The U.S. managed to hold a one-goal lead over the five-time World Cup Champions for exactly 12 minutes, before U.S. defender Oguchi Onyewu handed Brazil an equalizing own goal. Three goals in the second half, including a trademark Ronaldinho free kick, sealed the deal.
With over 43,000 people on hand at Soldier Field in Chicago, Fulham capatain Carlos Bocanegra put the Yanks on top in the 21st minute with a chest ball, off a Landon Donovan corner kick. The equalizer came qucikly after, as Tim Howard's fantastic reaction save one-v-one against Kaka, bounced off the Gooch and past his helpless keeper.
DaMarcus Beasley had his requisite number of wasted chances, before halftime, but it ended 1-1 after the first 45.
Despite a strong showing by the U.S. early in the second half, Brazil would take the lead in the 53rd minute when Lucio headed home a Ronaldinho corner. Howard reportedly dislocated his finger on the play, but stayed in the match.
“It was pretty sore. I just tried to play through it, and hoped that the adrenaline would get me through it. You know to be honest, you know how it is when you travel with injuries—right now it’s swollen like a balloon, and I’m hoping that the flight doesn’t take too much out of it. I’ll see the doctors when I get back,” said Howard, following the match (ussoccer.com).
Some hard work by the U.S. put things even in the 73rd minute, when Steve Cherundolo found Clint Dempsey, who was making a trailing run through the box. Dempsey put it inside the far post to make it 2-2.
Two minutes later, Brazil would get the winner in their usual stunning fashion. After Bocanegra was whistled just outisde the area, Ronaldinho beat Howard with a seeing-eye shot that went through the wall and curled past Howard. Elano added an insurance goal from a PK in second half stoppage time.
The U.S. have scheduled a couple of European-soil friendlies against Catalonia (although the Spanish Soccer Federation might balk) on Oct. 14 and Switzerland on Oct. 17.
2 comments:
I think we can be content with our overall performance. Howard definately was the man of the match, and Bocanegra played a lot better defense than he did for Fulham last week. What I don't understand is why Beasley was taking all the free kicks, Donovan is a lot better than him at that. Although, Donovan was not a strong presence yesterday. And, Wolff got robbed of a PK in the box. I was happy with the playing, but as usual it's stupid mistakes that cause us losses (gooch).
I was at the game and I must say it was quite an experience. The best part (for me) was watching Ronaldinho and Kaka, especially without the ball - poetry in motion.
I agree, Beasley blows too many ops. Christ, at least get the ball on goal! Prima-Donovan looked lost the whole time and I'm still not all that impressed with Dempsey. He acts like a frat boy trying to pick fights. Here's an idea: keep running.
Solid SOLID game by Howard, regardless of the goals.
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