specs and the US dismantling of a once great superpower

[harkes6]

i'm still tingling over the united states' historic 2-0 victory over spain. the defense was air tight today, with our very own jonathan spector providing more than ample service at right wing.
in the second half with spain trailing 2-0 and chasing the game they repeatedly went do specs's side. riera especially got the better of him a few times, but more often than not he proved up to the challenge. he made more at least a half dozen highlight worthy defensive plays. he's still young and this tournament has, i think, solidified his position as the starting right back for the us national team. this can only do wonders for his confidence...onward and upward!
oh, and the improbable 3-0 win over egypt in the game before? he provided the perfect 40 yard cross to assist the third goal. legend!

[Footstomper]

Well done you colonials!

[hammermolder]

Watched the game,Spector played well,maybe with a good run he could take neil's place,he could'nt be any slower,well done the U.S

[hammer_scout51]

Congratulations to the USA and Specs.

Thought the USA defended very well and took their chances. Spain as worlds number 1 FIFA ranked nation were shell shocked when USA took the lead. Should have scored several but how many times have we said that about West Ham.

I am still not sure Specs is EPL starting class. He deserves a chance though his weekness is he can't read the game. I think Neill will be back and sign the offered contract. Neill with his lack of pace is one of the best readers of the game i've seen in recent years.

[norwaytips]

I think Neill will re sign too. Spector is a good player to have on the bench. He can play anywhere in defence or midfield.
It was a good game to watch. Seemed strange to be supporting the U.S though. Welcome to the world game guys.

[Frieslander]

"Dismantling" is a stretch but I'm proud of the way they played. They played fearlessly the first half and then defended well and killed it off in the second.

Spector is still only 23 and keeps getting better.

[harkes6]

ha. the dismanteling was a bit facitious...but i think specs hasn't really gotten a decent run of games due mostly to injury and lack of form returning from injury. IF he could stay healthy and continue to improve i think he could do quite well. his versatility is key but he's a decent footballer too.
i still can't believe the us is in the finals of anything outside of concacaf...i'm kicking myself for not even putting $20 on that egpypt game. 700-1?! i could have bought a house (in detroit).

[harkes6]

specs added another assist today: a 35 yard cross threaded between two defenders that dempsey again put away. if nothing else, the boy can cross the ball.
he quieted robinho too, which is no easy task. was still part of a defense that gave up 3 goals, but i don't think he was at fault for any of them.
such is brazil...such is brazil...

[pething101]

Well done, Specs.

Gutty effort from USA but just not enough coming off the bench.

[Frieslander]

was still part of a defense that gave up 3 goals, but i don't think he was at fault for any of them.
such is brazil...such is brazil...

Kaka toasted him on their second goal. I'm just saying is all.

[Footstomper]

Its totally shameful that there is no mention of the match on the US media this morning. Their boys did em proud and they didnt even notice!

[pething101]

Its totally shameful that there is no mention of the match on the US media this morning. Their boys did em proud and they didnt even notice!

Heard a bit of it on Good Morning America as the wife was getting ready for work...

[Frieslander]

Its totally shameful that there is no mention of the match on the US media this morning. Their boys did em proud and they didnt even notice!

I think it's been talked about more than it usually would. I actually had people looking for me to talk about it at work. Last time that happened was the World Cup.

[Footstomper]

Maybe I should listen to more than NPR...

[pething101]

Maybe I should listen to more than NPR...

Frank Deford is not going to give you much soccer love.