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Soccer Goals: During the first half, most US supporters must have felt nervousness, surprise, and jubilation as Clint Demspey and Landon Donovan scored two goals in the first 25 minutes. What was even more impressive is that they detained the Brazil attack the whole first half. After seconds in the second half, the US supporters felt the lump in their throat after Luis Fabiano turned and swiveled defender Jay Demerit to slot in a through-the-legs goal, that gave Brazil the momentum and broke the back of the stars and stripes.

 

This soccer videos features soccer goals and highlights of the USA vs Brazil final.

 

 

Quickly after conceding Brazil's first goal, Coach Dunga kicked his offensive machine into overdrive mounting attack-after-attack and unleashing Maicon to make perpetual runs for the remainder of the second half. Although Tim Howard earned Goalkeeper of the tournament and made several timely saves, he could not provide the necessary fortress as the Selecao proved why they boast a top international team.

 

Even though the loss proved difficult for the USA, apparent by the tears of Clint Dempsey as he received his Bronze Ball award and medal, the US federation, supporters, and media must realize the posistives that emerged after a horrid start to the tournament.

 

Several player's performances have garnered interest internationally, and their displays have propelled themselves as potential starter for Coach Bradley, provided that their play continues to improve in the following months. After earning a red card in the first half against Italy, Ricardo Clark played admirably covering ground, passing effectively, and staying away from potential dangerous tackles that sent him to the showers early in the Italy match. International interest has emerged recently as Italian, English, Spanish, and now French clubs(Rennes) now seek the services of the low-key midfielder.

 

With both Frankie Hejduk and Steve Cherundolo sidelined with injuries, Jonathan Spector demonstrated his abilities to compete when healthy. His calm and collective style halted the opposition's flank play while adding great service and composed passing. Although his overlapping runs were limited due to his defensive responsibilities, his defensive stability allowed Clint Dempsey to venture forward knowing that Spector would hold down the fort.

 

Demonstrating moments and flashes of ability in limited playing time was not sufficient enough for Charlie Davies to earn a starting spot until the Egypt game of the Confederations Cup. His energy inspired the USA to 3-0 victory which allowed the USA to miraculously advance to the semifinals. Against Spain, Davies terrorized the back line with his pace and diagonal runs which opened space for other teammates. His counterattack pass and assist to Landon Donovan suggests that he belongs in the US roster as they attempt to qualify for the South Africa 2010. His pace and defensive pressure offers an element that had been lacking in previous games.

 

Losing 2-3 hurts especially when leading at half 2-0, but we all must remember that the USA faced a Brazil side with superior talent. Maicon and Luis Fabiano can change the game in an instance while Coach Dunga provides the offensive/defensive balance present in his tactics. With this defeat, the USA has gained many international admirers. The tournament provided a perfect platform to evaluate the players and the team collectively. The USA will bring this added confidence to Azteca Aug 12th when they confront Mexico in a CONCACAF Qualifier. Congratulations to Coach Bradley and the players for the heart-inspired performance.

 

Player Grades

Tim Howard, 8: battled, dived, and inspired the US side but fell short with the constant offensive attacks. His Goalkeeper Glove award earned respect of many playing superbly against both Spain and Brazil.

 

Jonathan Spector, 6: offered another great cross that resulted in the first Demspey goal. His crossing and passing proved his worth, but struggled laterally against the best in Kaka and Robinho.  His stock has risen after this tournament, and let's hope that he remains healthy the remainder of 2009 and 2010.

 

Oguchi Onyewu, 6: controlled the aerially battles but was caught ball watching on several occasions. His tournament play earned him some extra cash heading into his lucrative-upcoming contract.

 

Jay Demerit, 6.5: Many will point to Fabiano's second half goal, but the Watford defender offered another solid performance. The Green Bay native has emerged as a player on the rise for both club and country.

 

Carlos Bocanegra, 5: could have closed down on Ramirez and Maicon better but was hesitant to do so because of their speed. Pick your poison: Play compact while Onyewu and Demerit control the air, or allow Maicon to penetrate on attacking runs. The Rennes defender should slot in at left back when the USA plays teams that don't have fast flank players. But, he did demonstrate a tremendous heart through the elimination rounds.

 

Clint Demspey, 6.5: would have earned a higher score if he would have marked Lucio's game-winning header. His first half performance and goal was tremendous but faded defensively in the second half. I admire  Deuce's heart as he cried while receiving his Bronze ball and silver medal. It was apparent that the Nagodoches native desired the victory and was disappointed to earn second place.

 

Ricardo Clark, 7:jammed up the central midfield, like the old lady at the super market, who leaves her cart in the middle of the aisle, delaying and causing a frustrating shopping experience. While making several good passes, one which sprung Charlie Davies and Landon Donovan for a break-away goal, Clark demonstrated his hawk-like midfield presence and opportunistic passing. Underrated by many in US circles, it is apparent that Clark finally received the deserved credit for a break-out tournament. Clubs from France, Italy, Spain, and England have all expressed interest in his services.

 

Benny Feilhaber, 6: faced the country of his birth, a team with excellent players at every position. He proved that he can compete and defend at the highest level. His composure on-the-ball and solid passing allowed the USA to gain the 2-0 advantage. His legs tired on him in the second half but offered a solid performance.

 

Landon Donovan, 7: epitomized heart on the second goal with his break away pass to Charlie Davies and his chop and far post strike against Ramirez and Cesar. He jump started the US attack on several occasions and track backed defensively in the first half. As his legs fatigued, Donovan's defensive presence diminished which allowed for Maicon's perpetual crosses into the US box. Landon Donovan lead by example all tournament and was the team's MVP sparking the US attack. I can hear European suitors adding Donovan's agent to speed dial. Who is next in the Donovan Sweepstakes?

 

Jozy Altidore, 4.5: Praised for his goal against Spain, the Man-child offered little in energy and was bullied physically by the opposition. His effort demonstrated little energy and passion. Mall walkers would have surpassed his pace on certain occasions. Freddy Adu is criticized for being bullied while possessing the ball and failing to demonstrate defensive intensity. His performance describes why Adu rides the bench for the USMNT. With a 40 pound weight advantage over Adu, Altidore should make better use of Lebron-esque frame.

 

Charlie Davies, 6.5: utilized his pace once again to keep the Selecao defense honest. His return pass to Landon Donovan for the second goal was superb. The speedy Davies used his body to screen off Brazilian players earning several fouls. His emergence boasts well for the US' chances moving forward. His speed creates space for the midfielders and forwards.

 

Bob Bradley, 5.5: His game plan worked to perfection in the first half and would see the USA go up 2-0, playing in a 4-4-2 formation. But, an early second half goal would suggest that Brazil would boast the heart necessary to hoist the Confederations Cup trophy. Several questionable tactics took place in the second half when Altidore and Feilhaber began to fade physically, and Bradley did not make the move earlier. In hindsight, Bradley should have considered a more attacking option off the bench. Although Torres does not embody a player with a complete defensive game, his possession and offensive prowess would have fared positively, especially, since Kljestan has recently struggled for both club and country. In addition, Jonathan Bornstein is not the answer at left back or wing.

 

Subs

Sacha Kljestan, 4: It is time for some soul searching after Kljestan added another less-than stellar performance. His confidence and penchant for turnovers could leave the Chivas midfielder out of South Africa.

 

Jonathan Bornstein, 5:played admirably but should have never entered the game. Bornstein does not offer enough going forward nor enough defensively to supplant a poor-form Heath Pearce. It is time for Spector or Hejduk to make the switch to left back.

 

Conor Casey N/A: He earned five minutes of playing time.

 

Do you agree with the player ratings? who was your favorite player of the tournament? Will Charlie Davies boast his status in US soccer in the Gold Cup? Share your thoughts.

 

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer goals: USA Concedes Three Second Half Goals In Defeat - USA Player Grades

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