High Drama at Confederations Cup

On a day where no drama was expected it turned out to be full of it at the 2009 Confederations Cup.  The US entered the day needing a dominant win over Egypt and also needing help from Brazil against Italy.  Things turned interesting early on as Brazil jumped out to a quick three goal lead over Italy putting the World Champion Italians on the brink of elimination and Egypt into a good spot.

Even with a Charlie Davies goal to put the US up 1-0 Egypt still looked to be ok.  They only had to play the Americans within two to advance.  Then the drama ramped up as Michael Bradley slotted home a goal on a square ball from Landon Donovan who ran wild all day through the midfield.  Now Egypt were nervous and it showed as the Americans pushed for the decisive goal.

Only minutes later the shocker came as Clint Dempsey got on the end of a perfect Jonathan Spector cross to bury a wonderful header giving the US a 3-0 advantage.  That's when the nailbiting began.  All Italy needed was a goal against Brazil and all Egypt needed was a goal as well.  The US had to endure 20 minutes holding off Egypt while they had to hope Brazil would not shut off and give up a late one to Italy.  It was almost lost as late in the game Egypt fired a header just over the US crossbar, but that was all.

The US advances against miraculous odds as they take 2nd in the group winning the tiebreaker with Italy while Egypt took last place thanks to their collapse.  The USA will face in form Spain on Wednesday while Brazil matches up with hosts South Africa on Thursday.