EPL Wrap-up: Week 5

I must first start off with an apology. I missed the week 4 wrap-up because of a conflict with the real world.

So to start off let's look at the big game of the week. The Manchester Derby that pitted Man U vs. Man City. Lots of excitement with Man City's undefeated start and questions of how good Man U will be after losing Ronaldo. This game lived up to the billing with even some fisticuffs afterward between hot headed welshman Craig Bellamy and a fan. Man U and Man City battled back and forth for the entire 90 and some extra. Darren Fletcher appeared to put Man U up for the win but then previously mentioned Bellamy put home an equalizer in the 90th. The game is surely over right? Don't think so fast. You forgot that the Red Devils have an true blue english legend on the team. Michael Owen call back days of past to put one home in the 96th. Man U won 4-3 in a thriller.

Chelsea played the hot starting, but since cooling, Totteham. The Blues took care of business easily with Drogba capping of a shut out victory with a 3rd goal for Chelsea. Chelsea wins 3-0 with solid defense and you know they are going to score. Drogba has been one of the most impressive scorers to start this season. Seems he is never missing the back of the net. Game highlights are here.

Arsenal bounced back from the disappointing Man City loss to pound Wigan 4-0. Defender Thomas Vermelean put home the 2 first goals, making that 3 on the season for him. Impressive for a defender. Emmanuel Eboue and Cesc Fabregas put home the time 2 goals making it a solid come back win for the Gunners. Arsenal needed to gain some confidence back after losses to Man U and Man City. If they are going to get back into the top 4 then they will have to keep winning and right the ship.

Liverpool snuck by 1-win West Ham 3-2. A less than impressive effort by the Reds. Fernando Torres put two goals in to lead the Reds to victory. Liverpool has had less than impressive efforts many times this season, but they still find themselves in the top 4 of the table, so I can't bash on them too much.

Top of the Table:

1) Chelsea
2) Man U
3) Liverpool
4) Manchester City
5) Aston Villa

Awards:

Best Team: Chelsea - A very impressive endline to endline win against Tottenham. Scoring 3 goals and not allowing 1 against the #6 team in the league is a good show.

Worst Team: Hull City - This team added a lot of offense in the transfer period (Jozy Altidore and Jan Vennegor of H) but they haven't been able to score and have lost 3 straight.

Biggest Surprise: Burnley - eventually if they keep up the winning they won't be a big surprise, but for this week beating Sunderland 3-1 earns them the spot.

Biggest Disappointment: Sunderland - After having an impressive start they dropped a game to Burnley. Now I have bashed almost everyteam that has dropped a game to Burnley this season and maybe I am mistaken. Maybe its time to start thinking of Burnley as legit....eh, not just yet.

Player of the Week: Michael Owen - Yes, some players scored multiple goals this week. Some had great all around games. But in a BIG game at a BIG moment, Owen came up HUGE. His one goal in the 96th minute gets him the award.

Check in every Friday for a new EPL wrap-up.

--Dirk - International Soccer Correspondent

EPL Wrap-up: Week 3

With the calendar turning to Sept. 1st this week, the transfer signing period is over until January. For Chelsea it is over until 2011. FIFA laid down an incredible year long signing ban on Chelsea this week for tampering with 18-year-old Lens winger Gael Kakuta. Chelsea illegally convinced him to break his contract with Lens and sign with the London club.

What does this mean for Chelsea?

Well in a sport where the only means of changing your team and improving your club is through signing new talent, signing transfers, and raising money by selling players, they are at an extreme disadvantage. Their team will have to virtually stay the same and hope that they don't lose any players. If we look to tampering cases in other sports, we will remember a couple of years back when David Stern took 5 first round picks from the Minnesota Timberwolves for salary cap tampering with Joe Smith. Needless to say, if you are a professional sports team....stay away from tampering.

Now to games...

It was a slow week, but the game of the week was definitely Arsenal vs. Manchester United. The Gunners vs. The Red Devils provided plenty of excitement and some shenanigans to boot. The game was back and forth until Prince Andrei Arshavin scorched the Man U defense and keeper with an incredible shot to put Arsenal up 1-0. The Gunners kept the lead going into the half, but it wouldn't take long for the wheels to start falling off the wagon. First, Almunia makes a terrible challenge on Wayne Rooney giving Man U a penalty to tie the match. Second, Abou Diaby who had been playing well all game made a little league error to put the ball in the back of his own net. The true high light of the match was when Arsenal appear to level it at 2-2 in th 95th minute. The goal by Van Persie was called back for offsides and Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger proceeded to kick a water bottle down the sideline and Ref Mike Dean proceeded to throw him out. But instead of leaving the pitch Wenger just walks up into the stands (keep in mind that they are playing at Man U). I will let you watch the shenanigans with some commentary.

The rest of the league was not nearly as entertaining, but you will get the short wrap anyway.

Liverpool rebounded from the loss to Aston Villa with a 3-2 come from behind win over Bolton. Surprisingly "Captain Comeback" Yossi Benayuon didn't score the game winner. That belonged to "The Second King of England" Steven Gerrard himself.

Man City pulled off a 1-0 win over Portsmouth. Emmanuel Adebayor put in ANOTHER goal to make it one in every game this season. Now Man City is undefeated this season along with Chelsea and Tottenham, and a lot has been said about their challenging the top 4. However, having watched Man City, their wins are not impressive at all. Squeaking out a 1-0 win against sub-par competition doesn't say much about your club overall. They should be beating teams like Portsmouth (which Arsenal beat 4-1) and Wolverhampton.

Aston Villa continued the winning ways with a 2-0 victory over Fulham. Tottenham remained undefeated with a 2-1 win over Birmingham. Sunderland who was starting strong, dropped one against Stoke by the score of 1-0.

Top of the Table:

1) Tottenham
2) Chelsea
3) Manchester United
4) Manchester City
5) Stoke City

Awards:

Best Team: Liverpool. Fighting back to beat Bolton. They should have never been down, but they had heart and fought for the win.

Worst Team: Burnley. Against Chelsea they just never had a chance. This was to be expected however

Biggest Surprise: Stoke City has somehow found their way up to the 5th spot in the EPL. Don't expect that to last, but they deserve a shout out for the accomplishment.

Biggest Disappointment: Arsenal. I'm an Arsenal fan, but it is inexcusable the way the Gunners fell apart with a 1-0 lead at Old Trafford.

Player of the Week: Gabi Abonlahor (Aston Villa) - Really caused 2 goals in this game with his work. The first own goal was caused by his hard run at the ball and pressure to the defense, the second was a pure strike and all the credit was his.

Check in every Friday for a new EPL wrap-up.

--Dirk - International Soccer Correspondent

EPL Wrap-up: Week 2

Monday Night Football?

No its not what you think; John Madden isn't in the booth and Hank Williams Jr. isn't serenading us with an American classic. This week we had a prime time (GMT) matchup between Aston Villa (winners of the biggest disappointment award last week) and Liverpool. This was an exciting match up with Aston Villa looking to come back off a very disappointing week one, and Liverpool needeing to establish themselves as a consistent force in the league this year.

One of those things did happen.

Aston Villa got lucky picking up an own goal off a free kick. Then again right before they half they pick up a cheeky header off a corner that Liverpool didn't think was a corner. Liverpool looked to be on the comeback path with Fernando Torres netting a cross, making it a 2-1 game. Aston Villa was quick to respond and extend their lead on and Ashley Young penalty kick after a foolish challenge from Steve Gerrard.

In other matchups this week, Arsenal continued their EPL dominance over 2 games by making easy work of Portsmouth, cruising to a 4-1 win. Goals by Abou Diaby, Aaron Ramsey and William Gallas paced the Gunners past. It is worth noting that Gallas, a defender, has scored in ALL of Arsenal's games this year. An impressive feat. Also Arsenal has only played 2 EPL games so far this season and put home a whopping 10 goals. 10 goals in the 2 games?! Are you kidding me? Amazing.

Following up that domination we come to the Wigan v. Manchester United game. For Man U, coming off a fresh loss to Burnley, this game meant a lot. Was Man U really in trouble? or are they their normal Red Devil selves? Well, it only took 56 minutes to find out. Wayne Rooney slotted home the first goal of the match. It WAS pretty even until this point. Then Man U turned into the Man U we all know. After going scoreless in the first 55 minutes, it only took Man U 35 minutes to score 5 goals. With English legend Michael Owen even getting in on the action. The result of this game 5-0 Manchester United.

Around the league Manchester City barely got pased a tough Wolverhampton team 1-0. Chelsea scored twice against Fulham, with Anelka and Drogba putting in the goals, leading the Blues to a 2-0 victory. Tottenham continued their hot streak beating the West Ham Hammers 2-1 and remained at the top of the EPL table. Burnley continued off new momentum gained from beating Man U to hand Everton their second loss of the season in a 1-0 victory.

Top of the Table:

1) Tottenham
2) Chelsea
3) Arsenal
4) Manchester United
5) Manchester City

Awards:

Best Team: Arsenal - 4-1 leveling of Portsmouth gets the honors. Impressive work being turned in by the Gunners right now.

Worst Team: Everton - Taking the honor for the second week in a row. Everton couldn't muster enough to get past Burnley, losing 1-0.

Biggest Surprise: Aston Villa - Beating Liverpool 3-1 at Anfield is a tough task to ask from any team. Aston Villa was the Biggest Disappointment last week, but they have redeemed themselves and are looking to build on this win and enter the title race.

Biggest Disappointment: Liverpool - Losing 3-1 at home to Aston Villa is inexcusable.

Player of the Week: Kenwyne Jones - In a game I didn't recap, Jones put 2 goals home in a 2-1 victory for the Blackcats of Sunderland over Blackburn. Check out the goal and more importantly the celebration of his first goal at the 3:08 mark.

Check in every Friday for a new EPL wrap-up.

--Dirk - International Soccer Correspondent

EPL Wrap-up: Week 1

It has been a long and sumptuous summer for soccer. The Confederations Cup provided excitement on the field, while teams are still fighting for World Cup qualifying. Also the transfer period revealed spending sprees of unparalleled proportion by Real Madrid and Manchester City. With all of this behind us we finally have the start of the Barclay's English Premier League. Week one provided much to talk about and much excitement. So lets get to a week 1 wrap-up.

No better place to start off than with the defending champs. Much attention has been given to Manchester United with the departure of the world's best #7 Cristiano Ronaldo and the departure of Carlos Tevez. Much of the weight of those moves has fallen on the shoulders of Englishman Wayne Rooney, not to mention the preseason injury to keeper Edwin van der Sar. Rooney did not disappoint by providing the lone goal in a 1-0 win in the opening match against Birmingham. The second match of the week the Red Devils did not fair as well. New EPL call up Burnley brought down the league champs with a first half rip by Robbie Blake. To take things from embarrassing to worse Man U had a chance to equalize but Michael Carrick missed a penalty and Man U lost stud center back Rio Ferdinand for up to a month with an injury. It will be interesting to see how the Red Devils respond to this adversity in the coming matches.

Two teams that have been impressive with two first week victories are Chelsea and Tottenham. Both teams looked sharp against their opponents scoring multiple goals with ease.Chelsea handled the Black Cats of Sunderland 3-1 and Hull 2-1 with last minute heroics from Didier Drogba. Tottenham handed a early season loss to last years season long front runners Liverpool and then trounced Hull 5-1.

Liverpool followed up the disappointing showing with an absolute 4-0 stomping of Stoke City, showing that they won't curl up and quit after the exit of Xabi Alonso.

The most impressive showing of the week was put on by Arsenal. The Gunners who have had notable exits of Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure came out firing. I mean firing! 6 goals before Everton scored their 1. Arsenal showed no ill effects of losing two starters to Manchester City.

Man City did their thing with a easy 2-0 victory on Saturday over Blackburn Rovers. A goal on a beautiful volley from around the 18 by Adebayor in the 2nd minute. From then on it was easy cruising until Stephen Ireland sealed the deal with a cheeky 90th minute goal. Ireland flicking the ball on to himself just toys with the keeper and defense before sliding it home near post. Showing why he is one of the most talented and prized young players in the EPL.

This weeks awards:

Best Team: Tottenham and Arsenal split this award for week on, both had the most dominate showing of any teams.

Worst Team: Everton - A team that is consistently in the top 10 got worked all over the pitch and didn't show an ounce of defensive pressure all game. Not to mention star defender Joleon Lescott was dropped from the line up due to poor attitude

Biggest Surprise: Burnley with a 1-0 win over Manchester United

Biggest Disappointment: Aston Villa - Much was made of Aston Villa coming into this season, but it failed to materialize with a 2-0 loss to Wigan Athletic.

Player of the Week : Francesc Fabregas (Arsenal) - 2 Goals and 2 Assists. This is soccer, enough said.

One week down, many more to go, check back next week for more English Premier League insight and wrap-up.

~Dirk - International Soccer Correspondent

Sams Lose a Tough One

I typed about 17 words to begin this post, but none of them seemed to accurately describe how I'm feeling right now. Most of them had to do with frustration; not because the United States men's national team lost its World Cup qualifier 2-1 against Mexico, but because we looked so lifeless doing so. No pace to our offense, no control to our offense, no energy; we seemed as if though, after getting an early goal from Charlie Davies in the 9th minute, we were playing for the tie. Every time a ball was cleared from the defense, it was always way downfield, never to a midfielder to start an attack. Even Davies' score was sort of fluky in that a long ball was sent down the field, he controlled it, and made a great move on the defense before sliding it to the right of Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa.

In the grand scheme of things, this game didn't mean much. We're still second in our qualifying group (tied with Honduras, actually), and three teams get the automatic bid to the World Cup next summer. With upcoming games against Honduras, Trinidad and Tobago, El Salvador, and Costa Rica, we still have plenty of opportunities to get points. However, in the non-grand scheme of things, this loss sucks. Mexico is our most bitter rival, and even though we've never won in Mexico City, I felt good going into this game. We've played well as of late, and Mexico has been a program in disarray. They go through coaches like I go through underwear (hey now, keep those jokes to yourself) and they're about as flaky a team as you'll find in the CONCACAF region. There's no question that they have some very talented players, but I really thought we had the better team and would prove that today.

We didn't.

Clint Dempsey was a ghost for most of the game. Landon Donovan, our team captain -- I don't care who's wearing the arm band -- looked lost in the second half. Carlos Bocanegra -- who actually wears the captain's arm band -- was out of position time and time again. Basically, it was a poor performance all around, save for goalkeeper Tim Howard, who once again bailed us out on a number of occasions. Were it not for Howard, the game easily could've been 4-1 or 5-1.

As we went to the half tied at 1, I knew that we were in trouble. Our energy wasn't there for whatever reason, our execution was terrible, and there was no cohesion to our game at all. Once the second half started, I was hoping to get the tie, take our point, and get the heck out of Mexico. Things appeared to be headed that way until Miguel Sabah scored in the 81st minute, all but ending our chances of getting any points. Mexico dominated possession, played with a sense of urgency, and, to be honest, deserved to win more than we did.

All is not lost, however, as we still have plenty of opportunities to get our swagger back and give the FIFA people a reason to not put us in the Group of Death come World Cup time. Before we can worry about seeding though, we need to get our mind back on our business and qualify first. And the next step is September 5th against El Salvador.

Hopefully, this lethargic effort against Mexico is behind us by then, and the Yanks team I know and love will be on full display.

~~ Lank

The Calm Before the Storm

It's August 11th, 2009. Which means in less than 24 hours, the U.S. Men's National Soccer team will take the field in Mexico City to battle our most bitter of rivals, Mexico in a 2010 World Cup qualifier. Yeah, we played them a few weeks back in the final round of the Gold Cup, getting clobbered 5-0. But considering our roster consisted of (maybe) 2 regulars on the "A-team," it wasn't exactly a fair fight. Some people have suggested that Mexico had a B-team there, too; until you realize that roughly 12 regulars from the team they're sending into tomorrow's game were in the Gold Cup final as well.

Regardless, it's a huge game. Huge.

Why? Well, for starters, we haven't ever won in Mexico City. Not once. We had a scoreless tie back in 1998, but that's about as well as we've fared in the Mexican capital. Another reason is that we're attempting to break into the second-tier of international soccer teams. The top tier is completely out of the question, as we're unable to compete with the Brazils, Englands, Netherlands, Italys and Spains of the world on a consistent basis. However, we've begun to play more consistent soccer since the poor showing at the 2006 World Cup. Winning against Switzerland on the road two years ago, beating Sweden last year, playing close contests against Spain and Argentina last summer; you get the point. That, in conjunction with our surprise run in the Confederations Cup, has given a renewed vigor to the Yanks.

Winning in Mexico City, however, is a whole other deal.

The game is being held at Estadio Azteca, which holds about 5 million people -- or so it seems. Really, it holds close to 105,000 (plus the extra hundreds that'll somehow cram in), and only a handful of people in there will not hate the United States. Throw in the elevation (over 7,300 feet) and the smog (think L.A. on crack), and our boys have quite the fight on their hands. Oh yeah, and don't forget the eleven guys in the red, green, and white who want nothing more than to beat the crap out of their rivals to the north. The game is going to be fierce, it's going to be physical, and it's certainly not going to be for the faint of heart. Grown men only.

I honestly don't know what to think about the game. I do believe, and it's been shown time and time again, that the United States has a superior team. However, Mexico is playing for their qualifying lives, as they are currently fourth in the CONCACAF standings that send 3 automatic qualifiers to South Africa next summer. The United States is a comfortable 2nd, and will most likely end up overtaking Costa Rica for the top spot. That's not to say that we will come out with any less fire than Mexico, but that sense of desperation is firmly on the Mexican side.

I would live-blog the game, but it'd be the most boring live-blog in the history of live-blogs. I'm going to be locked in (on tape delay due to work constraints) tomorrow night; and I doubt I'd have enough time or focus to get a word in edgewise. I'm leaving my phone at home during the work day and I'm not checking my email -- I'm making it virtually impossible to learn the result before I see it. It's that important to me. If you're reading this and you have the least bit of respect for me, don't contact me until late tomorrow night. At all. Thank you.

I will be back tomorrow night after I finish viewing the game to blog my thoughts on it. Hopefully, I'll be lauding the play of Tim Howard, Landon Donovan, and Jozy Altidore after a thrilling United States victory.

Hopefully.

~~ Lank

Saluting the Sams

As you know, the United States men's soccer team lost to Brazil, 3-2, in the finals of the FIFA Confederations Cup. I was disappointed in this result. No, really, I was. Ask Skip. Yes, had you told me prior to the final (let alone the tournament) that we'd lose by one goal to Brazil, I'd have taken it. However, when you're up 2-0 at halftime, you want the win. I realize that Brazil is more talented than we are, I realize that we weren't really attacking much and were fortunate to be up at all, but that doesn't matter.

2-0 is 2-0 is 2-0. And that should result in a victory.

My perceived "criticism" of their loss is not that at all. As a matter of fact, me being disappointed in the outcome is the greatest compliment I can give our team. I expected them to topple one of the best teams in the world in the final of a prestigious international tournament.

Think about that for a minute.

The United States, after having finished 32nd out of 32 teams in the World Cup only 11 years ago, is now contending with (and beating) the best teams in the world. Ask Spain why they're no longer sporting a winning streak. It's because Uncle Sam walked up to them and told them to sit down, that's why. Landon Donovan said it best in his postgame interview following the heartbreaking loss to Brazil, "we're not really about getting respect from other teams anymore; we want to win." When I heard him say that, I vehemently agreed. Once again, ask Skip.

I'm not proud of the Sams (or Yanks or Stars and Stripes, whichever you prefer) because they lost in close fashion to a world superpower. I'm not proud of them because they finished as runner-up in a major international tournament. No, I'm proud of them because for the first time since I've been watching them play, the United States men's soccer team actually had me expecting to win against an elite opponent. Before it was "just stay close and maybe we can pull it out". Sunday, it was, "we should win this game; and I'm going to be disappointed if we don't." Huge difference.

What does this mean for the 2010 World Cup? Nothing, really. We still trail Costa Rica in the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying tourney, and our performance in the Confederations Cup does nothing to help our chances qualifying. We're still a week and a half from being undressed by the Brazilians and beaten by Italy (translation: we're inconsistent). So, in short, there's a ton of work to be done between now and June 11, 2010 (day 1 of World Cup play). The bright side is that we've shown we're the class of our region, fully deserving of a favorable bid from the FIFA Selection Committee. Instead of playing in the Group of Death (as we did in 2006), we should see a slightly less murderous road to the knockout stage.

At the end of the day, I'm thrilled with the United States' showing at the Confederations Cup. Defeating Egypt and Spain in the fashion we did is nothing to sneeze at. Also, being competitive against Italy (with only 10 guys, nonetheless) and challenging Brazil (without Michael Bradley) showed me that this team has indeed turned a corner. My only hope is that we don't rest on our laurels now that we've gotten some love from the soccer world.

Keep on keepin' on, fellas; there's no sense in stopping once you're on the precipice of something even greater.

~~ Lank

Surprising Sams Stun Spain

I could get used to this. After years and years of waiting for the United States men's soccer team to beat an elite opponent, I finally got my wish. And boy, does it feel good. Going into Wednesday's game against Spain in the semifinals of the Confederations Cup in South Africa, the United States was a big time underdog. Rightfully so, I might add. The Spanish club had come in having gone unbeaten in 35 straight matches, including 15 straight victories. They probably have 5 of the 30 best players in the world, and their depth is mind-boggling. A United States victory not only would have been a surprise, it would have sent shockwaves around the world.

Well, hello there, world; allow me to introduce us.

That there is Tim, he's our goalkeeper. Standing just in front of him are Carlos, Jay, Oguchi (we just call him "Gooch"), and Jonathan (Spector, not Bornstein). The next wave will present to you Landon, Michael, Ricardo, and Clint. Up top you'll notice our friends Jozy and Charlie. Coming a bit late to the party will be Benny, Conor, and Jonathan (Bornstein, not Spector). Thanks for the congratulations on doing something none of you could do since November 2006: beat Spain.

This wasn't a fluke. Anyone who watched the game knows that the U.S. defended INCREDIBLY well, took their opportunities when they came, and didn't make the kind of mistakes that'd beat themselves. In short, the Yanks played exactly how they needed to play in order to have a chance. Speaking of chances, Spain had a ton of them throughout the match. It seemed like every time I looked up, Fernando Torres or David Villa had the ball on his foot in the box. Either that or Xavi was attacking and making plays. But here came Gooch (Onyewu) or Carlos (Bocanegra) sliding in to stop the chance. The defense was beyond terrific. After being out with an injury for the previous games this tournament, Bocanegra returned with a great game, and looked sharp alongside Jay DeMerit, who's earned his stripes (and hopefully a starting spot for the forseeable future) with his play in South Africa.

When Jozy Altidore scored in the 25th minute, I was excited, but also realistic. Spain was still going to get their opportunities, so I wasn't quite ready to put my chest out too far. But then when Clint Dempsey took the ball away from Ramos and scored in the 73rd minute, all of a sudden things got serious. It really looked like we were going to win the game, whereas earlier it appeared as if we might win the game. Unreal. When the final whistle blew, I sat there in disbelief, asking my buddy if that really just happened.

It did.

After shrugging off the haters with an appearance in the semifinals of a major international tournament following a bit of flair (3-0 win over Egypt) and a bit of luck (Brazil's 3-0 win over Italy), the United States men's soccer team silenced them for a long while with Wednesday's win over Spain. The tournament finals are Sunday, and we'll play the winner of Thursday's game between Brazil and South Africa. At this point, I don't even care who we play (though I'd prefer South Africa); having seen this team come together and play like grown men for four games has been all the reward I need.

But if you guys want to go ahead and bring home the trophy, I won't be mad at that, either. Good job, Sams, way to represent those 50 stars and 13 stripes with pride. The pride has now been shifted to your fan base, and we can't wait to welcome you home after a highly successful showing in South Africa...which also happens to be the site of next summer's World Cup. Just saying.

~~ Lank

Stars and Stripes Shocker

Well, that was amazing.

The United States men's soccer team beat incredibly long odds to advance to the semifinals of the FIFA Confederations Cup, being played in South Africa. Coming off a disheartening loss to Italy and a beatdown at the hands of Brazil, the Yanks needed a ton of help to advance out of group play and into the knockout stage of the tournament. I'll save you the confusion of explaining the situation and the tiebreaker rules, but know that the United States had to defeat its opponent today (Egypt) by 3 goals, and Italy had to lose to its opponent today (Brazil) by 3 goals. Considering Italy had given up 2 goals total in their previous two games and the United States had scored 1 goal in their previous two games, there wasn't much hope on our side.

But sometimes, a little hope is all you need.

Playing with a fervor and energy unseen all tournament long, the Americans attacked offensively more than they had in recent matches and beat Egypt 3-0 with goals being scored by Charlie Davies (21'), Michael Bradley (63'), and Clint Dempsey (71'). By handling their business, the United States team needed a miracle in the game being played simultaneously between Brazil and Italy. And a miracle they got, as Brazil scored 3 goals early and then held on at the end to shut out the Italians, 3-0. I sat there in disbelief as the seconds wound down on the US-Egypt game (it finished slightly after the Brazil-Italy game) as the team that appeared to be in a freefall only days earlier had now clinched a spot in the semifinals of a major international tournament. What a turnaround.

The Sams had been much-maligned for their recent struggles, including a one-sided loss to Costa Rica in CONCACAF World Cup qualifying and the losses in South Africa. However, they managed to put all of that aside, focus on the improbable task at hand, and deliver a memorable performance for all of Sam's Army. And for that, they should be commended. The semifinal matchup against Spain is another uphill battle, considering Spain is one of the best teams in the world, but the fact that we're in the game is an achievement all its own.

I know you're not supposed to "just be happy to be there" but that's the attitude I'm taking into Wednesday's game against Spain (2:25 ET on ESPN). Spain, fresh off their dazzling performance in Euro 2008, hasn't lost in international competition in quite a while. They have substitutes that would start on the United States team and top-level players that are beyond any talented players we have. If Spain were to play the United States ten times, they'd win nine at least. But maybe Wednesday will be that one game. Last summer, in an international friendly in Spain, the Spaniards beat the US 1-0 in a somewhat competitive game. The United States didn't provide much offense, but did a solid job defending the high-powered Spanish team. If they can defend that well again and steal a goal early, who knows what might happen.

With the way things shook out today, I'm not giving up on anything similarly miraculous happening in South Africa on Wednesday. Go get 'em, Sams.

~~ Lank

USA v. Brazil

**Confederations Cup Special**

Dirk here with an early morning Skip To My Lank international soccer special.

Today the US takes on Brazil. This has always been a tough match for the US with only one win against Brazil in recent memory. A win we owe entirely to Predrag Radosavljević, also known as the one and only Preki. That 1998 Gold Cup victory has been the reason that Sam's Army always holds faith against one of the worlds premier national teams. However with superstars the likes of Kaka, Pato, Fat Ronaldo, Adriano and Ronaldiho the Brazilian national teams is one of the most popular in the world. Luckily for the Sams most of those namesakes for Brazil aren't active for the Confederations Cup. With Fat Ronaldo (another player that will put one in the net no mater how old, or fat he is), Adriano and Ronaldinho left off the squad for the likes of Gilberto Silva, the Sams have a chance because this Brazil team doesn't have the same killer line-up it once did.

Line-ups:
USA 4-5-1
Howard
Spector
Onyewu
Demerit
Bornstein
Donovan
Dempsey
Beasley
Bradley
Kljestan
Altidore

Brazil 4-4-2
Julio Cesar
Maicon
Mirando
Andre Santos
Lucio
Gilberto Silva
Kaka
Ramires
Felipe Milo
Robinho
Luis Fabiano

0'-US wearing their the color of angels again and Brazil coming out in the yellow and blue. It will be interesting to see how the US adapts to the different style of another talented team. Italy and Brazil are world class, but play much different styles. Our official if from Switzerland, which I fully approve of.

2:35 - in a socking development we see the first fancy footwork and flair from the US side. Lando with a little flick of the ball over his head to a teammate.

5'- So far Brazil has been playing a more physical brand of soccer, putting their body on US players.

5:46'- First flop by the Brazilian Ramires

6'-GOAL Felipe Melo - Set piece gives Brazil the lead. Puts the header in the back of the net. The US have had trouble early in matches. It's going to me a struggle to get back in this now. Brazil just knows how to turn flops into goals. Rather unfortunate.

10'- We Brazil is finding their flair. With and early goal they aren't afraid to show off and be inventive. Maicon with the flop in the same position as the earlier free kick they score on. Poor clearance by the US and Brazil gets a couple of chances on goal, but to no result.

12'- The US is on their heels and need to find some confidence and ability to hold the ball. It will be a long match if you have to chase the ball for 90 minutes.

13'- Kaka just showing that he is better than our whole team, Makes the run to the 6 yard box and wins a corner.

16'- Brazil is just faster and more skilled than the US right now. The US keeps playing a long ball to an attacker and just leaving him up top by himself. Not a good brand of soccer. The US is struggling to find holes in the Brazilian defense.

18'- Brazil on a 3 on 3 break. Robinho flops on the edge of the box and the ref tells him to stand up. Could have been bad for the US.

19'- GOAL Robinho - Only the US has the ability to turn their own corner kick into a goal for the other team. US misplays the ball and Brazil counters and just runs away from the US defense. 2 on 1 easy goal for Brazil to convert.

20'- The US with a chance on the corner, got a head to it, just couldn't put it on goal. Atleast we didn't give up a goal on that one.

Well the picture has now gone out. That might be the best thing for this USA soccer fan. Its early and ugly. I wonder what the score will be when the picture comes back.

25'- Picture is back. Don't know what has happened but it is still Brazil 2, US 0. If the 5 minutes of missing airtime were anything like the first 20 then I am glad the screen when blank.

27'- Brazil is just looking dangerous on long balls to the strikers. They are just outrunning the US defense.

30'- The game pace is slowing a bit with Brazil holding the ball more and just picking their spots to start an attack.

32'- Corner for the US. Lets not give up a goal this time.

33'- Yellow Card - Oneywu - Just a bad sliding challenge from behind for Oneywu as he was coming back from the corner kick, he deserves that yellow.

35'- The television is telling me that the possession split is 48-52 Brazil. I could have sworn it was more like 70-30.

36'- Oneywu makes a mistake on the header giving Fabiano a open run on goal. Howard makes an easy save of the shot however. It could have been much worse.

38'- Donovan with a beautiful run through the midfield. He and Spector did well working together to create an 80 yard run. The difference is that Brazil would have turned that into a goal. Best chance for the US so far.

39'- Brazil with another chance on a header. Gilberto Silva misses one he should have converted. Its funny how you can be down 2-0 and still think you are "catching" breaks, most teams would think everything had to go wrong to be down 2 goals early.

41'- Brazil with a dangerous free kick. Ball drops to Melo on the back post, but he send it over the cross bar. The US needs to make sure they don't give up a late goal before half. It would be ideal if they could cut it to 1 here in the last minutes, but I'm not holding my breath.

45'- HALFTIME - Brazil 2, USA 0
A horrible half of US soccer. As the US get more and more frustrated the Brazilian attack has been working better and better. Some major changes and improvements need to be made at the half, and that might not even be enough. I dunno, maybe Brazil might come out with with only 6 players and no defenders on the field for the second half, so we could still have a chance.

46'- SUB Casey in, Beasley out. The second half is underway with a change for the US going towards a more offensive look with Casey in. Casey is second in the MLS for goals scored, Brazil probably doesn't see that kind of firepower when they are playing club side in the EPL or La Liga.

47'- Casey and Altidore string some passes together for the best US chance of the day. Casey gives it to Altidore in the box, unfortunately is was on his left foot and we all know how that ends.

50'- The US is looking a lot better to start this half, more confident, better passing and the movement is all there. They are holding the possession and creating offensive opportunities. Bradley attempts a strike from distance, it goes wide.

53'-Brazil with a real chance running at the US defense. Slowly passing the ball around the box finding the open man at the back post, but Robinho can't put it past Howard. On a side note, Maicon has been working the right side up and down making Bornstein look real bad despite his best efforts.

54'- Howard with a GREAT save. Kaka gets the ball at the top of the 18 and just dribbles to a straight on open shot that Kaka usually converts. Excellent save, I thought he would put that on in the back of the net.

55'- Ramires is down with an injury by the hands of Kljestan. Ramires hasn't been afraid to hit the turf and embellish a foul today. Kljestan says he got a RED CARD! What? Again? This is terrible. They didn't show it on TV but Kljestan is sent off! Wow. Now down to 10 against a great team again.

60'- SUB Feilhaber in, Altidore out.

61'-GOAL Maicon - Brazil 3, USA 0. He has been working right side all day and Brazil just passes it through the defense and Maicon finishes a tough shot from the endline. Tough finish from that position, US makes the mistake, but give credit to Maicon for a good finish on a tough shot.

66'- Brazil is just putting together great passes and just choosing where they want to attack. Its gonna be a long last 20 for the Sams.

68'- SUB Fabiano out, Nilmar In. Kaka out, Baptista in. Just getting some minutes for more players here for Brazil. No need to get Kaka injured with the US making bad tackles all over the pitch.

71'- The US has lost all energy and movement. Players are just standing around waiting for Brazil to hold the ball and make them look silly.

74'-Dempsey trying to create something but looses the ball which starts up the Brazilian counter attack. US is lucky to escape with a goal kick.

80'- 10 minutes left and it has just turned into a passing game. Both teams put the ball in to the others area once in a while, but this game is now just a possession drill taking place in the midfield area. Both teams look content just to let the time expire on this one.

83'- US with a CHANCE! Feilhaber puts it off the crossbar! Spector with an excellent run and pass to the middle. Would have been nice, but no such luck. Brazil turns around and counters attacks! US almost gives up another, but Howard is there with strong hands.

85'- Its turned into a counter attacking game, quick play from one end to the other. Dempsey playing with some flair and a couple of cross over dribbles but nothing comes of it.

87'- Dempsey draws the foul and feels like its his duty to show the Brazilians he has some flash too. A lot of useless footwork that doesn't do much, but he earned a good spot for the free kick near the left corner.

88'- Another one off the post. Donovan puts it in and Casey gets a head on it. The strong MLS offensive mindset is showing in Casey's play.

89'- Brazil with a cross right in front of the net. Onyewu clears it, otherwise its another goal from Brazil.

90'- Brazil with a free kick almost straight on from 20 yards out. Could be dangerous.

90+2'- After some discussion and egos getting in the way, Baptista takes the shot and airmails it. Way to go Baptista.

90+3'- The Sams have a long free kick now from about 40 yards. Dempsey steps up to take it. I heard normally we would have Cristiano Ronaldo taking these, but his naturalization papers got held up. Not even a close attempt by Dempsey. And that is the match.

All done here, Brazil 3, USA 0. Man of the Match - Maicon. I give it to the Brazilian defender here. With an assist and a goal he played well the entire match on both ends of the pitch. Robinho is a close second doing an excellent job on the offensive end.

Well Brazil is the second team to secure a spot in past the groups stage joining Spain. The US is the second team to be eliminated following eh Kiwis with an early exit. Thats all for now. The Sams take on Egypt on Sunday at 2pm EST. See you folks then.

~Dirk - International Soccer Correspondent

Sams v. The Azzurri

A special Confederations Cup live blog here today brought to you by Dirk, Skip To My Lank's International Soccer Correspondent.

The US/Italy match up has provided us with some excitement and controversy in years past. Those passionate followers of Sam's Army will remember back to the 2006 World Cup when the US and Italy battled for a 1-1 draw with 3 players being sent off with red cards. Since that time Italy went on to win the World Cup and the US is still looking to achieve a level of consistent and quality international play. What will today hold? We will have to wait and see.

Line ups-
USA - 4-3-3
Howard
Bornstein
Oneywu
Demerit
Spector
Feilhaber
Clark
Bradley
Dempsey
Altidore
Donovan

Italy 4-3-3
Buffon
Grosso
Chiellini
Legrottaglie
Zambrotta
Pirlo
De Rossi
Gattuso
Iaquita
Gilardino
Camoranesi

Note - A friend once told me that there are about 6 guys in the world that no matter where they are, how old they are or who they are playing you can always count on them to put one in the back of the net. Unfortunately for the US, one of those guys Luca Toni, usually finds himself located directly in the middle of the Azzurri offense. We will have to see how that unfolds today with him out of the starting line up.

1'- We are off and running here with with the Azzurris wearing their traditional blue and the Sams coming out wearing the color of angels. The US has had trouble recently with giving up early goals, we will see how they handle early pressure from Italy.

2:34 - First Italian dive of the match

5'- A few flashes of offense from both sides, each team is feeling each other out with some hard challenges and some errant passes.

8'- First real opportunity for the US on a free kick right outside the box. Donovan taps it to Dempsey who takes a shot high and wide of the target. I would expect to see the US cross it in that situation since we don't have anybody that can take a shot from more than 15 feet away from the net.

15'- Through the first sixth of the game it has been very physical. The US midfield of Feilhaber, Clark and Bradley have been very solid in passing, controlling the ball and field position. Much more impressive than the previous 2 US international matches.

20'-Both teams have put together a couple of opportunities for shots at goal but nobody has broken through yet. The Italian team if known for a slow developing, plodding style that relies on defense and only needing one goal to win. Bornstein has picked up the first card of the match, a yellow, for a challenge on Camoranesi. Italy put in a beautiful cross from the foul that found an open head but went wide. A defensive breakdown by the US.

Side note - The crowd seems to be very loud at this match. I'm not sure if its fans that traveled or the South Africans coming out in droves to support Sam's Army. Either way, a good atmosphere adds a little to the match.

25'- A blown opportunity for the US. Donovan and Bradley using some excellent passing to put together a great run to create a 4-3 break. Bradley gets the ball in the box, but he can't finish with the left foot from 15 feet away.

29'- Well its official, the US needs to work on shooting with the left foot. Almost an identical play with Donovan running through the Azzurri midfield and dropping it off to the American Wunderkind Jozy Altidore, in almost the same spot as Bradley, only for Altidore to nub the shot.

31'- Great 30 yard strike by Pirlo on a free kick. Gives Howard trouble, but he successfully knocks it away. I wish the US had someone who could shoot the ball from farther out than 10 yards.

32'- RED CARD - Richardo Clark gets booked and sent off for a reckless challenge on Gattuso. The player that in my opinion was playing the best defense in the midfield for the US. Should have been a yellow, not a red. The US is used to playing a man down against Italy anyway, no love. Now its 10 on 11.

35'- Donovan catches a elbow to the face from Grosso and wins the free kick. A yellow for Grosso and a free kick from 25 yards out which sails over the net on a shot by Donovan.

38'- WOW - the US just got saved from an own goal, terrible pass back from Bornstein to Howard, by an offside. Lucky!

39 - PENALTY! - Jozy Altidore draws the PK on a 1 on 1. Donovan to take it. GOAL!

Donavan beats Buffon and the US is up 1-0 down a man and against the World Cup Champions. The Sams have heart! F*** Yeah!

45'- We got to the half with the US up 1-0. The US will have a really tough go of it the second half for 2 reasons. 1) playing a man down endurance and fitness will have a greater impact in the 2nd half. Italy will do their best to run the US all over the field. But Donovan won't care about that and run through brick walls, he always plays well against the Azzurri. 2) Italy still has Luca Toni on the bench, which doesn't bode well for the US if he gets in the game, because as previously stated, he is good for one goal. I'll be back at the start of the second for more action.

46'- 2nd half is underway and it wouldn't be a US/Italy match with out at least 1 red card and a close game. Here we go.

50'-So far this match I think Donovan, Bradley, Dempsey, Howard and Oneywu have been fantastic for the US. Strong solid play by all of them. Oneywu has a very difficult task with 3 backline starters that are not normally in the line-up with him.

53'- The US has gone to a 1 striker formation packing in the defense. Hoping to boot the ball ahead and wait for help. The US has a free kick with Donovan over the ball, he curls it into the 6 yard box, but it is safely cleared by Italy.

55'- Italy with the corner, Iaquinta gets a head to it, but it goes wide. Italy is playing well on the set pieces getting a head to most of the 50/50 balls. This may bite the US later on.

56' - SUB - Giuseppe Rossi for Gattuso - Those of you familiar with Rossi know that he could be playing on the other side of the ball right now. Grew up in New Jersey, choose to play Italian Soccer over playing for the Sams. Needless to say this guys is not a fan of Rossi, bring us more Jermaine Jones.

58- GOAL - needless to say Rossi just scored on an absolute rope from about 28 yards out. Damn that guy. 2 Minutes after stepping on the pitch. Yeah, we could have used that.

65'- SUB - Jozy Altidore out, Charlie Davies in.

66'- Italy is peppering the US with crosses and balls toward the goal. The US will need to be strong to withstand these run for 30 more mins and a man down.

67'- Rocket shot on goal for the Azzurris from about 18 yards out, stopped by Howard.

68'- SUB - Toni in, Gilardino out. Well this is the moment that this fan was dreading. Luca Toni is now in the match. I said earlier that he is good for a goal, so the Sams will have an even tougher go of it now.

71'- GOAL - De Rossi with another long range strike. It sure would be great if the US had players that could shoot like this. Well its gone from bad to worse. Not a good situation for the US to be in right now. Italy is known for great defense and now they can just pack it in.

71'- SUB - Beasley in, Feilhaber out.

74'- Corner for the Azzurris and Toni gets a head on it right in front of the net, puts it just past the post. Thats just Toni being Toni.

Note from out sponser - TLank wants me to make sure everyone knows how bad G.I. Joes the movie looks. When I watched G.I. Joes as a kid I don't remember Halo looking dudes with robocop suits on. What a crock.

80'- Dempsey with a good shot from distance, but Buffon makes it look better than it really was. Donovan gets taken out hard in the box in what should be a penalty, but a no call. No play on the ball, but the ref is gun shy to give another penalty.

85'- The pirate is seen getting really to come in for the US. For those of you who don't know who the pirate is, it is the one and only Sacha Kljestan. Kljestan in, Bornstein out. Only minutes left to go.

86'- Italy is playing keep away, happy to leave with a 2-1 victory after being down 1-0 most of the game. LUCA TONI - So close with a wide open header. Toni puts those in, but this time it was right at Howard.

87'-Kljestan with a solid long range shot with some nice curve. Great late game attempt.

89'- The Sams get their first corner of the game and it finds Charlie Davies who puts it over the top of the goal. Davies needs to put that in, he was wide open.

90'- 4 additional minutes of injury time. Forever in injury time, that's like 20 seconds on the clock in the NBA.

90+2'- LUCA TONI misses a wide open shot on Howard. The only reason Toni hasn't score is because Tim Howard is in net.

90+3'- GOAL - Rossi - Well that will do it. A magical run by Pirlo with a even more beautiful cross. Easy picking for Rossi. I'm kinda pissed off that he passed up giving the ball to Toni who was camped out in front of the net.

90+4'- Full Time - Player of the Match - Giuseppe Rossi. Easily got the award with 2 goals coming in as a sub with only 30 minutes left in the match. Tremendous play from a young star.

Italy prevails, the Sams look to regroup and somehow redeem some pride out of this. Thank you for tuning in. I hope my commentary was more enjoyable than watching my nationalistic pride take a hit by the hands of the Azzurris.

~Dirk - International Soccer Correspondent