2009 Confederation Cup

Wow. USA in the final. No one believed it, but what a victory in the semis over Spain! 2-0! Spain was a clear favorite to win this. They are 2008 Euro champs, and they have not lost for amzaing 35 game win streak, not to mention they've won the last 15. But that's where statistics end.

The second semi is tomorrow between Brazil and South Africa.

Anyone here NOT going to watch the final?

ill watch soccor when every baseball,basketball, and football player is caught using steroids lol.

I couldn't believe when I heard the US beat Spain. Mainly because Spain is unbeaten in their last 35 matches before this! The guys at work were telling me that's over a ten year span .

I will definitely be watching the final. Hopefully South Africa can use their home advantage to beat Brazil (unlikely).

The undefeated run of games was over 2 years not 10 blib..32 wins 3 draws. Did you guys know that the spaniards are numero uno in the world rankings and the US is 14th?

I was taking my son home from a doctor's appointment when the sports update advised the US was ahead 1-0 in the 53d minute. I got home in time to see the second game and the rest of the match. It was a thrilling win.

What annoys me during the game is the incessant droning of the horns from the fans.

I know what you mean Kly. That horn is called a vuvuzela. The TV commentators have complained about it to be banned FIFA, but FIFA refused. so it seems it'll be there for the world cup. I know most people find it annoying but its part of south african culture. And we'll have to tolerate their customs and traditions because they're the hosts- means more headaches for me

I watched the game last night. Well done to the USA

P.S. Those awful horns have already been discussed and condemned in one of the other football threads. They truly are awful. Next years World Cup is going to be a long few weeks with those blaring away constantly

Awesome Win for the USA

I've not tuned into any of this tournament, so haven't heard the horns. Are they the same ones that are ruining every Formula 1 race too?

I haven't seen any Formula 1 races, but the horns in South Africa make it sound like there are a swarm giant bees always flying around. And it never stops.

you can't blame those innocent horns for ruining every Formula 1 race. then what are Max Moseley and Bernie Ecclestone doing?

also you can't say that the horns are "part of south african culture". fighting for civil rights and standing up against apartheid are part of south african culture. the horns are called "vuvuzelas" and were introduced in international soccer games a few years ago. I personally don't mind them that much.

Sorry, I meant "F1 TV coverage". The problem being that from the moment the drivers get out of their cars and get onto the podium, the cameras are very close to the action, and so too are the microphones. Commentators find themselves competing. All you need to do is tweak the sound. But then I suppose they lose the whole "chaotic celebratory atmosphere" of it all.

It's not a massive problem for me. I saw some of the Brazil-South Africa highlights and the horns were how I expected. I'd prefer good old-fashioned vocal chants throughout the game, but I suppose peeps need to preserve their voices. And percussion has been a big part of certain international games for a while now.

FOX Sports intentionally tries to maximize crowd noise. They use special microphones in the crowd for baseball to pick up crowd noise. Their thought is that someone channel surfing is more likely to keep the game on if the crowd noise is louder. It makes the game more appealing.

Makes sense, and I've nothing against it, so long as it doesn't conflict with the commentary.

Saying that, most sports commentary is shit.

I wonder if they'll ever introduce horns to snooker.

Yes. I heard a good example of it recently in a baseball game between the Yankees and Marlins when the crowd stood and started cheering during a key part of the game. He literally said, "The crowd is on their feet. They're cheering either for the Yankees or the Marlins." Now the point he was hoping to convey was that there appeared to be nearly as many Yankee fans present as Marlin fans. But for whom else would the crowd be cheering?

The other semi between Brazil and South Africa was rubbish.

I think the USA will beat the mighty Brazilians 5-0 in the Final tomorrow

Seriously though i will be cheering for the US cos they will be the underdogs!

US played well, especially going up 2-0 in the first half, but in the end Brazil was the better team as expected. I think it might be a matter of experience.

It will be interesting to see how the US does in the Gold Cup, and the World Cup. I hope this wasn't just a fluke.

i think it is a fluke...sadly i dont see us up against europe in soccor

I thought you didn't watch soccer?

i dont...but i watch sportscenter, and i know that soccor is popular in europe (france, italy) and south america (brazil)

The classic game of 2 halves. USA had a great first half but in the second when the real Brazil turned up it was a bit tough for them.

This will have been a real confidence booster for them though and i think they will go well in the World Cup next year They are well organised defensively and have a great work ethic in their side. Clint Dempsey is a top player and Donovan is always busy. All you lack is a truly lethal striker up front,a goal sniffer who will get 3 kicks the whole game and score twice!

It was a thrilling match although I didn't see all of it. The US progression in soccer has been a roller coaster ride for many decades. It's gaining popularity, but many are impatient that it's not taking off. The mistake is that many have unreasonable expectations, thinking that a single event (hosting the World Cup in '94 or signing Beckham) would propel soccer into national prominence. It takes a lot of little steps.

My knowledge of soccer is limited, but I don't think the US performance could be called a fluke. I don't think they are the second best team in the world, but they are good enough to compete with the best, and I think that was the message of this past week. Next year's World Cup will be interesting.

Well said Klyd. Good points you make!

I think the problem for US soccer and the MLS in general is twofold. The US current players are better for going abroad and playing in foreign leagues. It is better for their development. however for the MLS it does no good if all the better players leave. Nobody wants to watch poorer players in their teams. So the teams and the sport in general has problems attracting younger players to it. Do you see what i mean?

I don't know how serious soccer is played in high schools and colleges but i get the impression that kids play soccer till they are about 10 and then move on to more traditional US sports? I may be wrong there of course?

All in all though i think the US are coming along nicely. A last 8 position in the world Cup would not be beyond them at all!