Confederations Cup Finals Preview
On Sunday night in the Confederations Cup final Brazil takes on the USA. Brazil has won every game in the competition while the USA’s path the finals has been noting less then remarkable. In the last group game the Americans had to beat Egypt 3-0 and Brazil had to beat Italy 3-0 and that unexpectedly happened, which put the USA in the semis. In the semis they faced a Spain team that was on a 15 match winning streak, had not been beat in 35 matches, and was the #1 ranked team in the world. Well, the Americans were rock solid on defense and ended up with a shocking 2-0 win, while Brazil beat host South Africa 1-0 to make the finals. This is the second game in the competition that these two teams have played, as Brazil crushed the USA 3-0 in group play. Can the USA produce another shocker and beat Brazil on Sunday night?
One of the leading sportsbooks has Brazil as heavy favorites in this game posted at 8.00 with the USA posted at 1.35 with a draw at 4.50.
The USA will be without midfielder Michael Brady for the final, as he picked up a red card late in the semis against Spain. The USA will have to play defense like they did against Spain for them to have any chance in this match. They have to play a swarming defense again and not allow Brazil to have too much time to set up plays. They have to hold onto possession of the ball when they get chances and now give Brazil any chances for a counter attack. USA goalie Tim Howard will be peppered with shots early and he will have to have a stellar game against Kaka, Fabiano, and a dynamic Brazil offense.
Brazil will do just when they did in the 3-0 win over the USA in group play, as they will test the Americans defense early. Brazil will look to score early, as the longer that the USA can hold off Brazil the more momentum they will have. You could tell in the game against Spain that as the match went on they looked better and had more confidence knowing they could win. After giving up 3 goals in their opening game against Egypt, Brazil’s D and goalie Julio Cesar have not given up another goal in their last 3 games. USA will not have a lot of chances on offense and Brazil will have to thwart the attacks when the USA does have them.
If the USA can win or make this a close game it will give them a ton of confidence heading into next summer’s World Cup. Brazil is vying to become the first team to win the Confederations Cup for a third time, as they won the competition in 1997 and 2005.
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