The United States entered Thursday’s match against Brazil desperate for a victory to stay alive in the Confederations Cup after its 3-1 loss to Italy in the opener. But a must-win against Brazil? You must be dreaming! The United States has beaten Brazil once in 13 games since 1930 — a 1-0 victory the Concacaf Gold Cup in 1998.
The Americans lost 3-0, and have been under a microscope after their desultory play in two World Cup qualifying matches this month — a loss in Costa Rica and a come-from-behind win against Honduras in Chicago — and the loss to Italy.
Brazil is, well, Brazil. Good is never good enough. Style is never stylish enough.
THE RATINGS
Jack Bell of The Times rated the U.S. players and Guilherme Machado, a native of São Paulo, rated the Brazilian players.
Final Score: Brazil 3, United States 0
Overview
The United States did exactly what it did not want to do, give up a goal in the first 10 minutes, then another one from a blistering Brazilian counterattack in the 20th minute. Was the U.S. playing with 10 men in the first half? Because it often looked like there was an extra guy in a yellow jersey on the field. The U.S. appeared to be chasing the game and never catching it.
Down by 2-0, the U.S. started the second 45 minutes strongly, then again, Brazil was content to sit back a bit and let the U.S. expend energy. But then another red card for the United States: Sacha Kljestan was sent off like Ricardo Clark was against Italy.
For Brazil, a stroll en route to the semifinals. For the U.S., another difficult and disappointing performance in an international tournament.
The Ratings (on a scale of 1, diabolical; to 10, world class):
UNITED STATES
Goalkeeper
Tim Howard
Unwisely stayed on his line on Brazil’s first goal. For all his experience in the Premier League over the years, still seems suspect on long shots and long balls. But really could not be blamed for Brazil’s two first-half goals. Strong saves on Robinho and Kaká. Kept the U.S. from utter embarrassment. Grade: 7Defenders
Jonathan Bornstein
One good overlap and cross. Brazilians ran him ragged on right flank. Caught watching a bit on Brazil’s third goal.Grade: 4Jay DeMerit
Overmatched. Grade: 3Oguchi Onyewu
Picked up a yellow card in the first half. Strong, but often looked clumsy, but who doesn’t against the ‘Zilians?Grade: 4Jonathan Spector
Lost his mark when Felipe Melo slipped behind to head home a free kick (his second international goal), from a phantom foul called on Michael Bradley. Late nutmeg to setup crossbar-rattling shot by Benny Feilhaber. Grade: 5Midfielders
Clint Dempsey
Drifted back toward the middle of the field — where he is more effective — with Beasley on one flank. But why does he seem to disappear for long stretches when he plays for the nats? Grade: 3Michael Bradley
Like most of his teammates, chasing the game in first 45. Finally … a shot from distance, even if it was high and wide. More active and creative in second half. Never gave up.Grade: 6DaMarcus Beasley
Some incredibly causal passing. Bad trapping. Absolute disaster. Lifted at halftime. Grade: 1Sacha Kljestan
Deer in the headlights in first 45. Red card — out in the 57th minute on another petulant, rash and reckless challenge (see Clark, Ricardo). When are they going to smarten up? Grade: 2Landon Donovan
Quick passes are fine, when they work. When they don’t, it’s just a giveaway. Caught as the captain of a lifeboat with only one paddle. Grade: 5Benny Feilhaber
Replaced Jozy Altidore in the 60th minute. Born in Brazil, but wearing the red, white and blue. Never really got in the flow. Shot from distance way high. Has skill, good vision.Grade: 5Forwards
Jozy Altidore
Where has the confidence, the arrogance on the ball gone? Too quick to pass, not quick enough to shoot, even on his few chances. Grade: 3Conor Casey
Replaced Beasley at start of second half. Rarely touched the ball; never got in the flow. Did head a free kick off the crossbar in the 89th minute. Grade: 4Coach
Bob Bradley
With Ricardo Clark suspended after Monday’s ill-advised, but severely punished foul, Bradley turned to Sacha Kljestan in the midfield, a player he coached in M.L.S. at Chivas USA. Carlos Bocanegra remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, and Jay DeMerit started for the second game in a row. Benny Feilhaber was dropped from the starting 11 for DaMarcus Beasley, who has continued to struggle but remains in Bradley’s plans, for now. Why Beasley and not José Francisco Torres or even Freddy Adu?The Americans have some skilled and experienced players now, but do the players play with enough fire and passion? Have Bradley’s selections been the right ones? Will Bradley be the coach who takes the United States back to South Africa next June for the World Cup? It is fine to talk about effort incessantly, but it is now time for results when playing against the world’s best.
Grade 3
Substitutes/Did Not Play
Brad Guzan (GK), Luis Robles (GK), Carlos Bocanegra, Freddy Adu, José Francisco Torres, Heath Pierce, Marvell Wynne, Charlie Davies, Danny Califf.
BRAZIL
Goalkeeper
Julio Cesar
Good game but not challenged sufficiently by the U.S. team. Regardless, Brazil’s best current goalkeeper. Grade: 9Defenders
Maicon
Excellent game over all. Very quick and tactically smart throughout the game. Good ball handling. Scored in the the second half after triangular passing with Ramirez and Kaká.Grade: 10Lucio
Excellent defending from the veteran. Strong and smart passing. Subbed out by Luisão in the second half. Grade 10.Miranda
Good game over all by the newcomer from São Paulo F.C. Not enough action but very good ball handling. Grade: 8Andre Santos
Good game by the new seleção player but had some poor ball handling and lost position a few times. Promising player for next year’s World Cup. Grade: 7Midfielders
Gilberto Silva
Good game by the veteran defensive-mid. Had good position and handling with good passing and good vision. Will stay for next year’s World Cup. Grade: 10Felipe Melo
Very good game from the new Brazilian. Scored in the seventh minute on a set piece from Maicon. A bit too hungry but strong action and promising player for World Cup. Grade: 8Ramires
Impressive game from the Cruzeiro player. Quick and fast on the ball with good passes and handling for new seleção pick. Involved in Maicon goal. Grade: 8Kaká
Very good game. Good passing and vision. Has to quit trying to get penalties on faking. But a center piece for Dunga’s seleção. Assisted Maicon’s goal. Grade: 9Forwards
Robinho
Very good game from the dribbler of Manchester City. Scored second goal on a assist from Ramires. Excellent vision but will be expected to have better passing for World Cup. Another center piece of Dunga.Grade: 9Luis Fabiano
Quiet game for the Sevilla player. A lone striker and did not get too involved with plays bet expected the ball to come to him. A bit lazy until got subbed out in the second half by the newcomer Nilmar. Grade: 7Julio Baptista
Subbed in for Kaká in the second half. Quiet game. Strong and smart but not enough time to run for the Roma player. A good addition for the seleção.Grade: 6Luisão
Subbed for the veteran Lucio at 25th minute of the second half. Another strong defender and capable of filling Lucio’s boots. Had a good game with good vision and passing.Grade: 9
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