The United States Men’s National Team look to regroup tomorrow night when they take on Brazil in Orlando. It is their final friendly before they open up in the group stage of Copa América later this month.
The USMNT have to have a better showing than they did over the weekend, where they lost to Colombia in a 5-1 demolition that has fans concerned. Adding to that concern is Brazil coming to town, who have a lineup that makes any team on the planet second guess themselves. The United States have to show that they can compete with teams like this, so after failing the test over the weekend, they have another chance to be successful.
Latest Form
USA
L (1-5) – Colombia – Friendly
W (2-0) – Mexico – Concacaf Nations League Final
W (3-1 AET) – Jamaica – Concacaf Nations League Semifinals
L (0-1) – Slovenia – Friendly
L (1-2) – Trinidad & Tobago – Concacaf Nations League Quarterfinals
Brazil
W (3-2) – Mexico – Friendly
D (3-3) – Spain – Friendly
W (1-0) – England – Friendly
L (0-1) – Argentina – World Cup Qualifying
L (1-2) – Colombia – World Cup Qualifying
What To Watch For
Don’t get lost in the aura. Brazil stepping onto a field will make some of the best players on the planet stare in awe. Of course, that’s when Brazil will try to get past you to score a memorable goal. The USMNT can’t get caught up in the aura of Brazil’s majestry. They need to focus and play.
Show tenacity. Teams that go right at Brazil and try to punch them in the mouth are generally more successful than those who fall back and let Brazil’s game come to them. Show some tenacity and heart, and maybe you can steal a result.
Avoid careless errors. It goes without saying, but Brazil feasts on careless errors. Avoiding those at all costs limits the number of chances that Brazil will be given, and it feels like every time you hand them a chance, they’ll convert.
Lineup Prediction
Matt Turner is back in goal, and the back line consists of Antonee Robinson at left back and Joe Scally at right back. Miles Robinson and Chris Richards start as the centerbacks.
In the middle, Johnny Cardoso will once again start, with Tyler Adams getting into the action as a sub. Wes McKennie and Gio Reyna will also be in the midfield.
Up front, Ricardo Pepi gets a chance to start at the 9, with Christian Pulisic and Tim Weah on the wings.
Prediction
Brazil takes it 3-1.
