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USA plan to shock Brazil

Author: Lynda Collins
Date: 28/06/2009

Surprise-package USA will aim to take another huge scalp in the shape of Brazil in Sunday's FIFA Confederations Cup Final, after dumping out sportsbook favourites Spain in the semi-finals.

The United States defeated the reigning European champions 2-0 in their semi-final on Wednesday, producing a magnificent backs-against-the-wall defensive display to hand the Spaniards their first competitive defeat in 36 games, a run that had see them win their previous 15 internationals.

Goals by Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey sealed a famous victory for the States, although the real hero of the game was Tim Howard, the Everton goalkeeper, who produced a string of impressive saves to keep the likes of David Villa and Fernando Torres at bay.

Meanwhile, Brazil stuttered to the final by completing a narrow victory over tournament hosts South Africa. A brilliant Dani Alves free-kick sealed a late 1-0 win to spare the blushes of the Brazilians.

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Michael Bradley will be unavailable for the States after being red carded for his rash challenge on Xavi late on in Wednesday's semi-final.

He became the third USA player to be sent off in the tournament. Expect Howard to be called into action again on Sunday, as he faces the likes of Kaka, Robinho and Luis Fabiano.

The clash will be the second time the two countries have met in this month's tournament. Brazil despatched the US in comfortable fashion in the group stage, running out 3-0 winners in Pretoria.

The five-time World Cup winners were in control from the first whistle of the match and Felipe Melo's goal gave them the lead after just five minutes.

However, they have struggled for form at times during the tournament.Thursday's late win over South Africa wasn't the only narrow escape for Dunga's charges and a controversial 4-3 win over Egypt will also give the Americans encouragement.

The States, however, will be under no illusions of the size of their task. The Brazilians beat current world champions Italy with ease earlier in the tournament. A 3-0 over the Azzurri underlined Brazil's capability of being able to beat any team on their day.

Howard and his defensive backline of Jonathan Spector, Jay DeMerit, Carlos Bocanegra and Oguchi Onyewuare are bound to have their work cut out again if they are to lift the trophy in Johannesburg.

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