, which was basically all about Spain and Brazil playing in the final playing proper football has now been ruined by defensive play.

Which is how all the smaller nations play against the big teams, just face it Spain were poor and the Americans played great.

They were extremely lucky that Italy and Egypt simultaneoulsy capitulated in the group stage, and they met a rusty Spain side who hadn't had a decent enough warm up match.

Spain had 3 decent warm up matches. I dont understand how you can say that they havent. The USA played Brazil and Italy and got hammered there not exactly warm up games. Spain however cruised past 3 teams, the USA only got to play to their full potential once.

Let's face it, if Villa and Torres had turned up it would have been an easy Spain match. They both missed chances they'd have tucked away on another day, same with Ramos with his chance. Both the US goals game from awful defensive errors but they took advantage. Unfortunately, the get a lucky goal and defend for your lives tactic works which makes so many teams do it. A Spain win would have been a win for good football, the US win is for hardwork and graft.

If Torres and Villa could not score past the leakiest defence in the competition then perhaps they are a tad overated. The fact is in football you have to take your chances and the USA got gifted 2 chances and tucked them away. Of corse the defend for your lives tactic works, If Spain are the best team in the world then they should have been able to break down what is effectively a poor defence. A Spain win would have been a win for the normal. A USA win is a win for the underdog and win for unpredicitblity.

This could be a blessing in disguise for Spain though. They have had things too easy for a while now and have took their foot off the gas. If they went into next years World Cup without a shock like this they would have been surprised there. Now they can regroup, get Iniesta back, drop Riera, and work back towards the World Cup.

Maybe I agree they needed to lose and I'm glad it happened against the USA and not Brazil. If they'd have lost to Brazil they would have just shrugged it off as losing to one of the best teams in the world. Losing to the USA will make them think 'oh shit maybe we arnt as good as we think'

If Brazil lose tonight then, no offence you lot, the tournament is a sham. No one will watch the final.

Apart from some of the USA and the whole of South Africa and I'm guessing a fair amount of people around the world. In fact people are more likely to switch off if Brazil win as it will probably be a forgone conclusion at least with a SA vs USA final we have competition.

 

[The Love Song Writer]

Pebble to be honest you're doing alot of "If-ing" the fact is Torres and Villa DIDN'T show up. I could give two fucks about what "COULD" have happened. I will tell you what did happen. The United States put on a good showing and come the final Sunday Brazil could very well have there hands full. Brazil are lacking defensively, though there keeper is very skilled, beating South Africa One Nil isnt exactly difficult. Don't be surprised if the US pull ANOTHER upset.

 

[The Todd]

We would do the same if England got to the final.

I meant how you and me have carried this thread when our country wasn't even involved, no American's were interested until they got to the final. Yeah it would be the same in England, and I hate them fans too. You cheer on your team.country through every match, not the good times.

Which is how all the smaller nations play against the big teams, just face it Spain were poor and the Americans played great.

Which is why watching the poor nations play the big ones is boring. Personally, I'd have preferred two heavyweights going head to head int he final than the inevitable Brazil have all the ball, US touch it twice and score one of them leaving Brazil trying to break down a parked bus. Different people view it differently.

Spain had 3 decent warm up matches. I dont understand how you can say that they havent.

They had three very easy games, of which only one they made look easy. The opening match seemed to be too easy and ever since then they haven't showed any thing close to what they did in Euro2008. I'd say if they had the harder group they'd have found their form quicker and won the thing.

The USA played Brazil and Italy and got hammered there not exactly warm up games. Spain however cruised past 3 teams, the USA only got to play to their full potential once.

They were better than Italy with only ten men, that was to their full potential. Against Brazil they were rubbish but they had the confidence from the Italy game to be able to sweep aside an awful Egypt side. So US went into the game on a high whereas Spain were still in lazy mode and it showed.

If Torres and Villa could not score past the leakiest defence in the competition then perhaps they are a tad overated.

I wouldn't say one off game makes them overrated. Everyone has a poor game now and again, it was just a shame it happened to these two at the same time. Half of the chances the two of them had they were tucking away with ease for Liverpool and Valencia all year.

The fact is in football you have to take your chances and the USA got gifted 2 chances and tucked them away.

Yep, which they did and won. To claim it was a deserved win is wrong in my eyes though. They did ride their luck a lot and got some favourable decisions from the linesman at times.

Of corse the defend for your lives tactic works,

Which is dull to watch. No wonder the Americans hate "soccer" when their national side won't push more than four men forward to a counter attack.

If Spain are the best team in the world then they should have been able to break down what is effectively a poor defence.

They broke down the defence a number of times. Poor linesman decisions and a superb Tim Howard kept the US in it. I agree with the amount of chances Spain had they should have easily won, which is my point.

A Spain win would have been a win for the normal. A USA win is a win for the underdog and win for unpredicitblity.

As a neutral I'd prefer to see the two best teams in the final rather than an underdog. In the FA Cup underdogs are fun, but not in the final. How boring was Cardiff Pompey last year?

Maybe I agree they needed to lose and I'm glad it happened against the USA and not Brazil. If they'd have lost to Brazil they would have just shrugged it off as losing to one of the best teams in the world. Losing to the USA will make them think 'oh shit maybe we arnt as good as we think'

Exactly. They can bring in some of their youngsters, get Iniesta and Senna back fit and re-focus. In the long run it will do them good. In the short term they are a laughing stock.

Apart from some of the USA and the whole of South Africa and I'm guessing a fair amount of people around the world.

You'd watch US vs South Africa? That sounds as boring as Iraq vs South Africa tht bored the tournament at the beginning. Even Brazil vs USA isn't good enough to stop me watching Top Gear. I personally don't see the appeal to it.

In fact people are more likely to switch off if Brazil win as it will probably be a forgone conclusion at least with a SA vs USA final we have competition.

You're telling me you'd rather watch US vs South Africa than Brazil vs US? Fair enough if that's your choice but I know of numerous people who have now given up on this tournament now. Plus if Brazil play like they did anyway then the US win.

Pebble to be honest you're doing alot of "If-ing" the fact is Torres and Villa DIDN'T show up.

Of course I am. I'm training to be a sports journalist, that's what you do. IF Spain had turned up they would have won with ease, they didn't, they were awful and the US capitalised.

I could give two fucks about what "COULD" have happened.

I could too. Do you not mean couldn't? I never understand that sentence from Americans. I do care what could and should have happened.

will tell you what did happen. The United States put on a good showing

They were not the better team though. That is my point. Spain were poor and still had 27 shots to American's two. If one of their stars had showed up they would have won. Yes, I said IF. Deal with it.

and come the final Sunday Brazil could very well have there hands full.

Only if they played like they did yesterday. if the Brazil that turned over Italy turn up, or even the side that outclassed the Yanks in the group, then Brazil will win comfortably. If the US win then Brazil will have not been to their full potential. It's how it works. The big side loses and they get massacred for being poor. It always happens.

Brazil are lacking defensively, though there keeper is very skilled,

Brazil's defence is still better than the US's. Maicon is for me the best right back in the world, and he probably won't start. Lucio is a solid defender. I'd have both of them over Spector and Demerit (two guys who never made it in England)

Don't be surprised if the US pull ANOTHER upset.

I won't be, because Brazil aren't the great side everyone thiks they are. They are not as good as Spain. THough if Brazil turn up they will win. there's no two ways about it.

 

[Leeds Guy]

I meant how you and me have carried this thread when our country wasn't even involved, no American's were interested until they got to the final. Yeah it would be the same in England, and I hate them fans too. You cheer on your team.country through every match, not the good times.

Oh Yeah we have carried this thread and I see what you mean about all the fans. You speak the truth You should cheer on your country In every match, hell even last night I was nail biting when our under 21's threw away a 3-0 lead to draw 3-3. I didn't watch penaltys as I had to sprint to the Rhinos game to get there on time but I hear we won which I was pleased with.

Which is why watching the poor nations play the big ones is boring. Personally, I'd have preferred two heavyweights going head to head int he final than the inevitable Brazil have all the ball, US touch it twice and score one of them leaving Brazil trying to break down a parked bus. Different people view it differently.

While I agree that most of the poor nations vs big nations games are quite boring I'm always cheering on the poor nation to get that upset because its funny and then the big nation should be ridiculed for it. Dont get me wrong I would have prefered a Spain vs Brazil game but I'm equally hoping the USA can pull of the upset again and win the competition. Do they deserve to win it? probably not but all I'm saying to you is give the USA a little credit, they stuck to their game plan and pulled of a fantastic result.

They had three very easy games, of which only one they made look easy. The opening match seemed to be too easy and ever since then they haven't showed any thing close to what they did in Euro2008. I'd say if they had the harder group they'd have found their form quicker and won the thing.

They still had 3 warm up games though. I remember a manager saying once before he started the season that he picked a small team to have a freindly against so when that small team was destoryed it would give his players confidence. Spain did exactly that they played the 3 teams and beat them all they were definatly confident and on form going into the game against the USA.

They were better than Italy with only ten men, that was to their full potential. Against Brazil they were rubbish but they had the confidence from the Italy game to be able to sweep aside an awful Egypt side. So US went into the game on a high whereas Spain were still in lazy mode and it showed.

Spain were not in lazy mode they were just too overconfident. Overconfidence and lazy are 2 very differant things, Overconfidance is going into the game expecting to win with ease, Lazy is going into the game not even trying to win. Spain tried to win they just couldn't break down an awesome USA defensive display.

I wouldn't say one off game makes them overrated. Everyone has a poor game now and again, it was just a shame it happened to these two at the same time. Half of the chances the two of them had they were tucking away with ease for Liverpool and Valencia all year.

I will agree and accept that they had a poor game as I do believe that they are the best strike force in the world. I was just being facetious calling them overated.

Yep, which they did and won. To claim it was a deserved win is wrong in my eyes though. They did ride their luck a lot and got some favourable decisions from the linesman at times.

I never claimed it was a deserved win, I claimed it was an upset. Spain deserved to batter the USA but alas it didnt happen. Yes the USA were lucky and pundits do say you need a little bit of luck at the best of times on the pitch.

Which is dull to watch. No wonder the Americans hate "soccer" when their national side won't push more than four men forward to a counter attack.

The USA played a 4-4-2 formation up untill they had Bradley sent off not really defensive is it, the wingers got up and supported the front 2 and the midfield. Compare that to teams that play 5-4-1 formations and you will realise that it wasnt that much of a defensive formation, The Americans defended because Spain constantly had the ball, but as soon as the USA got the ball it went to Donovan who held it up as long as he could so that the team could get forward. It's just smart play.

They broke down the defence a number of times. Poor linesman decisions and a superb Tim Howard kept the US in it. I agree with the amount of chances Spain had they should have easily won, which is my point.

But they did not score when they should have, 1 or 2 poor linesman decisions does not take away the other 35 or so shots that Spain missed. I will agree that Tim Howard was superb.

As a neutral I'd prefer to see the two best teams in the final rather than an underdog. In the FA Cup underdogs are fun, but not in the final. How boring was Cardiff Pompey last year?

100% agreed that the Cardiff-Pompey final was boring, but in International football its good to see, as it can do wonders for the teams confidance. As a neutral I would have prefered to see Spain vs Brazil but I'm not going to be upset that thats not going to happen, I'm all about unpredictablity which I'm guessing is where our football opinions differ.

Exactly. They can bring in some of their youngsters, get Iniesta and Senna back fit and re-focus. In the long run it will do them good. In the short term they are a laughing stock.

Agreed I'm sure the Spanish press blasted and embarassed them for their performance, Spain will not want that to happen again. Besides with the way football is the USA will probably draw Spain in the World Cup groups (if the USA make it) where Spain can gain their revenge.

You'd watch US vs South Africa? That sounds as boring as Iraq vs South Africa tht bored the tournament at the beginning. Even Brazil vs USA isn't good enough to stop me watching Top Gear. I personally don't see the appeal to it.

I would yes, as I am a fan of all football. May I point out that it may not be boring. For example do you remember Reading vs Portsmouth, I remember the sky sports pundit predicitions beinga dour 0-0 nobody would have guessed that game would have finished 7-4. This USA - South Africa could have been a 4-3 close encounter....you never know with football. BTW I will also be watching Top Gear, even if it was Spain Vs Brazil I would still watch Top Gear.

You're telling me you'd rather watch US vs South Africa than Brazil vs US? Fair enough if that's your choice but I know of numerous people who have now given up on this tournament now. Plus if Brazil play like they did anyway then the US win

No not at all, all I'm saying is if that was the final then so be it, had Top Gear not been on I would watch it. Brazil will be back to their usual selfs, like you said earlier everybody has an off day. the game against SA was Brazils.

 

[The Todd]

Oh Yeah we have carried this thread and I see what you mean about all the fans. You speak the truth You should cheer on your country In every match, hell even last night I was nail biting when our under 21's threw away a 3-0 lead to draw 3-3. I didn't watch penaltys as I had to sprint to the Rhinos game to get there on time but I hear we won which I was pleased with.

It certainly was nerve wracking. How the hell do you spell nervewracking? Anyways... it was England in reverse. They're meant to start poor, get brilliant then get a man sent off and lose on penalties. Only the red card was in the right place. Don't think we'll beat the Germans without a striker or 'keeper/

While I agree that most of the poor nations vs big nations games are quite boring I'm always cheering on the poor nation to get that upset because its funny and then the big nation should be ridiculed for it.

Yes they should get ridiculed, but I must be weird as I prefer watching good footballers show the poor ones up before a superstar vs superstar match (unless it's Darlo of course but we'll never play a big team. Oh, except for the Carling Cup 1st round of course )

Dont get me wrong I would have prefered a Spain vs Brazil game but I'm equally hoping the USA can pull of the upset again and win the competition.

That would make me very sad indeed. The best team should always win in my eyes. It's why league football is better than cup (to me anyway).

Do they deserve to win it? probably not but all I'm saying to you is give the USA a little credit, they stuck to their game plan and pulled of a fantastic result.

Yep I agree they did their job well, but by boring me whilst doing it I wasn't happy with their win. As a neutral I'd prefer to see the underdogs go for it and narrowly lose (Havant and Waterlooville vs Liverpool) rather than them bore me to sleep and win (Greece at Euro2004).

They still had 3 warm up games though. I remember a manager saying once before he started the season that he picked a small team to have a freindly against so when that small team was destoryed it would give his players confidence. Spain did exactly that they played the 3 teams and beat them all they were definatly confident and on form going into the game against the USA.

It made them overconfident. If they'd had a Italy or Egypt in their group they'd have either had the shock earlier or found a new gear they could have used against the yanks.

Spain were not in lazy mode they were just too overconfident. Overconfidence and lazy are 2 very differant things, Overconfidance is going into the game expecting to win with ease, Lazy is going into the game not even trying to win. Spain tried to win they just couldn't break down an awesome USA defensive display.

I believe overconfidence results in lazy play (passes being needlessly misplaced, defending being poor (Sergio Ramos I am looking at you you long haired prick).

I never claimed it was a deserved win, I claimed it was an upset. Spain deserved to batter the USA but alas it didnt happen. Yes the USA were lucky and pundits do say you need a little bit of luck at the best of times on the pitch.

I wasn't having a go at you for that. I have heard people say the yanks deserved to win.

The USA played a 4-4-2 formation up untill they had Bradley sent off not really defensive is it, the wingers got up and supported the front 2 and the midfield. Compare that to teams that play 5-4-1 formations and you will realise that it wasnt that much of a defensive formation, The Americans defended because Spain constantly had the ball, but as soon as the USA got the ball it went to Donovan who held it up as long as he could so that the team could get forward. It's just smart play.

The thing that winded me up was the counter attacks. They pushed three forward and left seven on the edge of their penelty area never mind in their own half. If they had pushed up with five or six they would have overloaded the Spaniards and scored three or four, which would have been more entertaining.

But they did not score when they should have, 1 or 2 poor linesman decisions does not take away the other 35 or so shots that Spain missed. I will agree that Tim Howard was superb.

Yeah but Spain's way of playing is to get Torres in behind. He doesn't miss many one on one and the linesman cost him the chance to do that. Yeah, if the clown from Egypt was in goal Spain would have won about 8-1.

I'm all about unpredictablity which I'm guessing is where our football opinions differ.

Yeah it will be. I want to see top class teams embarrassing the smaller ones (Darlo, again, aside) so we can get to the real business of the top sides. I know many others do not share this. Oh, and I am not being a hypocrite for wanting Egypt to beat Italy earlier. I think Italy are vastly overrated and Egypt underrated (until they blew it) and I wanted it to be shown. Whereas Spain play the way football should be played. If they lose to lower ranked teams who don't play that way less teams will play that way.

Besides with the way football is the USA will probably draw Spain in the World Cup groups (if the USA make it) where Spain can gain their revenge.

England, Spain, USA and Australia would be a fun group. Only if England make it out mind you. Then England would avoid Spain 'til the final by which time they have hopefully been knocked out by a dogdy ref pen, England get Germany in the final and... yeah I'm going over the top here.