Well, that was unexpected.

With the 2-0 victory over Spain, the U.S. Soccer team is headed to FIFA Confederations Cup Final for the first time in history.  Yeah, I know.  But more impressive than the result was the fashion in which the game was played.

Both goals from Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey weren’t the prettiest of soccer plays and the Americans didn’t dominate possession like a 2-0 score might reflect.  It was played more like an aggressive hockey playoff game.  An aggression that’s been absent from most U.S. Soccer performances on the World’s stage.

Specifically on the defensive end, Tim Howard and his guys played a hard-nosed game that took the Spaniards out of their game.  I mean, what can you say about Oguchi Onyewu!?  The kid was all over the place, and showed fans why every English Premier League talent scout was drooling over this guy a few years ago.  The sweeper and the rest of the D was diving in front of balls and bumping attackers around like they belonged.  And the final score said yes, in fact they do belong when they play like that.

Europe hates us, and I love it
U.S. Soccer Report
I’m not alone thinking this is the biggest win ever, so HA