SOCCER / FRIENDSHIP CUP : U.S. Loss Worth Victory to Coach
The U.S. national team lost another soccer game Sunday night. And for the fourth consecutive game, it failed to score.
But as far as Coach Bora Milutinovic is concerned, despite the 1-0 loss to Brazil, the United States won.
“We scored a victory today right here,” he said, putting his hand over his heart.
The U.S. team played Brazil--one of the top 1994 World Cup contenders--even for almost 80 minutes before 17,021 at the Coliseum.
But with 12 minutes remaining, Brazil’s star midfielder, Bebeto, received a pass from Rai and beat U.S. goalkeeper Tony Meola from 10 feet out.
The U.S. team, which last scored June 6 against Italy, could not manage a shot on goal in the second half, and registered only one during the entire 90 minutes.
Still, Milutinovic, who took over as coach in March, 1991, said his team played “much better than ever.”
He also pointed out that he has almost two years to prepare for the World Cup.
“In World Cup, it is important to win,” he said. “Now it is important to learn.”
Brazilian Coach Carlos Alberto Parreira agreed: “They didn’t score, but Bora has to go by steps. Someday Bora will reach the moment when he has to concentrate on attacking.”
That’s where the Brazilians excel, and that’s why the United States was not overly upset with the loss.
The Brazilians defeated a strong Mexican team on Friday, 5-0. And for the first half against the Americans they could manage only two shots.
The United States, which appeared nervous during its 1-0 loss Friday to Colombia, was loose and did a good job moving the ball against Brazil.
But then came the second half. Brazil looked like a different team, controlling the ball with the precision passing for which the team is noted. It seemed only a matter of time before Meola got busy.
The Brazilians took eight shots in the period, including Bebeto’s point-blank blast that Meola had no chance of stopping.
“We gave one away,” he said. “All in all we’re a little unhappy, but we’re happy we didn’t let them get on a roll like they did the other night.”
In an earlier game, Mexico and Colombia played to a scoreless tie.
