England vs. USA

The first time team USA ever beat England in the World Cup was back in 1950. The US team made one of the biggest upsets in history. USA came in the game as the clear underdogs against the mighty English players. England was known as the "Kings of Futbol" back then. USA...well let's just say that they were quite amazed to have put together enough players to make a full roster for the World Cup that year. All odds were stacked against them and England was sure to win.
But somehow, luck was on USA's side and Joe Gaetjens, a forward on the USA team, put one in the back of England's net. It came to be known as "the goal that shook the world". The crowd were more suprised then happy when US scored that goal but somehow, USA came up on top. Even though England was the only team they beat in the World Cup that year, USA came home feeling accomplished having played "the game of their lives". England returned to their tea drinking, crumpet eating country with their heads hung low. I cannot imagine the shame they felt losing to USA. They surely must have locked themselves in their homes for a few days and beat their heads against the wall. And no, not just simple pounding on a nearby living room wall but head smashing, like you see in UFC fights. They definitely had their big fat ego put back in place and ever since, there has always been this quite nasty rival between the two countries.
England has been waiting for the chance to get back at team US and now they have been given that chance. Now, 60 years later, team USA faced England in their opening match for the 2010 World Cup.
Right when the whistle blew England was on it. They moved their fancy little feet around the US players and soon, they scored an early goal in the first 4 mintues of the game. Right then and there, everybody believed England had the game in the bag. I was flipping out on the couch when watching this game. I mean seriously!! 4 minutes and they already have a goal?!?! In that moment, I had the right to have no faith in the USA team. I believed that US was going to lose. They had no chance.
But, I guess luck was on USA's side again. Just like 60 years ago. Few minutes before halftime, Dempsey, a midfield for USA, struck the ball right towards the English goalie, Robert Green. I looked away thinking to myself what a terrible shot. Suddenly I hear the commentators going CRAZY, vuvuzelas going CRAZY, and my brother going CRAZY! I watched the replay and then I went CRAZY!
It seems that the goalie lost control of the ball and let it roll right into the goal. I play soccer and my teammates make fun of me when I play in goal but seriously, I could have made that save easy!
It was probably one of the darkest moments in that goalie's career. At first I laughed at his mistake. So did my brothers. But after pondering the thought, I felt a little bad for them. I know, I know. I shouldn't feel bad for those tea drinking, crumpet eating people but a little part inside of me said it must really suck to be you right now.
So, at the end of the match, Dempsey was seen as a hero who made one of the luckiest---no, scratch that. Dempsey made THE luckiest goals in the World Cup so far and has the heavens to thank.
I don't know what it is, but USA has gotten lucky in their appearances at the World Cup. This match only reminds of the "miracle match" in 1950. This was a definite miracle for USA. But, hey, US doesn't need fancy moves or great footwork to win. All they really need is a little bit of luck. And whether people call it a fluke goal or a lucky goal, a goal's a goal, and nothing can change that.