Playing For Something

While it's been a matter of some debate whether or not the Confederations Cup is really a "significant tournament," Jack Bell points out something really important regarding this afternoon's shocking 2-0 win by the United States over Spain.

Assuming the American team qualifies for next summer’s World Cup, its performance in the Confederations Cup will be factored into FIFA’s formula when it comes time to select the seeded teams in the eight first-round groups. While there may be no slam dunks in the 32-nation World Cup, this will make a difference.

That's absolutely huge. Having only watched the USA-Egypt match yesterday, this thrilling victory for Bob Bradley reinforces a couple of notions I've had from this tournament.

First, the USA is actually quite good at full strength. Lost in the wringing of hands over the first two matches in the tournament was the fact that four of the goals against came with the team playing down a man. Without the red card to Ricardo Clark, the States could have gotten at least a draw from Italy, although they probably still would have lost to Brazil whether or not Kljestan was ejected.

Second, this backline is really finding a groove. Oguchi Onyewu is playing better than I've ever seen him play, and with Jay DeMerit asserting himself, sliding Carlos Bocanegra out to left fullback might just complete the puzzle. I don't care if Torres torched him once or twice, because he's one of the best strikers in the world. And he still didn't score.

Finally, get Clint Dempsey close to goal. The red card to Michael Bradley means we probably won't see it in the final, but I'd like to see Dempsey play 90 minutes up top, because he's been more effective with the national team in that position. Yes, he plays in the midfield for Fulham, and has been successful there, but for whatever reason, that doesn't work as well for the USA. I think it may be because Pantsil compensates for whatever he's lacking out wide, particularly on defense.

I've been lobbying for Clint to play in an pure striker role for a while now -- although not directly to Bob Bradley when I had the chance in Columbus -- and I'm really happy that he has netted two goals when the substitutions have pushed him up top. Partially because it's helped the team, but more because it proves I was right.

And now, we've got some time to let this one sink in. And to root for South Africa in the other semifinal.