Matchday 6 21/Jun/09

With things settled in the Group A of the Confederations Cup, the difficult and struggled results appeared to be one of that dreamy utopian Mexican scenarios when, suddenly, three teams could qualify due to a bizarre combination of results. The Americans won in an outstanding match against the Pharaohs while Brazil faced the world champions in their second clash this year, with the previous one played at the Emirates.
The clashes for the semifinals will eventually see the hosts play against the Brazilians and the Americans against the Spanish. It should be interesting to see how things develop and maybe a little surprise could be hatched since anybody, and I mean ANYBODY, could win this wretched, yet fascinating tournament.



Italy v. Brazil 0-3




And yet again the Brazilians showed the class and the finish as in the first half of the commented match at the Emirates. In Tshwane the south Americans gave a class of style, and above all, of how a properly counter-attack works. It all began with several chances wasted; Ramires' shot in the 7th, Kaká chance at 13th to name a few.
The rhythm being all too rushed mainly by the Brazilians, with many affordable options well entered into the match. It was not until seven minutes before the break that the machinery led by Kaká began to roll. Three consecutive goals came from Luis Fabiano in two occasions and Dossenna making an own goal. The match was pretty much finished before the half time whistle, it just took seven minutes of inspiration from the three forwards to see the end of it.

For the next half not much could be taken to analyse. Gilardino's introduction and Simone Pepe shot were among the most dangerous plays from the World Cup holders. With De Rossi and Rossi making some long-distance attempts the match ended. Dossenna's final wide shot just exemplified the horrid state of the European team. Much should Lippi work on to, it will be a hard task no to get this sort of performances in the last phase in UEFA qualifiers.



Egypt v. USA 0-3




Simultaneously, in Rustenburg, the Americans achieved the miracle. Impressively the 'Yanks' pulled out an impressive, yet troubled display, after not having won in the tournament. Goal difference and a combination of results were the key for the Americans to dream of a semifinal against Spain.
With that same luck, the American defense nearly gave a goal when the Egyptians had a clear chance in side the box: three shots and four rebounds. Bradley's men, full of tribulations and mishaps, took the initiative when Davies scored to give the lead and hope for the semifinal dream. Only Lord knows how and why the striker scored when El Hadary's contribution to save the goal was beyond waggish.
The Pharaohs attempted incompetently to regain possession and the Americans, as usually, gave nearly 80% of possession reaching the 30th minute. This in order to accomplish their lethal counter attacks. Strangely enough the African champions accomplished several shots, all wide.

The following forty five minutes, were among the most enthralling and mercurial of the tournament (Jesus, among so many, I can't really choose one!). Fifteen minutes after the beginning, the son of the US national team, scored when Landon Donovan set him from the left wing. The 'American dream' was about to come true, and with news coming from Tshwane, Bradley was relieved to hear of the Italian defeat. The following minutes were tougher for the 'visiting' side than for the Pharaohs, due to the fact that the pressure relied on one more goal against them.
Talking about statistics, Salcedo was making the numbers when Dempsey headed to give the Americans their first semifinal in the Confederations Cup.
From dismal, horrid and awful the north Americans turned to magnifique with a grotesque scenario in the next match against the European champions.