With the 2011 Gold Cup fast approaching, USA are not ready to sacrifice much in their upcoming international friendly against world champions Spain.
Being questioned on the importance of the game, forward Clint Dempsey referred to the imminent tie as “just a friendly”, according to USATODAY.com. Both countries met in the 2009 South African Confederations Cup, but even though the Americans handed La Roja a historic defeat that put an end to the Europeans majestic unbeaten record, Dempsey asserted that shocking the Spanish this time around was not a huge priority.
“They are a great team and they are the world champions,” he admitted. “But our focus for that game is as preparation for the Gold Cup.”
Having confirmed that USA’s target was to emerge as CONCACAF champions, Dempsey reportedly went on to add: “Of course we want to win (against Spain), but we have more important games coming up.”
The Stars and Stripes finished their run in the 2009 Gold Cup as runners-up, after a hurtful 5-0 loss to arch-rivals Mexico in the final. The beginning of the competition’s upcoming edition sees USA face Canada, Panama and Guadeloupe in the group stage, as they fight to qualify from Group C.
“They are a great team and they are the world champions,” he admitted. “But our focus for that game is as preparation for the Gold Cup.”
Having confirmed that USA’s target was to emerge as CONCACAF champions, Dempsey reportedly went on to add: “Of course we want to win (against Spain), but we have more important games coming up.”
The Stars and Stripes finished their run in the 2009 Gold Cup as runners-up, after a hurtful 5-0 loss to arch-rivals Mexico in the final. The beginning of the competition’s upcoming edition sees USA face Canada, Panama and Guadeloupe in the group stage, as they fight to qualify from Group C.
