;Brazil scores 3 second half goals to beat the United States 3-2 – Video Highlights –

It was a dream start for the United States who came out with passion and energy. The hard work paid off when Jonathan Spector sent a cross into the box that Clint Dempsey volleyed to the far post and past Cesar for a 1-0 lead. Brazil had more shots and possession but the US defense was solid. A mistake on the corner led to the United States’  next goal as Landon Donovan beat Cesar for a 2-0 lead. Donovan took the ball on the counterattack and passed it to Charlie Davies as they had a 2-2. Davies sent a pass back to Donovan who made a great first touch and scored on a left footed shot. It was a stunning 1st half  for the United States who led 2-0 after 45 minutes.

The second half was a whole different story as Brazil came out firing and very aggressive. The Americans couldn’t keep up with the Brazil attack and quickly it a different match. Just a minute into the 2nd half Luis Fabiano scored on a great individual play. He received a pass, turned, and hit a great shot that Tim Howard couldn’t save. From that point, it was all Brazil as the US struggled to hold possession or get any good scoring chances. The second goal came in the 73rd minute as Brazil tied the game. Luis Fabiano scored again as a ball was sent into the box and he headed a rebound past Howard. Ten minutes later, Lucio sealed the win with header in the 83rd minute off a corner kick.

It was a valiant effort from the United States and should give hope to fans that they can compete with the top teams in the world. Tim Howard once again proved to be an amazing goalkeeper that singlehandedly kept the US in the match. There was another shot from Kaka that appeared to be a goal but was ruled “no goal”. Brazil was the better team and deserved to win the match but the United States is showing they are quickly emerging as a team on the rise.

United States v Brazil – Confederations Cup Final – Sunday – 14:30 EST (20:30 local time) - Can the US stop Brazil, who’ve yet to lose a game in the tournament? After their impressive win against Spain, the Americans should have confidence they can play with Brazil, but is that enough?

The United States has had solid performances from their centerbacks, Oguchi Oneywu and Jay DeMerit, but will have trouble against an attack of Fabiano, Kaka, and Robinho. If the entire defense can remain disciplined and sacrifice like they did against Spain, the US can stay in the match. The United States will have to play defense as a team and the midfield and forwards will need to apply pressure to not allow Brazil time to set up scoring chances. A key part of the game will be set pieces and how the US defends. In the previous match in the Group Stage, Brazil won 3-0 and scored an early goal from a free kick. If the Americans want to win this match or give themselves a chance, solid defending on corners and free kicks is a must.

Brazil will need to make sure they do not take the United States lightly, as Spain did in the semifinals. While Brazil has more talent, the US still has the players to win this game or at least make it close. Charlie Davies has taken advantage of a call-up and his speed could be a key. He should be paired up top with Jozy Altidore, who scored the game-winner against Spain and is the future of the National Team. Landon Donovan has been one of the key players in midfield for the US as he’s shown leadership offensively and defensively. The United States also must have a great performance from goalkeeper Tim Howard.

Who will win, Brazil or the United States? Brazil will be the huge favorites as they should win if its based on who has more talent and the deeper rosters. However, soccer is not always about who has more talent but who executes and gives the effort necessary. It should be an entertaining match and a chance for the United States to show they are ready to make a leap to one of the top 10 teams in the World. Brazil just has too much and will not overlook this match after seeing Spain lose. Prediction – Brazil wins 2-1

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Spain defeats South Africa 3-2 to take 3rd place – Video Highlights -

South Africa took a lead in the 73rd minute only to see Spain score 2 late goals. Two goals within a minute of each by Daniel Guiza in the 87th and 88th minutes gave Spain a 2-1 lead as they appeared to have it wrapped up. However, the hosts South Africa came back with a 90th minute goal from Katlego Mphela who also scored the 73rd minute goal. The match remained tied 2-2 after full time and had to go to overtime. In the second 15 minute half of overtime, Spain scored the game-winner, with Xabi Alonso scored in the 106th minute. Overall, South Africa had a strong tournament and should have some confidence heading into next summers World Cup Finals. On the other end, Spain will be disappointed to not make the finals, but still had a 4-1 record.

United States v Brazil – Confederations Cup Final – Sunday – 14:30 EST (20:30 local time) – Can the US stop Brazil, who’ve yet to lose a game in the tournament? After their impressive win against Spain, the Americans should have confidence they can play with Brazil, but is that enough?

The United States has had solid performances from their centerbacks, Oguchi Oneywu and Jay DeMerit, but will have trouble against an attack of Fabiano, Kaka, and Robinho. If the entire defense can remain disciplined and sacrifice like they did against Spain, the US can stay in the match. The United States will have to play defense as a team and the midfield and forwards will need to apply pressure to not allow Brazil time to set up scoring chances. A key part of the game will be set pieces and how the US defends. In the previous match in the Group Stage, Brazil won 3-0 and scored an early goal from a free kick. If the Americans want to win this match or give themselves a chance, solid defending on corners and free kicks is a must.

Brazil will need to make sure they do not take the United States lightly, as Spain did in the semifinals. While Brazil has more talent, the US still has the players to win this game or at least make it close. Charlie Davies has taken advantage of a call-up and his speed could be a key. He should be paired up top with Jozy Altidore, who scored the game-winner against Spain and is the future of the National Team. Landon Donovan has been one of the key players in midfield for the US as he’s shown leadership offensively and defensively. The United States also must have a great performance from goalkeeper Tim Howard.

Who will win, Brazil or the United States? Brazil will be the huge favorites as they should win if its based on who has more talent and the deeper rosters. However, soccer is not always about who has more talent but who executes and gives the effort necessary. It should be an entertaining match and a chance for the United States to show they are ready to make a leap to one of the top 10 teams in the World. Brazil just has too much and will not overlook this match after seeing Spain lose. Prediction – Brazil wins 2-1

Brazil edges South Africa 1-0, and will face the USA in the final – Video Highlights –

Brazil has looked great in the tournament as they have own all their matches and most convincingly. Next up they will face the United States who upset Spain.

United States upsets Spain 2-0 to reach the finals – Video Highlights –

Heading into the match, Spain were the clear favorites as they’ve been the number one team for the last year and had a 35 match unbeaten streak. They started the match with lots of energy and chances by the US seemed up to the challenge and disciplined defensively. Tim Howard was arguably the man of the match as he had 5 saves and kept the United States’ chances alive early. The defense of Spain had hardly been tested and showed some rust when the United States took a lead on a Jozy Altidore goal. Clint Dempsey sent a pass that deflected and fell to Altidore, who shielded his defender, and took a shot that Casillas couldn’t save. The Spanish goalkeeper got a hand on it but not enough as it deflected into the back of the net. The United States held onto their 1-0 lead despite Spain having most of the posssesion and chances in the first half.

The second half was more of the same as the US played defensively and looked for the counterattack. Spain began to be visibly frustrated as they couldn’t score against a solid US defense and strong goalkeeping from Howard. Both teams used a few substitutes including Benny Feilhaber who made an immediate impact. In the 73rd minute, Feilhaber sent a through ball to Landon Donovan who sent a pass over to Clint Dempsey. The ball was deflected off Ramos and Dempsey was quicker to the ball as he slid it past Casillas for the 2-0 United States lead. Both goals were a little lucky for the USA but they capitalized. The end of the match was a frantic pace as Spain tried to score 2 goals in the last 20 minutes. Michael Bradley was sent off with a red card late in the 86th minute on a late tackle but Spain was held scoreless. Great goalkeeping from Howard, and solid defending helped the United States advance to the semifinals in one of the best victories in their existence.

This is a huge win for the United States who needed to prove they can play with the top teams in the world. After the Confederations Cup is the Gold Cup which is another chance to prove their dominance in the CONCACAF. Can the USA continue their hot streak with a win against Brazil/South Africa on Sunday?

Up next is the winner of the other semifinal, Brazil against South Africa,  on Sunday afternoon.

Spain v United States – Wednesday – 14:30 EST (20:30 local time) – Spain will be the favorites in this match as the Americans have nothing to lose against the reigning Euro 2008 Champions. Fernando Torres and David Villa will be a very tough matchup for the USA defense that has been shorthanded with key injuries. Carlos Bocanegra and Steve Cherundolo have not played a game in the Confederations Cup. Cherundolo is not even on the 23 man roster, and experienced striker Brian Ching was left off due to injuries as well. Sunday was a key match for the United States who finally showed some heart and passion against a tough Egypt side. They will need strong performances from the midfield, specifically Clint Dempsey, Michael Bradley, and Landon Donovan. For Spain, they have the more talented side and should win the game if they play to their abilities. However soccer is very unpredictable and the Americans do have the potential to keep it close. Torres and Villa will be too much for the Americans as Spain will advance to the final and keep their impressive streak alive. Prediction – Spain wins 2-1

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Spain v United States – Wednesday – 14:30 EST (20:30 local time) – Spain will be the favorites in this match as the Americans have nothing to lose against the reigning Euro 2008 Champions. Fernando Torres and David Villa will be a very tough matchup for the USA defense that has been shorthanded with key injuries. Carlos Bocanegra and Steve Cherundolo have not played a game in the Confederations Cup. Cherundolo is not even on the 23 man roster, and experienced striker Brian Ching was left off due to injuries as well. Sunday was a key match for the United States who finally showed some heart and passion against a tough Egypt side. They will need strong performances from the midfield, specifically Clint Dempsey, Michael Bradley, and Landon Donovan. For Spain, they have the more talented side and should win the game if they play to their abilities. However soccer is very unpredictable and the Americans do have the potential to keep it close. Torres and Villa will be too much for the Americans as Spain will advance to the final and keep their impressive streak alive. Prediction – Spain wins 2-1

Brazil v South Africa – Thursday – 14:30 EST (20:30 local time) – Brazil takes on hosts South Africa in the other semifinal on Thursday. South Africa has played well in the tournament and will have strong support as the host country. Brazil dominated Group B and only had one close game, a 4-3 win against Egypt. South Africa will have trouble containing the depth and talent of the Brazilians, who will have Robinho, Kaka, and Fabiano (just to name a few) in the attack. If South Africa can get an early goal or a few breaks it could be close, but it doesn’t seem like the host country will have a legitimate shot. Prediction – Brazil wins 3-1

The United States beats Egypt 3-0, clinches semifinal birth – Video Highlights – The Americans had a very slight chance of making the semifinals as they needed a 3-0 victory and at least a 3-0 win by Brazil over Italy. They started out with much more confidence and intensity from previous matches, which eventually paid off.  Manager Bob Bradley mixed up the lineup, leaving out DaMarcus Beasley and number one goalkeeper Braz Guzan. Charlie Davies got a start and from the beginning show his speed to be trouble for the Egyptian defense. Egypt had their chances the US defense appeared to be vulnerable but was able to hold on in the first half.

The hard work of the United States paid off when Jozy Altidore sent a pass into the goal that El Hadary couldn’t handle, and Charlie Davies capitalized with the first goal of the match. From that point on, the United States really asserted control of the match and nearly scored again late in the 1st half as they showed the heart and passion missing from the first two matches. In the second half it was more of the same as Egypt struggled to keep up with the Americans. In the second half, Michael Bradley made a good run as he passed to Donovan in the box, and received a pass back that he fired to the corner of the goal for a 2-0 US lead. At this point it seemed only a matter of time as the US had a 2-0 lead, Brazil was leading Italy 3-0 and a birth in the semifinals was within reach. A few minutes later, Jonathan Spector sent in a cross from the right wing and Clint Dempsey headed it to the far post to beat El Hadary. The Americans had their 3-0 lead and were able to hold off Egypt to advance to the semifinals.

It was one of the more improbable days as everything lined up for the Americans and they will now face reigning Euro 2008 Champions and the #1 ranked team Spain on Wendesday in the semifinals.

Brazil easily beats Italy 3-0, wins Group B – Video Highlights – Brazil dominated Italy for most of the match as they won Group B and will face South Africa in the semifinals. Italy needed a good performance to make the semifinals but couldn’t match the Brazilians who showed why they are arguably the most talented team in the world. Brazil got two goals from Luis Fabiano late in the first half and had another great chance that resulted in an own goal from Italian defender Andrea Dossena. The loss will be disappointing as Italy was in position but lost their final two matches in group play.

The win for Brazil will earn them a semifinal match against South Africa on Thursday where they will be the huge favorites.

United States v Egypt – FIFA 2009 Confederations Cup – Sunday June 21, 2009 – 20:30 Local time, 14:30 EST

Egypt and the United States meet on Sunday June 21, 2009 in the last day of group play in the FIFA 2009 Confederations Cup. Both teams need a result to qualify for the semifinals but Egypt is in much better shape. The United States has no points and has to beat Egypt by several goals to make up a poor goal differential through 2 games. Egypt could advance with a draw or win as long as Italy loses to Brazil. The United States has picked up a red card in each match and hasn’t played with the discipline and passion needed. Egypt on the other hand has had a great tournament and their win against Italy has put them in position to advance to the next round. If the United States can come out with some energy and confidence then they will have a chance but it will be a very tough game. Prediction – Draw 1-1

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