Pro Eleven Headline News
Confederations Cup Final Preview: Brazil - U.S.A.
So, we do not have the dream final that the neutrals craved; Spain taking on Brazil would, indeed, have been a mouth-watering clash, but their shock defeat was indicative of this bizarre Confederations Cup as a whole.
We have seen some very unexpected performances, a few stunning wins, a handful of controversial decisions and, in general, the tournament, on the pitch at least, can be deemed to have been a success. Despite all of this, though, just when it appeared that the results would revert to type, all of a sudden, the United States woke up and stunned the party into a different kind of life.
Poor against the Italians and, frankly, dreadful against Brazil, Bob Bradley’s side should have been heading home, cursing what had been abject underachievement. But against Egypt, who had defeated Marcelo Lippi’s Azzurri and lost narrowly to a Kaka-inspired Brazil, the Americans performed with pace, power, skill and heart.
Needing a hugely unlikely six goal swing in order to qualify, Bradley made a tactical alteration, throwing Charlie Davies on alongside Jozy Altidore to operate in a 4-4-2 formation, rather than the negative, stifling, 5-4-1 that had been so ineffective in their opening two matches.
They instantly looked more comfortable and goals from Davies, Michael Bradley and Fulham’s Clint Dempsey secured a thoroughly convincing 3-0 victory. Incredibly, Brazil had beaten Italy by the same scoreline, and, on goals scored, the U.S.A snuck into the semi-finals.
With La Furia Roja looming, though, and with an international record for matches without a loss within their grasp, few considered Vicente Del Bosque’s side would even be contemplating defeat.
But it seems that when expectancy is removed from the equation, the U.S.A excel, and they proved this by performing heroically to bamboozle the Spaniards and secure a monumental 2-0 win.
Defensively, the pairing of Ogushi Onyewu and Jay Demerit were a towering presence, subduing the prolific David Villa and Fernando Torres like very few sides have achieved previously. They blocked, they headed, they challenged, they were inspirational, and it was a particularly sweet victory for striker Jozy Altidore. His big-money move to Villarreal in 2008 has been a disaster, but he reaped some level of vindication by embarrassing Casillas for the opening goal.
The team, as a whole, will be required to produce a similar level of commitment in the final, but the key factor may be whether Landon Donovan et al still have an element of surprise. It could be questioned if the Spanish superstars took the American challenge seriously enough, but they have paid for their complacency. However, the Brazilians, surely, will be more vigilant.
After a debatable start in the Samba hotseat, coach Dunga has instilled a level of discipline and tactical nous that, so far, has complemented the trickery and style to tremendous effect. World Cup 2010 qualification is almost secured and in this Confederations Cup campaign they have looked extremely comfortable. Sevilla forward Luis Fabiano and the mercurial Robinho have linked superbly in an attack full of pace and agility.
The Italians were ousted, Egypt vanquished in a thrilling contest and, crucially, U.S.A were unable to cope with the movement and technique of the South Americans in a 3-0 defeat that ultimately was flattering for Bradley’s men.
What impact will that group stage defeat have on the upcoming final? Different circumstances, different occasion, certainly, and it can be assumed that there will be a new-found confidence among the squad of the Americans following their conquering of the Spanish.
But Brazil know that they are capable of beating them, and this psychological advantage could prove to be pivotal to how the contest transpires. Dunga is aware of the weak areas of the American side and has already exploited them. It will be intriguing to see if his counterpart Bradley will have learned from his mistakes.
All in all, it makes for a captivating contest. The U.S.A would love to collect the kudos of beating the game’s most famous international side, as they continue their quest to be considered a credible football nation, while Brazil simply want to experience the feeling of lifting the trophy in South Africa – preparation, they hope, for a similar success next summer.
ROAD TO THE FINAL
Brazil
Group Stages
15 Jun Brazil 4-3 Egypt
18 Jun Brazil 3-0 U.S.A.
21 Jun Brazil 3-0 Italy
Semi-Final
25 Jun Brazil 1-0 South Africa
U.S.A.
Group Stages
15 Jun U.S.A. 1-3 Italy
18 Jun U.S.A. 0-3 Brazil
21 Jun U.S.A 3-0 Egypt
Semi Final
24 Jun U.S.A. 2-0 Spain
TEAM NEWS
Brazil
Juan remains out of the tournament, so Luisao will continue to deputise in the centre of defence, while Daniel Alves may earn a start following his stunning winner over South Africa. Dunga’s side toiled slightly against the stubborn hosts in the semi-finals and he may look to freshen up his starting line up, with Elano waiting in the wings.
Probable XI: Julio Cesar, Maicon/Dani Alves, Lucio, Luisao, Andre Santos, Felipe Melo, Gilberto, Ramires/Elano, Kaka, Luis Fabiano, Robinho
U.S.A.
Michael Bradley, midfielder and son of boss Bob, received a red card in the dying embers of the match against Spain and will, agonisingly, miss out. Rangers man Damarcus Beasley may come in to replace him. Altidore and Davies are certain to start together in the forward line for the third consecutive match.
Probable XI: Howard, Spector, DeMerit, Onyewu, Bocanegra, Dempsey, Beasley, Clark, Donovan, Davies, Altidore
MEN TO WATCH
Brazil
As always, Kaka and Robinho will provide the flair, but the pace of Luis Fabiano could prove to be U.S.A.'s biggest problem. The Sevilla striker began to find form as the La Liga season ended, and he has taken his goals into this tournament. He is clinical in front of goal and Onyewu and Demerit will need to be wary of his darting runs in behind the back four.
U.S.A.
Jozy Altidore is trying his utmost to prove that he has what it takes at this level and his goal against Spain in the semi-finals was just reward for all his efforts. His touch still appears questionable, but he will harry and harrass the Brazil back four until the very last kick of the match and, if he gets a chance, who knows - he could make himself a hero.
PREDICTION
The U.S.A. are capable of pulling off another shock result, and with the Brazilians flagging, it may be a tight contest. But Dunga's disciplined side will prove to have too much in the end and will lift the trophy. Goal.com
Alonso seals third place for Spain
Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso scored an extra-time free-kick as Spain beat the hosts South Africa 3-2 in the third-place play-off at the Confederations Cup.
Spain had been the favourites to win the tournament but they suffered a shock defeat to the United States in the semi-finals.
The play-off match appeared to be going the same way when Katlego Mphela gave South Africa the lead in the 73rd minute.
But Daniel Guiza scored two goals in two minutes to put Spain ahead.
However, Mphela forced the game into extra time by firing home a free-kick in the last minute of normal time.
Spain clinched victory early in the second period of extra time when Alonso curled a free-kick of his own into the bottom right-hand corner. itn.co.uk
