While the favorites to win the World Cup have struggled recently and failed to impress, the United States keeps plugging away.
Playing against a rejuvenated Australian side in South Africa this morning, the Americans pulled off a gritty win against the Socceroos. With two goals by Edson Buddle, and a late finisher by Herculez Gomez, the 3-1 victory puts a positive stamp on the US before their opener against England July 12th.
Buddle, who is named after Pele (Edson Arantes do Nascimento), scored his first goals in senior play for the US. A question mark for selection until the last day, Gomez has impressed for the Yanks and his 93rd-minute goal must have Bob Bradley glad he added him to the roster.
The World Cup brings together 32 countries to challenge for the big prize, but it also presents a US Civil War-type of challenge; brother against brother. Today's matchup was no different. Americans Tim Howard and Landon Donovan were pitted against Everton teammate Tim Cahill, who scored the Aussie's only goal in the 19th minute...against Howard. Fulham striker Clint Dempsey of the US saw fellow Cottager Mark Schwarzer let in three goals for his side. It has to be a challenge for players, who sweat and toil with each other during the long EPL season, to avoid passing to the wrong teammate!
The only question for the Americans (besides a so-so defense) was the absence of striker Jozy Altidore, who slightly sprained his ankle earlier in the week. US officials stressed that he was missing only to rest him for the opener.
With players from other teams dropping like flies; Rio Ferdinand (England), Andrea Pirlo (Italy), Arjen Robben (Netherlands), John Obi Mikel (Nigeria), and Didier Drogba (Cote d'Ivoire), Altidore's mild injury is good news.
Ricardo Clark in action against the Socceroos
Robbie Findley, who missed two goal opps, gets a hand
Edson Buddle celebrates his second goal
Robbie Findley celebrates with goalscorer Buddle
The English side took a blow with the excluding injury of captain Rio Ferdinand, and team mascot (or whatever he is) David Beckham was on hand to watch the US/Australia match. Becks has knowledge of several players on the US roster, as he plays with them (Donovan, Buddle) and against them in the MSL. With his own team showing lackluster performances recently, 007 Becks will undoubtedly tell the Three Lions not to overlook the spirited American side. In years past I would say that most teams would barely sweat when thinking of playing the US, but so many of the players have international playing experience in tough leagues (EPL, Bundesliga, Ligue 1, and la liga). They won't be pushovers, that's for sure.
What doesn't belong in this photo? :) 007 Beckham arrives in SA
Becks does a little spying with England asst. Baldini (L)
Photo of the Day:
Brasileiro Kaka
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