Brazil-US Recap

Brazil 3 – 0 United States

This match was over in the first thirty minutes. Brazil crushed the United States today 3-0, in a match that could have been an even bigger blowout. Brazil dominated the U.S. in every part of the game, and played with the flair we love to see them play with. Goals were scored by Felipe Melo, Robinho, and Maicon.

Dunga made four changes to the squad that struggled mightily to the Egyptians. Out were Dani Alves, Kleber, Juan, and Elano. In were Maicon, Andre Santos, Miranda, and Ramires.
Maicon had an great match, assisting and scoring today. Although I didn’t believe Dani Alves needed to be benched, Maicon justified his start with his performance, and was my man of the match, narrowly beating out Ramires.

Ramires looked very sharp. His pace is something that the Brazilian team has needed for quite some time. His game is still developing, and he could become the playmaking midfielder Brazil has been searching for. The U.S. had trouble containing him all day. He had a wonderful assist on Robinho’s goal, after an outstanding unchallenged run all the way to the American box from midfield.

Dunga’s other two subs, Miranda and Andre Santos were steady all day, and improvements from the Monday performances of Juan and Kleber. Andre Santos did a better job tracking back, even if the Americans were not bringing much of an attack.

You have to give credit to Dunga for his willingness to make some changes after Monday’s poor showing. Andre Santos was an obvious upgrade from Kleber. We are seeing a real star emerge in Ramires. Elano turned in several solid performances for the national team, and the fact that Ramires has taken his spot in the starting XI in such a short time speaks volumes about his game.

Brazil’s final group match is Sunday at 2:00 P.M. eastern against Italy. The Italians lost today 1-0 to a very legit Egyptian team.

Player Ratings:

Julio Cesar, 6.5, Did not have to really do anything all day.

Maicon, 8.5, Great game, he completely justified his start over Alves.

Lucio, 7, Steady all day, there really wasn’t too many times he was under threat.

Miranda, 7, Same as Lucio, should start against Italy.

Andre Santos, 7, It was not hard to be an upgrade from Kleber, he was not too adventuresome in the
attack, but did a nice job defensively.

Ramires, 8, The U.S. could not stop him. Sasha Kljestan drew a red card trying. Elano better get used to the bench.

Gilberto Silva, 6.5, Did not have to do much today. Had two opportunities to score that he blew.

Felipe Melo, 7, Had a good header for a goal on a great free kick from Maicon.

Kaka, 6.5, He had an average game, which is fine when the rest of your team plays well.

Robinho, 7.5, As I said in the Egypt recap he either has really bad performances or really good ones, this was really good.

Luis Fabiano, 6.5, He could have done better today on some scoring chances. During the 28th minute he had Ramires open on a run but didn’t put his head up to see.

Line Ups:

Brazil: Julio Cesar; Maicon, Lucio (Luisao 70′), Miranda, Andre Santos; Felipe Melo, Gilberto Silva; Kaka (Julio Baptista 68′), Robinho, Ramires; Luis Fabiano (Nilmar 68′)

USA: Howard; Spector, Onyewu, De Merrit; Bornstein; Bradley, Kljestan, Dempsey; Beasley (Casey h/t), Donovan; Altidore (Feilhaber 60′)

Goals: Felipe Melo 6′, Robinho 20′, Maicon 62′

Cartões amarelos: Onyewu (Estados Unidos)

Cartão vermelho: Kljestan (Estados Unidos)

Estádio: Loftus Versfeld, em Pretória, África do Sul Data:18/06/2009

Árbitro: Massimo Busacca (SUI)