Confederations Cup: US Davies Says Spanish Players Were “Afraid”

The young American striker’s pace worried Spain’s defense from the opening whistle.

Jun 25, 2009 10:57:29 AM

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2009 FIFA Confederations Cup: Charlie Davies, Egypt - United States (PA)

BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa—US striker Charlie Davies was pointed out by Spain coach Vincente del Bosque in his pregame press conference on Tuesday, calling him “dangerous,” but the Spanish boss probably wouldn’t have guessed Davies would strike fear into the premier players in his backline like Carlos Puyol and Gerrard Pique.

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But that’s exactly the case, as the fast-as-wind Davies hounded the Spanish backline all evening in the US’s 2-0 victory over Spain in the Confederations Cup semifinal on Wednesday night.

 

“To tell you the truth, they were really scared of my speed,” Davies told Goal.com. “Jozy [Altidore, who plays for Spanish club Villarreal] told me they were talking in Spanish the whole time, Puyol and Pique about how fast I was to be careful and play quickly. It’s good to hear that when world-class players are afraid of you.”

 

Davies, who notched 14 goals for Swedish club Hammarby, burst onto the Confed Cup scene in the US’s 3-0 victory over Egypt. His pace and relentless effort helped him snatch the first goal. He didn’t get on the scoresheet against Spain, but his determination and unintimidated attitude once again saw him make an impact. In the second half, he got into a trash-talking duel with Puyol.

 

“I went up for a head ball with Puyol and I was able to win it and his head hit my head,” Davies explained. “He got a little frustrated and started to play a little rough with me. He started talking a little bit. But it was all fun. I love to compete when games get tough.”

 

Davies celebrates his 23rd birthday on Thursday, and this victory—and his role in it—was probably the best birthday present he could ask for.

 

 

“For me it’s a confidence booster to play with the best and hold your own and know you can make an impact,” he said. “I’m still young, still working on a lot of things. And I’m really excited for the future.”

 

Greg Lalas, Goal.com

 

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

 

 

 

 

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