Foot & Soccer Soccer Match Reports, Football News
The U.S. men’s national team were under major pressure to deliver a bounce-back performance against Brazil on Wednesday night and Gregg Berhalter’s squad rose to the occasion against the No. 5-ranked side in the world.
A first-ever draw between the two countries ended 1-1 at Camping World Stadium with the Americans delivering one of their better overall performances during the Berhalter-era. Defensively, the USMNT held their own against some of the top international attackers while offensively they asked plenty of questions out of the Brazilian backline.
Although the match ended as a draw, it certainly felt like a victory for the USMNT only four days after losing 5-1 to Colombia.
“We asked for teamwork and intensity,” Berhalter said postmatch to reporters. “The way we framed it is two things that are totally in their control. It doesn’t matter about the opponent, it doesn’t matter about the field, the fans or anything. That’s the type of effort that we saw today. The boys certainly did really well on that and that was good. We feel like we made a little step.”
“It’s not a huge step, but it’s a little step to be able to play against an amazingly talented Brazil team and bend but not break,” Berhalter added. “And give them problems as well, push them as well. So for us, looking at it, we think it’s a good end to a preparation camp when we’re ready for Copa.”
The USMNT overcame a rough start by battling back to earn a share of the spoils on home soil. Matt Turner’s poor clearance off a goal kick led to Rodrygo’s opening goal of the night, but Christian Pulisic’s clinical free kick finish would tie the match before halftime.
Yunus Musah rattled the crossbar earlier in the match while both Pulisic and Brenden Aaronson were denied potential game-winning tallies by Liverpool veteran Alisson.
Turner rallied from a frustrating opening 20 minutes by finishing the match with 11 total saves. He…
Source link : https://sbisoccer.com/2024/06/usmnt-ready-for-copa-america-following-impressive-performance-vs-brazil
Author : Larry Henry Jr
Publish date : 2024-06-13 12:06:35
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