The Americans’ defeat of the best soccer team in the world (Spain) today in Bloemfontein, South Africa will go down as one of the greatest sports victories internationally in the history of our country. The 2-0 victory in the semifinals of South Africa’s Confederations Cup is being dubbed “The Miracle on Grass” in honor of the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” over the Soviet Union at the Winter Olympics. ......

Like in 1980 the Americans were giant underdogs going up against a much more talented, experienced opponent, but with a fighting spirit and a refusal to quit the US was able to do what was thought to be impossible.

Sports pundits in this country aren’t forced to talk about soccer often so when confronted with the world’s game they typically resort to negativity. When the US Men’s National Team snuck its way into the semifinal game of the Confederations Cup in South Africa across the American sports media cited a sketchy rule in the tournament that allowed the US to advance. It was a miracle in itself that the US made it to the semifinals after losing their first two games of the tournament to Italy and Brazil respectably. It took a gutty 3-0 win against the champions of Africa, Egypt, and help from the Brazilians defeating Italy by the same score line to send the Americans through on goal deferential.

Unlikely as it was, the United States was set to face the FIFA ranked #1 team in the world with a chance to make the final. Spain had not lost a game since 2006 and in the Confederation Cup’s group stage they had not allowed a single goal. Spain’s starting eleven consisted of players from some of the best teams in Europe all of who get paid millions of dollars to play professionally. The arguable best player on the US, Landon Donovan, only makes $900,000 a year with his MLS side LA Galaxy. Spanish strikers Fernando Torres and David Villa are two of the most dangerous forwards in the world. It was expected by every sound soccer mind that the Spanish would pass the American defense to death.

US Coach Bob Bradley instructed his players to adopt a “bend but not break” attitude to containing the fearsome Spanish attack. From the kickoff Spain controlled the possession of the ball, but the Americans stayed true to their game plan. US goalie Tim Howard was tested early and often, but kept himself always in good position denying the defending champions of Europe again and again. In the 30th minute the US took a 1-0 lead when Clint Dempsey played a ball into 19-year-old forward Jozy Altidore who out-muscled defender Joan Capedevila and sending the ball off keeper Iker Casillas’s fingertips into the Spanish goal. In the second half Spain stepped up the onslaught on the United States defense.

The eleven Americans ran, jumped, slid, and dived all over the pitch to keep their opponents out of their net. It was evident that US squad began to believe more in themselves as the minutes ticked by drawing them closer and closer to sports history.

In the 73rd minute Clint Dempsey, who against Egypt helped the US out of the group stage scoring a late header, struck again as Landon Donovan crossed a dangerous ball into the Spanish box where Dempsey dislodged the ball from center back Gerad Pique and buried it into the net putting the underdogs up 2-0.

Though Spain continued to attack the Americans after going down by two you could almost see the air go out of the number one team in the world as they were unable to find a way past the gritty US. When the official’s final whistle blew in the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein the crowd comprised of mostly South Africans applauded the United States for pulling of a historic upset.

The US will face the winner of Brazil and host nation South Africa on Sunday. When asked to express his feelings after the game Tim Howard struggled, “I can’t explain anymore than you can. Sports is funny sometimes, but when you put your mind to something you can achieve it.”

This victory doesn’t instantly push the United States into the upper echelon of soccer countries, but it does prove the point that the Americans can play with the best in the world on any given occasion and sometimes even beat them. Today is a great day to be a US Soccer fan and for anyone for that matter who takes pride in the good old Red, White, & Blue.

Kobe Loses, America Rejoices!
The Magic take Game 3 of the NBA Finals on their home court 108-104. Outside of LA and Orlando the only reason I have any desire to watch the NBA Finals is to watch Kobe lose. All I am hoping for is a slow motion shot of Bryant balling his eyes out pounding his fists on the court asking the heavens why is he came up short of another ring. Kobe is the kid on the playground that would cheat, spit, cry, and lie to win game of one on one. All you want in the world is for that kid to get his ass handed to him. ...

You hear stories of Lakers practices where if Kobe got beat in a drill by someone he wouldn’t let his teammate off the court until he beat them. It’s one thing to want to be the best you can possibly be, but getting furious over a Jerry West quote about how Lebron is the better player or throwing a hissy fit when you lose it’s not ambition, it’s avarice. I don’t care how sweet his fade away is if struts down the court gloating like an idiot as fellow Bomber writer Will Blake alluded to in yesterday’s Morning Stretch.

And so goes the downfall of the modern athlete. Kobe isn’t the only severely flawed sports star, but this week he’s in the spotlight in all his Macbethian splendor. I don’t know if it’s the times or if the basketball stars we grew up with just knew how to hide their flaws better than the players of today. Perhaps the media’s learned that T.O. sells more than Joe Montana and is in part to blame. I don’t know maybe I’m just a 24 year old geezer who needs to be put in a home somewhere. Who knows? But is it me or does Phil Jackson look like he hates his life?

Wings and Penguins Go to 7
Yes, hockey is still going on for those of you not paying attention. Sid “The Kid” Crosby and the Pittsburg Penguins forced the NHL Stanley Cup back to Detroit for one more game. I say the Red Wings finish them up at home to win another title for the Motor City. C’mon with GM closing which city could really use something to cheer about? Pittsburg just won the Super Bowl. I have a bunch of family in the D and the city sure has seen better times. I got lost downtown last time I was in Detroit and I felt I was in a post-apocalyptic movie.

Kaka to Real Madrid for Way Too Much Money
Despite there being yearlong rumors of Cristiano Ronaldo going to Real Madrid it looks like the club has invested their future in Brazilian 27-year old Ricardo Kaka for 90+ million. Kaka was the best player in the world three years ago, but that was three years ago. He’s at best third in the world behind Messi and Ronaldo, but he has been plagued by injuries in the past year or so. Another rumor from Real Madrid is that they are after Spanish forward David Villa for a mere $50 million. I’d take Villa over Kaka any day. The Spaniard scores goals in his sleep.

USC Head Coach Tim Floyd Resigns
I think it goes pretty much assumed that if you’re a college basketball coach you’re a dirt bag nowadays. Handing some guy a sweaty wad of cash for O.J. Mayo must’ve been the tip of the iceberg. I just want to see Pete Carroll’s dirty laundry in the light of day.

Favre/Vikings Drama Coming to a Head
The Minnesota Vikings have told Brett Favre to make a decision or get lost. I now have a greater respect for Vikings head coach Brad Childress beyond his mustache.

-Sean Heffernan