Five Reasons why the US could beat Brazil today
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by Foolsgold
Clint Dempsey The 24-year-old, yes, he's still only 24, has really come into his own at Fulham this season. Unfortunately at the expense of fellow American, Brian McBride, 'Deuce' has found himself with a ton of pitch time and is making the most of it. So far he has two goals, including one in his side's last match, an impressive 3-3 draw with Tottenham in which Dempsey played a part in all three goals. As for his international performances, though not much of a factor in the recent friendly at Sweden, he seemed to be the only player on the pitch who looked like he was having fun in the US' Gold Cup triumph earlier this summer.
The US care a whole lot more Talent-wise, it's not even a contest, everyone knows that, but being played in Chicago, the US will look to impress the 'home' crowd and the world in trying to upset the Brazilians. Speaking of which, the Copa America champs, if down late might lose what I think will be a lethargic approach, but it really depends on how young of a line-up Dunga goes with. The younger, the more they will want to impress their head coach to get more international call-ups. Also don't be fooled, people who know soccer know that there are many other factors involved than just ability (see last reason).
Tim Howard If the Everton keeper is at his best, it will take near unsaveable shots to get a ball past him. Two things play against him though, this is Brazil and they can make unsaveable goals all day long and it looks as if he'll have Gooch in front of him, so the defense will probably be a bit suspect.
It's in Chicago This will be the US' first match on US soil since their triumph over Mexico in the Gold Cup final back in late June. What does that matter? Well, they've lost five matches since then and it's no coincidence that they were all on the road.
The US have practiced together all week, while the Brazilians have not and some are probably jet-lagged since they just got into town yesterday Yeah, they're much more talented and sure, they don't really need to game plan for the US that much, but I'm sorry, Allen Iverson is wrong. The longer a team plays together the better they play together, especially one that's well-rested. The US will be able to work on schemes and most importantly, set plays, something at which they seem to be consistently poor.
Originally posted here
