After dreadful performances in a 3-1 loss to Italy and a 3-0 undressing by Brazil, it was incredible to consider that the United States still had a shot — albeit a long, long one — at advancing Sunday to the semifinals of the Confederation Cup as one of the teams from Group B.

First things first: a goal-filled victory (by at least three goals) against a strong, entertaining and confident, but perhaps tired Egyptian team. And consider that going into Sunday’s game, the United States had not scored a goal in open play (the only goal was Landon Donovan’s first-half penalty kick against Italy). The African champions, who are locked in a struggle to qualify for the next Cup of Nations and the World Cup, played without the skillful and inspirational Zidan.

No. 2 … can the U.S. keep 11 players on the field after being slapped with red cards (Ricardo Clark and Sacha Kljestan) in the first two games of the tournament

Then there was the little matter of the Brazil-Italy game, where a win by the Italians would render the result of the United States-Egypt game moot, for both sides. Wait … not so fast.

… the United States wins by 3, Italy loses by 3 and the United States advances, impondrably, because of more goals scored, 4-3. But consider: advancing to the semis means a meeting with rampaging Spain, winners of Group A with a perfect 3-0 record, on Wednesday. That’s the biz.

Does the U.S. have a chance against Spain, the European champion Or was simply overcoming two subpar performances with a solid victory enough to quiet the skeptics

Final Score: United States 3, Egypt 0

The Ratings (on a scale of 1, diabolical; to 10, world class):

United States

Goalkeeper

Brad Guzan
Another one of the U.S. players who was drafted by Bob Bradley while he was coach in M.L.S. (that list includes Ricardo Clark, Michael Bradley, Jonathan Bornstein, DaMarcus Beasley and Sacha Kljestan). Good save, and positioning, on lone testing shot of first half. Looked wise beyond his years. Grade: 7

Defenders

Jonathan Bornstein
Few question his skill and savvy, but wonder about his physical ability to contend with bigger, and perhaps quicker, midfield opposition. Grade: 6

Oguchi Onyewu
Unbeatable in the air. Stepped up and led a counter that should have resulted in a goal in the 51st minute. A rock in the middle. Grade: 8

Jay DeMerit
Consummate destroyer in first 45 … and second 45. Rock solid. Grade: 8

Jonathan Spector
Has probably locked down the right back spot with his strong play in the tournament. Cross from right side found the head of Clint Dempsey. Grade: 8

Midfielders

Michael Bradley
The cries of nepotism are truly unfounded, unwarranted and unproductive. Bradley the younger has played well and for several years in Europe, in the Netherlands and Germany. The kid can play. Time to back off and give the kid a break. One thing though: needs a more controlled aggression. One that does not lead to so many yellow and red cards. Leads counter, multiple pass exchange with Donovan for second U.S. goal.Grade: 8

Clint Dempsey
Finally, someone other than Landon Donovan gets to take a free kick for the U.S, but Dempsey’s effort early was pretty feeble. In the middle of it in the early going, where he is more effective when playing for the U.S. Pushed forward when Jozy Altidore was lifted … instant result when he scored third goal for U.S. Finally turned in a credible and professional performance. Grade: 7

Ricardo Clark
He can play, but can he keep his cool Sunday, the answer was yes. Tried one from distance … not a bad idea, but a bad shot. Grade: 6

Landon Donovan
Parked out wide in the early going, where he seems to be more effective. Took a good ball from Dempsey on the right side, but where is the arrogance sufficient to take a shot Not there, where a pass across the box skittered harmlessly away. Wasted opportunity. Nice, purposeful run midway through first half, beating a number of defenders, but, ultimately, final touch eluded him. Most activity of the tournament, could probably be a bit more selfish. In all, a strong game for the captain. Perhaps there’s hope. Grade: 8

Benny Feilhaber
Entered the match in the 69th, replacing Jozy Altidore. Always looks comfortable on the ball, making good, smart decisions. Grade: 6

Forwards

Charlie Davies
Props for not giving up on a scramble near the Egyptian goal, shielding the ball and banging it off the head of Essam El Hardary for critical goal for U.S. in a much-improved effort. First U.S. tournament goal in open play. Goal was Davies’s second as a senior international. Impressive speed. Replaced by Conor Casey late in the match. Should get another chance vs. Spain. Grade: 9

Jozy Altidore
Took a throw-in from Jonathan Bornstein, spun nicely to the end line and hit a left-footed cross that Charlie Davies refused to give up on and finally slammed off head of Egyptian goalkeeper for the first goal of the game. Shot from a U.S. counter should have been given as a hand by on a Egyptian defender. With his big body, gave Wael Gomaa all he could handle. A bit of a surprise he was lifted in the 69th. Grade: 6

Conor Casey
Replaced Charlie Davies in the 82nd minute. Grade: Incomplete

Coach

Bob Bradley
Same back four as in Thursday’s debacle against Brazil, which is not a bad thing. Ricardo Clark returns after one-game suspension for ill-advised, red-carded tackle against Italy. But where are Freddy Adu and José Francisco Torres Tim Howard gets the night off, replaced by Brad Guzan, another American keeper playing in England (Aston Villa). Charlie Davies given the start up front with the strugging and off-form Jozy Altidore.

His son Michael scored on Father’s Day. But removal of Jozy Altidore raises some eyebrows. Clouds seem to have been lifted … at least until next subpar performance by his players. Grade 7

Substitutes/Did Not Play

Tim Howard (GK), Luis Robles (GK), Heath Pearce, DaMarcus Beasley, Freddy Adu, José Francisco Torres, Marvell Wynne, Danny Califf.

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