Today was a historic day for U.S. soccer as the men's national team knocked off Italy, 1-0 in Genoa, Italy.
It was the first time in 11 games (previously 0-7-3, outscored 32-4) that the Americans had beaten Italy, one of international soccer's true superpowers. It also marked the first time in 20 matches that the U.S. men beat a former World Cup champ (Uruguay, 2002).
Jurgen Klinsmann's team has now won four straight and they picked up by far the most meaningful result of his brief tenure.
Yes this was a friendly and as we say when things don't go well in those, results aren't that important. I'll stick to that idea but come on, victories like this have been few and far between for the U.S.
While Italy controlled play (61%-39% time of possession), took way more shots (7-2 on goal) and had four times as many corner kicks (8-2), I'm not going to say it was luck that the U.S. won. Rather, they played basically the perfect road game against a more talented and technically skilled opponent.
When the U.S. got its one great chance in the 55th minute, they made the most of it as Jozy Altidore laid it back for Clint Dempsey. The Fulham star kept his spectacular play going as he blasted a low but hard shot past Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.
Italy had plenty of chances but I wouldn't say that Tim Howard stole this one like Kasey Keller in 1999 vs. Brazil (1-0 in the Gold Cup). Howard made some very solid saves but nothing extraordinary or the kind that he doesn't routinely make.
Before the game, I said that the U.S.' best players would need to assert themselves and that proved prophetic. Dempsey was great, he also crushed a free kick in the first half that was punched out by Buffon. Altidore picked up his pace in the second half and was rewarded with a nice assist. The man of the match though for the Red, White and Blue in their new hideous Nike road uniforms was Michael Bradley.
Perhaps its fitting that the only American that plays for an Italian club (Chievo Verona) performed so well against opponents that mostly compete with him in Italy. Bradley was all over the field, making multiple runs back on defense that broke up possible scoring bids. He was also tough and strong on his feet and he didn't get nervous when Italy turned up the pressure late for the tying goal.
Other notable developments for the U.S. included the reemergence of Maurice Edu in the midfield and Fabian Johnson actually played well at left back (which has been a black hole for the U.S. the last few years).
What this result means is twofold: for the U.S. players, it shows them what Jurgen Klinsmann (5-4-1) can help them achieve if they buy into his team-building and roster selections. Outside of the team, this win earns the U.S. respect around the globe. Everyone outside the United States loves to knock the U.S. which is understandable when they beat up on bad CONCACAF teams then need favorable draws to make it out of the group stage in World Cups. However, when you win in Italy that proves that you're not frauds by any means.
The best news is that this was all done without Landon Donovan, Stuart Holden, Jermaine Jones, Jose Torres and Timmy Chandler. Those are all players that Klinsmann loves that will be a big part of his plans going forward. If the U.S. can keep developing and then add those guys, well then they'll really be onto something.
Their next match will be May 26 vs. Scotland, another friendly this time in Landover, MD.
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