On September 9, 2007 the United States will take on #1 ranked and 5 time World Cup champion Brazil. US head coach Bob Bradley announced his roster and it is not short of what would be playing in any World Cup if it were to happen today, and Brazil is bringing their first team as well. Here’s how they match up:
US
GK : Tim Howard, Chris Seitz
Def: Carlos Bocanegra, Steve Cherundolo, Jay DeMerit, Oguchi Onyewu, Heath Pearce, Frank Simek, Jonathan Spector
Mid: DaMarcus Beasley, Michael Bradley, Bobby Convey, Clint Dempsey, Benny Feilhaber, Pablo Mastroeni
Fwd: Davy Arnaud, Landon Donovan, Eddi Johnson, Josh Wolfe
Brazil
GK: Doni, Julio Cesar
Def: Maicon, Daniel Alves, Alex Silva, Lucio, Juan, Alex, Kleber, Gilberto
Mid: Gilberto Silva, Mineiro, Josue, Fernando, Elano, Kaka, Julio Baptista, Diego
Fwd: Ronaldinho, Robinho, Vagner Love, Afonso
Now under normal circumstances I would say that the US has no chance at all of winning this game, however this will not be a normal night. This is about Pride. The US is coming off a dismal World Cup showing and want to prove that they are a legit nation to contend with in terms of football. Brazil does not want to lose to the Americans as it would potentially upset their number 1 ranking. So who does this event really favor?
If this game was anywhere outside of the US I would say it would be Brazil’s game, hands down, no contest. A clinic would be put on by Ronaldinho and Robinho up front, while Kaka dazzles the midfield to the delight of the crowd. However with this game being played in Chicago, on American soil, with a stadium full of fans wanting to see the US beat a great Brazil team, the result could go any way.
Brazil will play just like they always do, the real challenge will be for all of the individual stars to shine together, which was the downfall in the World Cup last year. If Kaka can jump start the Brazilians, then it will open up for Ronaldinho to do his magic. The Americans will be very aware of this and will have to play their best game to win, or even draw. When you are playing a team such as Brazil, you better bring your best game, or it will turn into a scoring clinic for them.
It should be interesting to see which American team shows up, the one that was at the World Cup, or the one that swept the Gold Cup. One thing is for sure, it definitely will be a “Clash of the Champions”, let’s just hope the Americans can keep up…games like this do not see their way to America very often.
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