Brazil 4 x 2 USA

September 10th, 2007 | By: Euler Costa | 3 Comments »

Sunday’s friendly match against the US national team was nice and fun to watch. The American team played well and with an opened and forward attitude. With some of their players performing in Europe, their game is getting better. No wonder they have beaten Mexico at the Concacaf Gold Cup.

Brazil played well too, in a happy mood that is a must if they want to keep dazzling the world. Obviously I like to see Brazil winning, but it is another pleasure when you see such good players playing what they know, compared with the megastar team of 2006 that played like their were sleepy all the time.

Another nice thing is to read how the Seleção is treated by the foreign press. For example, look at the nice words CNN’s Jonah Freedman: “But the U.S. has every reason to hold its head up high. From Robinho’s stepovers to Kaká’s mind-blowing acceleration to Ronaldinho’s maddening feints and flicks, Brazil was Brazil.”

Now comes Mexico, the team that beat us all the time. I want to see how it goes.

Another CNN article about the match here.

Tags: Brazil, foreign press, Jonah Freedman, Mexico, Seleção, United States, US, USA

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Comments

By sourav | September 10th, 2007 at 8:09 pm

Euler, I am holding my breath for the Mexico tie. US is not afraid to play Brasil these days but technically they are still way off the Brasilians. I had a feeling Brasil did not try too hard and could always press once they were down or tied. Mexico may be harder to beat.

The Brasil defence had bad lapses that led to goals. But Lucio is just coming back to match fitness.

The team, in my mind, is still not shaped properly for teams like Argentina, Italy, Germany and quality opposition.
Personally, I believe one of either Ronaldinho or Robinho should be the second forward, instead of Ronaldinho deeper with Kaka. Actually, I am waiting to see how Barcelona would play Ronaldinho, Messi (same position as Robinho), and Henry/Eto (?? who will become the starting number 9?).
Kaka plays ahead of Pirlo, Seedorf, Gattuso, Ambrosini at AC Milan as second forward, but here he will have to play deeper and brush up on defensive skills. Will he do the Deco job of providing long balls and defending? I kind of think Brasil midfielders, although incredibly gifted in attack, are not complete and weak in defense.

On the otherhand Gilberto and Mineiro defend well but if Kaka, RG are triple teamed (kind of the same treatment Brasil gave to Riquelme) then they lack taking advantage.
I am liking Elano, but hoping big on Lucas Leiva who I saw briefly in the Champions Leagae match for Liverpool.
I also kind of like Alves, but he will need to defend more when the team plays with Kaka, Ronaldinho, Robinho +1 in the attack. The choice of him in midfield worked spectacularly against Argentina. You thing Dunga would try him again in midfield with a more defensive Maicon at back? I was hoping that Dunga puts him in against Arg instead of Fernando (which actually happened!!!!) as he is too good a player to waste in the sidelines. Hope the Chelsea transfer drama did not unsettle him.

I am happy at the goals flowing though and do not mind allowing a few in the friendlies. Looking for a good match. Any idea id Giovanni Dos Santos will get a look in in the Mexico national side? That kid is quite a player from what I saw in the under19 WC.

Cheers!

By Ruben | September 11th, 2007 at 5:46 pm

Soursav don’t be disappointed with the US vs Brazil game, because the US has grown so much. It’s no longer the same US team that used to loose to Mexico or Brazil by a margin of six or seven goals. They are highly investing on their national players and the MLS is rapidly improving. Anyway talking abour the Mexico vs Brazil game because I can’t wait to see Giovanni Dos Santos, Neri Castillo, Carlos Vela, and Andres Guardado playing in the front line along with all of the european defense in the Mexican side. But on the other hand, Brasil… Brasil what wrong can you find on Brazil when they are always bringing more quality players and yet bringing their complete squad such as Kaka, Robinho, Ronaldinho, and Anderson. Wow!!! I am Mexican, but I think Brazil might win this time because most of the Mexican youth players don’t have international experienced and they are being tested. The only thing that I am disappointed is that the game against Panama was cancelled because of the game and we didn’t get the chance to see them play because of the rain. At least we were able to see a full complete game US vs Brazil.

By goody10 | September 18th, 2007 at 2:09 pm

the u.s. is definitely getting better but they have a long way to go. we have so much young talent in the u.s., but we dont take advantage of it. we need to start picking up players straight out of college. we dont need anymore renya’s or keller’s on the team. however brazil has talent at all ages. ronaldhino, kaka, robhino,and dida are great examples of how to build a successful program. the u.s. needs to learn from them if they want to become a world cup contender

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