Bloemfontein, South Africa, June 25 (DPA) After shocking Spain 2-0 in the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup Wednesday night in Bloemfontein, the US national team were celebrating what many were calling their biggest victory since the 1950 World Cup when they beat England 1-0.
It comes just days after they beat Egypt 3-0 to qualify for the last four when everyone had discounted their chances. Sitting at the bottom of the group after lopsided defeats to Italy and Brazil, the US made up six goals difference, thanks to Brazil’s 3-0 win over Italy, and nipped past the Azzurri on goals scored.
The US media called it “a miracle,” as the team put an end to the longest winning streak in international football history – 15 matches – and stopped Spain’s unbeaten run at 35, even with Brazil’s all-time record. The European champions have not lost since November 2006, when they fell to Romania in a friendly.
Starting US goalkeeper Tim Howard put the win in some historical context when asked if it was as big as the victory over England in 1950.
“Well, there was Mexico at the 2002 World Cup,” he said. “Colombia in 1994, but to do this in the semi-final of a major tournament and against a team on the kind of streaks they were, if it’s not the top, it’s definitely up there.”
Coach Bob Bradley was more diplomatic: “As far as rating the victory, it’s always important to look at all the different victories along the way to see what has elevated US soccer.
“There was the one that started it in 1950, but here’s been many since, and we can for sure add this to the list.”
The US continued to take heart from their dramatic escape from the group stage when most had counted them out.
Howard credited coach Bradley. “He never lost faith that we could go through and then win the tournament,” he said. “And that was infectious for us.”
“It is sweeter because we were down and out and we came fighting back,” said man of the match Clint Dempsey, who scored the second goal. “Nobody thought we could win this match, but we worked hard and had the same fighting mentality we had to beat Egypt.”
Spain captain Carlos Bocanegra, who returned from injury to play in the left back spot, admitted to being stunned that they had handed Spanish coach Vicente del Bosque his first loss at the helm of the European champions.
“I am still in disbelief to be honest,” he said. “We’re confident in ourselves, but it hasn’t really sunk in yet. It shows we can play with the big boys and beat them.”
Big central defender Oguchi Onyewu said it might be a “pivotal match” for the side, who currently sit second in CONCACAF World Cup qualifying.
“This surely gives us confidence,” he said. “We made history, we are on a high.”
Spain had only allowed two goals in their previous 16 matches combined, going back to the knockout stage of Euro 2008. Del Bosque dismissed talk about his team’s number one FIFA ranking.
“I don’t like this ‘best team in the world’,” said the 58-year-old boss. “Stats may say that, but that is an accident.
“We’re not used to losing any longer and then suddenly comes such a moment. But the US is a strong rival.”
The US coach was clearly thrilled with the effort of his team. “This is a big night (for) us,” said the coach, who took over the side in 2006. “It was a challenge, but we knew we had a chance and could win the game.
“This has been special in every way.”
rounak