USA v Spain

[budfrog532]

I would be overjoyed with just a well played match, not really expecting a win, just want it to be handled well.
I don't think the US has near enough firepower for this match, especially with Spain seemingly at the top of their form.

[Cease]

They're calling this a measuring stick game, and that's what it is. If Spain runs up a 4-0 on the US, whoa boy- it's gonna look very bleak going into the World Cup. If the US can hold it to 1-0 or 2-0 with the second goal being garbage, I'll be encouraged, if not satisfied. If they can manage to beat Spain look out, we'll be in for a great ride for the next couple of years.

Lalas keeps repeating "We need a big game from our big players." I am going to be watching Altidore out there today. He's got to be physical and excert some pressure in the box. Lalas is right- it's about our stars stepping up, executing, and converting chances to play with the big boys.

Looking forward to the match. 2:35 ESPN.

[Cease]

From ESPN Gamecast:
Well isn't that a turn up for the books. Well not really, as USA have made the clearer chances so far. Anyway, Dempsey fed it in to Ailtdore, who showed great strength to turn and fend off Xavi, before doing Casillas with his eyes, sending the ball to his right and in off the post, while the keeper went left, although he did manage a touch.

Goal US in 27th min. 1-0. Wow. i believe I said something about Altidore showing up!

[Steve Buffum]

USA 2
Spain 0
Final

Dempsey with the second.

Unbelievable.

[Triple-S]

:).

Unbelievable. That's pretty amazing, has to be like on the level of Appalachia State upsetting Meatchicken a few years back.

[Spin]

They're calling this a measuring stick game, and that's what it is. If they can manage to beat Spain look out, we'll be in for a great ride for the next couple of years.

PULL THOSE SEAT BELTS TIGHT!!!!

[budfrog532]

Unbelievable. That's pretty amazing, has to be like on the level of Appalachia State upsetting Meatchicken a few years back.

Probably actually a bigger upset than that one.
Spain came in undefeated since 2006, and hadn't even allowed a goal in basically 5 complete games.
If UM were the defending national champions and had started the season 5-0, blowing every team out by 20+ points, and then Appalachian State came in and beat them at the Big Outhouse, then that would probably be a better parallel.

Huge, just huge.
The incredible thing is that this was not a "lucky" win where the ball bounced our way. Certainly, Spain had 2 or 3 golden chances to put balls in the net, but clearly the US was the better team...which I did not expect to say in way shape or form.

I am more impressed with how the US outplayed Spain than I am by the final score. Midfield play was the best I have seen from this team in a long, long time --- who knew that Dempsey actually knows how to come back and help on the wings...

What a huge win.