I´m glad to admit I had misjudged the team spirit of the USA and South African teams in todays games in the Confederations Cup in South Africa.
Both of them had the spirit to almost cause surprises. At the end though the favourites Brazil and Spain got away with the gold and bronze medals respectively. Their wills and skills were a bit too much to the underdogs.
What USA and South Africa did show however is that nothing is to be taken for granted when it comes to football. It is always full focus on the task that gives result. Also for the so called "better" teams.
Sunday 28 June 2009
Time for the Confederations Cup final
Tonight USA and Brazil will meet for the title in the Confederations Cup in South Africa. The conditions before the game are that Brazil, of course, are the favourites.
Can USA make another surprise, like against Spain in the semi finals? It was good tactics combined with a sacrificed effort that made them overcome the Spaniards. And also a lack of real inspiration from Spain, who took too easily on the game.
Usually a team doesn´t do two such games, as USA did against Spain, in a row.
Brazil´s play is also not as easily read as Spain´s or Italy´s. They have a more flexible play than their European opponents. Brazil has furthermore shown strength at the end of the games, by scoring decisive goals in the last minutes against both Egypt and South Africa.
The surprise factor is also smaller for USA now after their win against Spain. Most of the conditions talks in favor of Brazil, and the South Americans will most probably be the team that lifts the cup after the game.
Also the bronze match will most likely see a favourite win. Spain want a quick return to the winning streak and won´t lose two straight games. The South Africans are presumably quite pleased with their effort in the tournament. They have done what was expected from them. So Spain most likely have the bigger will to win the game, and will therefore take the bronze medals.
Can USA make another surprise, like against Spain in the semi finals? It was good tactics combined with a sacrificed effort that made them overcome the Spaniards. And also a lack of real inspiration from Spain, who took too easily on the game.
Usually a team doesn´t do two such games, as USA did against Spain, in a row.
Brazil´s play is also not as easily read as Spain´s or Italy´s. They have a more flexible play than their European opponents. Brazil has furthermore shown strength at the end of the games, by scoring decisive goals in the last minutes against both Egypt and South Africa.
The surprise factor is also smaller for USA now after their win against Spain. Most of the conditions talks in favor of Brazil, and the South Americans will most probably be the team that lifts the cup after the game.
Also the bronze match will most likely see a favourite win. Spain want a quick return to the winning streak and won´t lose two straight games. The South Africans are presumably quite pleased with their effort in the tournament. They have done what was expected from them. So Spain most likely have the bigger will to win the game, and will therefore take the bronze medals.
Saturday 27 June 2009
England and Germany in U-21 final
England and Germany won the semi finals of the UEFA U-21 Championship in Sweden tonight. In a dramatic game in Gothenburg England had a 3-0 lead against the hosts, who came back and equalized to 3-3 in the second half. After a penalty shoot-out England went away with the victory.
An early second half goal gave Germany a 1-0 win over Italy in the second semi final in Helsingborg.
An early second half goal gave Germany a 1-0 win over Italy in the second semi final in Helsingborg.
Friday 26 June 2009
Brazil joins USA in the final
Brazil last night secured their place in the final of the Confederations Cup in South Africa. A late goal gave the South Americans a 1-0 win over the host nation.
In sundays final Brazil will meet USA. The same day Spain and South Africa meet for the third place in the tournament.
In sundays final Brazil will meet USA. The same day Spain and South Africa meet for the third place in the tournament.
Wednesday 24 June 2009
USA first finalist in Confederations Cup
USA booked their place in the final of the Confederations Cup in South Africa by beating Spain 2-0 tonight.
Tomorrow Brazil and South Africa meet in the other semi final.
Tomorrow Brazil and South Africa meet in the other semi final.
Reigning champions out of Asia CL
Reigning champions Gamba Osaka from Japan today went out of the Asia Champions League 2009 after a 2-3 loss to another Japanese team Kawasaki Frontale.
Three more teams qualified for the quarter finals, Nagoya Grampus from Japan and FC Seoul and Pohang Steelers, both from South Korea.
Three more teams qualified for the quarter finals, Nagoya Grampus from Japan and FC Seoul and Pohang Steelers, both from South Korea.
Asia Champions League
Forgot about this. There are also four games in the Asia Champions League round of 16 being played today.
CONCACAF CL match schedule ready
The match schedule for the preliminary round of next seasons (2009-10) CONCACAF Champions League is now ready.
Semi finals in Confederation Cup and Copa Libertadores
This day will see the first semi final games in both the Confederations Cup in South Africa and in the Copa Libertadores in South America.
In South Africa Spain will take on USA in the first semi final and in the Copa Libertadores there will be an all Brazilian clash between Cruzeiro and Gremio in the first leg of the semi finals.
In South Africa Spain will take on USA in the first semi final and in the Copa Libertadores there will be an all Brazilian clash between Cruzeiro and Gremio in the first leg of the semi finals.
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