The United States of America were not likely favorites in this summer's Confederations Cup. They over turned two early defeats a squeaked out their group that contained quality sides such as Italy, Brazil, and African threat, Egypt. The 3-0 win over Egypt in the last group stage match started the momentum for the Americans. I was so very proud to be represented in the semi-final against the number 1 ranked team in world football, but I, as everyone else, knew that Sam's Army had little chance of progressing. But, as it is often said, this is football and anything can happen. The 19 year-old Jozey Altidore and Fulham's Clint Dempsey each netted against the run of play and stunned the Spaniards. Spain's attacking power rained down on the Americans all match, but the defending was terrific. Onyewu, Howard, and company blocked and deflected every attempt that came a'knockin' on the door. The red, white, and blue went on to win the match 2-0 and send the Euro 2008 champions to the consolation third and fourth place match. No one had openly predicted the stars and stripes in the final, but unlike the match against Spain, American supporters remained a bit more optimistic this time around. Not exactly to the surprise but to the pure delight, the United States found themselves up 2-0 at half. Had the footballing world been turned up side down or were the planets aligned? Sadly the United States gave up 3 heart breaking goals in the second half and lost the final to the hands of the Samba Boys 3-2. Not every story has a happy ending as seen in the case of Zidane, but perhaps this tournament sent a message to the rest of the world. The United States has a long way to climb to be amongst the greatest footballing countries but could this have increased the interest in the talent produced in the States? It sure does seem that way.
American center back Oguchi Onyewu landed perhaps the biggest step in American history less than a month after the end of the tournament signing with Italian giants, AC Milan. What peeked the Milan-based clubs interested in the big defender? Perhaps in was his solid performance against the best in the world (at the time), Spain. The defender closed down and shut down the likes of this summers most unretrievable prize, David Villa, and Liverpool striking star, Fernando Torres. Onyewu had previously been playing a Standard Liege in Belgium. More clubs in Europe seem to be finding a place for American players nowadays. The starting typical starting line up for the US in the confederations cup consisted of only consisted of two MLS players, those being Donovan and Clark. However, Donovan, who has spent a spell in Germany at the beginning of his career, went back to play for Bayern Munchen on loan last season and looks to be gaining interest with Italian club, Livorno. Livorno's president said today that he is confident of the deal going through after Donovan's season ends with the LA Galaxy. The US have made developed Premier League stars such as Dempsey at Howard. Tim Howard was at the heavyweight Manchester United before transferring to Everton FC after being on loan there for the 2006/2007 season. He is the leader of the US team and a standout at Everton as well. Fulham have been more than pleased with Dempsey's showings over the last couple seasons, who has scored 14 goals in the past two seasons for the Cottagers. Dempsey's National Team teammate, Carlos Bocanegra was also at Fulham for several years before transferring to French outfit, Rennes. Jay Demerit, Onyewu's center back partner for much of the Confederations Cup is at Watford in England as well. These are only some of the stars that the US has been sending overseas. The majority of the tournament's roster was built on overseas players.
The Confederations Cup has given the American public something to look forward to next summer. The World Cup is less than a year a way now and if the US can put together similar performances in South Africa we can only expect bigger moves from more American players. Once again, proud to be an American.
Viva el futbol y Hala Madrid
Bobby
American center back Oguchi Onyewu landed perhaps the biggest step in American history less than a month after the end of the tournament signing with Italian giants, AC Milan. What peeked the Milan-based clubs interested in the big defender? Perhaps in was his solid performance against the best in the world (at the time), Spain. The defender closed down and shut down the likes of this summers most unretrievable prize, David Villa, and Liverpool striking star, Fernando Torres. Onyewu had previously been playing a Standard Liege in Belgium. More clubs in Europe seem to be finding a place for American players nowadays. The starting typical starting line up for the US in the confederations cup consisted of only consisted of two MLS players, those being Donovan and Clark. However, Donovan, who has spent a spell in Germany at the beginning of his career, went back to play for Bayern Munchen on loan last season and looks to be gaining interest with Italian club, Livorno. Livorno's president said today that he is confident of the deal going through after Donovan's season ends with the LA Galaxy. The US have made developed Premier League stars such as Dempsey at Howard. Tim Howard was at the heavyweight Manchester United before transferring to Everton FC after being on loan there for the 2006/2007 season. He is the leader of the US team and a standout at Everton as well. Fulham have been more than pleased with Dempsey's showings over the last couple seasons, who has scored 14 goals in the past two seasons for the Cottagers. Dempsey's National Team teammate, Carlos Bocanegra was also at Fulham for several years before transferring to French outfit, Rennes. Jay Demerit, Onyewu's center back partner for much of the Confederations Cup is at Watford in England as well. These are only some of the stars that the US has been sending overseas. The majority of the tournament's roster was built on overseas players.
The Confederations Cup has given the American public something to look forward to next summer. The World Cup is less than a year a way now and if the US can put together similar performances in South Africa we can only expect bigger moves from more American players. Once again, proud to be an American.
Viva el futbol y Hala Madrid
Bobby
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