The Oranje v. La Furia Roja

While most people heading into the tournament were dreaming of a Brazil-Spain final, I think most neutrals would happily settle for the Dutch and Spanish - probably the two teams most stylish teams, the two most committed to playing attacking football (along with Argentina and Chile). 

Let it be known that I predicted this final before the tournament in my bracket, which I ultimately never paid the $20 for my friend's pool, so I get nothing from it other than the satisfaction.  Of course, also let it be known that I foresaw the very week part of the bracket that led to Uruguay's place in the final four, but mistakenly bought into the notion that the combined forces of Fabio Capello and Wayne Rooney would lead England to first in group C and therefore the easy path that quarter of the bracket contained.  Still upsetting to think that could have been the US.

I grew to enjoy watching the new version of the German team, one of the few teams going out to demoralize their opponents by getting multiple closing goals.  However, they were just no match for Spain, particularly with Ozil not influential enough and Mueller suspended.  Spain are rightly through and I'm very aroused by the final matchup (it's the smell of desire m'lady).

You have the feeling Spain have yet to really hit full tilt, though yesterday was probably their best match so far.  Iniesta seems to be becoming more and more influential, Xavi is still Xavi, and Pedro looked very dangerous before producing the worst 2-on-1 in history.  The big difference between this Spain team and the 2008 Euro champions is that Torres is out of sorts, so the attack isn't quit as dangerous because they are playing better with Pedro rather than Torres, and Pedro plays more from the midfield than as an out an out lead striker, leaving Villa more isolated.  Additionally, Marcos Senna was sensational in 2008, all due respects to Sergio Busquets, and that combined with the greater width and spacing in the midfield with da Silva playing on the wing rather than the deeper lying Xabi Alonso made the attack more adventurous.

Most people saw the great irony in Spain's semifinal winner coming from a thunderous corner kick header rather than the tiki-taka, death by a thousand paper cuts football.  But to me the real irony was that the most important goal in Spain's history was scored by Puyol, the embodiment and symbol and captain of Barcelona and Catalonia. For so long Raúl dominated the Spanish team; as the longtime captain of Real Madrid he was a symbol of the capital, Spanish Nationalism and Castille (not to mention Francoism). Spain may be captained by another Real Madrid star (Saint Iker), but the heart of the team lies in the cadre of Barcelona maestros. 

No matter who wins on Sunday, I'll be happy -- though not nearly as happy as an actual Spaniard or Dutchman; have you ever seen two countries so joyous at just reaching the final?  They deserve to be so elated and I can only hope to feel the same way at some point in my life.  Anyway, before the World Cup began I predicted Spain would win and I'm not going to change that pick now.

The Nike Ad Curse

Nike's "Write the Future" advertisement was a brilliant campaign, a continuation of the long history of great spots Nike has created for the World Cup.  However, this year it seems they may want to re-consider their casting agency.

Let's see:

-Didier Drogba broke his arm before the games even started and Côte d'Ivoire never looked like going through their difficult group.

-Fabio Cannavaro looked like he was already in retirement and hitting up the talk show circuit, a step to slow for every attacker that came his way.  Still, Italy probably should have had enough quality to qualify but were completely uninspiring.

-Wayne Rooney barely bothered to even show up.  Was he still injured? Probably.  At the least he was worn down from carrying Man U on his back all season.  Not even Atlas probably beared such a burden. England were less inspiring than Italy, only they managed to get one round further before being humiliated by the Germans (controversial goal or no goal).

-Franck Ribéry... well, the less said about the French the better. Who is that player in the background of the play marking Theo Walcott (who didn't make England's roster)... that's right, Patrice Evra!

-Ronaldinho, as everyone knows and regrets didn't even get a plane ticket to South Africa.  At least the Brazilians are still playing though.

-Cristiano Ronaldo was mostly anonymous save for his preening and grimacing after either diving or being fouled but not getting a call in either case, and now Portugal is out thanks to their superior Iberian neighbors.  By the way, why does Portugal play such a horrible, defensive system?  They actually have good defenders, so they should play creative, attacking football knowing the defense is solid behind them.  I blame Carlos Queiroz (who proves that anyone looks like a great coach while assisting Alex Ferguson, but doing it yourself is a different matter... maybe it's leftover stink from his stint with the New York MetroStars).

On the other hand, three teams getting only minor cameos had better fortunes. OK, so the USA lost, but Landon Donovan was the only player of the entire commercial who truly "wrote the future" by scoring the goal against Algeria that so far is still probably the moment of the tournament.  But maybe the US disappointment (I'd say failure) in losing still tied to this commercial?

The Spanish players also get a brief cameo (even though the Spanish team itself is sponsored by Adidas, which is why you only see Iniesta, Fàbregas, and Piqué wearing blank warm-ups with no logos) and they are still on course for a potential dream semifinal with Argentina/Germany and final against Brazil. Brazil, as mentioned before, are still in it, and looking pretty much locks to advance to the final, with only one threat in their half of the bracket, the Netherlands... who also happen to have a cameo in the Nike ad! That's them fouling Ronaldo.

The Dutch are impressing most people but honestly, do you think their D will hold up against the Brazilians?  And of course they're up to their old tricks again, the Dutch, what with Robin van Persie acting like the spoiled arrogant brat (I'd also call him a certain name that rhymes with witch) that he is -- shocker considering he's coached by Arsène Wenger -- and showing hints of the internal dissension that has derailed so many better Dutch squads in the past. No matter what the Dutch camp says about unity and harmony within the team, don't buy it. 

Adidas doesn't have any ad remotely as good right now, but at least they can tout Leo Messi and David Villa,  who just keeps on scoring (god, how scary will Barcelona be next season).

It's not quite the Madden Curse or SI Jinx, but funny nonetheless.

A Thrilling Experience

I'm not going to analyze the game because my co-contributors have already done so and there are a plethora of analyses elsewhere too. However, I do want to comment on how thrilling and satisfying a victory this was.

There's been a lot of discussion on where this victory ranks among the greatest US upsets. I'm certainly not old enough to speak to the 1950 victory over England, but I have witnessed all the victories since the 1994 World Cup. As an overall performance, this ranks up there as maybe the best (Colombia was beaten on an own goal, the first half against Portugal in 2002 was great, but the second half was a matter of hanging on by a thread, beating Brazil in 1998 was basically the result of one man - Kasey Keller - playing out of his mind).

The Portugal game elicited a pure joy because it was so stunning to go up 3-0 and it was so unexpected - the US was coming off the 1998 World Cup debacle, Portugal were heavy favorites, etc. The subsequent dos-a-cero against Mexico in the second round was not as thrilling but possibly more meaningful and brings greater joy to this day, at least personally, because it was a victory over our hated rivals on the biggest stage possible. This match didn't carry the significance of the World Cup and I think more is expected of the US than in 2002 (at least within the US soccer community). But the joy is just as great because of the who and how - the US beat the unquestioned number 1 team in the World, a Spanish side that is absolutely loaded from top to bottom, and the US tried to attack with purpose and produced good football. Furthermore, the heart and grit and determination was simply amazing, and it just makes me proud to support a team that can turn around its form within a week and produce such a display.

Unfortunately I had to watch the match from my office via ESPN360, and I missed out in sharing the experience at the side of fellow fans. But even just exchanging texts, IMs, and emails during the match, and the responses after the final whistle, you could feel connected to everyone else who was watching and could revel in the victory together as a community of fans having witnessed a moment that epitomizes why we are fans of sport in the first place, and of the beautiful game in particular.

On a side note regarding ESPN, there are many reasons to decry their coverage generally (and more specifically, how bad is their primary broadcast team, JP Dellacamera in particular) but I was happy to see the US victory as the lead story on ESPN.com and SportsCenter. Of course ESPN had to run a poll asking whether this victory made you care more/less/the same about US soccer. I hate those stupid polls because it just reinforces the idea that people don't care in the first place, but all those voters who say they will pay more attention to US soccer and the World Cup in the future, well I suppose I can only hope it turns out to be true.

US 2, Spain 0-The Day After

Comments from the players after yesterday's shocker:

Coach Vicente Del Bosque says the Americans caught his side by surprise.

Coach Bradley says shutting down Xavi was the key. See HalaMadrid's entry for more analysis on Xavi.

Charlie Davies says that the Spanish backs were scared of his pace.

Iker Casillas demonstrates how to not display class in defeat, then throw his teammates under the bus: “In all sincerity, only one time in 10 do I think we would lose against them. But yesterday, they deserved to reach the final.”

Then: "It just goes to show that the team that plays better and holds better possession doesn’t always win. Luck doesn’t always follow you, so you have to look at positives."

And finally: "Defensively, we lacked the final 10 meters in front of goal. Those two absurd, rare plays cost us the goals."

For the record, all of those statements are of course totally true. It's just that making "well, we're still better, so there" statements right after losing has to be the worst, most petty kind of revenge.

Also on the sour grapes front, Capdevila thought a foul should have been whistled on the play against Altidore, winning the award for the single dumbest thing a Spanish player said in response to the defeat. Altidore would have gotten more resistance from a lawn chair.

Web Analysis

Five reasons Spain lost according to Eduardo Alvarez.

Martin Rogers says the US no longer have to be afraid to play top competition.

Shane Evans apparently will be taking ballet dancing lessons.

Carlos Bocanegra returned to lead the defense.

Grant Wahl ranks the victory fifth all time in US Soccer history, behind Mexico (2002 World Cup), England (1950 World Cup), Portugal (2002 World Cup) and Colombia (1994 World Cup). Jamie Trecker says it's the biggest victory ever. The NYT Soccer blog Goal asks the question but doesn't give the answer. I tend to agree with Wahl. We may have defeated a better side yesterday then the 2002 Mexico win, but a national side's "biggest win" should come on the world's biggest stage. The Confederations Cup is an official tournament afterthought. Everyone knows Italy won the World Cup. Who won the last Confederations Cup? It was Brazil. And I had to look it up, because I forgot. So maybe this could be the "best win", but I don't see how it could be the biggest.

This Guardian take describes the rise of the United States as a footballing nation.

Finally George Vecsey of the Times dubs the victory a "Miracle on Grass".

Espana, que paso!?!?

Congratulations, of course, to the United States. My prediction was right in every aspect but the result. Much like the Spanish, who dominated every part of the pitch except the scoreboard. The most important facet, of course.

So hats off to a wonderful U.S. side who dealt with Spain's pressure, controlled the tempo of the midfield and game generally, and made the most of their opportunities. My cohorts at this blog have and will do a wonderful job extolling the U.S.'s virtues in what was nothing less than a historic and magnificent victory. My allegiances, however, work out like this: Chile, Spain, and the United States. Mostly in that order. And I did want to see a Brazil-Spain final. But the truth is that the Americans played a perfect game, and the Spanish played a very flawed one.

Make no mistake, Spain is still a favorite for next year's World Cup, but some serious flaws have been exposed in these team at the Confederations Cup. Flaws that this defeat, if a positive is to be drawn form it, should help remedy. The Spanish are lamenting the absences of Iniesta and Silva, but the fact is that even without those two, the Spanish were and are more talented at every position and still lost.

First, terrible defending all around by the Spanish side. Sergio Ramos culminated an off year with the inexcusable error in his assist to Dempsey on the second goal. Pique may have been the only Spanish defender who acquitted himself. Puyol played decently, but there remain questions to be asked of the Catalan's ability to be a starter in one year's time. He's not getting any faster, and was sorely exposed at times by a young American frontline. Capdevilla was woeful as well, pushing up ineptly, and defending poorly as well. Casillas remains the best in the world, but like the Spanish team as a whole, was bested by Howard in the American goal.

Second, the Spanish strikers were both off form. Judging by Spain's record going into the game, this hadn't happened very often. Both Torres and Villa mishit several shots that usually go to the back of the net. Neither striker could muster up a good first touch, and the American defenders took care of the rest.

Finally, and I've saved the most worrisome trend for last, Del Bosque's tactics failed miserably and played directly into the hands of the United States. The Spanish came out looking rushed. The appeared to want to score quickly and get the game over with. They may have been looking past the U.S. and towards Brazil. Indeed, with the euphoria that has surrounded the Spanish side recently it would come as no surprise if some of the players started buying their own hype. The Spanish press has a way of being positive bordering on arrogant, or negative bordering on suicidal. In the 2006 World Cup Spain was considered too young to do anything, and not very good. A 4-0 win over the Ukraine and they were favorites. Neither was true. But I digress.

By the end of the game it was clear the Spanish looked rushed (not quick, but antsy) because they didn't quite understand how they were supposed to play. You see, the Spanish have dubbed their style of play "tiqui-taca." It's a name that represents the quick, pass-oriented style that the Spanish have become famous for in the past two years. But this style always focused on interior passing with the wings largely a support and outlet rather than a primary point of attack. Spain, like Barcelona (whose players form the crux of this Spanish side), possesses, possesses, possesses waiting for the right time to attack. Today, Spain barely maintained possession, instead barrelling towards the goal in waves of oftentimes mindless attacks. But why?

It appears that despite the success of tiqui-taca, Vicente Del Bosque is a man who like to play on the wings. Which is fine, and I find aesthetically pleasing. Indeed, Del Bosque himself said that Aragones had left him the "toy with the batteries" after the Euro. Then why is Del Bosque changing the style? Riera, on the wing pushed up incessantly. Sergio Ramos and Capdevilla also pushed up on the wings, to the detriment of the defense. Meanwhile, Xavi was unrecognizable in the midfield. Some credit must be give to Bradley, and Xavi was certainly off, but this is likely due to the fact that he was reduced to feeding the balls to the wing. How is it that Cesc, Xavi and Xabi Alonso at no time were able to string four passes together through the middle of the field? Or maintain possession for an extended period of time on the edge of the box? That's a strategic decision by Del Bosque - push up on the wings.

So they looked rushed. Their defenders were out of position early and often. Their key players on the interior of the midfield - who thrive and grow with the ball at their feet - were reduced to opening the game up to the wings. And, for shame, what was the major advantage the U.S. defense had against the Spanish? Height in the defense. So those crooses from the wing - not so helpful. And finally, as if to prove his point, just as Spain was pouring the pressure on looking for the equalizer - Cesc comes off. For who? Cazorla, who is great, but is a winger. Why? Did Del Bosque believe the field of play, already completely open, could have opened more? Spain would have been better served sticking to their style and possessing the ball and trying to beat the U.S. with sharp interior passing using the wings more sparingly. It worked for Barcelona against Chelsea.

So Casillas has said that of these games Spain wins 9 out of 10. And he's right. Del Bosque said they were unlucky in front of goal. Also true. Xabi Alonso said that as the streak continued, defeat always grew closer. Why not. But none of these things, nor the bad defending, the lack of touch and precision are necessarily lethal to Spain. They'll move on, qualify for the World Cup, and in all likelihood do better than the U.S. in that, the most important of tournaments. But if Del Bosque doesn't learn, and quickly, that you don't change a winning formula, Spain could quickly squander their golden generation, a loss for fans and football alike.

USA 2, Spain 0

Two games ago, American fans were in total despair after a no show against Brazil and virtually certain elimination in the Confederations Cup. Even a result against an impressive Egyptian side seemed unlikely.

Now, after progressing over Italy on total goals scored, the second tiebreaker, the United States have shocked the football world by defeating the European champions 2-0. Spain had won 15 straight games and hadn't lost in 35, tying the record set by Brazil from 1993-1996.

Quick takes:

-More inventiveness from the United States going forward today. At times the play was still too direct (Altidore isn't likely to beat four defenders for the header, and even if he wins it has nowhere to go), but much better anticipation on through balls into space, both by the midfielders delivering the ball and by the attacking players making the runs. Even Onyewu got in on the act early playing a threatening through ball to Davies that Casillas had to come out and deal with.

-Just as important was the attitude going forward. While there were definitely times the Americans packed in it in order to survive wave after wave of Spanish attackers, the Americans were willing to push on counterattacks and often were threatening doing so. And there were times where the Americans actually possessed the ball convincingly, even if that was the minority of the game.

-Jozy. That first touch still needs a lot of work, and his game as a whole is still so unrefined. But the ability has always been obvious, and was on full display in his brilliant turn and strike that gave the United States the lead.

-Howard. Unbelievable game. Made the brilliant save on Villa to hold the lead. If United States goes level there they may never get the game back.

-The entire United States backline, as well as the midfield when they were in support, deserve as many words as I could devote for them. Time after time when the Spanish had possesssion in and around the box, there was a United States defender perfectly in position to block a shot or a cross. This happened so many times during the game I can't imagine trying to count. Since Onyewu has been praised virtually the whole tournament for his clearances in the air, let me point out the outstanding play today of his center back partner Jay DeMerit. Couldn't have asked for anything more. On the wings Spector and Bocanegra were exceptional as well. Bocanegra's return obviously made an enormous difference for the back line. World Cup starters: Bocanegra, Demerit, Onyewu, Spector? That's certainly the lineup I'd pick after today.

-Conversely, it must be said that the Spanish defending cost them dearly today. On the first goal Capdevila was on Altidore, and failed at any measure of containment by letting Altidore muscle past him and turn on goal. That shot also wrong-footed Casillas, who it must be said makes that save more often than not. On the second goal, a beautiful buildup gives Donovan a wonderful chance. Donovan then inexplicably tries to play Dempsey in instead of hitting the target, despite Pique standing directly in his way. The ball sneaks through Pique's legs to Sergio Ramos, who has to come back for it. Sergio Ramos chooses the worst of all possible options and simply leaves it for Dempsey, who hammers the gift into the back of the net. From Sergio Ramos' reaction he must have not known Dempsey was there, but that's simply not acceptable given that Dempsey had cut across him three seconds earlier. Some bad defending today from the Spanish.

-Finally, have to bring the party down a little by mentioning Bradley's red card. At first I thought he won the ball, but after watching it again I'm not so sure. It was the third red card for the US this tournament, and I'm not convinced any of them actually merited a straight red. Bradley's challenge was low and obviously directed at the ball, given that I'm still not sure if he touched it. That said, Bradley goes studs up with three minutes left to play and manages to get himself thrown off the pitch and excluded for the final. Bad call or not, Bradley simply can't put himself in that situation. He has a history of dumb challenges, and he's way too important to what the US does to put himself at risk. Obviously his presence against Brazil (or South Africa, I suppose nothing should be presumed after today) will be greatly missed.

But no reason to end this post on a downer. Beating Spain in a genuine Cup competition is one of the greatest victories in US Soccer history. Take a bow, Bob Bradley. We didn't think this team had it in them.

Preview: Spain v. U.S.

Early on, the question seemed to be whether Brazil or Italy would be playing Spain in the Confederations Cup semis. But, the United States would have none of it, and put all the pieces together against Egypt to get the result they needed. Their prize? Playing against what is unquestionably the best side in the world right now. While Spain are the heavy favorites, the promised Spain-Brazil final could go the way or this year's Lakers-Cavs final if the States or South Africa get a result. And of those two, the States likely has a better shot of crashing the party.

Spain is expected to run a 4-3-1-2 lineup with Casillas in goal, Puyol and Pique in the center of the defense and Sergio Ramos and Capdevilla as wingbacks. The midfield will almost certainly be anchored by Xabi Alonso with Riera on the left. Cazorla would play on the right wing, although no one should be surprised to see Cesc out there to shore up the interior of the midfield, one of the U.S.'s brighter spots with Bradley and Clark/Feilhaber. Up top, who else, Villa and Torres. Just two of the best strikers in the world.

For the U.S., Howard will make return in goal, with Onyewu and Demerit in the center of the defense. If Bocanegra passes a late fitness test, expect him to replace Demerit. Spector and Bornstein will man the defensive wings. Clark and Bradley will play in the midfield, with Altidore up top. Dempsey, Donovan, and Davies will be on hand as well.

It's obvious who has the better players, with Spain's lineup made up of stars and starters from some of the world's best teams. But the days of MLS players making up most of the U.S. national team are gone. Most of the Americans have played or currently play in the second and third tier European leagues. In this way, they've seen top flight opposition much more often then their predecessors, and shouldn't be stunned by what's in front of them.

Better yet, the States played Spain very tough a little over a year ago, during a Euro preparation friendly, when only a second half goal from Xavi gave Spain the 1-0 win. While it was in the Euro that Spain actually came into their own, the side that played against the U.S. was no makeshift squad - all the stars were there. Add to this the fact that the U.S. has nothing to lose, and has seemingly begun to believe in itself, and we could be in for a very interesting matchup in Bloemfontein.

The keys for a competitive match, and perhaps another miracle, will be to exhibit poise and patience in the face of Spain's likely overwhelming possession of the ball. The centerbacks will have to bring their A-game as their major advantage, height, will be of little use against a Spain side that exploits quick interior passing and darting runs to perfection. Bradley must try and take as much control as he can in the midfield, a daunting task with the two figurative and litera "X" factors in Spain's midfield. Finally, the State's counters must develop quickly and incisively. Altidore must do better than he has this tournament, and Dempsey's scoring touch needs to figure prominantly. Donovan, the best American on the ball, needs to have a big game as well, as he and Bradley may determine how the counters develop, and what possession the U.S. can have. A strong Spector would help as well, keeping Capdevilla occupied with defense instead of pushing forward. Otherwise, the U.S. could well end up locked in their half for much of 90 minutes.

For Spain the key is, well, to play like Spain. Puyol and Pique have seen much better attackers than what the U.S. can offer, and shouldn't be tested by the indiviual players as much as they may be by good team play. Puyol's lack of speed in particular may be an issue against a younger U.S. side. Patience, possession, and passing are Spain's virtues, and may be all they need to beat the U.S. That said, Spain suffered against a well organized Iraq team that was comfortable without the ball. Coach Bradley's interviews seem to imply that his team is ready to give up possession and wait for the counter. While some say this plays right into Spain's hands, I don't think the U.S. has any other option. To fight fire with fire against Spain is to try and out-attack and out-pass them. Brazil may be the only side in the world that could possibly do that as of today.

Prediction: Too much talent, skill and speed for the Americans to handle. While last year's friendly shows the U.S. can play with Spain, this Spanish side is hitting its stride before the World Cup with a stretch of 35 unbeaten and 15 consecutive wins. Self-belief and nothing to lose can only take you so far. Spain wins a competitive match with their last goal coming late, 3-1.