With the US being really the only nation struggling to even adopt the world’s most popular game, their nation made an improbable run in this summer’s Confederation’s Cup held in South American, the site of next year’s World Cup.  Even though the Americans lost to Brazil in the final, they only lost 3-2, and what happened on the way to the final game was much more amazing than taking a 2-0 lead into halftime against the Brazilians, which was the first time ever in USA history that they had led by 2 over the Brazilians.

In their semifinal match, the red white and blue upset Spain, who was ranked first in the FIFA rankings.  Spain was also sitting on a 15-game unbeaten streak at the time, making it much more incredible.  It was also Spain’s first loss since 2006.  Before Spain, USA dealt with Italy, but lost to them due to two late goals after one of their players was sent off with a questionable straight red.  Everyone agrees that it was a foul, but it was the player’s first foul in the game, normally challenges under the circumstances merit only yellow cards, not straight red cards.

Regardless of the officiating, the US got themselves into a bad rhythm in terms of dicisplin the the tournament, yes they made the most unporbable upset of US soccer history, but they had 3 players sent off throughout the tournament, and you have to think what could have been if they had a full side on the field throughout the full tourney.