The United States very nearly turned the soccer world on its head in the final of the Confederations Cup on June 28. But after taking a shock 2-0 lead over defending champions Brazil at Johannesburg’s Ellis Park, the Americans eventually capitulated to a superior opponent and balance of power that will remain intact for at least another 12 months.
After dumping top-ranked Spain out the semifinals, the Americans got off to a quick start against Brazil. Fulham forward Clint Dempsey scored an improbable opener after just 10 minutes when he redirected Jonathan Spector’s long pass beyond the reach of goalkeeper Julio Ceasar.
Brazil were spurned into action after going behind so soon, but their inability to string passes together cost them dearly when Maicon’s threaded ball was picked off by Donovan, setting up a two-man counter-attack with Charlie Davies. Carrying the ball on the left flank, Davies centred a lovely ball for Donovan, who tipped it beyond the reach of Ramires before pounding a left-footed effort past Julio Cesar.
Nevertheless, you never felt the American lead was safe—a hunch Luis Fabiano turned into a reality in the opening moments of the second half. Ramires—previously victimized by Donovan’s goal—earned some retribution when he passed the ball through the American defense to the Sevilla forward who calmly collected it, spun around to his left foot and arrowed it past Tim Howard.
From there it was all Brazil. Their first attempt at an equalizer was unluckily ruled a no-goal, but Fabiano ensured justice was done when he notched his fifth goal of the tournament with a header following a physical scramble in the box. Selecao captain Lucio completed the comeback with seven minutes to play.
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