International
2009-06-18 - United States vs Brazil
A Sports Betting Pick by Gooner
Football: International, FIFA Confederations Cup
Thursday 18th June 2009 - Kickoff 15:00
United States (FIFA Rank 14)
The United States have come a long way in the last 15 years, the tactics are getting tighter, the players are getting more skillful and the pace and talent of the players is improving.
But the US team still seem to lack the "gravitas" and the history to make the step up to the next level, and when watching the United States team play you just know that you are going to see hard working athletes that seem to lack a real "game plan" for goals and are missing an out and out world class talent.
This fact was underlined in the first match when US-born Giuseppe Rossi scored twice against the United States having elected to play for Italy, the country of his immigrant father, rather than his birth country.
Progressing into becoming a top 10 nation is going to be as much a battle for belief and grabbing the imagination at home as anything. And beating Brazil would be a good way to make that happen.
Brazil (FIFA Rank 5)
Brazil of course are much the opposite. The tactics are loose, the players do not seem to be concerned with working hard in defence, passing is sloppy, but when Brazil get the ball in a bit of space they have the talent to make goals appear out of nothing.
Brazil were very disjointed against Egypt in the first match, perhaps as a result of two tough World Cup Qualification games against Uruguay and Paraguay within the last week, and Brazil were almost made to pay by the hard-working African Champions.
Brazilian coach Dunga has admitted to some fatigue amongst the players before the first match, and it appears that with Kaka and Robinho also speaking out that the players are aware of their shortcomings.
Head to Head
Historically there has never been a draw between the United States and Brazil, with the Seleção winning 12 of the 13 meetings between the two teams.
The only time the Americans managed a win over the illustrious South American giants was way back at the 1998 CONCACAF Gold Cup, when a lone goal by current Chivas USA coach Preki sparked wild celebrations.
The USA and Brazil last met in the 2003 Confederations Cup in France, when Brazil won 1-0 thanks to a goal by Adriano.
The Betting Verdict
THe United States have the players and fitness to harry Brazil and to pressure Brazil and make it hard for the first 60 minutes or so.
But Brazil have so much talent and composure on the ball, that goals do come, that is underlined by the fact that they scored FOUR times against Egypt, despite reports that Brazil played badly.
Brazil have won 12 of the 13 clashes between the two sides, showing that the samba talent can outshine the hard work, and that has to be a very valid statistic to keep in mind.
The Pick :
United States 0-2 Brazil (maybe 1-2)
BEST BETTING TIP :
I beleive that BRAZIL will find a way to win.
