There are only 343 days until the 2010 World Cup kicks off in Johannesburg, South Africa with the hosts, Bafana Bafana, playing a yet to be determined opponent in front of a capacity crowd numbering 84,700, many (unfortunately) with their vuvuzelas in hand. So with the World Cup getting closer and closer, let's take a look at the USA player pool. This will be my first post in an undetermined number of posts over the next week or two that will eyeball where the US stands at the moment and what to keep an eye on as the World Cup draws nearer.

The US player pool is bigger than ever thanks to the growth of MLS, the US Development Academy, the unprecendented number of Yanks abroad and the open mind of Bob Bradley, king of capping the uncapped. The player pool isn't limited to just those who are likely to make the World Cup squad. The player pool expands to anyone with even the smallest of chances of making the World Cup squad or even those who won't make the squad, but is a young and promising player who can make a few appearances for the Nats in smaller friendlies. I'm going to take a look at the US player pool position by position, beginning here with the goalkeepers.

Goalkeeper

This was the first position the Americans started producing world class talent at and has always been a position of strength, but most haven't noticed the decline the Americans have had at the position in recent years. Yes, Tim Howard is a top drawer keeper, as he just proved at the Confederations Cup en route to the Goalkeeper of the Tournament award. I don't think anyone would question Howard's ability and all Americans should feel safe when Howard steps between the sticks, but the rest of the American keepers is what has become a problem. Sure, there's Brad Friedel, but those who have retired from international play are not taken into consideration.

Currently, the Yanks second keeper is Brad Guzan, a young and promising man, who plies his trade at Aston Villa and had a strong performance versus Egypt in the Confederations Cup. Guzan is just a backup for Aston Villa though and while he's in a good situation to learn from one of the best in Friedel, then take over as the top man in a couple years, he's still just learning. Marcus Hahnemann is another keeper Bob Bradley has at his disposal and the new #1 man for newly promoted Wolves, but Hahnemann is aging and not the keeper he once was. A competent backup at the international level no doubt, but when an aging veteran who just spent a year in the Championship is the American's third choice keeper, the level of American keepers has dropped.

After those three, there isn't much of a pecking order. Kasey Keller would fall into this discussion, but it appears as if Bob Bradley is no longer considering him. Luis Robles appears to have jumped into the fray, although many haven't heard of him. Robles is the top choice keeper for 2.Bundesliga side Kaiserslautern, although that could change by the time the season begins. After repordtedly showing very well in the camp prior to the Confederations Cup, Robles looks like he could be the #1 for the Gold Cup, which would be fantastic for his development. Troy Perkins is another keeper who could theoretically compete for the third keeper spot next summer. The 6'2'' keeper, currently in the Norwegian League and formerly of DC United, is on the Gold Cup squad and got his first cap this January versus Sweden. Jon Busch is the final keeper who is in the pool at the moment. The Chicago Fire man was last year's MLS Goalkeeper of the Year and will get his chance in the Gold Cup as well. As you can see, the US keeper pool isn't what it used to be, causing US fans to start rooting for Guzan, Chris Seitz, Dominic Cervi and Josh Lambo to develop and do so quickly.

This one will sting. The US went up 2-0 at half after playing one of their best halves in recent memory. They were compact defensively, organized, looked dangerous on the counter and while Brazil had the possession, the US still had their share of possession. That outstanding half of play took its toll though. About 10 minutes into the second half, after Brazil had cut the score to 2-1, I turned to my brother and said, "we’re in trouble. We’re out of gas." The Yanks expended so much energy in the first half, that they were playing on empty for much of the second half. Not having Michael Bradley was a killer too, as he would have been able to close down faster than Feilhaber and tilt the possession more in the US' favor. He would have also allowed Feilhaber to come off the bench, which would have been huge when you consider the options Bob Bradley had on his bench.

In the end, this tournament was a fantastic success for the US. While I'll get into a more detailed post on what it all means later in the week, we can gloss over the keys now. The US team not only proved to themselves that they can compete with the world's best, which they already knew, but that they can beat the world's best. They also got an opportunity to play at the site of next year's World Cup. They discovered some key players in positions of need. Hello Jay Demerit, Charlie Davies, Jonathan Spector. They've also given themselves an outside chance at a World Cup top seed (albeit a miniscule one that would require everything to break their way and is so improbable, it shouldn't even be thought out), but most importantly, they have experience that no other US team has ever had. Consider their friendly opponents in the past two years. Brazil, England, Spain, Argentina. Add that to some big matches versus Mexico and now five matches against very good teams in a competitive environment for a cup. No other US team in history can match that type of experience.

So let's rewind a bit now and take a look at this Confederations Cup Final.

Tim Howard, 9- I gave Howard this same score for his performance against Spain and while that was a clean sheet, compared to the three goals he gave up today, I think it can be argued he was better today, but certainly as good. Howard made save after save and organized his defense very well until they tired. His distribution was better too. His 17th minute save of Robinho was gorgeous and he got off his line on a number of occasions to snuff a Brazilian chance. Overall, Howard proved that he's a world class keeper to the few that still doubted him and was absolutely sensational en route to picking up the Goalkeeper of the Cup award.

Carlos Bocanegra, 6.5- I think Boca was better than some will give him credit for. Many will look to the space some Brazilians, Maicon especially, had coming down the left, but I believe that was part of the gameplan put together by Bob Bradley and Co. It's a tough gameplan to argue against too considering that it worked well against Spain and Brazil doesn't have an aerial threat comparable to Fernando Torres. Boca got beat to the endline a few times, but did his part well and was more composed on the ball than he's been in quite some time.

Oguchi Onyewu, 7- Onyewu was very good on this night, once again dominating the air. He was even solid on the groun and read plays beautifully. As is always the case, his distribution out of the back would have been better, but he wasn't too bad. He stepped in a few times for keytackle as well. I'd like to give him a better score because he wsa very good again, but he did get beat by Fabiano on the second goal. His stock has soared in this tournament and he should find himsel a prominant club for next season and a few more dollars in his pocket as a result of his play in South Africa.

Jay Demerit, 5- This was surely Demerit's worst showing of the tournament, but he wasn't too bad. He was beat on Fabiano's goal just after half, but it could hardly be considered his fault. He found himself out of position a few times and stepped up just a bii late a couple times, leading to chances for the Selecao. He's another American whose stock got a boost from this tournament and I'd have to think that a lower level Premier League side will snatch him up this summer.

Jonathan Spector, 7.5- Spector was absolutely sensational for 70 minues and I'd still consider him to beone of the Americans' best field player in the match. When you consider how often he was left 1v1 against Robinho and Kaka, it's absolutely stunning that he was beaten more often. He played smart defensively and quieted the Brazilian attack time and time again. Toss in his beautiful ball that set up the Yanks first goal and his play was stupendous. Had he not tired in the last 20 minutes and been beaten a few times, this score could be higher, but overall, a job well done.

Landon Donovan, 8- While a host of Americans had strong tournaments, only Howard could make an argument to have been as good as Donovan and I still wouldn't agree with that side. Donovan was fantastic again versus Brazil, putting himself in fdangerous positions time and time again. He ignited the counter attack that netted the US their second goal, one he finished clinically. He still defended well and put his foot in at the correct times. I've got to think he makes a move to Europe this summer or winter, likely to Spain. The argument that he only shows up against weak CONCACAF foes can be put to bed.

Ricardo Clark, 6- As is always the case with the rangy Clark, he covered massive amounts of ground, which was vital with Bradley out due to suspension. He stepped in for a few timely tackles, but was caught out of position a couple times and when the centerbacks had to cover wide, he forgot to slide underneath twice. He clearly tired late, ending up a step late to balls he'd usually have, but he did spring the counter attack for the Americans' second goal with a great ball.

Benny Feilhaber, 6.5- No one will mistake him for Bradley, as he didn't have nearly the same bite or tackling that Bradley brings, but he did well to read the ball and disrupt the Brazilians' passing. He was also calm on the ball, as is his forte, as did well to provide support to his teammates when they were pressured. It's doubtful that he claims a starting spot next summer with Clark's good play, Jermaine Jones coming into the fold and Bob Bradley's affection for defensive midfielders, but he has certain qualities that other US players lack and will certainly be vital off the bench.

Clint Dempsey, 7- My, my how things have changed. It wasn't long ago that Dempsey had been on a scoring grought for the national team and had fans clamorin for his benching. In this match, Dempsey netted yet another goal and was in good position to threaten for a couple more. He was beat by Lucio on the game winner, but he was just another American who tired. No player in the tournament was playing as well as Dempsey in the final few matches and he earned himself the tournament's Bronze Ball award.

Jozy Altidore, 5.5- No player was as gassed as Altidore and it led to him coming off. It's amazing to watch him learn and grow, even from game to game, as he figures out just how to use his massive frame to his advantage. He held the ball up well in the first half and pressure high, leading to a few Brazilian giveaways. All tournament long, it was clear that his toe injury and lack of club play left him lacking fitness, but he payed tough regardless.

Charlies Davies, 6.5- Should he be starting or is he a super sub? That debate is for anothr day, but what's clear is that he needs to be on the pitch. Davies was dangerous 1v1 and put the Brazilian defense on its his a few times, which opened up space in the midfield for the US to buil an attack. His high pressure was vital and his play on the counter attack to pick up the assist on the second goal was magnificent. What impressed me most though was his wilingness to play the simple, square ball and hold possession. It worked well as got the Brazilians chasing a few times and it was something that he had been unwilling to do in the past. He's going to be on the move this summer and it appears as if France is his destination.

Subs

Sacha Kljestan, 3.5- Another poor performance from Kljestan, who has been in a downward spiral ever since his hat trick versus Sweden. It still looks like he'll move to Holland this summer, but for a far lower price than before. He better improve his game there because it doesn't appear as if he'll be called into the national team again until he does. His giveaway in the 90th minute, when he had Davies streaking down the sideline, was absolutely dreadful.

Jonathan Bornstein, 5- A strange decision from Bob Bradley to put in Bornstein at left midfield after Brazil had equalized, but it's possible the change had been reported to the fourth official prior to the goal. Either way, Bornstein didn't have much of an impact, positively or negatively and will only be remembered for his shot from 25 yards out that harmed nothing but the ad boards.

Conor Casey, N/A

The old adage goes "bad things come in three's."  Today we get a chance to see if that works in reverse.  Will "good things come in three's" for the United States men's national team?

If you ask some, they have already received their three "blessings."  After all, Italy losing to Brazil by three goals was a pretty out-there wish a week ago today.  As was the US taking it to Egypt by three goals.  Then, nobody expected, except me, of course (proof here), the US to upset world #1 Spain on Wednesday.

Probable teams:

Brazil: 1-Julio Cesar; 2-Maicon, 3-Lucio, 14-Luisao, 16-Andre Santos; 5-Felipe Melo, 8-Gilberto Silva, 18-Ramires, 10-Kaka; 9-Luis Fabiano, 11-Robinho

United States: 1-Tim Howard; 21-Jonathan Spector, 15-Jay DeMerit, 5-Oguchi Onyewu, 3-Carlos Bocanegra; 8-Clint Dempsey, 22-Benny Feilhaber, 13-Ricardo Clark, 10-Landon Donovan; 9-Charlie Davies, 17-Jozy Altidore

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So, basically the US are on borrowed time and I am asking for the futbol gods for one more blessing.  So here goes:

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Brazil overcame a gutsy South African side to secure a place in the Confederations Cup Final against the US. It took Brazil until the final few minutes to get the goal they needed to book their place in the final - Alves scoring a stunning free kick. Now the Brazilians will face Team USA at Ellis Park on Sunday.

Brazil meets the Confederations Cup host South Africa Thursday to determine which side will advance to the final and the right to play the US. Team USA can sit back and relax while enjoying a game which will see Kaka leading Brazil against an improving but limited host side.

What do you think the final score will be?

Who do you think the US wants to play?

Use this as a game open thread.

One of the questions that fans of Team USA will be considering in the aftermath of the victory against Spain is whether this is a sign of things to come. Will the US be able to build on the performance and result and compete with Brazil (as long as they do not slip against South Africa) in the final on Sunday? And will the US be able to get to the quarter finals at the World Cup next year (a fair target for a team ranked 14th in the World)?

The answer to both questions is, I think, yes. However, for the US to be successful, particularly at the World Cup next year, they need to continue to develop the fighting qualities on show against Spain, bring in a bit more flair (Freddy Adu and Benny F?) and, at the coaching side of the spectrum, change things using substitutes and tactical shifts. 

It is this last phase that concerns me. Spain dominated large parts of the game and on a different day their near 30 shots would have been enough to secure an easy victory. Bradley needs to be more aggressive in supporting his players from the side lines. Early in the second half he probably should have either brought on a striker able to hold the ball up or made the shift he made later by bringing on Benny F and sending Clint up front.

I think this US side can get to the quarter finals next year but it will require the guts we saw on Wednesday and more assistance from the coach.

No doubt a terrific performance from the USA as they toppled top-ranked Spain for what is the team's biggest win ever in a non-World Cup match. It could be argued that the US was the better side for the first 25 or 30 minutes, but the match tilted the other way after that and the US was lucky the Spaniards didn't tally in the last ten minutes of the first half when they lost their shape. Sure, Spain controlled possession, but the US took a page out of Iraq's book in not lunging in for challenges and instead showing patience in the defense while trying to play passing lanes. Had Spain been able to play Iniesta, it would have completely changed the match and could have allowed Spain to come out on top, but nonetheless, the US was able to contain a dangerous midfield of Xavi, Xabi and Fabregas, which is nothing to sneeze at.

Tim Howard, 9- The Everton backstop made countless key saves and had complete command of the space in front of goal. A few times he wandered to the edge of the box, but did so smartly and was able to make the play. His saves of Torres just before half and Villa ten minutes after half were his shining moments.

Carlos Bocanegra, 6- He showed some rust early on and was the American's weakest defender, but he still had himself a nice match. Sliding over the left back, where he plays for Rennes, but hasn't played for the Nats since '06, he defended pretty well. He was beat a couple times because he lacks the pace to stay with the faster attackers and gave a little too much time to complete crosses at times, but the game plan was the play narrow and force Spain to play balls through the air. Mission accomploshed.

Oguchi Onyewu, 8.5- It could be argued that no US player has been as good as Onyewu in these four matches and this was Gooch's best match of the four. He completely dominated in the air, winning every single ball and Spain didn't even bother tested him, taking nearly every corner short. He covered well for Bocanegra on the few times he was beaten and blocked shot after shot in the second half. There are rumors that he has signed with Fenerbahce, but for his sake, he better hope he didn't because a performance like this will have multiple bigger clubs hoping for his signature.

Jay Demerit, 8- One of the US's biggest concerns over the past year has been the third choice centerback. Danny Califf had struggled, while Demerit's stock had dropped, but Demerit has played splendidly after being forced into the starting XI when Bocanegra got hurt. Demerit played Villa extremely physical and did so without fouling. He was sure to cover for Spector and made several key blocks. His distribution could be a little better, but this match has ignited talk as to whether Demerit should be starting every match. Not bad for a guy who was fourth choice just a month ago.

Jonathan Spector, 7- For the second consecutive match, he showed a good ability to combine with both Dempsey and Donovan. He is calmer on the ball than just about any other US defender, which was key against a team like Spain, who dominated possession. His final ball needs to be better and he got caught too far forward, but when back, he defended well 1v1. He also did well to avoid being pulled too far wide when the gameplan was to stay narrow.

Landon Donovan, 8- Donovan was a threat all night long going forward, but he was even better defending. A player like Donovan, who likes to run at defenders, can easily get caught forward, but he tracked back and helped the midfield maintain a four across shape when defending. While it could be argued that he should have shot the ball, his ball across the face of goal eventually made it to Dempsey's feet for the game's second goal. It looks like he'll try Europe one more time this winter and a match like he had versus Spain will ensure that clubs are interested.

Michael Bradley, 6- Instrumental in the defense as he was the only American who pressured the ball consistently. While the rest of the team executed the game plan of patience defensively, Bradley was charged with pressuring the ball and his fitness was outstanding in such a role. He also did well to maintain possession the best he could, giving the ball away less than usual and he was patient on the ball, recognizing the time he was afforded by the Spanish defenders. While a horrific decision from the referee, Jorge Larrionda, he still did pick up a red card, docking his score some.

Ricardo Clark, 7.5- Clark will never be mistaken for a ball moving midfielder or a threat running at goal. Clark is a defensive midfielder with great range and bite, which is exactly what he did versus Spain. With Bradley higher, pressuring the ball, Clark sat right in front of the defense, stepping in with well-timed challenges and blocking shots. He covered acres of space and did well to drop into the defense when Onyewu or Demerit went wide to cover for one of the outside backs. He even went forward with one darting run, but he did give the ball away a few too many times.

Clint Dempsey, 7.5- He wasn't a threat all match long and he did drift too far wide at times, which took him out of the game, but he had major roles in both goals. While his assist on the first goal was partly due to a fortunate deflection, he moved centrally on the play, held a defender off and executed a nifty flick. His goal was a result of pure determination and grit, characteristics that have endeared him to the Fulham supporters. This was Dempsey's best match of the Confederations Cup although he's now scored twice when moving forward, which will undoubtedly raise questions as to where his best position is.

Jozy Altidore, 7- I wanted to give the scorer of the match turning goal a higher mark, but he was far from flawless. His goal showed his fantastic raw ability in being able to hold off Capdevilla, turn and fire a shot on goal, that while not outstanding, was good enough to find net. That type of strength and skill is why it took a MLS record fee for Villareal to get him on transfer. Altidore also did better than he has in recent matches holding the ball up, but he gave the ball away far too much. Several times he had time or space and gave the ball back to the Spaniards, a major no-no in a match like this against a team like Spain.

Charlies Davies, 6- Absolutely dynamite early on. Davies put himself in two good positions in the first ten minutes with his pace and he really forced the Spanish defense to drop back farther than they wanted. His attempted bicycle kick, while unsuccesful, showed the type of flair and ambition the US sorely needs. Davies faded badly as the match went on and was eventuall taken off, bringing up the question whether or not he should stay in the starting XI or go back to being a sub, but he put himself in good positions this match,

Subs

Benny Feilhaber, 7.5- While Dempsey scored the second goal and Donovan played the ball across, it was Benny's run through the center of the field, drawing in three defenders and forcing Spain to lose shape before laying the ball off that made the play. He once again showed poise on the ball and vision, but it was his defensive effort, which has come under question over the past two years, that was the surprise. He has been sensational as a sub this tournament, but with Bradley missing next match, will look to parlay a strong performance versus Spain into a strong start in the final.

Conor Casey, N/A

Jonathan Bornstein, N/A

A gutsy performance by team USA saw them beat the European Champions and the best team in the World Spain to claim a place in the Confederations Cup Final where they will face either the hosts, South Africa, or a Brazilian team led by former World Player of the Year Kaka.

The U.S. took an early lead after Jose Altidore beat Spain and Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas and hung tough under incredible pressure from the Spanish side. Spain kept the ball characteristically and created a number of chances but a combination of good goalkeeping from Tim Howard, last ditch defending and less than sharp finishing prevented them from breaking through. Dempsey took advantage of a sloppy piece of defending from Ramos to score the second. 

Spain will look at this game and feel they should have kept their world record win streak alive but this result also made clear that they rely on Andres Iniesta to work in tandem with his Barcelona team mate Xavi. The twinkle towed brilliance of Inietsa was missing for Spain and they also will better understand the need for sharper defending at the full back position as both goals were a result of defensive mistakes.

But this should not take away from a brave US performance (they even played the final few mins with 10 men) after Michael Bradley was sent off for a rough challenge. They will now go on and play the final.