Felipe Melo heading past the hapless Tim Howard - image from Associated PressThe United States became the first casualties of the 2009 Confederations Cup – a 3-0 defeat to an improved Brazilian side at the Loftus Stadium on Thursday afternoon confirming their first round exit. With six points from two games, the result guarantees Brazil their place in the semi-finals.
Brazil were in control of the game pretty much from the word go, settling into their rhythm and never allowing the Americans to get out of their blocks. An early goal was important for the South American side in helping to put memories of their shaky opening game against Egypt to rest.
And this was duly achieved, the opening goal coming after only six minutes as Maicon delivered a world-class free kick from the right, giving Felipe Melo the opportunity to rise high above the defence and power a header past Tim Howard, who had remained motionless on his line.
There was no sitting back after the restart for Dunga’s men and a second soon arrived.
The goal had its origins in a rare USA attack – after DaMarcus Beasley had lost the ball in the Brazilian box, a counter attack of clinical simplicity saw the ball being transported up field through Kaka and Ramires in seconds, resulting in Robinho finishing with a comfortably with a low shot from 12-yards out.
At 2-0 down after 20 minutes, the US side desperately needed to muster a reply, but they found it tough going against a Brazil side who dominated possession and played the game at their own pace. It was thus no surprise that it was Brazil who had the next chance as Kaka went on a typical surging 40-yard run, leaving several players in his wake...{Read more about if Kaka scored}
This report is featured at MTN Football.
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