United States Become Strong Contenders for 2010 World Cup

The United States soccer team, ranked number fourteen in the world by FIFA, have become strong contenders for the 2010 World Cup because of their performance in the 2009 Confederations Cup. After a lackluster start in their first two matches in group play of the Confederations Cup, resulting in two losses to Italy and Brazil, the United States advanced the semifinals with skill and luck. Team USA beat Egypt by three goals and with the help of Brazil beating Italy by three goals, USA would live to play another game in this Cup.

The United States played undefeated Spain in the semifinals of the tournament and were huge underdogs. But USA pulled off the biggest upset of the tournament, snapping Spain's 15-game winning streak with a 2-0 win, and advancing to their first ever major international final. In the finals of the tournament against Brazil, not many gave the United States a chance against the defending Confederations Cup winners. The USA team came out with determination and scored the first goal on a deflection from Clint Dempsey in the 10th minute. The United States would get their second goal in the 27th minute from Landon Donovan and held a 2-0 lead at halftime. This was a shocking result as Brazil had only lost once against the US, and that was a close 1-0 game. Brazil came back in the second half to score three consecutive goals to win a close 3-2 game. The United States had to settle for second place, but had to be proud of what they accomplished.

Team USA is led by head coach Bob Bradley and captain Carlos Bocanegra. The team also includes veteran players Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan, who scored five goals total in the Confederations Cup. A few up-and-comers who have made a big impact on the team are speedy Charlie Davies, Jozy Altidore, Jonathan Spector, and Freddy Adu. The American goalkeeper Tim Howard, was superb in the wins against Egypt and Spain, as well as the first half against Brazil. With all these players healthy, the United States could be a force in the 2010 World Cup.

The US soccer team has been in eight World Cups in team history, their best finish being third place in 1930. The United States has only gotten out of the group stage and advanced to the knockout stage three of the eight times. Since 1990, Team USA has been in five consecutive World Cup with mixed results. In 1990, the United States lost their three games and were eliminated promptly. Hosting the event in 1994, the US had a better result, one win, one draw, and one loss, advancing to the knockout round for only the second time. USA lost to the eventual champions Brazil, 1-0. In 1998, US had their worst result ever, finishing in last place, after losing all three games. 2002 would bring the second-best result for the US team, as they would make the quarterfinals, losing to Germany 1-0. 2006 brought high hopes for the United States but the US would finish the group stage with two losses and a draw, and was eliminated.

Team USA will try to continue their momentum, when they compete in the 2009 Gold Cup, starting in early July. The United States will be the host country and will play in Group B against Grenada, Haiti, and Honduras. Another great result, like the one in the Confederations Cup, might do wonders for the USA's confidence.

The United States are currently playing in the 2010 World Cup Qualifying Stage. Team USA is currently in second place, in the six-team group that includes Costa Rica, Trinidad and Tobago, Honduras, Mexico, and El Salvador. Through five of the ten rounds in play, the USA have a record of three wins, one loss, and one draw. The top three teams advance to the 2010 World Cup and the United States are in great shape to do just that. The sixth round will be on August 12 and the USA will play Mexico.