Brazil outclasses U.S. in exhibition match, 2-0
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. A youthful Brazil side enjoyed an impressive 2-0 win over the United States in a friendly at the New Meadowlands stadium on Tuesday, handing new Coach Mano Menezes a victory in his first game in charge.
Winger Neymar, controversially left out of previous coach Dunga’s World Cup squad, produced an excellent debut performance including scoring the opening goal in what was an upbeat and encouraging display before a crowd of 77,223.
FOR THE RECORD:
Soccer: An article in Wednesday’s Sports section on a soccer game in which Brazil beat the U.S., 2-0, said Bob Bradley’s goal for the U.S. in the 57th minute was disallowed. Bob Bradley is the U.S. coach. The disallowed goal was by Michael Bradley, his son. —
The result and the way it was achieved will be of great encouragement to Brazilians, who are looking forward to hosting the 2014 World Cup finals but still hurting at their quarterfinal exit to the Netherlands in South Africa.
After troubling the American defense from the outset, Brazil went ahead in the 28th minute when Andre Santos broke down the flank and whipped in a superb cross to the back post, which the 18-year-old Neymar headed in.
The second goal came in added time at the end of the first half when a simple passing move from the back ended with Ramires getting the ball to Alexandre Pato, who coolly put it past Tim Howard.
Brazil had a number of chances in the second half, but U.S. substitute goalkeeper Brad Guzan pulled off some fine saves. Paulo Henrique Ganso, who looked confident in the main playmaker’s role, struck the post from about 30 yards for Brazil.
Menezes’ promise to produce a team with a more appealing approach to the game was instantly evident with Lucas and Ramires playing the holding midfield roles with little trouble, while Robinho, Ganso and Neymar interchanged impressively behind main striker Pato.
Dani Alves, Ramires, Thiago Silva and Robinho were the only members of Menezes’ squad who were in South Africa.
“It was not only the result that was important for us with a young team that hadn’t had much time to train together,” said Menezes, whose players had two days together before the game. “It was the manner in which we built this result, the way we created opportunities against a tough side, mature opponents who have a settled team.
“It was a step forward in terms of the ideas and the vision we have and there will be more.”
The U.S struggled to cope with Brazil’s slick passing and movement and was unable to create much with limited possession. Michael Bradley, son of Coach Bob Bradley, had a second-half header ruled out for offside.
While the game marked the start of a new era for Brazil, it could be the end of one for the U.S., with Bradley’s contract expiring in December and his future uncertain.
The Americans have exhibitions in October against yet-to-be confirmed opponents, but Bradley was unable to say whether he would be in charge.
“My contract is through [to] the end of the year so it’s no problem for me,” Bradley said. “I’ll be thinking later tonight about those games and like I have said there will be discussions.”
