Some lessons learned from Confed Cup run

Do you believe in moral victories?

Judging by the expressions on their faces and their quotes after Sunday's 3-2 Confederations Cup final loss to Brazil, the U.S. men are beyond moral victories. They want the real thing, and that's a good thing. Moral victories are for fans, and U.S. soccer fans are basking in the glow of our team's success in South Africa.

That was just one of the lessons we learned at the Confederations Cup. Here are some more:

This isn't 1990 anymore: The United States is no longer a third-world soccer country. We now expect the Nats to at least have a shot at one of the top seeds in the World Cup every four years. After the past couple of weeks, we know we're not being unrealistic. A first-round exit next year would be disappointing.

Project 2010 isn't on track: In 1998 the U.S. Soccer Federation decided to start a program - a fundraising campaign mainly, and since mostly forgotten - with the goal of developing a team that could win the World Cup in 2010.

With a year to go, this team still has no megastar with a big European contract who can put the team on his back and carry it. And the Americans barely made it out of group play after a lackluster first two games.

The latter is a reality sometimes forgotten in the afterglow of the wins over Egypt and top-ranked Spain, not to mention the solid showing in the final vs. Brazil. More patience and time will be required before the United States is considered a World Cup contender.

More Feilhabers wanted: With Frankie Hejduk, Brian Ching and Steve Cherundolo injured for the tournament, and Carlos Bocanegra missing the first couple of games, players such as Arlington Heights native Jonathan Spector, UIC grad Jay Demerit and Charlie Davies stepped in and stepped up.

But what if Landon Donovan is injured? What if Bronze Ball winner Clint Dempsey loses his passport?

This is why July's Gold Cup campaign, featuring a virtually new roster and including a July 23 stop at Soldier Field, is important. When the United States won the 2007 Gold Cup it developed players like Benny Feilhaber, who played a key role in this June run and hit a memorable goal in 2007. Coach Bob Bradley needs to find another Benny Feilhaber this month. The top candidates are Chad Marshall, Robbie Rogers, Stuart Holden and Kenny Cooper.

Play keepaway: Too often in Sunday's second half the Americans won the ball away from the Brazilians only to give it right back with a sloppy pass or direct play that didn't work. They need to possess the ball more.

Let the defense rest: The Confederations Cup proved the United States can compete without a bunker mentality. In fact, it looked best when it put pressure on its opponents' defense, at least enough to keep them honest.

Believe in Bob: Yes, he made mistakes (DaMarcus Beasley being the biggest), but U.S. coach Bob Bradley made more good moves than bad. Bradley deserves credit for turning things around and then calmly guiding the team to within 45 minutes of its first international title. This experience in South Africa will only help him grow as a coach, just like it will help his players grow. You can bet he'll be back next summer, and he should be.

Stop on red: Three Americans saw red cards because they couldn't stay on their feet, going in with awkward challenges that convinced referees they had done something wrong - very wrong.

When they return to South Africa next June for the World Cup, they'll have to be smarter, or the next visit will be shorter and less glorious.