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United States blanks Germany

Americans advance to play Mexico in semis Sunday

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Posted: Saturday July 31, 1999 10:37 AM

In a rough game that included seven yellow cards, Joe-Max Moore's (right) goal sealed the U.S. victory. AP

GUADALAJARA, Mexico (AP) -- For the second time this year, the United States upset Germany, the European champion. And this time, it wasn't in a lowly exhibition game.

The Americans didn't even use some of their top players. The team has now started each of the 20 players on the roster during the tournament.

"We're very happy with the result," U.S. coach Bruce Arena said after Friday night's surprising 2-0 win, which put the Americans in the semifinals of the FIFA Confederations Cup. "We prepared well, and we had a great game. I'm proud and satisfied with my players."

Ben Olsen scored in the 23rd minute and Joe-Max Moore in the 49th as the Americans (2-1) advanced to a Sunday matchup against Mexico in Mexico City.

"I think we'll have trouble with Mexico, because it's one of the favorites," Arena said. "But we're going to prepare ourselves well."

Coming off a 1-0 loss to Brazil on Wednesday night, the Americans rested goalkeeper Kasey Keller, midfielder John Harkes and forward Cobi Jones. Forward Brian McBride, one of the few bright spots as the U.S. team finished last among 32 nations at the World Cup, played only the final 15 minutes.

For the Germans, three-time World Cup champions, it was yet another loss in a shockingly bad year. Last summer, they hammered the Americans 2-0 in their World Cup opener, but in February they lost 3-0 to the United States in an exhibition game.

Back home, there were calls for massive changes.

"I'm hurt that we weren't able to prepare ourselves better," said German coach Erich Ribbeck, who left star forward Oliver Bierhoff back home. "The so-called little teams can beat us if they're better prepared."

Olsen scored off a clever pass from Paul Bravo, who took a low cross from Frankie Hejduk inside the penalty box. Olsen took one touch across the face of the goal and then sent the ball to the left of goalkeeper Jens Lehmann. Moore scored on a free kick that went into the top left corner of the goal.

 

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