In a match closer than the score would indicate, 43,000 + fans at Soldier Field were treated to a hard-fought game from both sides. Every coach in the game should have a tape of this match to hammer home the importance of practice, practice, and more practice of set plays as all but two goals came from a standing start.
Showing practice does make perfect, USA drew first blood in the 21st minute as an in-swinging Landon Donovan corner kick (worked extensively in practice Saturday) found an open Carlos Bocanegra who 'sumo'ed the ball into the net.
Eight minutes later, Brazil demonstrated why they are so dangerous. These guys are so quick it seems like they have 15 men on the pitch at any given moment, swarming both ends of the field. On their scoring attack, nine (!) players touched the ball. A beautiful one-touch pass by Ronaldinho set up the shot on goal by Kaka. Tim Howard managed the save, but Oguchi Onyewu's momentum carried him into the ball and he scored an own goal, tieing the score at 1-1.
The half ended with Robinho writhing in pain after a display of fancy dribbling down the end line only to have referee Armondo Archundia patiently wait for him to get up and hobble off the field before showing him the yellow card for diving. All in all the midfielders did a very good job with Robinho's step-overs and other tricks, managing a few steals.
Another corner gave Brazil the lead in the second half, this time from Ronaldinho to Lucio who headed it into the net. Play was stopped for a few minutes as Howard dislocated a finger but he played on the remainder of the match.
Fulham's Clint Dempsey managed the equalizer (asst. Cherundolo) in minute 73, but Ronaldinho put home the winner on a free kick awarded on a suspect foul two minute later. A penalty kick by Elano in stoppage time made the final 4-2. Super Jay rooted from the bench. Team USA's next match is with Catalonia in Barcelona October 14.
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