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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009
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 OPINION 
5

Stunning US Soccer Upset Matches 'Miracle on Ice'

Underdog US team's surprise win over Spain is a victory to be savored

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(Newser) – Last night's stunning soccer victory over Spain by the US team ranks up there with 1980's "Miracle on Ice" Olympic defeat of the Russians as one of the greatest upsets ever pulled off by Americans, George Vecsey writes in the New York Times. The Confederations Cup victory over the world's top-ranked soccer team may not transform the US into a soccer powerhouse overnight, but the defeat made it a thrilling spectacle, notes Vecsey.

The US will now play South Africa or Brazil in the final. But the most important legacy from this win may be an easier draw at the World Cup, now that the US has leapfrogged Mexico to become North America's top soccer team. "This was not the World Cup, but it was an important tournament in the march toward 2010," Vecsey writes. "This victory needs to be savored on its own by the players and their loyal fans."

Mike Eruzione, captain of the 1980 'Miracle on Ice' US Hockey Team and the rest of the squad prepare to light the Olympic Cauldron at the Salt Lake City Winter Olympic Game in 2002.
Mike Eruzione, captain of the 1980 'Miracle on Ice' US Hockey Team and the rest of the squad prepare to light the Olympic Cauldron at the Salt Lake City Winter Olympic Game in 2002.   (Getty Images)
USA's Jozy Altidore takes off his jersey after scoring a goal during the Confederations Cup semifinal soccer match against Spain at Free State Stadium yesterday.
USA's Jozy Altidore takes off his jersey after scoring a goal during the Confederations Cup semifinal soccer match against Spain at Free State Stadium yesterday.   (AP Photo/Paul Thomas)
USA's Benny Feilhaber, left, celebrates with teammates Oguchi Onyewe, center, and goalkeeper Tim Howard at the end of their Confederations Cup semifinal soccer match against Spain yesterday.
USA's Benny Feilhaber, left, celebrates with teammates Oguchi Onyewe, center, and goalkeeper Tim Howard at the end of their Confederations Cup semifinal soccer match against Spain yesterday.   (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
USA's Clint Dempsey reacts after scoring the team's second goal during the Confederations Cup semifinal soccer match against Spain, at Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein, South Africa, yesterday.
USA's Clint Dempsey reacts after scoring the team's second goal during the Confederations Cup semifinal soccer match against Spain, at Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein, South Africa, yesterday.   (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
USA's coach Bob Bradley celebrates with his players at the end of their Confederations Cup semifinal soccer match against Spain yesterday.
USA's coach Bob Bradley celebrates with his players at the end of their Confederations Cup semifinal soccer match against Spain yesterday.   (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
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The No. 14 team in the world—a rating that looked quite generous—has now beaten the No. 1 team in the world. For loyal American fans, it feels so good precisely because it was an upset. - George Vecsey

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5 comments
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paul123
Jun 25, 09 6:59 AM CDT
It will be on par with the miracle on ice if they actually win the confederations cup. Simply beating Spain doesn't cut it. I hope they do. Reply
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AClotfelter
Jun 25, 09 9:46 AM CDT
It's on par with the Miracle on Ice... except that it wasn't at the Olympics, so it doesn't matter. If it were even at a world cup, soccer fans might be happy, but nobody else cares. The Olympics are where it's at. The Confederations Cup?? Reply
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beatmastermcfly
Jun 25, 09 1:46 PM CDT
furthermore, fuck soccer.
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laslow
Jun 25, 09 2:52 PM CDT
I wouldn't really say it's on par. The Miracle on Ice upset was one of the greatest upsets of all time, period. This one might be one of the bigger upsets in soccer, maybe, but it can't really be compared to the miracle on ice. The Russians were beyond favourites, they had one EVERY ICE HOCKEY MEDAL BUT ONE SINCE 1956 prior to that loss. The Russians also had Vladislav Tretiak (among other world class players), considered to be, like, the best goaltender in the world at the time. Not to mention the fact that the US and USSR were natural rivals due to the decades old cold-war. So... not on par. Not even close. Reply
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laslow
Jun 25, 09 2:53 PM CDT
they had won* Reply
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