USMNT Recap: 1-1 Draw Should Leave Fans Hopeful
USMNT Recap: 1-1 Draw Should Leave Fans Hopeful
A draw that is basically a win
After a disappointing performance against Colombia, the United States Men’s National Team had an impressive showing against Brazil on Wednesday evening, securing a 1-1 draw against the South American giants.
Gregg Berhalter trotted out a 4-3-3 that saw former New England Revolution goalkeeper Matt Turner earn another start in goal. Tim Ream and Chris Richards were the center back duo while Antonee Robinson and Joe Scally were on the flanks.
Gio Reyna, Weston McKennie, and Yunus Musah made up the midfield trio while Tim Weah and Christian Pulisic played on the wings. Ricardo Pepi was once again the starting man up top.
Brazil boasted a strong front three featuring Rodrygo, Raphinha, and Vinicius Jr. Alison featured in net with Marquinhos being the main man on the back line.
Musah nearly put the USMNT up in the fifth minute with a wonder strike from distance. The bomb off the foot of the midfielder rocketed off the crossbar but stayed out of the net. Moments later Pulisic forced Alison to make a save.
Turner was also tested early in the match and looked good between the sticks. He made a great save on Vini Jr. after the Brazilian toasted Scally but in the 17th minute, Rodrygo found the back of the net. Turner only has himself to blame as his poor distribution jumpstarted Brazil’s attack.
More mistakes from the goalkeeper would follow. He would hesitate when coming off his line and simply looked like a shell of his former self.
The U.S. was gifted an opportunity in the 24th minute as Pulisic was fouled just outside the box. A wall of blue and yellow shirts stood in front of him and the USA captain sunk the free kick into the back of the net in the 26th minute.
After facing a first-half stoppage time barrage from Brazil, the USMNT entered the half with the score even at 1-1. But Brazil came out firing in the second half as they dominated possession and created chances.
In the 64th minute, Johnny Cardoso and Folarin Balogun replaced Pepi and Reyna. Brazil also made changes as Endrick, Savio, and Andrea Periera replaced Bruno Guimaraes, Raphinha, and Lucas Paqueta.
Endrick nearly immediately made an impact but Turner was able to come up with a big save to keep the score level. The USMNT goalkeeper was a completely different player in the second half. In the 73rd minute, Turner made a point-blank save on Rodrygo.
In the 75th minute, Tyler Adams and Brenden Aaronson replaced Weah and Musah. Then in the 83rd minute, Gabriel Martinelli replaced Rodrygo for Brazil.
The U.S. deserves credit for how they withstood constant pressure from Brazil. The quality they have throughout the roster can not be overstated and going up against top competition, the Stars and Stripes stood strong.
The U.S. nearly found the game-winner in the 83rd minute as Pulisc played Aaronson in on goal but Allison made the point-blank save. Pulisic nearly secured a brace in the 86th minute but his shot whizzed past the post.
Turner would make sure that the U.S. saw out a draw with more amazing saves including a spectacular stop on Vinicius Jr. Weston McKennie also showed some impressive defending to keep the score level.
All in all, it was a positive performance for the USMNT against a serious opponent. Even though they couldn’t secure a win, it might as well be one for Gregg Berhalter and Co.