U.S. Defeats New Zealand, but Can’t Win Over Crowd

Brian McBride and Jovan Kirovski scored goals Saturday as the United States beat New Zealand, 2-1, in the Confederations Cup soccer tournament.

The Americans went ahead in the 25th minute, when John Harkes passed up the middle and McBride headed the ball in.

Twelve minutes into the second half, Eddie Lewis centered a corner kick and Kirovski headed it past New Zealand goalkeeper Michael Utting.

New Zealand’s goal came on a free kick by Chris Zoricich in the final minute of the game.

The crowd clearly favored New Zealand, booing every time the Americans got the ball and roaring when New Zealand made a drive. Fans yelled “Get out! Get out!” at a 9-year-old boy who bought an American flag from a vendor.

“I’m rooting for New Zealand because they’re the underdog. And I’m against the United States because they treat the Mexicans who go up there badly,” said Ricardo Hernandez, a 21-year-old student.

Many in the near-capacity crowd at the 58,000-seat Jalisco Stadium left at the conclusion of Brazil’s 4-0 victory over Germany, and most of the rest trickled out during the second match.

The United States and New Zealand are considered the weaker teams in the Guadalajara group, and American Coach Bruce Arena had said the United States needed this victory if it was to have any hope of advancing.

The top two teams in the group advance to the semifinals, along with the top two of the Mexico City group.

Brazil 4, Germany 0--Alex scored twice as a young Brazilian team scored four goals in the second half to beat Germany in the opening game.

The first goal came in the 16th minute of the second half. An off-balance Ronaldinho headed the ball into the center of the field, and Ze Roberto hit a drive straight off goalkeeper Jens Lehmann’s hands.