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| Version 4 | Version 5 |
|---|---|
| USA v Brazil: international friendly – live! | USA v Brazil: international friendly – live! |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| 3.04am BST03:04 | |
| GOAL! USA 0-3 (RAFINHA!) | |
| Yedlin makes an error as he bombs forward looking for the telling cross, and only succeeds in setting up a counter attack that ends with Rafinha, on the field for seconds, doing a little drag back to make space for a flick past Guzan at close range. That’s his first goal for Brazil. | |
| 3.02am BST03:02 | |
| 64 mins: Neymar and Marcelo are blocked by Williams as they try to trick their way through the defense, and as play breaks down we have another substitution: Lucas Lima off for Lucas Moura, and Rafinha comes on for the impressive Douglas Costa | |
| 3.01am BST03:01 | |
| 62 mins: Now Morris gets to a cross by Yedlin but can’t get a header on target. Still, he’s been showing willing to get into attacking positions since coming on. | |
| 3.00am BST03:00 | |
| 60 mins: Bradley again steps up the field without much support and he’s easily boxed out by the Brazilian’s organization. | |
| Now the USA come forward again and Morris takes on two Brazil defenders down the left. He tries to get a cross off and does earn a corner. It’s headed clear at the near post before the USA can get any encouragement from their advanced position however... | |
| 2.57am BST02:57 | |
| 58 mins: Firmino’s been lively since coming on, and he flicks a header just over the bar from the corner. He had a lot of space to do so. | |
| Jordan Morris on for Altidore now. Very young looking USA front line now. Couldn’t do worse than the more experienced players, mind. | |
| That said, here’s a chance for Bradley to shoot from distance, which he does, but the ball runs tamely through to Marcelo Grohe. | |
| 2.55am BST02:55 | |
| 56 mins: Another Brazil free kick and another yellow card as Williams goes in the book for bringing down Firmino awkwardly. Another free kick from distance to defend. This one’s hooked to the back post by Neymar but Firmino’s header back across goal is cut out for a corner. | |
| 2.53am BST02:53 | |
| 54 mins: Another slashing run, this time by Douglas Costa, and he’s fouled by a frustrated Orozco some 35-40 yards out. Yellow card for the US man and of course a long free kick to defend. Luiz takes it but his shot doesn’t come down in time to test Guzan. | |
| 2.51am BST02:51 | |
| 52 mins: Luiz’s ball over the top to set up the penalty was beautifully weighted. Be sure to catch a viewing of it when you can. Firminho on for Hulk by the way. | |
| 2.50am BST02:50 | |
| GOAL! USA 0-2 BRAZIL (NEYMAR!) | |
| Neymar takes a long run up, and hits his shot low to Guzan’s right. The keeper gets his fingertips to it, but the ball creeps in and the USA are in all sorts of trouble now. | |
| 2.49am BST02:49 | |
| Penalty to Brazil! | |
| USA try some build up down the right as they press the Brazilians in their own half. But now they’re in all sorts of bother as Luiz sends a beautiful ball over the top and the recovering Cameron checks Neymar in the box as he cuts back for the shot...penalty. | |
| 2.47am BST02:47 | |
| 48 mins: Wood on for Zardes. Neymar on for Willian as well to the delight of the crowd, if not the US — though they’ll be glad to see the back of Willian. | |
| Brazil on the attack again early as Marcelo tears down the left but Guzan is able to swat down then dive on his shot from a narrow angle. Worryingly easy for Marcelo to get that shot off in the first place though. | |
| 2.44am BST02:44 | |
| Second half starts | |
| Some subs have taken place, which I’ll tell you about in a moment. “We needed to be a little bit more compact. A little more organized” says Klinsmann of the Bedoya substitution, while noting the player’s “difficulty” in reading the game early. | |
| 2.41am BST02:41 | |
| In defense of BedoyaA gallant Canadian shows up to defend Alejandro Bedoya: | |
| @KidWeil To be fair, Bedoya is not a DM. That's on Klinsmann. Could be worse - We Canadians are struggling to beat Belize right now. | |
| It’s certainly true that Bedoya is not a natural fit in the role he was asked to play tonight, but he’s been well and truly benchmarked in it regardless. | |
| 2.39am BST02:39 | |
| Other sports are available | |
| Over at the US Open the Williams sisters have gone to a third set, and Serena has just broken to go 2-0 up. Don’t let that spoiler stop you from heading over to follow live with Bryan Graham for the next couple of minutes. | |
| 2.37am BST02:37 | |
| An email | |
| Chris Mitchell is not impressed:“Surely we have better strikers than Altidore? Alex Morgan is available, right? At least she has a decent touch, and a feel for the game.” | |
| In fairness to Altidore he’s had a thankless task, as the players behind him have retreated further into their shell. There’ve rarely been enough US bodies in the Brazil half to give Altidore any chance to run off preoccupied defenders, so after a briefly promising start he’s been peripheral. Klinsmann needs to address that at the half. | |
| 2.34am BST02:34 | |
| Half-time thoughts | |
| Willian has been great tonight — popping up all over the US half and finding dangerous pockets and passes, or just breezing past US markers struggling to keep track of him. He’s been helped by an almost equally impressive attacking performance by Douglas Costa, and while Hulk hasn’t been quite as visible, he was there when it counted to get the goal that separates the teams. | |
| USA missing a Kyle Beckerman type, if not the man himself, as they fail to stop Brazilian movement through their midfield to put their defense under pressure. As for how that defense has done, Orozco and Alvarado have actually been pretty decent under pressure and have done their part to keep the score down. But Bedoya, subbed out humiliatingly before the half, will want to forget tonight’s game, which may have seen him slide down the rankings for consideration for the Mexico match. | |
| Bright spots for the US? A couple of flashes of intent coming from decent interplay between Cameron and Yedlin, and that’s about it. Can they regroup at half-time, as is their wont of late, or will Brazil continue with an impressive high-energy display? | |
| Updated at 3.03am BST | |
| 2.29am BST02:29 | 2.29am BST02:29 |
| Half-time: USA 0-1 Brazil | Half-time: USA 0-1 Brazil |
| Half-time thoughts in a minute... | Half-time thoughts in a minute... |
| 2.28am BST02:28 | 2.28am BST02:28 |
| 45 mins +2: Brazil ending the half with another dangerous foray and again Willian’s at the heart of the movement, which ends with Marcelo playing an attempted cheeky pass to himself with the defense flatfooted. It’s too close to Guzan though. | 45 mins +2: Brazil ending the half with another dangerous foray and again Willian’s at the heart of the movement, which ends with Marcelo playing an attempted cheeky pass to himself with the defense flatfooted. It’s too close to Guzan though. |
| Last action of the half is moderately encouraging for the hosts, at least by the standards of the rest of the half, as Yedlin sends an outswinging cross towards Altidore’s head. But it’s cut out, and that will be that. | Last action of the half is moderately encouraging for the hosts, at least by the standards of the rest of the half, as Yedlin sends an outswinging cross towards Altidore’s head. But it’s cut out, and that will be that. |
| 2.26am BST02:26 | 2.26am BST02:26 |
| 45 mins +1: Half-time approaches and the USA might be wise to just regroup. They’re coming forward now, but tentatively. Bradley and Zardes are crowded out easily as they try and carry the ball forward without much support from their beleaguered team mates. We’ll have two extra minutes. | 45 mins +1: Half-time approaches and the USA might be wise to just regroup. They’re coming forward now, but tentatively. Bradley and Zardes are crowded out easily as they try and carry the ball forward without much support from their beleaguered team mates. We’ll have two extra minutes. |
| 2.24am BST02:24 | 2.24am BST02:24 |
| 44 mins: USA look to build possession patiently in the Brazil half, but their final pass has been poor tonight, and once again Brazil intercept and get forward. | 44 mins: USA look to build possession patiently in the Brazil half, but their final pass has been poor tonight, and once again Brazil intercept and get forward. |
| 2.23am BST02:23 | 2.23am BST02:23 |
| 42 mins: Bradley stumbles up the center looking for an opening, but he never quite has the ball under control and Luiz takes it off his toes. | 42 mins: Bradley stumbles up the center looking for an opening, but he never quite has the ball under control and Luiz takes it off his toes. |
| At the other end Marcelo makes some space on the left of the box to greet a ball over the top with a smashed shot straight at Guzan. The keeper makes a reflex save he mightn’t have had a chance with if the ball had been placed better. The USA still rocking. | At the other end Marcelo makes some space on the left of the box to greet a ball over the top with a smashed shot straight at Guzan. The keeper makes a reflex save he mightn’t have had a chance with if the ball had been placed better. The USA still rocking. |
| 2.21am BST02:21 | 2.21am BST02:21 |
| 40 mins: Lucas Lima touches the ball behind Ream, who’s getting increasingly stretched down that flank, and Willian gets past him, but can’t find a telling touch for once. | 40 mins: Lucas Lima touches the ball behind Ream, who’s getting increasingly stretched down that flank, and Willian gets past him, but can’t find a telling touch for once. |
| USA back in possession, but there are few sides of forward movement. Still USA 0-1 Brazil | USA back in possession, but there are few sides of forward movement. Still USA 0-1 Brazil |
| 2.19am BST02:19 | 2.19am BST02:19 |
| 38 mins: Hmmm. This is rather embarrassing for Bedoya — he’s just been subbed out for Danny Williams in an attempt to plug up that defensive hole in midfield. Immediately Williams is pitched into defending as Brazil come forward again and Marcelo drills a dangerous looking cross across the face of goal. A blue shirt gets it clear, but the US remain on the back foot. | 38 mins: Hmmm. This is rather embarrassing for Bedoya — he’s just been subbed out for Danny Williams in an attempt to plug up that defensive hole in midfield. Immediately Williams is pitched into defending as Brazil come forward again and Marcelo drills a dangerous looking cross across the face of goal. A blue shirt gets it clear, but the US remain on the back foot. |
| 2.17am BST02:17 | 2.17am BST02:17 |
| 36 mins: Chance! Great work by Fabinho down the right as he beats Ream on that side of the box before hooking a tightly angled shot over Guzan, only to see it cleared just in front of the line by Orozco hooking clear. | 36 mins: Chance! Great work by Fabinho down the right as he beats Ream on that side of the box before hooking a tightly angled shot over Guzan, only to see it cleared just in front of the line by Orozco hooking clear. |
| Free kick for USA wide left now, and they pack men into the box, only for Bradley to fire his attempted cross to the back post high and wide with Altidore looking for it. | Free kick for USA wide left now, and they pack men into the box, only for Bradley to fire his attempted cross to the back post high and wide with Altidore looking for it. |
| 2.15am BST02:15 | 2.15am BST02:15 |
| 34 mins: ...Brazil patiently scurrying around looking for openings, but Bedoya gets a decent interception in on one attempted defense-splitter, which will boost his confidence a little. The USA can’t get the ball back for the moment though — at least until Marcelo tries to get too cute with a disguised through ball that successfully evades all his team mates on the way through. | 34 mins: ...Brazil patiently scurrying around looking for openings, but Bedoya gets a decent interception in on one attempted defense-splitter, which will boost his confidence a little. The USA can’t get the ball back for the moment though — at least until Marcelo tries to get too cute with a disguised through ball that successfully evades all his team mates on the way through. |
| 2.13am BST02:13 | 2.13am BST02:13 |
| 32 mins: It’s not a masterclass exactly from Brazil, but it’s a hard-working performance which is pressing the USA during their few periods of possession. Cameron’s one of the few US players to look unfazed by that and he cuts inside looking for the telling pass, but only succeeds in starting a Brazil counter-attack with the right back now out of position. It slows and he gets back, but Brazil remain in possession in the US half... | 32 mins: It’s not a masterclass exactly from Brazil, but it’s a hard-working performance which is pressing the USA during their few periods of possession. Cameron’s one of the few US players to look unfazed by that and he cuts inside looking for the telling pass, but only succeeds in starting a Brazil counter-attack with the right back now out of position. It slows and he gets back, but Brazil remain in possession in the US half... |
| 2.10am BST02:10 | 2.10am BST02:10 |
| 30 mins: Willian races forward again, and feeds Hulk, but his touch on the edge of the box is poor. At least he had a touch. Altidore’s been marked out of the game after a promising start. | 30 mins: Willian races forward again, and feeds Hulk, but his touch on the edge of the box is poor. At least he had a touch. Altidore’s been marked out of the game after a promising start. |
| 2.08am BST02:08 | 2.08am BST02:08 |
| 28 mins: Another Cameron flick to Yedlin who gets the ball inside the box for Bradley. He runs away from goal to make an angle for a shot, but can’t get any powere behind it. Another decent spark from Yedlin though. | 28 mins: Another Cameron flick to Yedlin who gets the ball inside the box for Bradley. He runs away from goal to make an angle for a shot, but can’t get any powere behind it. Another decent spark from Yedlin though. |
| 2.07am BST02:07 | 2.07am BST02:07 |
| 26 mins: Nice improvized flick clear from Ream as he cuts out a ball over the top. He’s been solid again so far. | 26 mins: Nice improvized flick clear from Ream as he cuts out a ball over the top. He’s been solid again so far. |
| At the other end Yedlin and Marcelo sprint after a through ball that the Brazilian gets to first, but now it’s Brazil coming forward again and the lively Douglas Costa, sporting a mouthful of cotton wool to mop up some blood from a cut, almost cuts the US defense open again with his speed. His final shot doesn’t test Guzan however. | At the other end Yedlin and Marcelo sprint after a through ball that the Brazilian gets to first, but now it’s Brazil coming forward again and the lively Douglas Costa, sporting a mouthful of cotton wool to mop up some blood from a cut, almost cuts the US defense open again with his speed. His final shot doesn’t test Guzan however. |
| 2.05am BST02:05 | 2.05am BST02:05 |
| 24 mins: The USA are being really tested through the midfield as Brazil just seem to be running past them at will — particularly Willian. Bedoya lost him in the build up to the goal. Twitter is worried: | 24 mins: The USA are being really tested through the midfield as Brazil just seem to be running past them at will — particularly Willian. Bedoya lost him in the build up to the goal. Twitter is worried: |
| @KidWeil we're at sixes and sevens at the back. It'll be a victory just to get to the half with this scoreline | @KidWeil we're at sixes and sevens at the back. It'll be a victory just to get to the half with this scoreline |
| 2.03am BST02:03 | 2.03am BST02:03 |
| 22 mins: Brazil warming up Marquinhos. Miranda was also treated before that last break in play and it looks like he can’t continue. | 22 mins: Brazil warming up Marquinhos. Miranda was also treated before that last break in play and it looks like he can’t continue. |
| Suddenly Guzan has to come off his line at pace, as Douglas Costa looks to race through one-on-one. It turns out he’s offside, but Guzan didn’t know that as he raced to the edge of his box to smother the ball. | Suddenly Guzan has to come off his line at pace, as Douglas Costa looks to race through one-on-one. It turns out he’s offside, but Guzan didn’t know that as he raced to the edge of his box to smother the ball. |
| 2.01am BST02:01 | 2.01am BST02:01 |
| 20 mins: Alvarado has to get up in the box to deal with a cross after yet another run from the irrepressible Willian. | 20 mins: Alvarado has to get up in the box to deal with a cross after yet another run from the irrepressible Willian. |
| Still USA 0-1 Brazil. | Still USA 0-1 Brazil. |
| 2.00am BST02:00 | 2.00am BST02:00 |
| 18 mins: We have a break in play for an injury to Douglas Costa right now, which gives us a chance to consider this rather sly email from Robert Green: | 18 mins: We have a break in play for an injury to Douglas Costa right now, which gives us a chance to consider this rather sly email from Robert Green: |
| “As per with too many American soccer games, this field is shit. It looks good, but it’s not. That’s what you get when you use a pitch that’s primarily prepared for another sport-- in this case the NFL. The ball is behaving like it’s not pumped up because the grass is obviously too long. Shame!” | “As per with too many American soccer games, this field is shit. It looks good, but it’s not. That’s what you get when you use a pitch that’s primarily prepared for another sport-- in this case the NFL. The ball is behaving like it’s not pumped up because the grass is obviously too long. Shame!” |
| Yeah...today’s maybe not the day to bring up the NFL and their relationship with the normal inhabitants of this field, the New England Patriots... | Yeah...today’s maybe not the day to bring up the NFL and their relationship with the normal inhabitants of this field, the New England Patriots... |
| OK, moving swiftly on. We’re back underway | OK, moving swiftly on. We’re back underway |
| 1.56am BST01:56 | 1.56am BST01:56 |
| 16 mins: Brazil looking very confident in the opening stages as the USA’s midfield is failing to protect the latest version of their back line. But there have been one or two notes of encouragement for the USA, especially in Altidore’s hold up play. | 16 mins: Brazil looking very confident in the opening stages as the USA’s midfield is failing to protect the latest version of their back line. But there have been one or two notes of encouragement for the USA, especially in Altidore’s hold up play. |
| Of course as I type that, the US see an attack end prematurely through a poor Michael Bradley pass that was rather telegraphed from the edge of the D. | Of course as I type that, the US see an attack end prematurely through a poor Michael Bradley pass that was rather telegraphed from the edge of the D. |
| 1.54am BST01:54 | 1.54am BST01:54 |
| 14 mins: Decent chance for the USA there as they suddenly surge through the gears. Cameron flicks the ball down the line for the advancing Yedlin, who sprints into space to lash a low cross into the six yard box for Altidore to attack with a shot at the near post. He can’t quite get hold of it well enough to trouble the keeper but Brazil were stretched there, and Yedlin’s pace and Cameron’s vision caused problems. | 14 mins: Decent chance for the USA there as they suddenly surge through the gears. Cameron flicks the ball down the line for the advancing Yedlin, who sprints into space to lash a low cross into the six yard box for Altidore to attack with a shot at the near post. He can’t quite get hold of it well enough to trouble the keeper but Brazil were stretched there, and Yedlin’s pace and Cameron’s vision caused problems. |
| 1.52am BST01:52 | 1.52am BST01:52 |
| 12 mins: Willian again stretching the US defense as he wriggles into space on the edge of the box and just sees his slipped pass cut out again. He’s had a great start to the game. He’s been helped by some slack US marking however. | 12 mins: Willian again stretching the US defense as he wriggles into space on the edge of the box and just sees his slipped pass cut out again. He’s had a great start to the game. He’s been helped by some slack US marking however. |
| 1.51am BST01:51 | 1.51am BST01:51 |
| GOAL! USA 0-1 (HULK!) | GOAL! USA 0-1 (HULK!) |
| Miranda joins in the long ball festival as he too floats another one aimlessly towards Guzan’s goal. It’s cleared, but... | Miranda joins in the long ball festival as he too floats another one aimlessly towards Guzan’s goal. It’s cleared, but... |
| ...Willian barrels into the right of the box past Bedoya and floats an apparent cross over Guzan, only for it to rebound back off the inside of the post. Hulk is the quickest to react and he smacks home the rebound from the edge of the six yard box to score at around the same time as he did against Costa rica on Friday night. | ...Willian barrels into the right of the box past Bedoya and floats an apparent cross over Guzan, only for it to rebound back off the inside of the post. Hulk is the quickest to react and he smacks home the rebound from the edge of the six yard box to score at around the same time as he did against Costa rica on Friday night. |
| Updated at 1.52am BST | Updated at 1.52am BST |
| 1.48am BST01:48 | 1.48am BST01:48 |
| 8 mins: USA trying to build from the back and then stop bothering with all that as Jones boots a long ball forward for Altidore again. It’s too long though and Marcelo Grohe gathers easily. | 8 mins: USA trying to build from the back and then stop bothering with all that as Jones boots a long ball forward for Altidore again. It’s too long though and Marcelo Grohe gathers easily. |
| Alvarado has to step up quickly there as Marcelo tries to slip the ball inside the box to set Hulk free. Decent reading by the center back. | Alvarado has to step up quickly there as Marcelo tries to slip the ball inside the box to set Hulk free. Decent reading by the center back. |
| 1.46am BST01:46 | 1.46am BST01:46 |
| 6 mins: Bradley has had a couple of lively darts early on without quite finding Altidore with the final pass, though there was half a chance there that eventually saw Altidore crowded out on the edge of the box. Zardes shows up for the first time wide left now, but he can’t keep the ball in play as he looks to get past Fabinho. | 6 mins: Bradley has had a couple of lively darts early on without quite finding Altidore with the final pass, though there was half a chance there that eventually saw Altidore crowded out on the edge of the box. Zardes shows up for the first time wide left now, but he can’t keep the ball in play as he looks to get past Fabinho. |
| Now there’s some dangerous looking Brazil build up in the final third, but it ends with a disappointing hoof into the crowd from distance by Marcelo. | Now there’s some dangerous looking Brazil build up in the final third, but it ends with a disappointing hoof into the crowd from distance by Marcelo. |
| 1.44am BST01:44 | 1.44am BST01:44 |
| 4 mins: Douglas Costa gets forward down the left at pace, but his cutback from just inside the box is cut out. He gets another look, and then so does Lima, but the move breaks down on the edge of the box and briefly the break is on. Yedlin has a poor touch off Altidore’s hold up play though, and even though the US pick up a free kick when play is called back for a foul on Altidore, the chance has gone. | 4 mins: Douglas Costa gets forward down the left at pace, but his cutback from just inside the box is cut out. He gets another look, and then so does Lima, but the move breaks down on the edge of the box and briefly the break is on. Yedlin has a poor touch off Altidore’s hold up play though, and even though the US pick up a free kick when play is called back for a foul on Altidore, the chance has gone. |
| 1.42am BST01:42 | 1.42am BST01:42 |
| 2 mins : Brazil spray the ball around a bit early then a ball is floated over the top looking for Hulk but it’s easily cut out and the US come foreard for the first time. Now its Jones with the long ball looking for Altidore. He finds him but the striker’s subsequent pass is astray. | 2 mins : Brazil spray the ball around a bit early then a ball is floated over the top looking for Hulk but it’s easily cut out and the US come foreard for the first time. Now its Jones with the long ball looking for Altidore. He finds him but the striker’s subsequent pass is astray. |
| Updated at 1.44am BST | Updated at 1.44am BST |
| 1.40am BST01:40 | 1.40am BST01:40 |
| Kick Off | Kick Off |
| Peep! We’re underway — Brazil kick off. | Peep! We’re underway — Brazil kick off. |
| Peter Oh likes Klinsmann’s media style: | Peter Oh likes Klinsmann’s media style: |
| “I’m pleased to read that Klinsmann struck the perfect balance between confidence and respect with his “I know who Neymar is but let’s give it a shot” zinger. If he were Maradona, he would certainly have thrown up his hands in mock ignorance and asked “WHO IS NEYMAR?!” A class act, that man. Klinsmann, I mean.”Who is Klinsmann? | “I’m pleased to read that Klinsmann struck the perfect balance between confidence and respect with his “I know who Neymar is but let’s give it a shot” zinger. If he were Maradona, he would certainly have thrown up his hands in mock ignorance and asked “WHO IS NEYMAR?!” A class act, that man. Klinsmann, I mean.”Who is Klinsmann? |
| 1.38am BST01:38 | 1.38am BST01:38 |
| Anthems | Anthems |
| Brazil team looking very subdued during the playing of their anthem — almost deliberately so (I think they may have seen the gifs...). A lot of yellow jerseys dotted around the stadium, by the way.The US anthem is then belted out in cheerfully off-key, off tempo style by the USA fans. Flags are waved, “USA! USA! USA!” etc. | Brazil team looking very subdued during the playing of their anthem — almost deliberately so (I think they may have seen the gifs...). A lot of yellow jerseys dotted around the stadium, by the way.The US anthem is then belted out in cheerfully off-key, off tempo style by the USA fans. Flags are waved, “USA! USA! USA!” etc. |
| 1.33am BST01:33 | 1.33am BST01:33 |
| Montage time | Montage time |
| Never mind the anthems, it’s music-plus-rapid-fire-editing time on the big screens, as the teams head out of the tunnel, with Jermaine Jones bringing up the rear, firmly grasping the hand of a slightly startled looking mascot. And we’ll have another pause before kick off as Michael Bradley is honored for making 100 appearances for the USA. | Never mind the anthems, it’s music-plus-rapid-fire-editing time on the big screens, as the teams head out of the tunnel, with Jermaine Jones bringing up the rear, firmly grasping the hand of a slightly startled looking mascot. And we’ll have another pause before kick off as Michael Bradley is honored for making 100 appearances for the USA. |
| 1.25am BST01:25 | 1.25am BST01:25 |
| It’s hot | It’s hot |
| It’s very hot all over the North East of the US right now, so even this late in the evening (it’s after 8pm locally) the stifling heat may well be a factor. | It’s very hot all over the North East of the US right now, so even this late in the evening (it’s after 8pm locally) the stifling heat may well be a factor. |
| “I know who Brazil is. I know who Neymar is. But let’s give it a shot,” roars Klinsmann in a pregame interview with ESPN’s Taylor Twellman. He may not know that Neymar is out of the team tonight, though. | “I know who Brazil is. I know who Neymar is. But let’s give it a shot,” roars Klinsmann in a pregame interview with ESPN’s Taylor Twellman. He may not know that Neymar is out of the team tonight, though. |
| 1.17am BST01:17 | 1.17am BST01:17 |
| Kick off coming soon | Kick off coming soon |
| In the meantime why not check in with Bryan Graham, who’s in Flushing, New York to watch the Williams sisters play each other in the US Open. | In the meantime why not check in with Bryan Graham, who’s in Flushing, New York to watch the Williams sisters play each other in the US Open. |
| And then come back. Because I’m optimistic too. | And then come back. Because I’m optimistic too. |
| Updated at 1.18am BST | Updated at 1.18am BST |
| 1.14am BST01:14 | 1.14am BST01:14 |
| Some optimism | Some optimism |
| @KidWeil I'm optimistic - I predict a 2-1 victory for the #USMNT. Altidore's performance will be key | @KidWeil I'm optimistic - I predict a 2-1 victory for the #USMNT. Altidore's performance will be key |
| John has also detailed a complex drinking game involving Aron Johannsson coming off the bench and scoring three. He’s optimistic, you see. | John has also detailed a complex drinking game involving Aron Johannsson coming off the bench and scoring three. He’s optimistic, you see. |
| 1.12am BST01:12 | 1.12am BST01:12 |
| Twitter drinks | Twitter drinks |
| Daniel Stauss emails in, while gesturing elaborately and grabbing the collar of anyone who’ll listen: | Daniel Stauss emails in, while gesturing elaborately and grabbing the collar of anyone who’ll listen: |
| “Line-up consistency and team chemistry are for suckers. Here’s hoping Jurgen plays Tim Howard as a lone striker, with Bradley in goal and Dempsey at left back.” | “Line-up consistency and team chemistry are for suckers. Here’s hoping Jurgen plays Tim Howard as a lone striker, with Bradley in goal and Dempsey at left back.” |
| I believe he did that against Ireland last year, Daniel, but given Howard’s recent sabbatical, he’ll have to earn back the starting striker spot... | I believe he did that against Ireland last year, Daniel, but given Howard’s recent sabbatical, he’ll have to earn back the starting striker spot... |
| 1.08am BST01:08 | 1.08am BST01:08 |
| Team news | Team news |
| USA: Guzan; Cameron, Orozco, Alvarado, Ream; Jones, Bedoya; Yedlin, Bradley ©, Zardes; Altidore | USA: Guzan; Cameron, Orozco, Alvarado, Ream; Jones, Bedoya; Yedlin, Bradley ©, Zardes; Altidore |
| Brazil: Grohe; Marcelo, Luiz, Miranda, Fabinho; Elias, Luis Gustavo, Douglas Costa, Lucas Lima, Willian; Hulk | Brazil: Grohe; Marcelo, Luiz, Miranda, Fabinho; Elias, Luis Gustavo, Douglas Costa, Lucas Lima, Willian; Hulk |
| Some late worries for Brazil about Kaka’s fitness seem to have passed, though he doesn’t start tonight — sitting on the bench along with Neymar, with Hulk again starting up front in a 4-2-3-1. | Some late worries for Brazil about Kaka’s fitness seem to have passed, though he doesn’t start tonight — sitting on the bench along with Neymar, with Hulk again starting up front in a 4-2-3-1. |
| The USA go with yet another center back pairing in Alvarado and Orozco, while in front of them it looks like Bedoya is being asked to play the role alongside Jones at the base of midfield, while the speedsters of Yedlin and Zardes get another start out side, and Bradley slots in as playmaker underneath Altidore. Altidore got two goals the other night as captain, but gives the armband back to his Toronto team mate tonight. | The USA go with yet another center back pairing in Alvarado and Orozco, while in front of them it looks like Bedoya is being asked to play the role alongside Jones at the base of midfield, while the speedsters of Yedlin and Zardes get another start out side, and Bradley slots in as playmaker underneath Altidore. Altidore got two goals the other night as captain, but gives the armband back to his Toronto team mate tonight. |
| 1.05am BST01:05 | 1.05am BST01:05 |
| Twitter speculates | Twitter speculates |
| @KidWeil what'll the game-narrative be? Late collapse, like post-WC, or furious fightback after looking crap, like recently? | @KidWeil what'll the game-narrative be? Late collapse, like post-WC, or furious fightback after looking crap, like recently? |
| I think the late collapses seem to be mercifully subsiding now Chris, but the pattern of the team making it difficult for themselves seems to be taking its place. As to your second point... | I think the late collapses seem to be mercifully subsiding now Chris, but the pattern of the team making it difficult for themselves seems to be taking its place. As to your second point... |
| @KidWeil more seriously, I'd like to see a lineup that keeps a BIT of consistency regarding positions so players can get used to each other. | @KidWeil more seriously, I'd like to see a lineup that keeps a BIT of consistency regarding positions so players can get used to each other. |
| ...yep. Klinsmann does like to tinker with individual spots on the field, which rather makes a nonsense of some of the “benchmark” discussions — what version of the US team are we supposed to be comparing? | ...yep. Klinsmann does like to tinker with individual spots on the field, which rather makes a nonsense of some of the “benchmark” discussions — what version of the US team are we supposed to be comparing? |
| 1.03am BST01:03 | 1.03am BST01:03 |
| Twitter stirs | Twitter stirs |
| @KidWeil how many CBs can Jurgen start? | @KidWeil how many CBs can Jurgen start? |
| Ben has pointed out the rather salient fact that this is one big center back heavy roster from Klinsmann, with most of his defenders natural center backs who may have experience as full backs at their clubs (Tim Ream and Geoff Cameron stand out) but who are generally much more used to the middle. Ream had a solid game against Peru, but it’ll be interesting to see not just how the wide play works out in this game, but how the back four in general manage to gel. | Ben has pointed out the rather salient fact that this is one big center back heavy roster from Klinsmann, with most of his defenders natural center backs who may have experience as full backs at their clubs (Tim Ream and Geoff Cameron stand out) but who are generally much more used to the middle. Ream had a solid game against Peru, but it’ll be interesting to see not just how the wide play works out in this game, but how the back four in general manage to gel. |
| In that regard too, watch for how well Jermaine Jones protects the back four — he’s been played as a central defender at times by Klinsmann in the post-World Cup experimental period, but the holy grail would appear to be finding a way for him and Bradley to play together at the base of the midfield and work out how to complement each other’s different types of attacking instincts while remembering defensive duties. On that note, Jones began to shed his reputation as a yellow card machine in the lead up to the World Cup, but it wasn’t until Kyle Beckerman was inserted as an anchor in midfield alongside him that Jones truly began to find his best form in the team. Can he sustain a more disciplined brief in the next couple of games? | In that regard too, watch for how well Jermaine Jones protects the back four — he’s been played as a central defender at times by Klinsmann in the post-World Cup experimental period, but the holy grail would appear to be finding a way for him and Bradley to play together at the base of the midfield and work out how to complement each other’s different types of attacking instincts while remembering defensive duties. On that note, Jones began to shed his reputation as a yellow card machine in the lead up to the World Cup, but it wasn’t until Kyle Beckerman was inserted as an anchor in midfield alongside him that Jones truly began to find his best form in the team. Can he sustain a more disciplined brief in the next couple of games? |
| 12.58am BST00:58 | 12.58am BST00:58 |
| Brazil | Brazil |
| Brazil enter the second game of their brief US tour on the back of that 1-0 win over Costa Rica at the weekend. Hulk got the only goal after ten minutes and Brazil generally worked the Costa Rican goalkeeper Patrick Pemberton all night. | Brazil enter the second game of their brief US tour on the back of that 1-0 win over Costa Rica at the weekend. Hulk got the only goal after ten minutes and Brazil generally worked the Costa Rican goalkeeper Patrick Pemberton all night. |
| It’s a solid roster for the series too - though star power was in slightly short supply until late in the evening against Costa Rica, with Neymar not making an appearance until the 82nd minute, though there was a longer run out for Kaká — who came on to a big ovation from the crowd. | It’s a solid roster for the series too - though star power was in slightly short supply until late in the evening against Costa Rica, with Neymar not making an appearance until the 82nd minute, though there was a longer run out for Kaká — who came on to a big ovation from the crowd. |
| The Orlando City player may want to prove a point on what’s now home soil tonight — certainly that was the case when he put in an MVP performance in the MLS All-Star game against Tottenham last month. Still it’s pretty clear that there’s one man most of the crowd in Boston really want to see — | The Orlando City player may want to prove a point on what’s now home soil tonight — certainly that was the case when he put in an MVP performance in the MLS All-Star game against Tottenham last month. Still it’s pretty clear that there’s one man most of the crowd in Boston really want to see — |
| David Luiz | David Luiz |
| Neymar. | Neymar. |
| And it’s still a sticking point for Dunga’s Brazil — the reliance on the brilliance of Neymar has still not been eclipsed by the coach’s emphasis on discipline and collective responsibility. Still, he seemed happy enough with how the last game went: | And it’s still a sticking point for Dunga’s Brazil — the reliance on the brilliance of Neymar has still not been eclipsed by the coach’s emphasis on discipline and collective responsibility. Still, he seemed happy enough with how the last game went: |
| “Lot of things we practiced in training came out well and we can do them even better. I liked how this team performed. We created a lot of chances. We would have liked to score more goals, but a lot of times in soccer, one is enough.” | “Lot of things we practiced in training came out well and we can do them even better. I liked how this team performed. We created a lot of chances. We would have liked to score more goals, but a lot of times in soccer, one is enough.” |
| At this point it’s tempting to point out that there are time in soccer when “one is not enough”, such as the moments when your opponents score seven — though perhaps that is a point better made to Phil Scolari... | At this point it’s tempting to point out that there are time in soccer when “one is not enough”, such as the moments when your opponents score seven — though perhaps that is a point better made to Phil Scolari... |
| GOALKEEPERS (3): Jefferson (Botafogo), Marcelo Grohe (Gremio), Alisson (Internacional)DEFENDERS (8): David Luiz (PSG), Marquinhos (PSG), Miranda (Inter Milan), Gabriel Paulista (Arsenal), Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Filipe Luiz (Atletico Madrid), Danilo (Real Madrid), Douglas Santos (Atlético Mineiro) | GOALKEEPERS (3): Jefferson (Botafogo), Marcelo Grohe (Gremio), Alisson (Internacional)DEFENDERS (8): David Luiz (PSG), Marquinhos (PSG), Miranda (Inter Milan), Gabriel Paulista (Arsenal), Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Filipe Luiz (Atletico Madrid), Danilo (Real Madrid), Douglas Santos (Atlético Mineiro) |
| MIDFIELDERS (9): Luis Gustavo (Wolfsburg), Fernandinho (Manchester City), Elias (Corinthians), Ramirez (Chelsea), Oscar (Chelsea), Firmino (Liverpool), Willian (Chelsea), Kaká (Orlando City SC), Lucas Lima (Santos) | MIDFIELDERS (9): Luis Gustavo (Wolfsburg), Fernandinho (Manchester City), Elias (Corinthians), Ramirez (Chelsea), Oscar (Chelsea), Firmino (Liverpool), Willian (Chelsea), Kaká (Orlando City SC), Lucas Lima (Santos) |
| FORWARDS (4): Neymar (Barcelona), Lucas (PSG), Hulk (Zenit St. Petersburg), Douglas Costa (Bayern Munich) | FORWARDS (4): Neymar (Barcelona), Lucas (PSG), Hulk (Zenit St. Petersburg), Douglas Costa (Bayern Munich) |
| Updated at 1.18am BST | Updated at 1.18am BST |
| 12.52am BST00:52 | 12.52am BST00:52 |
| USA | USA |
| Jürgen Klinsmann has found himself under a little pressure this last month or so, since the Gold Cup disappointment, and hardly helped himself with some remarks that sounded a little condescending (because they were a little condescending) about some USA fans not understanding the nuances of what they were seeing when the USA lost 2-1 to Jamaica in the Gold Cup semis. | Jürgen Klinsmann has found himself under a little pressure this last month or so, since the Gold Cup disappointment, and hardly helped himself with some remarks that sounded a little condescending (because they were a little condescending) about some USA fans not understanding the nuances of what they were seeing when the USA lost 2-1 to Jamaica in the Gold Cup semis. |
| What said fans were expected to make of “50 Shades of 2-1 defeat” I’m not sure, but it seemed to fit in with the rather tricky pattern of Klinsmann’s reign, where the “benchmarking” of his own performance is constantly deferred because of the bigger picture. Now he faces an elimination game against Mexico for the Confederations Cup spot in Russia in 2017, which in the context of Klinsmann’s preferred preparations for the World Cup (giving his side competitive experience in the host nation), along with the regional bragging rights, and general sense of failure about the Gold Cup campaign, has suddenly become a much bigger game than he’d like to be focused on right now. | What said fans were expected to make of “50 Shades of 2-1 defeat” I’m not sure, but it seemed to fit in with the rather tricky pattern of Klinsmann’s reign, where the “benchmarking” of his own performance is constantly deferred because of the bigger picture. Now he faces an elimination game against Mexico for the Confederations Cup spot in Russia in 2017, which in the context of Klinsmann’s preferred preparations for the World Cup (giving his side competitive experience in the host nation), along with the regional bragging rights, and general sense of failure about the Gold Cup campaign, has suddenly become a much bigger game than he’d like to be focused on right now. |
| Certainly Klinsmann would rather be wearing his technical director’s hat right now and turning his attention to the Olympic qualifying campaign that forms another branch of his ideal preparations for 2018, instead of thinking about banana skins for the first team, but it’s the nature of his dual job description that he’s going to sometimes find himself fighting on multiple fronts. | Certainly Klinsmann would rather be wearing his technical director’s hat right now and turning his attention to the Olympic qualifying campaign that forms another branch of his ideal preparations for 2018, instead of thinking about banana skins for the first team, but it’s the nature of his dual job description that he’s going to sometimes find himself fighting on multiple fronts. |
| Speaking of which, there’s been an interesting set of selections on the immediate home front as Klinsmann juggles his MLS players through this international window. Clint Dempsey has been left with Seattle to fully recover from injury in time to face Mexico; Bradley of course has come into the squad after playing for Toronto at the weekend, while his team mate Jozy Altidore played for the national team as captain; and Matt Besler, whose personal stock had fallen in the wake of the World Cup, did his reputation no harm with a cameo against Peru, but now returns to Sporting Kansas City to play a midweek game for them. | Speaking of which, there’s been an interesting set of selections on the immediate home front as Klinsmann juggles his MLS players through this international window. Clint Dempsey has been left with Seattle to fully recover from injury in time to face Mexico; Bradley of course has come into the squad after playing for Toronto at the weekend, while his team mate Jozy Altidore played for the national team as captain; and Matt Besler, whose personal stock had fallen in the wake of the World Cup, did his reputation no harm with a cameo against Peru, but now returns to Sporting Kansas City to play a midweek game for them. |
| There may be some scrutiny on Besler’s erstwhile defensive partner Omar Gonzalez — another defender whose personal stick took a tumble after the World Cup, and who had a patchy half of football against Peru — bearing a lot of the blame for failing to step up on the Peruvian goal. He can expect an even tougher time if he sees the field tonight. | There may be some scrutiny on Besler’s erstwhile defensive partner Omar Gonzalez — another defender whose personal stick took a tumble after the World Cup, and who had a patchy half of football against Peru — bearing a lot of the blame for failing to step up on the Peruvian goal. He can expect an even tougher time if he sees the field tonight. |
| GOALKEEPERS (3) : Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Tim Howard (Everton), Sean Johnson (Chicago Fire) | GOALKEEPERS (3) : Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Tim Howard (Everton), Sean Johnson (Chicago Fire) |
| DEFENDERS (8) : Ventura Alvarado (Club America), John Brooks (Hertha Berlin), Geoff Cameron (Stoke City), Greg Garza (Atlas), Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy), Michael Orozco (Club Tijuana), Tim Ream (Fulham), Jonathan Spector (Birmingham City) | DEFENDERS (8) : Ventura Alvarado (Club America), John Brooks (Hertha Berlin), Geoff Cameron (Stoke City), Greg Garza (Atlas), Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy), Michael Orozco (Club Tijuana), Tim Ream (Fulham), Jonathan Spector (Birmingham City) |
| MIDFIELDERS (8) : Alejandro Bedoya (Nantes), Michael Bradley (Toronto FC), Joe Corona (Veracruz), Mix Diskerud (New York City FC), Jermaine Jones (New England Revolution), Alfredo Morales (FC Ingolstadt), Danny Williams (Reading), DeAndre Yedlin (Sunderland) | MIDFIELDERS (8) : Alejandro Bedoya (Nantes), Michael Bradley (Toronto FC), Joe Corona (Veracruz), Mix Diskerud (New York City FC), Jermaine Jones (New England Revolution), Alfredo Morales (FC Ingolstadt), Danny Williams (Reading), DeAndre Yedlin (Sunderland) |
| FORWARDS (6) : Jozy Altidore (Toronto FC), Aron Johannsson (Werder Bremen), Bobby Wood (Union Berlin), Jordan Morris (Stanford), Andrew Wooten (SV Sandhausen), Gyasi Zardes (LA Galaxy) | FORWARDS (6) : Jozy Altidore (Toronto FC), Aron Johannsson (Werder Bremen), Bobby Wood (Union Berlin), Jordan Morris (Stanford), Andrew Wooten (SV Sandhausen), Gyasi Zardes (LA Galaxy) |
| 12.44am BST00:44 | 12.44am BST00:44 |
| PreambleGood evening and welcome to USA vs Brazil — aka “a wonderful benchmark” (© Jürgen Klinsmann). | PreambleGood evening and welcome to USA vs Brazil — aka “a wonderful benchmark” (© Jürgen Klinsmann). |
| Klinsmann’s USA team made a start on repairing its reputation after the Gold Cup with a 2-1 win over Peru on Friday night, and now, with the Mexico playoff for the Confederations Cup spot looming next month, the US take on a Brazil team on something of a reconstruction mission of their own. | Klinsmann’s USA team made a start on repairing its reputation after the Gold Cup with a 2-1 win over Peru on Friday night, and now, with the Mexico playoff for the Confederations Cup spot looming next month, the US take on a Brazil team on something of a reconstruction mission of their own. |
| Brazil may be the only team with a more embarrassing fourth place tournament finish than the USA in recent memory, and they have not exactly set the world on fire in trying to recover from the World Cup debacle. They did beat Costa Rica 1-0 at Red Bull Arena at the weekend though, and while that scoreline might suggest it wasn’t scintillating fare, Brazil did outshoot the Ticos 16-1 on the night, to slightly alter the reputation for dour pragmatism under head coach Dunga. | Brazil may be the only team with a more embarrassing fourth place tournament finish than the USA in recent memory, and they have not exactly set the world on fire in trying to recover from the World Cup debacle. They did beat Costa Rica 1-0 at Red Bull Arena at the weekend though, and while that scoreline might suggest it wasn’t scintillating fare, Brazil did outshoot the Ticos 16-1 on the night, to slightly alter the reputation for dour pragmatism under head coach Dunga. |
| Brazil do look a little more solid defensively these days, though if they fancy “benchmarking” themselves against the USA team in that regard they might feel positively upbeat — Klinsmann is still tinkering with a backline that currently lacks experience and favored personnel, and the Peru game showed some mixed results in that regard. Both sides may feel attack is the best form of defense tonight — let’s hope so. I like typing things in bold, such as GOAL!, PENALTY! and LUIZPERM! | Brazil do look a little more solid defensively these days, though if they fancy “benchmarking” themselves against the USA team in that regard they might feel positively upbeat — Klinsmann is still tinkering with a backline that currently lacks experience and favored personnel, and the Peru game showed some mixed results in that regard. Both sides may feel attack is the best form of defense tonight — let’s hope so. I like typing things in bold, such as GOAL!, PENALTY! and LUIZPERM! |
| The US have a few personnel changes even since Friday night — with perhaps the most noteworthy being the return of Michael Bradley from club duty. How he slots in alongside Jermaine Jones, probably at the base of the midfield, should set a lot of the tone for the USA’s performance this evening. Jones grew into Friday’s game while still showing some signs of ring-rustiness after his injury layoff, but this will be a much sterner test. | The US have a few personnel changes even since Friday night — with perhaps the most noteworthy being the return of Michael Bradley from club duty. How he slots in alongside Jermaine Jones, probably at the base of the midfield, should set a lot of the tone for the USA’s performance this evening. Jones grew into Friday’s game while still showing some signs of ring-rustiness after his injury layoff, but this will be a much sterner test. |
| Anyway, I’ll be back with a little more build up and team news shortly. In the meantime send your tweets to @KidWeil, your emails to graham.parker@theguardian.com, and your air conditioners c/o The Guardian, with predictions, musings, and appropriate benchmarks for overheated liveblogs. | Anyway, I’ll be back with a little more build up and team news shortly. In the meantime send your tweets to @KidWeil, your emails to graham.parker@theguardian.com, and your air conditioners c/o The Guardian, with predictions, musings, and appropriate benchmarks for overheated liveblogs. |
| 5.21pm BST17:21 | 5.21pm BST17:21 |
| Graham will be here shortly, in the meantime here’s news of a worthy cause in football: | Graham will be here shortly, in the meantime here’s news of a worthy cause in football: |
| The Roma president, Jim Pallotta, first saw the photo that moved the world on the front of his newspaper last week and his heart dropped. | The Roma president, Jim Pallotta, first saw the photo that moved the world on the front of his newspaper last week and his heart dropped. |
| “To see a three-year-old boy lying [dead] on the beach you just say ‘enough is enough,’” Pallotta said on Tuesday morning from his office in Boston. “If you can’t get affected by that then you can’t get affected by anything.” | “To see a three-year-old boy lying [dead] on the beach you just say ‘enough is enough,’” Pallotta said on Tuesday morning from his office in Boston. “If you can’t get affected by that then you can’t get affected by anything.” |
| Instantly he knew Roma needed to do something to help as refugees fled war in the Middle East, seeking safety in Europe. Discussions with team officials led to an idea: What if football could unite to bring money and support to people arriving in Europe with nothing? They put together a global fundraising effort called “Football Cares” which they hope can bring football teams and leagues into a single organization to collect money for charities working directly with refugees. | Instantly he knew Roma needed to do something to help as refugees fled war in the Middle East, seeking safety in Europe. Discussions with team officials led to an idea: What if football could unite to bring money and support to people arriving in Europe with nothing? They put together a global fundraising effort called “Football Cares” which they hope can bring football teams and leagues into a single organization to collect money for charities working directly with refugees. |
| Click here for the full story. | Click here for the full story. |