The Official Site of Landon Donovan

Mon, Jun 22nd 2009, 10:12

U.S., Donovan advance to semis after 3-0 win against Egypt

Despite seemingly insurmountable odds facing the team at the beginning of the day, the U.S. Men’s National Team and Landon Donovan are advancing to the semifinals of the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup on the heels of a 3-0 win against Egypt and Brazil’s 3-0 win against Italy.

The win helped the U.S. jump from last place to second in Group B and into a semifinal match against Spain on Wednesday.

“The first thing that was required was belief,” Donovan said following the match. “After the Italy-Egypt game we realized there was some chance, however unlikely, and tonight we just said ‘let’s go for it.’ We had a good start and played well, and when we heard the Brazil score we knew we had a chance if we could get the next two goals. The next thing you know we’re through.”

The U.S. came out blazing with a goal by Charlie Davis in the 21st minute. Second-half goals by Michael Bradley and Clint Dempsey in the second half helped secure the shutout win.

Donovan helped set up Bradley’s goal by feeding Bradley a perfect pass in the box to set up a one-timer in the 63rd minute.

Sunday’s offensive surge helped break a tie with Italy, who finished with the same record and goal differential as the U.S. team. Italy only scored three goals, however, while the Americans scored four (Sunday’s three goals and Landon’s penalty kick against Italy).

“I kept looking over [to the bench] at 3-0 to make sure the Brazil-Italy score was still the same. It would have thrown everything off if Italy had scored,” Donovan said. “My initial reaction was don’t get too excited, because we don’t know what happened. But I looked over at the bench and everybody was jumping up and down so I knew we could celebrate.”

With his start against Italy, Donovan moves into third all-time on the U.S. cap list with 113 appearances. Cobi Jones sits at first with 164 appearances.