Brazil Dominates U.S.

Even after last year’s World Cup, there’s still a big gap between the United States and the soccer powers.

World Cup champion Brazil dominated the Americans on Saturday night, winning, 1-0, and ending the U.S. team’s chance to advance in the FIFA Confederations Cup.

Adriano scored the only goal in the 22nd minute, stripping the ball from defender Gregg Berhalter and coming in alone on goalkeeper Tim Howard, who made the initial save but had no chance to stop Adriano’s left-footed shot off the rebound.

“They’re the best team in the world,” American midfielder Earnie Stewart said. “We’re not near as close to where they are.”

The United States was outshot, 6-1, with Brazilian goalkeeper Dida diving to his right in the 61st minute to push aside Landon Donovan’s shot. Donovan also had a chance in first-half injury time, taking a pass from Stewart about eight yards out. Donovan’s shot went wide as he was tripped up by Brazilian defender Kleberson, but only after the shot had been taken.

Brazil so thoroughly controlled the match that it often seemed as if the field were titled toward Howard, who made several outstanding saves, including a leaping stop on Ronaldinho in the 76th.

In the other Group B game, Cameroon clinched a semifinal spot when Geremi scored a penalty kick in second-half injury time for a 1-0 victory over Turkey. Cameroon plays the U.S. on Monday.