Preview- US vs Brazil

If anything this will definitely be an entertaining game for somebody although I doubt it will be the American supporters. Brazil is fielding a full strength side with the likes of Ronaldinho and Kaka pulling the strings. Of course, their starting status is not guaranteed. After opting to skip the Copa America the two have been told they would have to work their way back into the squad by Brazilian coach Dunga.

The US will also be fielding a full strength squad with the likes of Landon Donovan and Damarcus Beasley (does anyone still think we have a chance...kidding, well sort of!). In any case, it will definitely be a firm test for our Nats, and I can't say I'm very confident. We haven't exactly been outstanding in possession in our last few matches, and against a team like Brazil you have to value every chance you touch the ball. And with the lack of a true international caliber striker, things definitely look a little bleak for us.

Timmy Howard will get the nod in goal, and we are in safe hands there. The back four I imagine will be Stevie Cherundolo, Gooch, Los, and the left side is up for grabs. I would be willing to bet that Spector gets the nod their even though we have the natural lefty Heath Pearce in the squad (wait a minute...Bornstein's not in the squad? Is Bob finally over the love affair? No, Bob has done his best to stay away from the MLS teams with important matches). Los and Gooch scare me to be honest. Neither has had a really solid match in a while, and with the attacking prowess of Brazil it could turn into a long night.

The midfield should look something like...Dempsey and DaBeas on the wings with Michael Bradley and Benny Feilhaber in the middle with Landon and EJ up top. Dempsey and DaBeas should cause some problems. But I am worried about the Bradley/Benny combo. Don't get me wrong, the two are tremendously talented but neither is an attacking mid. So we are essentially playing with two defensive midfielders, which will pull down either EJ or Landon (most likely Landon) stranding the other alone up top.

I would rather see Benny with Landon in front of him and then EJ with a Brian Ching. Unfortunately, Ching isn't in the squad and the only other forward available is Josh Wolff (why are we calling this guy in...his time with USMNT is up!!). Landon just isn't a striker and excels when he is allowed a free role behind the front two where he can run out of midfield.

Despite this, we will see chances during this game, and hopefully we can actually finish this game. Brazil's wing backs will push forward at every opportunity which will leave a ton of space for Dempsey and DaBeas to work with. They will be key to our attack and if they can get in some dangerous spots out wide and play a few good crosses then we should be able to get a goal or two. Then its just up to the defense to stop Robinho, Kaka, Ronaldinho, Vagner Love...ok ya so that probably won't happen, but I can always have dreams of repeating that magnificent performance in 1998 (I think 1998) when Preki scores a great goal and Keller has the greatest performance of any goalkeeper in the history of football!!

Prediction- unfortunately I'm going to go with a 3-1 Brazil win.