Tags:
Journalism of Courage
SYDNEY, SEPTEMBER 26: Spain reached the Olympic soccer final on Tuesday for the second time in eight years after wearing down a resilient United States 3-1 on a rainy night at the Sydney football stadium.
After dominating the first 40 minutes of their semifinal and building a deserved 2-0 lead, Spain allowed the Americans back into the match, giving away a penalty just before half-time.
Thereafter they could not relax for a moment until Man-of-the-Match Jose Mari scored a third four minutes from time.
Spain, who memorably won the Olympic soccer gold in Barcelona in 1992, will now face Cameroon in Saturday8217;s final after the African champions beat Chile 2-1 in the other semi-final in Melbourne.
DESERVED LEAD: It took Spain only 16 minutes to take a deserved lead after dominating the early stages. Jose marie created the chance with a powerful surge down the right wing which left the American defence trailing in his wake.
He whipped in a perfect cross for Tamudo at the far post who stuck out his right foot to sweep the ball high into the net with goalkeeper Brad Friedel stranded.
