If there's one thing that's clear after watching the U.S. men's soccer team's last two matches it's that facing Brazil, even a Brazil squad missing its best players, is an entirely different animal than playing Scotland. The South American squad, consisting mostly of young players, outplayed the Americans in route to a comfortable 4-1 win in an exhibition Wednesday night.
The U.S. was looking to build off a dominating performance in their match against Scotland on Saturday, a game they won 5-1. In that contest, they showed off the potential of the new style of play implemented by head coach Jurgen Klinsmann. They pressured Scotland high, keeping possession in their half of the field and creating multiple scoring opportunities. On Wednesday night, Brazil played the way the U.S. wanted to and the Americans had no choice but to learn from the best.
The U.S. found themselves down early thanks to a very questionable call. Defender Oguchi Onyewu was called for a handball in the box and Brazil was awarded a penalty kick, which Neymar converted. Minutes later, Brazil capitalized again when the U.S. failed to mark Thiago Silva on a corner kick, which allowed him to head in the second goal.
The United States got on the board right before halftime through a fine buildup by Michael Bradley and Fabian Johnson that allowed Herculez Gomez to head home the Americans only goal.
Brazil quickly answered in the opening minutes of the second half with a goal from Marcelo. Following that, the Americans stepped up their game considerably. They created multiple scoring opportunities and were unlucky to not see the ball go in the net, including on a header by Onyewu that hit the crossbar. Brazil was able to put the game out of reach on a late goal by Alexandre Pato.
The U.S. attack noticeably improved once Terrance Boyd entered the game. His inclusion changed the Americans formation and put two strikers up top. This may open Klinsmann, who favors an aggressive style of play, to switch to a 4-4-2 to allow for more offensive opportunities.
The U.S. would have some options at striker should this happen. Jozy Altidore is the incumbent starting striker. Herculez Gomez has played considerably well during his club season and was one of the best players for the U.S. last night. Throw in Boyd, who has shown potential in his brief time with the national team, and Clint Dempsey, the forth leading scorer in the EPL this year and has been pushed up from his normal midfield position before, and the Americans can pose a substantial offensive lineup.
The score line may have been a bit harsh but there was no doubt who was the better team. The U.S. must learn to play a full 90 minutes against the world's best teams. Even momentary lapses will allow top players to hurt you and coming from behind to win games is not a blueprint for success.
The United States will play one more exhibition, against Canada, before opening World Cup qualifications. Brazil, who unlike the U.S. qualified for the Olympics, will go on to try to capture their first gold medal in men's soccer this summer.