US National Team

USA Coach Bradley: Our Reputation Has Been Enhanced

Brazil may have won the Confederations Cup, but the USA coach was still happy his side had restored some pride.

Jun 28, 2009 6:08:03 PM

Bob Bradley, US Men's National Team (Evans)

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Bob Bradley, US Men's National Team (Evans)

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United States coach Bob Bradley was proud of his players after they produced a spirited display in the final of Confederations Cup against Brazil and hopes the country's reputation has improved.

Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan put the Americans ahead before the break, but Luis Fabiano scored twice in the second period before Lucio nodded home the winner.

Only weeks after he had seen calls for him to be fired, Bradley was upbeat as he believed that his team's performance in the final and at the tournament in general had seen them earn worldwide acclaim.

The coach was unhappy though with the fact that his team blew a two-goal advantage and he was evidently still trying to take in how Brazil had bounced back.

"It's a tough one. We gave up the goal so early in the second half," he told a South African television station.

"I am extremely proud of my players and we have done well, but it is pretty lousy to let this one get away.

"I think this gets us some more respect on the world stage."

Lucas Brown, Goal.com

For more on the Confederations Cup visit Goal.com's Confederations Cup page.