Brazil-United States Cup Final Preview

Brazil v. United States

June 28, 2:30 Eastern
Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa

Its another game against the U.S., this time with silverware on the line. Should this match be just as easy as the previous encounter? Absolutely not. U.S. manager Bob Bradley has made a few changes from his side that Brazil disposed of with such ease. Out are DaMarcus Beasley, Sasha Kljestan, and Jonathan Bornstein, who were the culprits on the left side that were dominated by Maicon and Ramires. In are U.S. captain and left back Carlos Bocanegra, defensive midfielder Ricardo Clark, and forward Charles Davies. The U.S. will essentially be playing a straight 4-4-2 against us tomorrow. The Americans are playing with a tremendous amount of confidence after beating Spain 2-0 in the semi-finial and another Brazil performance like the one against South Africa will have us finishing second in this tournament.

Tactically, I believe the U.S. are still vulnerable on the flanks, particularly their left side. Bocanerga is coming off an injury and looked very uncomfortable against Spain. There was constant room on that side for the Spanish. Left back is not his natural position and I think he could susceptible on that side. The tall U.S. central defense duo of Onyewu and De Merrit are in great form and only going up the center will lead to the same lackluster display that we saw against South Africa.

I would not be surprised to see Dunga make a change or two from the previous squad. Perhaps Miranda could get the nod? Ultimately I think Brazil’s speed is going to be overwhelming for the U.S. My prediction Brazil 2- 0 United States.

United States:

Goalkeepers: Brad Guzan (Aston Villa/England), Tim Howard (Everton/England), Luis Robles (Kaiserslautern/Germany)

Defenders: Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes/France), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA/M.L.S.), Danny Califf (Midtjylland/Denmark), Jay DeMerit (Watford/England), Oguchi Onyewu (Standard Liege/Belgium), Heath Pearce (Hansa Rostock/Germany), Jonathan Spector (West Ham United/England), Marvell Wynne (Toronto/M.L.S.)

Midfielders: Freddy Adu (AS Monaco/France), DaMarcus Beasley (Rangers/Scotland), Michael Bradley (Borussia Mönchengladbach/Germany), Ricardo Clark (Houston/M.L.S.), Benny Feilhaber (Aarhus/Denmark), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA/M.L.S.), José Francisco Torres (Pachuca/Mexico)

Forwards: Jozy Altidore (Xerez/Spain), Conor Casey (Colorado/M.L.S.), Charlie Davies (Hammarby/Sweden), Clint Dempsey (Fulham/England), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles/M.L.S.)

Brazil:

Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Inter Milan), Gomes (Tottenham Hotspur), Victor (Gremio)

Defenders: Maicon (Inter Milan), Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Miranda (Sao Paulo), Juan (AS Roma), Lucio (Bayern Munich), Luisao (Benfica), Kleber (Internacional), Andre Santos (Corinthians)

Midfielders: Kleberson (Flamengo), Gilberto Silva (Panathinaikos), Josue (VfL Wolfsburg), Ramires (Cruzeiro), Elano (Manchester City), Felipe Melo (Fiorentina), Julio Baptista (AS Roma), Kaka (AC Milan)

Forwards: Alexandre Pato (AC Milan), Luis Fabiano (Sevilla), Nilmar (Internacional), Robinho (Manchester City)