Confederations Cup Final: United States v Brazil

Sunday, 28 June 09, 02:22 AM · Comments (2)

It's not like the US has never won anything before, they've lifted the regional Gold Cup on several occasions and each time it means something, but it doesn't mean what this does.

This isn't the World Cup, not by a long shot. It's a dress rehersal for the big show next summer, but it does mean something, it's a serious competition. Quietly the Confederations Cup means a lot, particularly to those outside of Europe but even that didn't stop the Europeans from sending strong squads this year, they weren't ordered to, but they came to win.

Today marks the first time an American men's team has reached a FIFA final. This has generated somewhat of a buzz in the United States. The sport struggles for positive publicity here - indeed, many will take any small opportunity to ridicule it - but this team, and this performance has managed to produce it. The Americans were hammered twice, once by the team they face today, to start the tournement, after two matches it looked like a lost cause. Needing a five goal swing in the final group matches the American side put in a brave performance to beat Italy's impressive conquerers Egypt in the third group match and got a massive favor from Brazil as the Samba Boys completely put Italy to the sword in the other fixture. 3-0, 3-0. A six goal swing, they had done it.

2-0. It is the most famous scoreline in American soccer. Known mostly for it's symbolence against heated rivals Mexico, it has taken on new meaning following the Confederations Cup semi-final against world number 1 Spain. Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey provided the goals and Tim Howard the heroics as they pulled off a victory many saw as impossible at kickoff.

This is a proud moment for fans of the United States national team, they follow the team through thick and thin and though often critical, they're also very proud and very protective. Today, whether they win or lose, their boys have made them extremely proud.

TV - 2:25 EDT ESPN (En) & Univision (Es).

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