Confederations Cup
2009-06-28 - Brazil vs United States
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Brazil
Brazil will be very grateful to Dani Alves for securing their place in the Final after a really tough fought battle in the Semi Final.
Coach Dunga has been given a hard time for his tactics back home in Brazil but he should be able to have a resort to those criticisms if Brazil can win this tournament. A win here will inspire confidence for South Africa 2010.
Brazil were in a tough group to start this tournament. They came through a tough match with Egypt with a 4-3 win before comfortably beating the United States and Italy 3-0. An 87th minute winner from Alves secured a 1-0 win over the hosts South Africa in the Semi Final.
Brazil have no new injury issues but Dani Alves is looking for a recall to the first team after his performance in the last round.
United States
The United States look to make a little bit of history as this could be their first trophy at a global level for the Men's team. They also became the first side to qualify for the next stage of the Confederations Cup with 3 points and a negative goal difference.
It is quite unbelievable to see the United States at this stage of the tournament after their opening games. Italy beat the States 3-1 in the opening game before Brazil beat them 3-0. This left them requiring a 6 goal swing to qualify for the Semi Finals. The States beat Egypt 3-0 as Brazil beat Italy 3-0.
The USA then caused a huge shock by being the first team in 36 games to beat Spain. The match ended 2-0 as the States rode their luck a little bit.
Head to Head
Brazil have won 14 of their 15 games against the United States.
The Samba Boys will take confidence from their 3-0 win over the USA earlier in this tournament.
Prediction
Brazil had a really hard time against South Africa in the Semi Final but they should raise their game as they are now in the Final. They will be confident of disposing the USA after the earlier match this tournament.
The USA have nothing to lose in this match after being all but out of the tournament after 2 games. Brazil have not failed to score in any of their games in the Confederations Cup but the United States have kept 2 clean sheets in a row after losing 3 goals in each of their first 2 games.
I think Brazil were struggling against South Africa but that late goal could inspire them to go on and win this tournament. They have all the attacking talent that could break the USA and I think they will go through and win. I fancy Brazil to cover the Asian Handicap.
The Pick :
Brazil 2-0 United States
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Brazil -1.25 Asian Handicap
