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3-0 victory over Egypt beats long odds

BY PARKE BREWER

VOA NEWS

RUSTENBURG, SOUTH AFRICA — The U.S. Soccer team has overcome long odds to reach the Confederations Cup semifinals in South Africa. The U.S. defeated Egypt, 3-0 Sunday, and got help from Brazil, which beat World Cup champion Italy by an identical 3-0 score.

Counted out by just about everyone after lopsided losses to Italy and Brazil at this Confederations Cup, the U.S. Soccer team is surprisingly moving on to the semifinals by the narrowest of margins.

The second group tiebreaker had to be used after the USA, Italy and Egypt all finished with three points from one win and two losses. Brazil won all three of its matches to top Group B with nine points.

The Americans and Italians finished with goal differences of minus two, while Egypt had minus three. The next tiebreaker was goals scored, and the USA won out over Italy - four goals to three.

The U.S. held a 1-0 halftime lead over Egypt on a goal by Charlie Davies in the 21st minute.

U.S. team coach Bob Bradley, a West Essex and Princeton University graduate, said they knew Brazil had grabbed a 3-0 lead over Italy at the intermission.

"At halftime, we felt if we were smart and we continued to press in a good way, then there would be chances and that we could get two more goals," he said. "So in that regard, credit the players for the push that they made throughout the game. And we're excited to move on."

Second half goals from Michael Bradley, the coach's son who grew up in Princeton area, and Clint Dempsey put the United States in the semifinals against European champion Spain, the Group A winner. Group B winner Brazil will face Group A runner-up, host South Africa.