Looking Back: Top 10 Goals of 2009 Confederations Cup

It's Friday, and my brain isn't functioning too well, so instead of an analytical post, here's something a little lighter to cap off the week.

Doing this was actually pretty tough, as ranking great goals is like comparing apples and oranges.  These are nothing more than my opinion of how the goals stack up, but don't get lost in the numbers next to each one; just enjoy watching and reliving some fantastic plays from last summer's Confederations Cup:

10. Clint Dempsey v. Egypt

Jonathan Spector swung in a great ball from the wing, and Deuce showed some great body control to snap a header inside the post.  And you got to love that raw emotion after the goal (@ 10:08):



9. Dani Alves v. South Africa

Just minutes after coming on as a substitute, Dani Alves fired home a free kick to give Brazil a 1-0 semifinal win:



8. Jozy Altidore v. Spain

With a display of strength and power, Jozy scored the opening goal of the USMNT's upset win over Spain:



7. Giuseppe Rossi v. USA

Andrea Pirlo showed a nice bit of skill to get down the wing and then chipped in a good ball right into the path of Rossi, who smashed it home on the half volley (@ 9:22):



6. Robinho v. USA

One of the best counterattacks you will ever see, though only the second best in this tournament, in my opinion (@ 1:34):



5. Katlego Mphela v. Spain

Down 2-1 to Spain in stoppage time of the consolation match, South Africa needed a miracle. Cue Katlego Mphela, who hit a bomb of a free kick to knot up the score (@ 3:51):



4. Giuseppe Rossi v. USA

All Rossi/USA animosity aside, you can't help but admire this left-footed strike that eluded the out-stretched arms of Tim Howard (first goal):



3. Daniel Guiza v. South Africa

Guiza gave Spain a late lead against South Africa with this gorgeous chip off the far post from the edge of the box (@ 2:41):



2. Maicon v. USA

I'm a sucker for a great team goal, and that's exactly what Brazil put together against the USMNT (@ 3:24):



1. Landon Donovan v. Brazil

A little bias with this selection? Maybe. But there's no denying that this was a spectacular goal. The US covered 90 yards with three one-touch passes in 10 seconds, with Landon Donovan capping it off with a calm cut a cool left-footed finish (@ 1:16):




Like I said, it's tough to rank great goals like these; on another day, this list might have been completely rearranged. Feel free to comment if you would have done things differently, if I missed one completely, or if you just want to reminisce.

And if, for whatever reason, one of the videos stops working, just let me know and I'll find a replacement.

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