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Road to the 2014 World Cup: U.S. Soccer in the Spotlight
Published: June 2, 2012
Brazil provided a stern test, and a much needed reality check, for Team USA's progress in the Jürgen Klinsmann era. The 4-1 result in favor of the five-time world champions would suggest a lopsided affair. While characterizing the game as such would be an injustice to the way the U.S. played it does accurately reflect the gap the Americans still must close to the top sides in the world.
Mano Menezes fielded a squad of primarily under-23 players, many who will go to this summer's Olympic football tournament to claim Brazil’s first Olympic gold in the event. Possible starters in Brazil's 2014 World Cup squad, however, did feature, notably the wonder kid Neymar, Thiago Silva, Marcelo and Hulk.
Klinsmann, on the other hand, is preparing the U.S. squad for World Cup qualifying matches, opening play with Antigua & Barbuda June 8th before facing Guatemala four days later. This, the second of three friendly matches, was another opportunity for Klinsmann to field a different lineup, assess his players and measure them against one of the world's best.
It was a solid overall effort, particularly the second half which featured a number of goal-scoring chances for the U.S. However, the unsettling characteristic of the 2010 World Cup reappeared. It must be recognized that defensive issues are now a persistent weakness in the U.S. side.
The U.S. was simply outmatched by Neymar, who was spread out to the left of Brazil's attack, too much to handle for Steve Cherundolo and then second half substitute Michael Parkhurst. Bocanegra and Onyewu were, if not lost, then left chasing in the central defense against Leandro Daimão and Oscar.
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