Mano Menezes named an inexperienced, experimental lineup in his first match as Brazil coach, but hisSelecao looked like a team that had been playing together for years. The classic samba beat returned tonight as an inspired Brazil earned a 2-0 victory over the United States. In his international debut, Neymar headed in the opener, and Alexandre Pato added a second before halftime.
In addition to Neymar, playmaker Ganso and goalkeeper Victor earned their first caps for Brazil. For the United States, Omar Gonzalez wore his country's shirt for the first time.
The United States looked the better team during the opening exchanges, and Landon Donovan had a penalty claim denied before Brazil found their rhythm. And find it they did. From the fifth minute onward, Brazil completely dominated the game.
Pato missed a gilt-edged chance and Andre Santos was denied by a fine save from Tim Howard before Neymar headed in Santos' 29th minute cross. Three minutes later, Pato had put the ball into the net, but the goal was disallowed for a foul the Milan forward committed on Howard.
Brazil continued to dominate the game, using superior skill, as well as a numerical (3-2) advantage in central midfield to maintain possession and force the Americans to stay on their heels. Repeatedly, the visitors would win the ball in midfield, burst forward, and have favorable numbers on the break. The US were finally punished for their slack defending in injury time, when Ramires threaded a through ball to Pato, who rounded Howard and comfortably slotted into an open net.
After the break, Brazil's show, if not their finishing, remained top class. Pato missed a one-on-one with substitute goalkeeper Brad Guzan before Robinho struck the post.
The Americans were a little more active in the second half, and nearly pulled a goal back in the 57th minute, when Michael Bradley headed in Sascha Kljestan's cross, but was called offside.
After Bradley's close call, it was all Brazil once more. Efforts from Neymar (two) and Carlos Eduardo were thwarted by Guzan, and a long-ranged Ganso drive struck the post, but the visitors were unable to add a third goal.
US striker Hercules Gomez finally put pressure on Victor in the closing minutes, but the American forward's header was saved.
Tonight's result suggests a bright future for Brazil, who can head into their Copa America preparations with plenty of confidence in their rising stars. For the United States, the outlook is more bleak. Coach Bob Bradley's future remains in question, and the Americans have plenty of room for improvement as they prepare for next summer's CONCACAF Gold Cup.
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