Just Too Close
Brazil have had to dig deep into their themselves to find a big comeback to defend their Confederations Cup crown against an extremely spirited United States team in South Africa. With only 16 minutes remaining in the game, the Brazilians just happen to draw level with Luis Fabiano, setting up an exciting finish with captain Lucio securing the victory with a header from a corner penalty with six minutes remaining.
With both teams looking for an early opening goal, USA player Jonathan Spector received an excellent through ball that divided the defence and slotted in the goal under a gallant Julio Cesar. The USA continued to counter attack off Brazil raids with Charlie Davies finding room out wide to then give the ball to Landon Donovan to score at the 27 minute mark. Clearly shell shocked, the Brazilians continued to raid the goal, but were denied by a very steady Tim Howard, making the saves for his country.
What was clear in the game was that Brazil were not expecting to be behind two goals after 27 minutes, when they had easily disposed of the USA early in the tournament 3-0. In that game, the Brazilians out shot their opponents by 14 -5 with the USA not even registering a shot on goal. Perhaps it was this mental fact that created a deep hole for Brazil to climb out of.
The Brazilians must of received a shot of thunder in the dressing room to come out and score immediately. The goal then sparked more attacking raids from Brazils key stars with Kaka having many chances at the goal. Fabiano’s equaliser and Lucio’s winner breaking the dreams of the USA team clearly putting up more fight than anybody could have imagined against the South American champions.
