US Soccer Falls to Brazil

The United States soccer team was defeated 3-2 in the final of the Confederations Cup. In a game of two halves, the US was leading 2-0 at the half, but conceded 3 in the final 45 minutes. The US team played well throughout, but Brazil found their 5th gear for the first time this tournament.
The US came out applying pressure all over the field, showing great work rate. It was only ten minutes in when Jonathan Spector's hopeful cross received just enough of a touch from Clint Dempsey, and the US had the early lead. They continued to play well defensively, but controlled little of the play. Then, in the 27th minute, Brazil turned over possession to Ricardo Clark. Only five touches later, Landon Donovan slipped the ball past Brazilian keeper Julio Cesear. In the final 15 minutes of the half, Brazil would start to their samba futbol. It was only 40 seconds into the second half when Brazil struck first. The US reacted fairly well over the next 10 minutes, holding little possession, but maintaining their composure. Then, in the 71st, major cracks started to show in the US defense, perhaps from fatigue. Oguchi Onyewu was caught ball watching, and Benny Feilhaber was unable to cover. Tim Howard made a great save to keep the States up by one, but only 3 minutes later Fabiano tucked the second rebound past Howard to tie the score. 10 minutes later, Jay Demerit made a great defensive play, but conceded a corner. Elano's cross found Lucio at the back post for the winner. Given 5 minutes to attack, the US was able to create a chance for an Onyewu header, but it was blazed over.
Overall in the tournament, the US made great strides, especially defensively. They still need to learn how to manage a lead and how to close out games. Howard, who stars for Everton in the Premier League, is undoubtedly their best player. Donovan and Dempsey also improved their reputations for next year's World Cup. DeMarcus Beasley, once thought of as a lock, is now out of favor with manager Bob Bradley. If the US can replicate their effort in next month's Gold Cup, and more importantly, the World Cup, they will truly begin to gain the respect of much more established footballing nations. But as Landon Donovan said about their lost to Brazil, "We don't want respect. We want to win."