Only a month after an inspiring run in the World Cup, the United States men's national team may recall what could have been when the team plays host to Brazil Tuesday at New Meadowlands Stadium, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Tomorrow's game, the first match since the World Cup for both teams, is set to begin at 5 PM Pacific Time and will be televised by ESPN2 and Univision.
Depending on the outcome of the game and how events play out, the game could boost the United States' chances of hosting a World Cup. The U.S. Soccer Federation is bidding to host the World Cup in either 2018 or 2022. A good turnout, preferably a sell-out crowd, and an American victory, may come a long way.
Unlike other friendly matches, tomorrow's exhibition serves as a good gauge for U.S. Soccer. Brazil has traditionally been a soccer superpower and if the past is any indication, history is not on America's side. The United States has a 1-14-0 all-time record against Brazil dating back to 1930, and a 0-3-0 record since Bob Bradley became coach of the national team in 2007.
Speaking of Bradley, his future with the national team may partially hinge on the outcome of the friendly. There have been rumors of Bradley possibly leaving the national team to manage a club overseas, another national team, or even an MLS club. However, The Washington Post's headline captured it best: "Bradley's Long-Term Coaching Plans Remain Hazy."
For tomorrow's match, Bradley has opted to go with an experienced cast. In fact, fifteen of the players on tomorrow's roster were members of the United States' World Cup squad. Since FC Shalke's Jermaine Jones and Columbus Crew's Chad Marshall were both unavailable for tomorrow's game, their positions on the roster were given to Villareal's Jozy Altidore and the LA Galaxy's Omar Gonzalez.
The United States has proven it could play with the best. Last year in the Confederations Cup semifinals, the U.S. shut out Spain, who were ranked #1 in the world at the time and went on to win the World Cup, in a 2-0 victory. In the finals, the team nearly beat Brazil, holding a 2-0 lead at halftime, only to see the Brazilians rally for a 3-2 defeat.
For Brazil, the game will mark the debut of their new coach, Mano Menezes. Tomorrow will be Menezes' first step toward building a championship-caliber roster for the 2014 World Cup in Rio de Janeiro. Menezes addressed his concerns when he said, "I have three main objectives to work on: the 2011 Copa America, the Olympics, and the 2014 World Cup, which is obviously the big one as far as we're concerned."
Unlike other friendly matches, tomorrow's exhibition serves as a good gauge for U.S. Soccer. Brazil has traditionally been a soccer superpower and if the past is any indication, history is not on America's side. The United States has a 1-14-0 all-time record against Brazil dating back to 1930, and a 0-3-0 record since Bob Bradley became coach of the national team in 2007.
Speaking of Bradley, his future with the national team may partially hinge on the outcome of the friendly. There have been rumors of Bradley possibly leaving the national team to manage a club overseas, another national team, or even an MLS club. However, The Washington Post's headline captured it best: "Bradley's Long-Term Coaching Plans Remain Hazy."
For tomorrow's match, Bradley has opted to go with an experienced cast. In fact, fifteen of the players on tomorrow's roster were members of the United States' World Cup squad. Since FC Shalke's Jermaine Jones and Columbus Crew's Chad Marshall were both unavailable for tomorrow's game, their positions on the roster were given to Villareal's Jozy Altidore and the LA Galaxy's Omar Gonzalez.
The United States has proven it could play with the best. Last year in the Confederations Cup semifinals, the U.S. shut out Spain, who were ranked #1 in the world at the time and went on to win the World Cup, in a 2-0 victory. In the finals, the team nearly beat Brazil, holding a 2-0 lead at halftime, only to see the Brazilians rally for a 3-2 defeat.
For Brazil, the game will mark the debut of their new coach, Mano Menezes. Tomorrow will be Menezes' first step toward building a championship-caliber roster for the 2014 World Cup in Rio de Janeiro. Menezes addressed his concerns when he said, "I have three main objectives to work on: the 2011 Copa America, the Olympics, and the 2014 World Cup, which is obviously the big one as far as we're concerned."
Menezes roster will feature 11 players in search of their first cap. Despite a youthful lineup, the Brazilians remain formidable foes. AC Milan striker Pato and Santos FC striker Neymar will be present, as will four World Cup veterans in Robinho, Dani Alves, Thiago Silva, and Ramires.
Prior to the World Cup, the United States' Landon Donovan told FIFA, "We feel that we are good enough to play any team in the world if we play our best." In that case, tomorrow will be a matter of whether the U.S. can play its best.
Prior to the World Cup, the United States' Landon Donovan told FIFA, "We feel that we are good enough to play any team in the world if we play our best." In that case, tomorrow will be a matter of whether the U.S. can play its best.
1 comments:
Really good post. I like how you said this could help the USA get the World Cup in 2018 or 2022 and it can show how far they've come
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