A tale of American resistance

he USA pulled off arguably its most historic win in Bloemfontein on Wednesday, getting the better of a Spain team comprised of some of the biggest names in world football. The semi-final victory was vindication for many of the US players, who defended manfully against the world's top-ranked team. As Europe's finest charged, an American rearguard, largely unknown and unsung, held firm.FIFA.com caught up with some of the humble heroes after the final whistle.

"If you're not ready to defend for your life against a team like Spain, then you're in big trouble," Jay Demerit, who after one year in the English Premier League is now back down in the second tier with Watford, told FIFA.com. The centre-back helped repel wave after wave of attacks from the likes of Liverpool's Fernando Torres, Valencia's David Villa and Xavi, who was named top player at last year's UEFA EURO 2008. "We knew we couldn't let them breathe, that we'd have to get in their faces."

The Americans began the game against the European champions, on a record run of 15 consecutive wins stretching back to 2006, in an audacious attacking formation, young Sweden-based speed merchant Charlie Davies led the way. After a goal in the 27th minute from Jozy Altidore, whose move to Spanish football last year saw him loaned out to second tier side Xerex, the game became largely about digging in and holding the line.

The defence was amazing, but it wasn't just the defenders - the whole team worked the slam the door shut.

USA captain Carlos Bocanegra

"Our defence was amazing," shouted exuberant young midfielder Ricardo Clark, who was sent off in the USA's first game against Italy and plies his trade in Major League Soccer with Houston Dynamo. His lunging blocks and last-ditch tackles were emblematic of the collective US resistance. "Gooch (Oguchi Onyewu) was amazing, (Jay) Demerit, (Carlos)cBocanegra, everyone in the team really, was defending for their lives and trying to not let a special moment slip away."

Captain Bocanegra, back in the starting line-up after a hamstring injury, was in a state of shock at the final whistle. "It's a big day for us and one of the biggest moments in our history," he toldFIFA.com, giggling under his breath almost deliriously. "It's hard to believe right now; it hasn't really sunk in." Lining up at left back for the first time since 2007, the Rennes defender proved to be equal to the task against Spain's wide raiders, especially Real Madrid star Sergio Ramos. "There were a lot of acrobatic, sliding blocks," he said. "One guy would be sliding in to clear the shot away, and another guy would come in behind to clean it up. The defence was amazing, but it wasn't just the defenders - the whole team worked the slam the door shut."

We wanted to prove to Spain that we could stand with them, and that we have some talent in the States too.

USA defender Jay Demerit.

Oguchi Onyewu was perhaps the most impressive among a number of outstanding performers at the back, the giant central defender, rumoured to heading for Turkey from Belgian champions Standard Liege, towered above Spain's renowned and celebrated frontline. "Everyone was focused on defending," he said, pointing out playmaker Landon Donovan's dogged display and striker Clint Dempsey's willingness to get stuck in for the cause. "You're always nervous when you're protecting a lead, that the other team might get through, but we really believed in ourselves and in what we were doing."

What the US was doing, whether they knew it or not at the time, was working toward the country's biggest win since they famously beat England in Belo Horizonte at the 1950 FIFA World Cup. The battle in Bloemfontein was a similar game to that iconic triumph, with effort, luck, pride and spirit trumping superior technique and pedigree in a classic tale of American enterprise and belief. Clint Dempsey, one of few USA players getting regular playing time overseas, with Fulham in England's top-flight, helped ease the tension with an opportunistic second goal with 16 minutes to go. From there on out it was a matter of holding on against some final frenzied attacks by Spain's stung stable of shining stars.

"We knew we were going to have to defend for our lives," added Everton's No1 Tim Howard, knowing they will face either Brazil or South Africa in their historic final in Johannesburg. "To pull off a shock win like this you have to defend like your life actually depends on it." Demerit, tall, muscular and earnest, seemed to put the whole effort into perspective best. Every time we come out in games like this we have a lot to prove," he said. "We were always going to be underdogs. But it shows that when we come together and do our best, we can do great things. We wanted to prove to Spain that we could stand with them, and that we have some talent in the States too. We may not be the biggest or best-known players in the world, but when we come together it's not about that."

Reprinted from fifa.com

U.S. shocks Spain 2-0 in Confederations Cup semifinals

BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa – The United States ended Spain’s 15-game winning streak with a 1-0 victory on Wednesday, upsetting the European champion with goals by Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey to reach the final of the Confederations Cup for the first time.

The result was the Americans’ first victory in four attempts against the op-ranked Spanish, which also saw its record 35-match unbeaten streak ended.

The United States played an inspired first half, creating several chances. But it played nearly the second half in its own end, finishing with 10 men, and survived with a collective defensive effort highlighted by key performances by central defender Oguchi Onyewu and goalkeeper Tim Howard, and Dempsey’s goal against the run of play.

Onyewu constantly anticipated passes and diffused danger while Howard made several saves that looked like sure goals.

"We played as hard as we could. That's what it took," U.S. coach Bob Bradley said. "We'll take a few hours to regroup. We're so excited about this."

The victory puts the United States into Sunday’s final against either host South Africa or a rematch against Brazil. Brazil beat the Americans 3-0 in the first round.

The United States took nearly four minutes before it gained any meaningful possession, but then started looking dangerous beginning with a bicycle attempt by Charlie Davies in the seventh minute that went wide left.

Fernando Torres and Sergio Ramos troubled the U.S. defense, but Spain also found itself tested with a shot from distance by Landon Donovan in the 21st minute.

Altidore, who plays in Spain for Xerez, converted in the 27th minute, taking a ball from Dempsey at his feet, muscling off Joan Capdevilla at the top of the penalty area, turning and shooting. Diving Spain keeper Iker Casillas managed to get his right hand to deflect the ball, but it only slightly altered the path as it bounced in off the left post.

It was the first goal allowed by Spain in the tournament.

The United States continued to create chances in the first half, but appeared overwhelmed by Spain after the break. The Spanish created no fewer than five chances in the first 11 minutes of the second half, and the Americans looked ready to break.

The U.S. gave away the ball cheaply in the middle third, inviting repeated attacks. But it occasionally broke free and in the 74th, Donovan worked open down the right side, and his cross was slightly deflected by Gerard Pique before Ramos’ stopped it. Dempsey was positioned at the left post, turned and struck the ball under Casillas for the insurance.

The Americans played the final four minutes down a man after Michael Bradley was ejected for a physical foul, the third time in four games the U.S. had man red carded.

The victory probably comes as one of the biggest in U.S. soccer history, along with its victory over England in the 1950 World Cup, its win over Trinidad to qualify for the 1990 World Cup, and its victory over Brazil in the 1998 Gold Cup.

United States tops Egypt 3-0 to reach semifinals of Confederations Cup

RUSTENBERG, South Africa – Michael Bradley and Clint Dempsey scored second-half goals and the United States beat African champion Egypt 3-0 on Sunday to advance to the semifinals of the Confederations Cup.

Charlie Davies scored his second international goal in the first half and the USA, after seemingly eliminated following lopsided losses to Italy and Brazil earlier in the week and having scored only one goal – a penalty, qualified for the knockout rounds on head-to-head goals scored thanks to Brazil’s 3-0 victory over Italy.

The United States, Egypt and Italy all finished with three points, but Egypt had a goal difference of minus-3 and the USA and Italians were at minus-2. The Americans edged the Italians, however, having scored four goals to Italy's three.

The United States created chances early, starting with a free kick by Dempsey in the sixth minute, and while not dominant, clearly had more possession and looked nothing like the team that was overwhelmed by Italy and Brazil.

Essam El Hadary thwarted Bradley as the American midfielder shot unmarked from inside the area on a run in the 14th minute, and Landon Donovan broke clear down the left side but sent a cross into empty space in the 16th.

The United States went ahead in the 21st minute when Jozy Altidore took a thrown-in from the near side, turned his defender and sent a ball to the near post that El Hadary was able to block. But the rebound skipped away and Davies, with Hani Said and Ahmed Fathi trying to clear, raced behind El Hadari and managed a right-footed shot that the goalkeeper was able to get his hands to but only to deflect it into the net.

The Americans continued to press with Donovan weaving his way through the Egyptian defense before El Hadary raced off his line to finally smother the danger.

The United States started to sense it could reach the semifinals in the 63rd when Donovan exchanged passes with Bradley twice in a run from midfield that ended with a simple square ball by the Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder that Bradley ran onto and volleyed from nearly on top of the penalty spot.

Dempsey scored the critical goal in the 71st, outleaping Wael Gomaa to redirect Jonathan Spector’s looping cross from the right, heading it just inside the left post from the 6-yard line.

The United States will play European champion Spain on Wednesday, with the winner advancing to the title match against the victor between South Africa and Brazil.

Reprinted from concacaf.com

El Salvador and Costa Rica out of the blue...

Reprinted from BSWW

The fishermen of La Pirraya have done it again. A packed beach arena at the Unidad Deportiva Agustin Contreras Flores witnessed how El Salvador, led by an inspiring Agustin, top scorer at last year’s Puerto Vallarta showdown, blew away the American dream. An enlightening 5-3 victory over the USA led Rudis Gonzalez’ bunch to the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, where they will represent their country for a second straight year.

Not Mexico, but Costa Rica will join El Salvador to the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2009 to take place in Dubai from November 16-22. Los Ticos qualify for the global showcase as Mexico’s stamina went all the way down when the most important part of the competition arrived. Despite the presence of 3000 over excited Mexican fans, the runner-up World Champions of 2007 weren’t able to overcome Christian Ovares’ men in the regular time of play, nor extra-time, taking the clash to the penalty spot. Rosales, in charge to net el Tri’s second, hit the post, giving Costa Rica striker Mora the opportunity to make history. Mora didn’t fail and rewarded his team the World Cup dream.

Tomorrow El Salvador and Costa Rica meet in the final to decide who rules the North and Central Americans.

Considerably in the shadow of the Dubai deciders, Canada snatched fifth place edging past Bahamas 4-3. Both sides came to Mexico to kick-off or start over their beach soccer story and by moments displayed the enormeous potential they possess. During the Puerto Vallarta showdown Coaches Ongaro and Ceciliano completed their notebooks to work hard to improve for next occassions to come.

Results and match schedule (GMT -6)

Wed 17.06.09 1 1700 USA 6 x 2 Bahamas
2 1815 Mexico 10 x 0 Canada

Thu 18.06.09 3 1700 Costa Rica 3 x 0 Bahamas
4 1815 El Salvador 8 x 6 Canada

Fri 19.06.09 5 1700 USA 6 x 1 Costa Rica
6 1815 Mexico 4 x 1 El Salvador


SEMI-FINALS*

Sat 20.06.09 7 5th & 6th Place 15h45 Canada 4 vs. 3 Bahamas
8 (Semi-final 1) 17h00 USA 3 vs. 5 El Salvador
9 (Semi-final 2) 18h15 Mexico (1)2 vs. 2(2) Costa Rica

*the order of Semi-finals kick-off times may be altered by the Organizing Committee

PLAY-OFF FOR THIRD / FOURTH PLACE & FINAL

Sun 21.06.09 10 (Play-off 3rd/4th) 17h30 USA vs. Mexico
11 (Final) 18h45 El Salvador vs. Costa Rica

Team Summit for Champions League 2009/2010

A great kickoff to a New Year... the teams all came to Miami in their best dress uniforms and looked great while we used the opportunity to introduce them to the rules and operations of the Champions League.

The newest Blazer...

Born at 558pm on June 10 in Stamford, Connecticut... introducing Mr. Cameron Miles Blazer.


With Grandpa Chuck

Cameron posing for the world

The proud Mom Samantha

Being shown off to his Nana Susan.

With his Dad Jason.

Prime Minister brings remarks at opening of FIFA congress

Remarks by Rt. Hon. Hubert A. Ingraham, Prime Minister, Opening Ceremony
59th FIFA Congress, Paradise Island, Bahamas
2 June, 2009


Colleague Ministers
Mr. Joseph Blatter, President of FIFA
Mr. Jack Warner, Vice President of FIFA
Mr. Chuck Blazer, FIFA Executive Member
Mr. Anton Sealey, President of The Bahamas Football Association
Mr. Lionel Haven, General Secretary of The Bahamas Football Association
Delegates

Ladies and Gentlemen:

It is a special pleasure for me to welcome President Blatter, the delegates and non-delegate participants of the 59th FIFA Congress.

I wish in particular to acknowledge and thank Mr. Chuck Blazer, friend and long-time resident of The Bahamas and member of the Executive Committee of FIFA for the crucial role he played in bringing the 59th Congress to Paradise Island. Thank you, Mr. Blazer.

I also wish to acknowledge the hard work of Mr. Anton Sealey, Mr. Lionel Haven and The Bahamas Football Association for their hard work and dedication in supporting Mr. Blazer’s quest and in achieving this final result.

Football is the most widely played sport internationally, and we share the interest of the Bahamas Football Association in expanding the reach of the game to more of our citizens.

Let me join all the others who will have expressed the sentiment to you: your visit to The Bahamas is important to us. We are especially appreciative of your presence and that of the international media.

The 58th FIFA Congress last year was held in Sidney, Australia – a country with a somewhat larger football tradition than our own. So one can only imagine the delight when it was announced that the 59th Congress would be held in The Bahamas.

You will have discovered that, though small, The Bahamas has a great tradition of sporting excellence and highly qualified and dedicated professionals.

As well, you will have learned that we have created a particularly successful industry out of welcoming visitors to our shores. These two make us ideally suited to hosting the 59th FIFA Congress.

We trust that your experience here in the wonderland of Atlantis will help bolster our reputation as a modern, efficient and convenient location for both business and pleasure and certainly for the business of discussing leisure.

Sport is important for so many reasons, whether in teaching discipline, promoting healthy lifestyles or developing social skills. And so it is quite natural that governments are enthusiastic supporters and promoters of sporting activities.

I am advised that among issues before you for consideration are matters relating to the three pillars of FIFA; that is, firstly, to develop the game; secondly to “Touch the World” relating to expanding the reach of the game amongst women, and finally to build the game through the “20 centres for 2010” official charity campaign.

Certainly, it is our hope that your presence here will result in the further development of the game and its wider appeal to all our people but very specifically to children who would benefit from exposure to the game and to its wide international appeal.

The Government and people of The Bahamas regard this Congress as being a globally significant meeting of sports administrators comprising over 200 countries. Your decisions will shape the organization of Member Associations world wide, the most significant being the announcement of the upcoming 2014 World Cup host country.

This event has been a significant undertaking for The Bahamas requiring a multi-agency cooperative approach undergirded by unprecedented strategy.

In this regard, I would like to congratulate the Minister of Youth, Sport and Culture and the ardent effort of the Official Secretariat and other national stakeholders in collaborating with the Bahamas Football Association (BFA) in this initiative.

Going forward, we hope to strengthen and solidify our strong sporting tradition with the completion of a National Stadium currently under construction. Its anticipated completion in 2011 will strengthen our ability to host international matches and sporting events and we look forward to such opportunities in the years ahead.

We particularly look forward to the boost the new football pitch will provide to the further development of football in The Bahamas, particularly to our junior footballers.

In closing I wish to congratulate you on the completion of a successful 59th Congress, extend very best wishes for continued success around the world.

We have a saying in The Bahamas – “once is not enough”. In that vein, I say we look forward to welcoming you back, frequently, in the future. And when you return we invite you to visit some of our wonderland of Family Islands that make up the Bahamas archipelago.

Welcome and thank you.

It seems everyone was happy...

At the CONCACAF Congress in Paradise Island, Bahamas, on June 1st, everyone is all smiles, as we were returned for another 4 years to our posts at the FIFA Executive Committee.

For my part, thanks for all of you who have supported my efforts over these past years and accept my commitment to continue to work hard in achieving the highest standards possible for FIFA and our region.