The US Men's National Team manages a morale-boosting draw against Brazil ahead of the Copa América.
During the first half, Christian Pulisic managed to equalize after Rodrygo's goal in the 17th minute. This happened while 60,016 people watched the game at Camping World Stadium in Orlando.
Following a disheartening 5-1 loss to Colombia recently, this draw will give the US Men's National Team some hope ahead of the Copa América – a major international tournament involving teams from South America, North America, and Asia.
After the match, Coach Gregg Berhalter expressed satisfaction. "We asked for teamwork and intensity," he said, "and the guys showed exactly that. We've made some progress, although it's only a small step." The Copa América will begin on June 20th, with Argentina playing Canada in Atlanta, Georgia. The US team's match with Bolivia will take place on June 23rd in Arlington, Texas.
In 2022, after Ecuador pulled out due to economic concerns, security issues, and a lack of proper facilities, it was decided that the tournament would be held in the US for the second time since 2016. The final match will take place at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium on July 14th. The US team's last victory against Brazil, a famous 1-0 win in the 1998 CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinals, is the only victory they've ever had against the five-time world champions. Before this game, the US team had a losing streak of 11 games against Brazil.
The first 30 minutes saw both teams take opportunities to score. Yunus Musah almost opened the scoring in the fifth minute, with an impressive long-range shot that barely missed the goal. But in an unexpected turn of events, Bruno Guimarães intercepted an under-hit clearance near the US goal, which gave Raphinha a chance to score in the 19th minute. However, the US bounced back, defending well and even capable of creating chances. It was in the 26th minute when Pulisic burst into action, scoring from a freekick near the edge of the box.
The second half was more controlled, with Brazil holding the ball for longer periods. The closest the US came to scoring again was in the 68th minute when Pulisic's attempt was parried away by Brazil's goalkeeper, Allison.
The draw marked the end of the US team's longest losing streak against Brazil (1-1-18) and left the team optimistic ahead of the upcoming Copa América. Even though it's just a small step, it represents progress.
“Personally, I'm very pleased after the last result against Colombia. The team played great today against Brazil, it was a massive improvement from least time," said Coach Gregg Berhalter. "You saw the team's composure and intensity. We made it hard for them. It was a fantastic performance against a quality Brazil side."
The US men's nationalsoccer team will focus on these factors for their match against Bolivia on June 23rd in Arlington, Texas.
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The US Men's National Team will draw confidence from their draw against Brazil, as they prepare for their football matches in the Copa América. In their upcoming match against Bolivia, they aim to build upon their teamwork and intensity displayed against Brazil.
