The Drubbing

Let me be the first to admit that the United States Men’s Soccer Team looked outstanding today against a Spain side who were blind-sided by the Yank onslaught.  Contrary to my gloom and doom post yesterday, the US played with piss and vinegar making Spain seem incredibly ordinary at times.

Was it a case of Spain coming out flat and underestimating the Americans?  Was it the Americans finally playing a flowing game of soccer that we’ve all been looking for since their pre-2006 World Cup days?  Perhaps a bit of both.  Regardless, the end result stands.  In the end it was done with fantastic pressure in the attacking third, containment of a potent Spain attack, intelligent passing and a bit of luck – Spain had more than their share of point blank chances on the US goal.

I’ll eat my words and be more than happy to write a vitriolic account of their upcoming matches if these are the results they produce.  I’m more than happy to be publicly wrong if that is the outcome.  Next up, the Confederation Cup Final against either Brazil or South Africa.  Since I was expecting a Spain/Brazil final, perhaps the US has to set their eyes on a dark horse South African side instead.  Unlikely, but today proves crazy things can happen, especially if they’re the host country and playing for pride and in front of their people.

Again, an incredibly minor tournament in the grand scheme of things, but perhaps the perfect shot in the arm the US needed as they embark on the final half of their World Cup Qualifying matches.  Let’s hope the continue to make me look like an ass and prove me wrong.