Confed Cup bets still on as USA floor Pharoahs

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2009

RUSTENBURG, South Africa (AFP) — This North West Province town is barely more than a decent throw-in away from Sun City but not even the most adventurous of risk takers at the gamblers' paradise would have dared put a dime on the United States making it to the Confederations Cup semi-finals.

Bob Bradley's Stars and Stripes turned up for their last Group B fixture against African champions Egypt here Sunday as such massive outsiders midfielder Clint Dempsey only realised they could still grab the runners-up spot and with it a ticket to the last four 24 hours before kick-off.

Lopsided defeats to Brazil and world champions Italy, losses compounded by having a player sent off in each game, had seemingly left them facing an early trip home.

But Dempsey's 71st minute...