Brazil demolishes US 4-1 in friendly game

May 31, 2012

On Wednesday, Brazil and the U.S. went head-to-head in an exhibition game that left the American team reconsidering their defensive strategy.

"I think we've got to get an edge, more nastier," U.S. coach Juergen Klinsmann told Reuters.

Brazil's 20-year-old striker, Neymar, managed to score the team's first goal 12 minutes into the game. Just 14 minutes later, the young player assisted Thiago Silva with a quick kick from the corner that Silva headed into the net for the team's second goal.

It wasn't until 45 minutes into the game that the U.S. got on the scoreboard. Herculez Gomez scored one for his team in his first international game since the 2012 World Cup, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

"I think we've found a striker that is very mobile, in Herculez, one who is a fighter, who keeps defenders busy, who is also nasty to do certain things," Klinsmann told Reuters. "That's important and good to see, that gives more movement up front there. We're not scoring enough goals yet so we're going to give that message to our strikers to go for it, and Herculez did a good job."

The Americans had a few more shots on goal during the rest of the game, but Brazilian goaltender Rafael managed to save them all. While Brazil was still in the lead, Neymar assisted the team's third goal at 59 minutes. The Chronicle reports Neymer was taken out of the game toward the end, as his services weren't necessary to clinch the win. His replacement on the field, Alexandre Pato, made sure the team would not lose the match by putting the ball into the American net with just three minutes to go.

The New York Times reports this defeat has not dampened the spirits of the U.S. players. Rather, the game may have helped the players and their coach pinpoint weaknesses in their strategy and gameplay for the upcoming 2014 World Cup qualifiers. This could help them turn the tables the next time to two teams meet.

Those who want to discuss the game further with their friends can make calls to Brazil with international phone cards. 

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