Live The Pitch

The Final of the FIFA Confederations cup was a great game in the making.  The two squads facing off for the second time each had something to prove to the world.  For the USA, they wanted to prove that they belonged in this match.  For the Brazilians, they wanted to prove that they are a World Cup favorite for next summer.

The first half started with a bang for the U.S. when Clint Dempsey redirected a cross from Johnathan Spector in the 9th minute.  Dempsey just put a slight touch on the ball that changed the path of the shot beating the Brazilian goalkeeper.  It was a great way to begin the match for the U.S.

To the surprise of everyone the U.S. made it 2-0, with Landon Donovan scoring a brilliant goal in the 26th minute.  Charlie Davies played a great ball into the middle of the top of the box finding Donovan, who then made a sick touch to beat the Brazilian defender to put himself into position to find the back of the net.  Donovan made everything of his opportunity by firing in a left footed shot into the side netting.

Tim Howard made his presence known the entire first half making save after save keeping Brazil off the scoreboard.  By the 35th minute Brazil had settled into the game, and set the pace for the remainder of the match.  The Brazilians were showing us why they are one of the best teams in the world with fantastic combination play and possession.

The second half began with Luis Fabiano getting Brazil on the board finding the back of the net in the 46th minute with a great finish through the helpless Jay Demerit.  It was an excellent turn and finish by the Brazilian.

In the 60th minute, Kaka found himself wide open on the back post when he headed the cross on target that clearly crossed the line before Howard cleared it.  The referee crew definitely missed the call on this one.

Brazil then tied the match in the 73rd minute at 2-2 when Luis Fabiano netted home his second goal.  Kaka showed why he is considered one of the best players in the world by toasting Spector down the right side before sending a perfect end-line cross into the six yard box.  Robinho was the first Brazilian to get to the cross hitting the crossbar from point blank with Fabiano heading in the rebound.

Throughout the second half the Brazilians were dominating the match missing chance after chance.  Brazil finally made the comeback official in the 83rd minute when Lucio headed home a corner kick.  Elano served a great ball into the back post when Lucio found himself wide open to direct the ball into the net.  The Americans looked confused and left Lucio unmarked on the back post.

Overall as a U.S. soccer fan I am impressed that we can actually compete at this level now.  I am really looking forward to seeing how this team competes at the Gold Cup next month with a lot of new players getting into the mix.  Going into the match no one gave the U.S. a chance at winning this final and they almost shocked the world.  Almost.