USA vs. Brazil Recap, Analysis: 4 Things We Learned From 4-1 Thrashing By Brazil
The United States was wiped out 4-1 by Brazil in an international friendly.
The game was the final tune-up for Jurgen Klinsmann's men before a decisive playoff against Mexico next month to determine which side competes in the 2017 Confederations Cup.
Unfortunately the team failed, leaving a bitter taste for fans. Here are some takeaways from the loss.
The Defense is a Mess
Klinsmann put his faith in a backline that included Michael Orozco, Ventura Alvarado, Tim Ream and Geoff Cameron.
His faith was not placed in the right hands as the American backline looked shaky throughout the first half before finally imploding in the second. Time and again Brazil's midfielders would cut through with relative ease. Willian seemed confident to dribble past one or two players with wild abandon throughout the first half. The same for Marcelo and eventually Neymar, Lucas Moura and Rafinha among others.
The second half, with a poor defensive play leading to the penalty was the catalyst for America's downfall.
Klinsmann needs to find a better mix or Mexico's newly revamped attack is going to have a field day.
Jozy Altidore is not great in big games
He scored two goals against Peru, but Altidore showed in this game that despite his strength and power, he is not a good on his own up top.
As the leader of the line he simply lacks the poise and technique to help his fellow attackers. His ability to make runs and read the game was also questionable throughout the night, making the U.S. attack rather blunt at the top.
With a strike partner that has finesse in his game, say Clint Dempsey, Altidore gets a better chance to shine because he does not have to do much more than hold up the ball and blast it at goal. As the lone man up top, he is not as effective.
Jermaine Jones' days with the US might be over
The American midfielder was a warhorse in Brazil last summer, but at 33, his best days are behind him on the international stage. He looked slow and overwhelmed with the tight pressure of Brazil's midfield. As he walked off the pitch, he was upset and frustrated by his performance and refused to shake hands with Klinsmann. It is a likely sign that his time with the team has come to an end.
Neymar improves Brazil's attack
Brazil looked dangerous throughout the opening half, but Neymar was a massive difference in the second half. His ferocious runs down the wing attracted most of the attention of the dumbfounded American defense. He created the penalty he eventually scored on and took his second goal with patience and tremendous precision. Just watch how he cuts into the middle and outweighs three or four blueshirts before firing it home through traffic.
The attention he drew allowed other players to get more space on the ball; this was most evident in the other goal by Rafinha.
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