U.S. Battles Brazil In Confederations Cup Final
Americans, Off Triumph Over Top-Ranked Spain, Look For Another Upset
Mike Reynolds -- Multichannel News, 6/28/2009 7:39:18 AM
The United States men's national team will have a chance to win The Confederations Cup for the first time, when it squares off against Brazil today.
Fresh off its stunning 2-0 upset of No. 1 ranked and Euro 2008 champion Spain Wednesday -- the U.S. ended La Roja's record run of 15 consecutive international victories, stopping the Spaniards from surpassing Brazil's mark of 35 undefeated matches from 1993-96 -- will hit the pitch at Ellis Park, in Johannesburg South Africa on JUne 28 at 2:25 (ET).
The U.S., 14th-ranked by FIFA, soccer's world governing body, will have to upset the fifth-rated Brazilians, led by midfielder Kaka, who was recently acquired by Real Madrid after a tour at A.C. Milan. The Ameicans, who will be playing without midfielder Michael Bradley, the coach's son who received a red card in the waning minutes against Spain, took it on the chin from their opponents in group play during a lopsided 3-0 defeat.
All told, the U.S. trails Brazil 13-1 in head-to-head meetings, its only win, a 1-0 victory in the final of the 1998 Gold Cup.
ESPN2's coverage begins with a preview at 2 p.m.
The network also has the third-place match, between South Africa, which will host the FIFA 2010 World Cup next year, and Spain. The preview starts at 8 a.m., with the kickoff set for 8:25 a.m.
