The Brazilian team showed they play in a different league in beating the United States with ease, 3-0, at the Confederation Cup last night in Pretoria, South Africa.
Giving up an early goal, operating with a player ejected, being outshot by a 2-to-1 margin and generally showing less soccer savvy than their opponents, the Americans were schooled as their record against Brazil is now 1 and 13.
Showing very little offensive pressure and weak execution in transitions, if this eight nation tournament is considered the dress rehearsal for next summer’s World Cup, the United States has one year to prove they can compete with the sport’s stars.
In Grahame Jones’ match summary in the Los Angeles Times, goalkeeper Tim Howard perhaps summed it up best, ”Sometimes you just come up against Goliath and David doesn’t win”.
In other tournament news, Egypt’s stunning upset of defending World Cup champion Italy, 1-0, keeps the U.S. mathematically in the event.
On Sunday Italy faces Brazil in Pretoria and Egypt takes on the United States in Rustenburg. If the Brazilians record a third straight win in South Africa, either the Americans or Egyptians will likely sneak through to the next round at the expense of Italy.
“David” better find something in their arsenal quickly should they get another chance at the next “Goliath”.
U.S. coach Bob Bradley
whatever happened to Freddy Adu being the next Pele?
The Amercians really did look “out of their league” last night, but hopefully they can draw some lessons from the experience. Would getting Mr Jones from Germany help?
From the looks of things last night, one would ownder how the US can get past the first round at next year’s world cup.
Hey if you play against the best often enough it should elevate your own game. Ask all the teams that have played the Olympic Dream team all those years, the level of play improved greatly. Still it appears the American squad has a long way to go.