Comments on: USA Stops Spain in its Tracks; Looks to Final http://www.downswinging.com/wordpress/2009/06/united-states-stops-spain-in-itts-tracks/ Thoughts from a Slightly Jaded Fan Thu, 05 Jan 2012 07:24:51 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.3 hourly 1 By: Colin http://www.downswinging.com/wordpress/2009/06/united-states-stops-spain-in-itts-tracks/comment-page-1/#comment-131 Colin Thu, 25 Jun 2009 07:22:24 +0000 http://www.downswinging.com/wordpress/?p=743#comment-131 Putting side Spain's streak over the last few years, the USA's performance in this tournament isn't as surprising as many people have thought. Look at how lopsided the two groups were: USA (ranked 14th in the world) was in the group of death with Brazil (5th), Italy (4th), and Egypt (40th). But Spain (ranked 1st in the world) had to play South Africa (72nd), Iraq (77th), and New Zealand (82nd). It's no wonder that Spain cruised through the group stage of this tournament and the USA seemed to have struggled. But if you look at the Italy game, the USA was up 1-0 before having a player sent off, and then the 3-1 score flattered the Italians. The 3-0 loss to Brazil was the American's worst game of the tournament, but they'll most likely have another crack at them in the final. Hopefully, they will be able to keep all 11 men on the field for an entire game and put on a better show. Putting side Spain’s streak over the last few years, the USA’s performance in this tournament isn’t as surprising as many people have thought. Look at how lopsided the two groups were:
USA (ranked 14th in the world) was in the group of death with Brazil (5th), Italy (4th), and Egypt (40th). But Spain (ranked 1st in the world) had to play South Africa (72nd), Iraq (77th), and New Zealand (82nd).
It’s no wonder that Spain cruised through the group stage of this tournament and the USA seemed to have struggled. But if you look at the Italy game, the USA was up 1-0 before having a player sent off, and then the 3-1 score flattered the Italians. The 3-0 loss to Brazil was the American’s worst game of the tournament, but they’ll most likely have another crack at them in the final. Hopefully, they will be able to keep all 11 men on the field for an entire game and put on a better show.

]]> By: Charlie http://www.downswinging.com/wordpress/2009/06/united-states-stops-spain-in-itts-tracks/comment-page-1/#comment-130 Charlie Thu, 25 Jun 2009 02:00:17 +0000 http://www.downswinging.com/wordpress/?p=743#comment-130 Great article. Well done mate. Great article.

Well done mate.

]]> By: Carl http://www.downswinging.com/wordpress/2009/06/united-states-stops-spain-in-itts-tracks/comment-page-1/#comment-128 Carl Wed, 24 Jun 2009 23:03:06 +0000 http://www.downswinging.com/wordpress/?p=743#comment-128 Nice article. Given the surreality of beating Spain, I can understand the feeling of, "if we can do that, we can do anything." Do I think we're going to trounce Brazil? No. But if we put in a game against Brazil like we did against Spain, it'll be a game to remember. Who knows, it might even be a victory. Now that would be something for the fans to really smile about. Nice article. Given the surreality of beating Spain, I can understand the feeling of, “if we can do that, we can do anything.” Do I think we’re going to trounce Brazil? No. But if we put in a game against Brazil like we did against Spain, it’ll be a game to remember. Who knows, it might even be a victory. Now that would be something for the fans to really smile about.

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