Why?

Why? 

Why does the US do this to me?  The same team that struggles at home to Honduras plays and inspired game and beats SPAIN.  This is the like those teen movies where the geeky guy secretly loves the hot chick, but only manages to attract other geeky girls.  Then he gets the hot chick and realizes that he isn't meant to have the hot chick and goes back to the geeky girl, because she makes him happier.  The US should buck the trend and keep hanging with the hot chick.  For the love of God don't go back to the geeky chick. 

What a victory.  What an effort.  All those complaints about lack of heart and effort and poor decisions are now conveniently swept under the rug.  Bradley's job is as safe as the inside of Queen Elizabeth's knickers.  The team showed what they are capable of when they combine heart and effort with their athleticisim.  They will always have to make up for the lack of technical skill with pure athletics and when they do, they are capable of such performances.  Spain never got settled and although they possessed the ball in our half most of the game, the organization in the back was outstanding.

It was a pleasure to see real defenders playing defense. Each back positioned perfectly, read passes and closed down Torres and Villa effectively.  The midfield did a nice job going forward and Donovan, Bradley and Clark's defensive contribution was tremendous.  Altidore and Davies worked well together up front and I was glad to see both putting pressure on the backs.  Feilhaber was a great choice and contributed each time he touched the ball. With the red to Bradley he will surely be starting in that spot.  Not much drop off I say.

Now on to Dempsey.  I give him credit for his goal and his contribution going forward.  However, I screamed more than once at the tv as he stood still and didn't work backwards.  He doesn't go back when there is danger.  Fabregas was left alone more than once on Bocanegra's side creating a 2 on 1.  All the while he is standing still waiting for the ball to come his way.  Does anyone yell at him, do his coaches tell him he needs to play defense or did he miss that  on his FIRST DAY OF PLAYING THE GAME.  Really, come on.

Gladly my prediction was wrong and the US are in the finals.  If you would have told me that after the Brazil game I would have asked for some of what you were smoking.  No way anyone could have predicted this.  Let's enjoy it and hell, maybe we can win this little tournament. 

Til next time.  Peace to all. Go Nats.