Posted on 06/27/2009 12:02:26 PM PDT by Onerom99
JOHANNESBURG—United States head coach Bob Bradley is normally an all-business type who always seems to answer media questions with a serious tone and rarely smiles in the public eye. How ironic, then, that two days before the most momentous match in his career—the Confederations Cup final against Brazil—Bradley was jocular, if not downright giddy, at his afternoon press conference.
The good mood was apparent before even the first question had been asked. Bradley sat down at the dais with U.S. captain Carlos Bocanegra on his right. For some reason, the arrangement felt odd for Bradley and he asked Bocanegra to switch, which raised some inquisitive eyebrows in the room.
“I feels wrong,” Bradley explained. “Carlos plays on the left.”
The media cracked up, a rare occurrence at U.S. press briefings here in South Africa.
Right away, though, Bradley got down to the business at hand: discussing the team’s preparation for the Brazil game, a rematch of a group game played last Thursday. In that tilt, Brazil trounced the U.S., 3-0.
“We have watched Brazil so many times,” Bradley said. “The first thing you take away from them is the talent and the ability of players to create opportunities.”
This is, of course, a different U.S. team from the one that played eight days ago. Then, they were “timid” and “tentative,” the words used by the U.S. camp to describe the first Brazil match. Now, they are oozing confidence, and in the wake of South Africa’s valiant effort in the other semifinal, feel they have a good chance at a victory.
“South Africa did a very good job of frustrating Brazil,” Bradley said. “The distance between the backline and the midfield was very tight, which meant that Kaka’ and Robinho had to float.”
Sunday will mark the U.S. team’s first final in a major international competition. But the U.S. side will be without regular holding midfielder Michael Bradley, who picked up a red card late in the game against Spain. Ricardo Clark looks set to maintain his place in the middle, and Bob Bradley has options for young Bradley’s replacement, including Benny Feilhaber, Sacha Kljestan, and Jose Francisco Torres.
“The leading candidate is Benny,” Bradley said.
Regardless of whether Michael Bradley were in the lineup or not, the game is going to be an uphill battle for the Americans. Still, their looseness indicates a newfound confidence that could see them pull off a second massive upset. But there are still two days before kickoff, a fact that caused another good laugh during the press conference.
A journalist misspoke and asked the side could pull off another miracle “tomorrow,” which would be Saturday. Bradley smiled and replied:
“The miracle we’re shooting for is Sunday. If we’re really good on the day before the game, it doesn’t mean shiznit.”
Although it would require some research to confirm this as fact, it is believed this is the first time Bradley has used the word “shiznit” in public. Just in time for the biggest game of his career.
Sunday, 2:00pm on ESPN.
Onerom99
I’m looking forward to it.
The Americans can feel loose cause they have nothing to lose and EVERYTHING to gain. Where the Brazilians have everything to lose.
They didn’t look like world beaters against South Africa.
It would really be grea
Thanks for posting t.
Playing without Michael Bradley will really hurt in this game. He’s their workhorse in midfield and that’s what is necessary against Brazil...closing them down quickly in midfield and not giving them time on the ball. Still, the USA has a punchers chance. If they can get the first goal things will get very interesting.
I heard Bradley was considering changing from a 4-4-2 to a 4-5-1. I sure hope not. Unless up by a couple of goals, I hate the 4-5-1. It’s a play-not-to-lose formation.
I really liked the way the U.S. looked against Spain with Altidore and Dempsey up front and Donovan in a mid position. Altidore is becoming the striker we’ve lacked and could be a difference maker tomorrow and in the World Cup.
Dempsey looked better than I’ve ever seen him play. Certainly better than he looked at Fulham. And Donovan played the best I’ve ever seen. I like him better when he gets more touches and feeds balls to other strikers.
Where was Hajduk? I thought he was our toughest defender in earlier matches. Is he injured?
I thought Bocanegra stepped up. And thank goodness we’ve finally got Tim Howard as our #1. In his day, Keller was great, but that day passed before France.
I watched South Africa and Brazil. Kaka didn’t look effective at all. I don’t know if this was the result of good defense or that he’s overrated. I’ve never been impressed with him the few times I’ve seen him on Italian soccer.
Robinho looked like he was trying to do it all himself, but lacked the ability. It was like he watched Ronaldinho and thought he could emulate.
Our defense needs to play aggressive like the South Africans and keep the Brazilian strikers from getting into a rhythm. They certainly didn’t appear to have any rapport with each other.
We need to press them. Keep feeding Altidore and Dempsey.
Yes, Hejduk was hurt an unavailable for this competition.
The US has a chance because they should have the fresher legs.
Almost all of the Brazilian players have just finished a grueling club season, plus all of their World Cup qualifiers, and then this tournament.
Meanwhile, a good number of US players are not starters on their European clubs, and the MLS season isn’t even halfway through. Plus they should be more motivated, since winning this tournament is a drop in the bucket in Brazil’s soccer history, but this would easily be the biggest win in US soccer history.
My prediction: 1-0 USA!
Yep, Brazil looked tired against RSA, that’s why I think this is the best time to catch Brazil.
The anthems have been played...we’re ready to go...USA!!! USA!!!!
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAALLLLLLL!!!!!!
Oh my goodness, they ACTUALLY SCORED!
Dempsey is on a tear!!!
Donovan apparently is too :)
holy smokes
I can’t believe they’re up 2-0 at the half
my favorite player is #21 Spector
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