USA vs Spain Review
Unbelievable. Period.
What can be said about the U.S.? A team that pulled off a victory against the best team in the world, Spain. A team coming off 15 straight wins and 35 straight games without a loss (a record dating back to November 2006).
Unbelievable is the only word that comes to mind.
The most important thing to take away from the game is that this win was no fluke. The U.S. played toe-to-toe with Spain and beat them 2-0. Yes, Spain was more skillful, had more possession, and had more shots on goal. But the bottom line is the U.S. won 2-0. Not 1-0 on some fluke goal. 2 goals that were created by skillful play, both individually and collectively.
The first five minutes of the game were as expected. Spain controlled the ball well and kept it in the U.S. half. However, the game broke open shortly after that. Both teams were finding the ball well and creating space and attacking opportunities. Spain would put forth an attack, then the U.S. would move forward on offense. It was great a day to be a fan of the U.S. team, to be a fan of soccer.
Then in the 25th minute, the U.S. struck on goal. The goal came from a long pass from Clint Dempsey to Jozy Altidore, who muscled and shielded and bodied his way to a chance. Spainish goalkeeper Iker Casillas got a hand to the shot but not enough to deflect it wide. 1-0 U.S.
The game fully opened up after the goal, as Spain began to bring everything they had at the U.S. The American defensive line Jonathan Spector, Oguchi Onyewu, Jay DeMerit, and Carlos Bocanegra (playing at left back) was absolutely unbeatable. Their tenacity, passion, and willingness to fearlessly throw themselves into every Spanish attacking opportunity was a difference maker. Their anchor, Tim Howard in goal, wouldn’t let their efforts go unrewarded. He was a dominant force in goal.
The second half was crazy. Spain came at the U.S. like a freight train. Their passing, their skill, their vision, all were remarkable. But the U.S. was up to the task, weathering wave after wave of attack.
I really felt at this point that the U.S. was going to lose the game. Call my cynical, but it was starting to look like Italy al over again. The U.S. was reverting into it’s defensive shell. Spain had time and space with the ball and every clearance and stop the U.S. made would go right back to Spain and it would start all over again.
There’s no way the Americans could keep Spain off the score sheet all half playing like that. But then, the unthinkable happened, the U.S. started to get the ball back at their feet. They started pushing forward more, and then they had Spain under pressure. This pressure led to a turnover, in which second half sub Benny Feilhaber calming collected the ball and attacked Spain. His pass opened Landon Donovan on the right who slid a pass across Spain’s six yard box. The ball took a bit of a deflection but an opportunistic Dempsey pounced and put the Americans ahead 2-0.
The final 20 minutes was an flurry of attack from Spain as they went all out on the offensive. The Americans, however, were up to task and held on for the victory.
As for the players:
Tim Howard was excellent in goal. We need as many dominating performances from him as we can get.
The back four of Spector, Onyewu, DeMerit, and Bocanegra was very solid, very impressive. This could be the line we see for the U.S. team for years to come
Dempsey was hit or miss most of the game, but he does bring with him the ability to change a game, and he did just that by scoring the second goal. He appears to me more effective up front with the national team. Regardless, he only garners extra crticism due to the expectations placed upon him. Overall a solid performance.
Clark was his usual self, breaking up plays and being a menace in the midfield, the U.S. midfield was outclassed by the likes of Xavi, Alonso, and Fabregas, but they were able to slow them down enough and get some important stops here and there. Clark needs to improve his offensive capabilities, he forced too many passes and gave away too many turnovers, but again, he was vital is slowing the deadly Spanish midfield.
Bradley did well for himself again this game, he got stuck in, made plays when he needed to, and helped anchor the team. Horrendous red card late in the game. From what I saw, his tackle was ball first, studs down, no higher than the ankle. That’s borderline no foul at all. Certainly not a red. Terrible. FIFA should be ashamed at that one.
Donovan was again the man of the match. The guy was everywhere. Creating offensive, clearing the ball from the goal line on defense. He did everything he could to help this team win. All credit to him. A+ from me.
Altidore took his goal well. He earned it with some great individual skill. His play was good in the first half and he seemed to tire in the second half, but all in all a good performance. He seems to be another player that can change a game. The U.S. needs that.
Davies brought his tireless work rate to the field again, and frustrated Spain’s defense, a good day for him.
All in all, I am shocked and excited. This was one of the best games I’ve ever seen from the U.S. team. One more victory and the U.S. lifts it’s first ever FIFA tournament trophy! Go Team USA!
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