If you are excited about the prospect of the U.S. national team facing off against Brazil in the final of an international tournament, it's okay. You are not alone.
As much as some want to minimize the importance of the Confederations Cup, the quality of the competition and strength of the rosters makes this more than just a glorified set of friendlies. The event has had intense pressure and quality soccer throughout. And while this isn't the World Cup, winning the tournament will still mean quite a bit for a U.S. national team that is growing up before our eyes.
If you are wondering how the United States will fare in the final, consider the last time the U.S. team was in a final. It was two years ago against Mexico in the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup final in Chicago. On that day it was Benny Feilhaber who emerged as the hero with his game-winning blast from distance. Other players, such as Landon Donovan and Tim Howard, stepped up big time, as did the centerback pairing of Oguchi Onyewu and Carlos Bocanegra. All five figure to play key roles on Sunday vs. Brazil.
In case you don't remember the Gold Cup final, or just want to relive it, here is a flashback to that memorable U.S. victory. Fox Soccer Channel is doing one better, showing a replay of the USA's win over Mexico tonight at 11p.m.
