Everyone knows my flat-out love for soccer, which means I’m REALLY looking forward to the weekend. On Sunday, the US Men’s Team squares off against international powerhouse Brazil in the finals of the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup. The USA playing in the FCC championship game might be the most unexpected sports story of the year (unless, of course, evidence comes out proving Manny actually wanted to impregnate himself, hence his use of hCG). After starting 0-2, in order for our national team to advance from the group stage, they needed to beat Egypt by three or more goals AND have Brazil defeat Italy by three or more goals…which happened! Then in the semi-finals, the US faced Espana, the #1 ranked team in the world and a crew riding a 15-game international win streak. Our boys won 2-0, pulling off arguably the biggest victory in American soccer history. Sing it Kanye – “It’s amazing.”
Now the US play Brazil (who defeated South Africa 1-0) on Sunday for the Confederations Cup and I encourage everyone to watch the game. Sure, Brasil whooped the United States 3-0 in the group stage, and hold a 14-1 record over the Americans, but the beauty in all sports lies in the simple fact that anything can happen. So, for anyone on the fence about watching the game, hopefully these video highlights of the top three players on both the US and Brazilian sides inspire you check out what should be a great (and historic) match.
Team USA
Jozy Altidore
Club Team: Villareal (Spain’s La Liga) Position: Striker Rundown: A potential superstar in the making, at only 19-years old Jozy easily ranks as the most promising player in US soccer. Altidore punched in the opening goal in the victory over Spain, and any time he possesses the ball, get ready for some exciting football.
Landon Donovan
Club Team: LA Galaxy (Major League Soccer) Position: Forward Rundown: The most accomplished active player in US soccer history, Landon holds down records for most scoring, assists, and caps (aka appearances). Playing at a ridiculously high level, and at the relatively young age of 27, Donovan might be the squad’s best all-around player.
Onguchi Onyewu
Club Team: Standard Liege (Belgian League) Position: Center Back Rundown: Gotta show some love to the defense! Onyewu anchors the middle of the D like Dwight Howard controls the paint. While not a goal-scorer, watching Double O shut down opponents can be pretty damn fun.
Brasil
Kaka
Club Team: Real Madrid (La Liga) Position: Midfielder Rundown: Y’all know about Kaka, seeing as I’ve written about this dude more than any other footballer. One of the best in the world and an international icon.
Robinho
Club Team: Manchester City (England’s Premier League) Position: Striker Rundown: Another international superstar, Robinho plays fast and fun. He attacks the goal and the dude always seems to find a way to get involved in Brazil’s offense. In all honesty, he might be too quick for US defenders to handle.
Julio Cesar
Club Team: Inter Milan Position: Goalkeeper Rundown: It ain’t all just about the offense with Brasil. The 29 year-old has not allowed a goal in the last three Confederation Cup matches (blanking the US, Italy, and South Africa) and many consider Cesar to be one of the top goalkeepers in the world.
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