In the aftermath of the still stunning US victory over Spain, I'm struck by the sudden about-face that so many are doing in regards to American soccer's designated whipping boy, Landon Donovan.

Donovan takes more than his share of abuse from American soccer fans, and does so for a variety of reasons. His seeming lack of ambition, his somewhat frequent diving, his kissy-hand routine before penalty kicks: it all conspires to make him an easy target, despite his clear and abundant talent.

But Landon has clearly won over some of his critics with his tireless efforts to get the United States into the Confederations Cup final. Donovan has been a thorn in the side of opponents throughout the tournament, running himself ragged all over the pitch, working to win balls on defense and keying attacks on offense.

While the "Landycakes" moniker will probably never completely disappear, it seems that some have questioned themselves when it comes to its use.

David Wilson at Soccer Tickets Online says about Donovan: "I have criticized LandyCakes for not showing up when it counts in big games for the U.S., but Donovan has been terrific all during the tournament."

Bill Archer of Big Soccer "fame" entitled a post "Landycakes No More", before the Spain match.

Randall at Soccer Tickets Online weighed in with his thoughts on "Landycakes" after the Italy match, saying: "I am guilty of making fun of Landon Donovan on occasion. Well, on many occasions, actually. But, after today’s performance, I think it’s time for myself (and everyone else) to just stop spewing hate and ridicule on our only real attacking player. Our team leader. So, I will never call him 'Landycakes' again. I am retiring the nickname for good, and I hope everyone else will do the same."

There's bound to be many undocumented examples as well, people who have long held disdain for Donovan that have been swayed by his rising-to-the-moment performances in South Africa. While haters will continue to hate, and Donovan will never change the mind of many that hate him simply because it fills an empty void in the souls to do so, it's interesting to see some reversal.

More than likely, it will take a move to Europe (a successful one that includes playing time and goals) and a equally as impressive return to South Africa next year to remove most of the criticism that Donovan receives. Even then, not all will back down from their "Landycakes" attitude; as the saying goes "You can't please all of the people all of the time".

So here's the question to you, MFUSA readers who may have been in the "Landon sucks" camp; has his performance in the Confederations Cup over the past two week changed your perception of him at all?