Confederations Cup: US Team Wasn’t Afraid, Says Altidore

Games against the giants of football have not often worked out well for the United States, but after the win over Spain, young US striker Jozy Altidore says there’s no reason to be intimidated by the big boys.

Jun 25, 2009 10:47:06 AM

More On : 

BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa—Midway through the first half of the US’s incredible 2-0 win over Spain in the semifinals of the Confederations Cup, US striker Jozy Altidore showed what all the hype is about. The most expensive American player ever manhandled his defender—ironically, his Villarreal teammate, Joan Capdevila—and fired a shot that goalkeeper Iker Casillas couldn’t stop. With the early goal, the US was off and running.

Don't Miss

 

The power Altidore exploited on the goal showed more than just his talents and potential. Throughout the game, the 19-year-old carried a brash attitude that has often been lacking in the US. He seemed to shrug off the challenges and taunts of world-class defenders.

 

“I feel the US is looked down upon too much,” he told Goal.com. “We have so many players that have the ability to challenge these guys all the time. But we’re overlooked. We have the chance, you’re not going to hide in a shell. You’re going to step up and go chin to chin with them.”

 

The US will now move on to the Confederations Cup final, where they will meet either South Africa or Brazil.

 

In the group stage, the US was crushed 3-0 by Brazil in a nervous, timid performance against the five-time world champions. Altidore said the team had learned the lessons of that game, and applied them against Spain.

 

“If anything, we showed we weren’t scared,” he said. “That’s the most important thing. We respected them but we didn’t give them space like we did against Brazil and I think that’s very important. We treated them like another team and got the job done.”

 

Greg Lalas, Goal.com

 

For more on the U.S. National Team visit Goal.com's U.S. National Team page.

Follow Goal.com on Twitter

Follow Goal.com on Facebook
 
play pause open close
Inside Goal.Com
  1. RIGG: Anelka struggling against the current in Shanghai RIGG: Anelka struggling against the current in Shanghai

    Nicolas Anelka went against the grain when he moved to Shanghai. Now he's finding that coaching and gelling tactically is like swimming against the tide.

  2. ROGERS: Bradley should command a bidding war among Serie A teams ROGERS: Bradley should command a bidding war among Serie A teams

    Chievo is currently shopping the American midfielder and several Italian clubs have shown interest.

  3. ISOLA: Neymar-led Brazil should be considered the 2014 WC favorite ISOLA: Neymar-led Brazil should be considered the 2014 WC favorite

    Neymar was brilliant as Brazil easily handled the United States with early World Cup preparations officially underway.

  4. LATHAM: Mexico using summer friendlies to build depth LATHAM: Mexico using summer friendlies to build depth

    With World Cup qualifying to begin in June, Mexico is using three U.S.-hosted friendlies to build squad depth.

  5. McCARTHY: Harrisburg springs its wildest Open Cup upset to date McCARTHY: Harrisburg springs its wildest Open Cup upset to date

    The City Islanders fought back from three goals down with nine minutes to play and won the game on penalty kicks in a stunning game on a wild night for the U.S. Open Cup.