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Brazil scores 3 second half goals to beat the United States 3-2 – Video Highlights – Brazil overcame a 0-2 deficit to beat the United States 3-2 to win the FIFA 2009 Confederations Cup. It was a match where the United States took control in the 1st half only to give it away in the 2nd half.
It was a dream start for the United States who came out with passion and energy. The hard work paid off when Jonathan Spector sent a cross into the box that Clint Dempsey volleyed to the far post and past Cesar for a 1-0 lead. Brazil had more shots and possession but the US defense was solid. A mistake on the corner led to the United States’ next goal as Landon Donovan beat Cesar for a 2-0 lead. Donovan took the ball on the counterattack and passed it to Charlie Davies as they had a 2-2. Davies sent a pass back to Donovan who made a great first touch and scored on a left footed shot. It was a stunning 1st half for the United States who led 2-0 after 45 minutes.
The second half was a whole different story as Brazil came out firing and very aggressive. The Americans couldn’t keep up with the Brazil attack and quickly it a different match. Just a minute into the 2nd half Luis Fabiano scored on a great individual play. He received a pass, turned, and hit a great shot that Tim Howard couldn’t save. From that point, it was all Brazil as the US struggled to hold possession or get any good scoring chances. The second goal came in the 73rd minute as Brazil tied the game. Luis Fabiano scored again as a ball was sent into the box and he headed a rebound past Howard. Ten minutes later, Lucio sealed the win with header in the 83rd minute off a corner kick.
It was a valiant effort from the United States and should give hope to fans that they can compete with the top teams in the world. Tim Howard once again proved to be an amazing goalkeeper that singlehandedly kept the US in the match. There was another shot from Kaka that appeared to be a goal but was ruled “no goal”. Brazil was the better team and deserved to win the match but the United States is showing they are quickly emerging as a team on the rise.
| MATCH STATS | ||
| United States | Brazil | |
| Shots (on Goal) | 8(4) | 23(11) |
| Fouls | 12 | 12 |
| Corner Kicks | 5 | 9 |
| Offsides | 2 | 6 |
| Yellow Cards | 1 | 3 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 0 |
| Saves | 8 | 2 |
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The US played well, but I really don’t think they’ll be able to carry this momentum forward to the World Cup. Really, they were lucky to get as far as they did, and with the stiffer competition of the World Cup, they’ll crumble.