New-look Brazil impress against USA
Reuters - Wednesday 11 August 2010, 04:01
EAST RUTHERFORD - A youthful
Brazil side enjoyed an impressive 2-0 win over the United
States in a friendly at the New Meadowlands stadium on Tuesday,
handing new coach Mano Menezes a victory in his first game in
charge.
Winger Neymar, controversially left out of previous coach
Dunga's World Cup squad, produced an excellent debut
performance including grabbing the opening goal in what was an
upbeat and encouraging display.
The result and the way it was achieved will be of great
encouragement to Brazilians, who are looking forward to hosting
the 2014 World Cup finals but still hurting at their
quarter-final exit to the Netherlands in South Africa.
After troubling the American defence from the outset,
Brazil went ahead in the 28th minute when left-back Andre
Santos broke down the flank and whipped in a superb cross to
the back post, which the 18-year-old Neymar met with a
thundering header.
The second goal came in time added on at the end of the
first half when a simple passing move from the back, ended with
Ramires putting in Alexandre Pato who coolly slotted past Tim
Howard.
Brazil had a number of chances in the second half but U.S.
substitute keeper Brad Guzan pulled off some fine saves while
debutant Paulo Henrique Ganso, who looked confident in the main
playmaker's role, struck the post with a 25 metre effort.
Menezes' promise to produce a team with a more appealing
approach to the game was instantly evident with Lucas and
Ramires playing the holding midfield roles with little trouble
while Robinho, Ganso and Neymar interchanged impressively
behind the main striker Pato.
Dani Alves, Ramires, Thiago Silva and Robinho were the only
members of Menezes' squad who were in South Africa.
"It was not only the result that was important for us with
a young team that hadn't had much time to train together," said
Menezes, whose players had two days together prior to the game.
"It was the manner in which we built this result, the way
we created opportunities against a tough side, mature opponents
who have a settled team.
"It was a step forward in terms of the ideas and the vision
we have and there will be more."
The U.S, who picked a largely first choice side, struggled
to cope with Brazil's slick passing and movement and were
unable to create much with their limited possession.
Michael Bradley, son of coach Bob Bradley, had a second
half header ruled out for offside but it was a lacklustre
display from a U.S team, who reached the second round in the
World Cup before going out to Ghana.
While the game marked the start of a new era for Brazil, it
could be the end of one for the U.S, with Bradley's contract
expiring in December and his future uncertain.
The Americans have friendlies in October against yet to be
confirmed opponents but Bradley was unable to say whether he
would be in charge.
"My contract is through (to) the end of the year so it's no
problem for me," Bradley said.
"I'll be thinking later tonight about those games and like
I have said there will be discussions."
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