U.S. vs. Brazil today could be huge for American soccer
JOHANNESBURG - Landon Donovan remembers the first time he played the Brazilians, when his under-23 team trudged off the field, victim of a 7-0 thrashing.
"I haven't beaten Brazil on any level," the U.S. forward said. "It would be amazing to do it tomorrow."
Amazing, unbelievable, spectacular - any adjective would apply.
When the Americans play Brazil in the Confederations Cup final today in South Africa, they have a chance to create a watershed moment in U.S. soccer. The Americans have never won a FIFA tournament - this is the first time they have even made it to a final - and a victory over the five-time World Cup champion would signal they are closer than ever to Spain, England, Argentina, Italy and Germany.
It would be a big hit back home, too, where fans who couldn't tell a corner kick from a handball just a few days ago suddenly have become soccer aficionados.
"For U.S. Soccer, this is a very special day," coach Bob Bradley said yesterday. "It's the first time we're playing in a final of a world competition like this, and to play against Brazil . . . is extra special."
The Americans have beaten Brazil only once in 14 tries - in the semifinals of the 1998 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
