USA and Brazil Draw 1-1 in 2024 Friendly Match: Signs of Progress for the American Team

The USMNT returned to action following a terrible performance against Colombia with a better performance against Brazil. Indeed the team held their own against one of the world’s best teams and even created chances to take the lead. While the match ended in a 1-1 draw, the USA had a much better performance and looked prepared to compete in the Copa America.

The USA set up with some changes as Ricardo Pepi started up top and Yunus Musah came in at midfield.

Brazil lined up an embarrassment of riches.

GIFS OF DOING OK AGAINST BRAZIL

The Americans were more organized and more intentional going forward against Brazil. Still, it would be something of a repeat of the kinds of goals the team was giving up against Colombia that gave their opponents the lead. A turnover off of a goal kick in midfield was quickly transitioned by Brazil and Rodrygo put the visitors up in the 17th minute.

The Americans were behind but showed a lot of fight in the match, That was rewarded when a free kick was awarded to the USA and set up Christian Pulisic sneaking it into the Brazil goal.

While the teams ended the half at one goal apiece, the USA looked competitive with one of the top teams in the world. For the first 20 minutes or so of the second 45 Brazil kept most of the possession and seemed unbothered by the Stars and Stripes.

In the 64th minute Folarin Balogun replaced Ricardo Pepi and Johnny Cardosa came in for Gio Reyna. In the 68th minute Pulisic got on the end of a through ball that he fired at goal but Alisson kept the ball out of the net.

While both teams would have chances, it never seemed like either team was going to find a breakthrough. Defensively, the USA stayed organized and handled the technical skills shown by Brazil well.

The visitors nearly found a late game winner as Matt Turner was forced into a pair of saves as the clock expired in injury time.