U.S. Impresses but Loses to Brazil
Before a venomous anti-American crowd Wednesday night, a goal by Ronaldinho lifted Brazil over a surprisingly strong U.S. team, 1-0, in the FIFA Confederations Cup in Guadalajara.
The Americans (1-1) held back the offense of the more seasoned Brazilians (2-0), improving their chances of advancing to the semifinals. The Brazilians are virtually assured a berth.
“I’m happy with the soccer we played, but not with the result,” U.S. Coach Bruce Arena said. “Brazil showed talent and a superior capacity. We weren’t able to take advantage of our opportunities.”
The United States, 5-2-1 this year, dominated possession for much of the game and taking as many shots on goal--nine--as Brazil.
But the Brazilians exploited their opportunities better, and Ronaldinho headed a pass from Serginho past goalkeeper Kasey Keller in the 12th minute.
The United States, which would advance with a tie or a win Friday night against Germany, missed a chance to tie in the 72nd minute when Joe-Max Moore’s penalty kick went straight into the hands of Brazil goalkeeper Dida. Cobi Jones had been kicked from behind by Odvan, causing the penalty.
“The United States was able to close in on the gaps,” Brazil Coach Wanderley Luxemburgo said. “We had a difficult game, but luckily we came out with the three points.”
The rowdy crowd was overwhelmingly with the Brazilians, whistling catcalls during “The Star-Spangled Banner” and chanting “Brazil! Brazil!”
The Guadalajara area is home to many U.S. immigrants, and people resent the treatment Hispanics receive up north. Brazil was based in Guadalajara during the 1970 and 1986 World Cups.
“America has us very oppressed,” said Luis Damazo, a 42-year-old merchant. “This is the only place where we can let out our feelings.”
Germany 2, New Zealand 0--Michael Preetz and Lothar Matthaeus scored goals as Germany kept alive its hope of advancing to the Confederations Cup semifinals.
Germany played slowly and methodically, marking the New Zealanders closely across the field. When a New Zealand player got the ball, he often found two or three defenders guarding him--and still had trouble finding an open man.
Germany’s few bursts of offense were effective. Five minutes into the game, Mehmet Scholl punched a free kick off the right post, and Preetz knocked in the rebound. In the 32nd minute, Matthaeus easily dribbled around the goalkeeper and tapped in the ball.
The loss virtually eliminated New Zealand from semifinal contention. Two of the four teams based in Guadalajara will advance, along with the top two of the Mexico City group--Mexico, Egypt, Bolivia and Saudi Arabia.
