Following the emotional high following their victory over Egypt there is reason to celebrate, however the United States National Team could be on its way to a cold dose of reality against Spain. In a year full of Sundays, the US might need a leap year to come out on top. That does not mean it has to be a wasted outing though.

The real danger would be if the US squad views the win against Egypt as redemption. It is not, although it is a sign of potential. The problems that were evident for all to see did not just appear in the previous two games. They have been there for months, if not years. And they did not disappear against the African champions. Egypt just could not take advantage of them the way Italy and Brazil did.

Responding to the scrutiny and criticism that the US side has received in recent weeks, Michael Bradley’s profanity is understandable. Kind of an x-rated “How do you like us now” moment. Profane, but not profound. The US does not know what criticism is. It’s nothing compared to what Brazil endured earlier in qualifying or the vitriol Italy is suffering through right now following their group phase ouster.

Bradley and the rest of the players need to show as much fire against the opposition as they display against their critics. It might be an “us versus them” situation, but deep inside – most of the critics are part of the ‘us’ in this equation. The players, emboldened by their victory, need to display the same tenacity and composure against Spain.

Against an apparently over-confident Egypt, the US success was still largely based on heart and sweat. (That was still nice to see after a two-game absence.) Most importantly, there were some seeds of skill that I hope will take root.

One bright spot came from the effectiveness of Landon Donovan, with improved free kicks and some very dangerous runs. If the US is to beat teams the caliber of Spain, set plays and counter-attacks will be key.

Just as important as Charlie Davies skill and persistence on the opening goal was the pass that set him up from Josmer Altidore, one of several plays that show the Villarreal prospect might be breaking out of his slump.

The goal from Michael Bradley was one of the most impressive goals the United States has scored in years – both from the clean passing on display, and for the fact that it almost brought Fathers’ Day tears to the eyes of his dad.

Dempsey’s twisting goal was the ticket to the semifinals. While it reminded fans of his potential, it was the brilliant almost Beckham-like cross from Jonathan Spector that set the stage. At this rate, Steve Cherundolo is going to have to play like Dani Alves in the Gold Cup to get his job back. However, the goal also raises more questions about where to play Dempsey, who was uninspiring on the flank.

(Anyone who brings up the Castrol Player Rankings that show Dempsey behind only Kaká among Confederation Cup midfielders please report directly to your physician. You must have swallowed a whole lot of Castrol to make that one go down. On the opposite end of the rankings, there is no way that Oguchi Onyewu and Jay DeMerit are among the worst defenders in the tournament.)

Spain is the top-ranked nation in the world, and US head coach Bob Bradley will likely play this one close to the vest. The Confederations Cup is a tune-up for the World Cup and that is what you would expect in the knockout phase a year from now. However, this is not the World Cup so I would hope that he would roll the dice just a bit.

Bradley’s insertion of Charlie Davies and Benny Feilhaber showed the US does have players that can challenge the opposition. (Feilhaber’s hustle to come back and make a tackle late in the match will further endear him to his coach.) However, his continued refusal to play Freddy Adu and Jose Francisco Torres makes me hope Bradley’s plan includes significant time for both in the upcoming Gold Cup.

As for the present, the US team has made it through the flames. We will soon find out if they have been tempered into a battle-hardened competitor – or left brittle, crumbling at the expected onslaught. Tenacity and heart are US hallmarks. The real grade on this South African test will judge whether they can maintain possession – and poise.

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