USA drub Egypt, enter Confederations Cup semis

TigerTyger

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posted on 15 years ago — updated on 1 second ago

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United States face European champions Spain in the semi-final.

New Delhi: The United States progress to the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup to meet Spain courtesy of a stunning 3-0 win over lacklustre Egypt.

Their qualification is all the more amazing for the fact that they had a six goal difference tally to overcome prior to this evening's fixture.

But goals from Charlie Davies, Michael Bradley, and Clint Dempsey, coupled with Italy's 3-0 defeat to all-conquering Brazil, saw the impossible come true.

The Egyptian side began brightly, enjoying a goalmouth scramble within the first ten minutes, but as soon as the United States established a midfield rhythm the tide turned.

Michael Bradley tested Essam El Hadary on the quarter-hour mark with a fierce drive, forcing a one-handed save, and then Landon Donovan opted to square the ball to blank space when faced with goal in a bizarrely-concluded counter.

The few fans who bothered to attend in Rustenberg were soon treated to their first goal, though: El Hadary, who was so inspirational against Italy, inexplicably dropped a cross into the path of Charlie Davies for a tap-in.

The USA continued to press forward, Egypt threatening only through a long-ranger from Hosny Abd Rabo, as the break approached.

One possible reason for Egypt's poor showing was the fact that by this point they were still through: Brazil's 3-0 lead over Italy gave them a 2-0 advantage over the USA.

All that was to change after the break, though, as the Americans drove forward yet again.

Egypt, having made all their substitutions, were in a state of disarray on the hour mark when Michael Bradley seized the ball in his own half, strode forward, and played a one-two with Landon Donovan before placing the ball into the far corner.

Just ten minutes later, the belief in the air was palpable as the USA added a third, Clint Dempsey rising to head home an excellent Jonathan Spector cross from deep.

Both teams began to tire in the late stages, but Egypt found a final burst of energy to get the ball into the final third. It wasn't enough, though, and the Americans celebrated the unlikeliest of unlikely qualification the second that full-time blew, Brazil's rout of Italy having already concluded.