Huge Upset

Friends,

It probably does not mean much to alot of folks in our country, but the U.S men's soccer team's upset of Spain today, 2-0, in the Confederations Cup -- a lead in to next year's World Cup -- was huge! It is not unlike the "miracle on ice" hockey upset in the Olympics of 29 years ago...it is that big, but the venue is smaller, so it will not get that kind of run. A little perspective -- Spain is the #1 team in the world...and had a 15 game winning streak, and 35 games without a loss coming into the Confed Cup semifinal today. Spain outshot the Americans by 2-1 and had 3x as many corners. Also, the U.S was 0-3 all-time against Spain.

NOBODY, that I am aware of, gave them a chance to win this game. This was supposed to be it for the Americans...good tournament -- went farther than they were even supposed to go, but...then, the unexpected! So, hats off to youngster Altidore and veteran Dempsey for a couple of monumental goals and relative newbie, Tim Howard, for playing an exceptional game in the goal...putting the U.S. team back on the map, at least for the time being. One more to go -- beat Brazil! Blessings,

Don

Don