Countdown, But Not Out

3+3+3

That was the equation U.S. head coach Bob Bradley kept in mind heading into the team’s final group match against Egypt.

Three points.
Three U.S. goals.
Three goals from Brazil.

If those events occurred, the United States could earn a place in the semifinals of the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup. During the course of 95 minutes on Sunday night, Bradley kept an eye on all three, thanks to the work of assistant coach John Hackworth and a few others behind the scenes. Decisions on tactics, substitutions and strategy in the game hinged on the events taking place both in Rustenburg and Tshwane/Pretoria.

Read the behind-the-scenes account of how the process unfolded by clicking here