Today the US did what most people considered impossible. They not only showed up, but they took down Spain 2-0 in a FIFA event. Spain hadn't lost in 35 games, was ranked number 1 in the world, and had not lost to a non-European team since 1999. it was pure magic.
I am one of the biggest critics of the US soccer team. I have no dislike for them, in fact it is the opposite. I just want them to begin living up to the great potential that they have, and today they made a step. The US played together as a cohesive unit and stayed focused for an entire 90 minutes. They defended as a team the same way the old Dutch teams playing Total Football did. They counter attacked with precision and made the most of their chances, getting 2 goals on exactly 2 shots on goal. And don't even get me started on Altidore... This kid is only 19 and he muscled off a world class defender to put in what would eventually be the winning goal. this kid will be a beast in about 2 years once he gets some regular playing time.
Today is a proud day and I sat there watching the second half with my eyes getting a little teary as the game got into extra time. For the first time, the whole world was watching and we gave them something to see. I know the final match isn't until Sunday, but we don't need a win to prove we can belong. If we stay focused and determined we can give respectable performances game after game. That is all we fans ask for and hopefully this is the beginning of that starting to happen.
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