United States On to Semifinals After 3-0 Win Over Egypt

Bob Bradley and the United States men’s national team needed something short of a miracle to advance out of the group stage of the Confederations Cup as they faced Egypt Sunday night.

That’s exactly what they got. The Americans defeated Egypt 3-0 and Brazil beat Italy 3-0 in what was a complete reversal of fortune that the U.S. had come to expect from this tournament.

After two games, the United States played exactly 90 minutes, a full match, with 10 men on the field. Although teams that are a man down are known to fight, being in a hole like that is not an envious position.

Coach Bob Bradley fielded another young, raw lineup that he hoped would bring energy and passion to what was expected to be their final game in the tournament. Notable additions included forward Charlie Davies (goal 21^st), keeper Brad Guzan and previously red-carded Ricardo Clark.

Davies started the scoring following a throw-in. Jozy Altidore received the throw, turned toward the goal and sent in a left-footed cross that was handled by Egyptian keeper Essam El Hadary, but dislodged by his defender. Davies pounced on the ball, while muscling the defender out of the way, and fired a shot on goal from just feet away.

Davies’ goal lessened the pressure the U.S. acquired after two demoralizing defeats to Italy and Brazil and inspired confidence on the ball and in the attack.

The scoring was resumed in the 63^rd minute as Michael Bradley took the ball straight to the Egyptian box and slotted a lead pass to Landon Donovan. Donovan promptly dropped the ball back to Bradley who finished from 12 yards out, providing his father Bob with an appropriate gift on that special day.

The second goal was pointless, however, without a third. A 69^th minute substitution saw Jozy Altidore replaced by Benny Feilhaber. Clint Dempsey, in possession of an unsatisfactory game and tournament, was moved further up the field to make room for Feilhaber in midfield.

Two minutes after the substitution, Dempsey found himself in a rewarding position. Jonathan Spector, who is quickly tightening his grip on the right back spot, launched a highlight-reel cross into the Egyptian box from 40 yards out. Dempsey found the crossed ball with his head near the back post and finished with ease.

Dempsey’s passion after scoring was a stark contrast to the usual indifferent demeanor he has shown of late. Dempsey wasn’t the only one to show his emotions as Bob Bradley fist-pumped, cheered and even let loose a slight smile on the sideline.

This American team, deservedly criticized for their showings against Italy and Brazil, gave hope once again to fans that yearn for a more refined and composed approach on the pitch. The Americans have been rewarded with the unenviable task of facing Spain in Wednesday’s semifinal match.

What better way to test their improvement than against the world’s best?

Player Ratings

GK, Brad Guzan, 6.5 – Kept his defense organized and attacked opposing crosses at appropriate times. Guzan also made a few diving saves.

D, Jonathan Spector, 7 – Laced in a nearly perfect cross to assist Dempsey’s late goal. Spector also shut down the Egyptian wing play and showed well in the attack.

D, Oguchi Onyewu, 7.5 – Another dominating performance for Onyewu, who was never challenged in the air and commanded the back line with Bocanegra’s absence.

D, Jay Demerit, 6.5 – Bocanegra’s replacement turned in another satisfactory performance. Chose the proper times to step up and oppose the Egyptian attack.

D, Jonathan Bornstein, 5.5 – Still seemed out of sorts at times, but showed heart in a match that required it. Still auditioning for the number one left back position.

M, Landon Donovan, 8 – Donovan wore the captain’s arm band and was up to the task. Pushed the American attack when he sensed it lacking, marked well in defense and carried his team. (Man of the match)

M, Michael Bradley, 7.5 – Played an inspired match in midfield. Finished smoothly in the second half and commanded the field from box to box. Seeing him take shots from distance is evidence of a mind for the attack.

M, Ricardo Clark, 6.5 - Provided his usual dirty work in the defense of the midfield and stayed away from poorly timed challenges. Allowed Michael Bradley to concentrate more on the attack.

M, Clint Dempsey, 6.5 – Dempsey’s move to the attacking third awakened his attacking instincts. Won headers, held the ball well and powered his goal home.

F, Charlie Davies, 7 – Davies earned the first goal by simple grit and chased down long-range balls in the attacking third.

F, Jozy Altidore, 6 – Assisted on Davies’ first goal and should have gotten a goal but was robbed by an Egyptian hand ball that wasn’t called. His first touch needs to be refined if he wants to play with his back to the goal.

Subs

M, Benny Feilhaber, 5 – Hustled the entire time on the field and closed out well on attackers.

F, Connor Casey, 5 – Used his size and strength to wear down Egypt late in the game, but nothing extraordinary.