Coach Bradley spoiling for bonus scalp as USA take on champs Brazil

By Robin Toskin in Pretoria

If anyone had told Bob Bradley, the US coach, he would be contesting the Confederations Cup against Brazil on Sunday June 28, he would have dismissed it as a wild dream.

Well, that day has actually come. And what a way it was achieved.

As for the Brazilians, it was expected. Failure on their part would have unsheathed daggers in Brazil where football is religiously followed.

Bradley and his charges were supposed to be packing their bags after the two opening losses to Brazil and Italy in the group matches.

But three extra-ordinary matches saw a man who had been severely criticised at home on the verge of lifting the Confederations Cup.

In short, Bradley’s statement that he saw this tournament as "more than just three matches" has been vindicated. And if he wins against the South American champions tomorrow, he will no doubt occupy a revered place in US’ Football Hall of Fame.

His supposed greatest day, however, will be dampened by the absence of his son Michael who was harshly sent off against Spain on Wednesday.

Carlos Dunga, his Brazilian counterpart would be justified to view with trepidation their repeat clash with the Americans.

Team America may have nothing to prove or even to lose but they still have a point to make. The point that "America is looked down upon" Josmer "Jozy" Altidore, born of Haitian parents, said after their stunning 2-0 win over Spain in the semis. Brazil’s athleticism is unquestionable although they were run rugged by the South Africans on Thursday. And they come up against a US side that has been bubbling with battling spirit.

US killed off Spain on the counter but Brazil too have been deadly going forward which Bradley will be praying his boys do not lapse as they did in the group stages.

Then, Andre Santos who has impressed in this tournament fed Kaka who in turn

released Ramirez to square it to Robinho for their second goal.

Dunga knows it is difficult to beat a rival twice in a tournament and they should be alert to the danger posed by Landon Donovan who provided two pinpoint assists.

It was Donovan who fed Bradley for US’ second goal against Egypt and he also sent in the cross that Joan Capdevila and Sergio Ramos made a mess of it before Clint Dempsey buried the second semi final goal.

Coach Bradley must now focus on reshuffling his midfield in the absence of his son who was outstanding against the Spaniards.

Charlie Davis, the man from Hammarby of Sweden could continue with his starting role for he possess good pace that destroyed Egypt and Spain.

As for Dunga, he is spoilt for choice except that he will continue using Luisao at the heart of the defence with Lucio in the absence of injured Juan.

Dani Alves may get his first start since the Egypt match as a reward to his winning goal against South Africa. Whatever happens though, Team USA may have exceeded their expectations and the result tomorrow would be a bonus.

PROBABLE TEAMS

Brazil: Julio Cesar, Maicon, Lucio, Luisao, Dani Alves , Silva, Felipe

Melo, Ramires, Kaka, Robinho, Luis Fabiano.

USA: Howard, DeMerit, Spector, Bocanegra, Onyewu, Clark, Dempsey, Davies, Donovan, Bradley, Altidore .

 

 

Read all about: Confederations Cup South AfricaBrazil

 

 

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