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World Cup Countdown: Where Would The USA Be Without. . .Brazil?
Moving from one South American superpower to another, Goal.com takes a look at Brazil’s impact on the USA.
Mar 18, 2010 3:17:00 PM
By Shane Evans
As part of Goal.com’s exclusive coverage in the lead-up to the 2010 World Cup, we introduce a new series, “Where Would The USA Be Without...?”, exploring the influence of various countries and immigrant populations on US soccer.
Last week Goal.com investigated Argentina's influence on USA soccer. This week we cover how their arch-rivals Brazil have impacted the American game.
Traditionally one of the most successful international teams in the world, Brazil has had a pretty significant influence on the United States.
In fact Brazil is at the top if one considers total World Cup wins as a barometer and one of those triumphs came on USA soil back in 1994. A a Carlos Alberto Parreira-led squad was able to overcome the Italians in one of the most thrilling World Cup finals in recent memory, helping a nation fall in love with the beautiful game.
A packed Rose Bowl in Los Angeles witnessed a tense 0-0 game that went all the way to penalty kicks. It was then that Italian striker Roberto Baggio hoofed his attempt over the net, handing Brazil their fourth title.
That is just where the connections start as the two nations have enjoyed a quite improbable football partnership over the years.
Coaches
Let’s start with the coaching similarities. There are a few connections between the USA and Brazil with regards to the coaching side of things. There's even a Brazilian-born coach in Major League Soccer right now.
Yes, D.C. United boss Curt Onalfo is a Brazil-native as he was born in Sao Paulo back in 1969. A short MLS playing career was followed by an extensive coaching resume which included stints with the U.S. Men’s National Team, and the Kansas City Wizards. Going back to D.C. this season, Onalfo will look to revitalize one of the league’s most proud franchises.
New Toronto FC boss Preki also has a little tale to tell about playing against Brazil when with the USMNT. Back in the 1998 Gold Cup, Preki scored the lone goal in the USA’s shocking 1-0 win over Brazil in the semis. Coupled with Kasey Keller's steller performance in goal, that win remains the USA team’s only victory over our South American friends, through 14 matches.
Players
Brazilians players have also made their way into the U.S. soccer scene. Benny Feilhaber, a current member of Bob Bradley’s national team was born in Rio de Janeiro before emigrating to the United States when he was six years old.
His recent contributions for the United States have had a very Brazilian feel as he adds some much needed spark and flair to the side when implemented in matches.
We also cannot forgot some of more impressive Brazilian players who have played their club soccer stateside. Former DC United stand-out Luciano Emilio had a very successful stint in the league, scoring 41 goals over 83 appearances. He was also named the 2007 MLS MVP for his amazing season.
Two other notable current Brazilian players are Fred and Stefani Migliorani of the Philadelphia Union. Picked up in the off-season to help build the expansion squad, both have over 70 appearances in MLS.
Looking back a bit in time, it has to be mentioned that one of the greatest Brazilian players of all time, Pele, played for the New York Cosmos of the NASL. One of the two club teams he ever played for, Pele joined the Cosmos in 1975 after 17 years with Santos. He helped the New York club win the NASL title in 1977, his last in the states. Pele played to packed New York City crowds and helped put soccer on the USA sporting landscape.
Memorable Matches
One of the most memorable matches in U.S. soccer history came back in 1950 in Belo Horizonte. It was the 1950 World Cup and the United States were massive underdogs in their group play match against England.
Lifted by a Joe Gaetjens goal in the 38th minute, the United States were able to hold on for one of the biggest upsets in not just their soccer history, but the entire history of the sport. When hearing the report of the match, that the US had beaten England 1-0, people thought it was a mistake, because they belived that this could never happen. That by far was the biggest match on Brazilian soil that the United States was a part of.
Head-to-head, like mentioned previously, the USA doesn’t have a great record against the Samba Kings, but have surprisingly held the score quite close in the past, including when the teams met in World Cup 1994. 11 of the 14 matches between the squads have been decided by only one goal. The USA does have that Gold Cup win in 1998, though, which was a huge victory for the Red, White & Blue.
Fast-forwarding to 2009, there was a certain tournament in South Africa that happened to feature the USA and Brazil in the final. Yes, the Confederations Cup saw the United States as Brazil's unlikely rival in the final, after beating the likes of Egypt and Spain.
In that last game against Brazil, the Americans even went up 2-0 after just 27 minutes, but were eventually pegged back by the Dunga’s side who took the game 3-2 thanks to a Lucio goal in the 84th. It would have been a huge upset for the USA and a massive confidence boost heading into this summer’s World Cup to take the title, but Brazil denied the upset.
Today
Brazil are still the top international club in the world and are certainly favorites to win the World Cup this summer provided they travel to South Africa will a healthy squad. Led by former national team star Dunga, Brazil have talent up and down the pitch and can score at any time, through their brilliant passing, unrivaled creativity and vision. With the likes of Kaka, Luis Fabiano and Lucio in the roster, they are never that far from victory and they’ll continue to be a formidable opponent for years to come.
No doubt, though, the USA has learned from every encounter versus the mighty Brazilians, including that upsets are always possible.
If you follow the U.S. Men's National Team, you'll love their dedicated page on Goal.com!
Last week Goal.com investigated Argentina's influence on USA soccer. This week we cover how their arch-rivals Brazil have impacted the American game.
Traditionally one of the most successful international teams in the world, Brazil has had a pretty significant influence on the United States.
In fact Brazil is at the top if one considers total World Cup wins as a barometer and one of those triumphs came on USA soil back in 1994. A a Carlos Alberto Parreira-led squad was able to overcome the Italians in one of the most thrilling World Cup finals in recent memory, helping a nation fall in love with the beautiful game.
A packed Rose Bowl in Los Angeles witnessed a tense 0-0 game that went all the way to penalty kicks. It was then that Italian striker Roberto Baggio hoofed his attempt over the net, handing Brazil their fourth title.
That is just where the connections start as the two nations have enjoyed a quite improbable football partnership over the years.
Coaches
Let’s start with the coaching similarities. There are a few connections between the USA and Brazil with regards to the coaching side of things. There's even a Brazilian-born coach in Major League Soccer right now.
Yes, D.C. United boss Curt Onalfo is a Brazil-native as he was born in Sao Paulo back in 1969. A short MLS playing career was followed by an extensive coaching resume which included stints with the U.S. Men’s National Team, and the Kansas City Wizards. Going back to D.C. this season, Onalfo will look to revitalize one of the league’s most proud franchises.
New Toronto FC boss Preki also has a little tale to tell about playing against Brazil when with the USMNT. Back in the 1998 Gold Cup, Preki scored the lone goal in the USA’s shocking 1-0 win over Brazil in the semis. Coupled with Kasey Keller's steller performance in goal, that win remains the USA team’s only victory over our South American friends, through 14 matches.
Players
Brazilians players have also made their way into the U.S. soccer scene. Benny Feilhaber, a current member of Bob Bradley’s national team was born in Rio de Janeiro before emigrating to the United States when he was six years old.
His recent contributions for the United States have had a very Brazilian feel as he adds some much needed spark and flair to the side when implemented in matches.
We also cannot forgot some of more impressive Brazilian players who have played their club soccer stateside. Former DC United stand-out Luciano Emilio had a very successful stint in the league, scoring 41 goals over 83 appearances. He was also named the 2007 MLS MVP for his amazing season.
Two other notable current Brazilian players are Fred and Stefani Migliorani of the Philadelphia Union. Picked up in the off-season to help build the expansion squad, both have over 70 appearances in MLS.
Looking back a bit in time, it has to be mentioned that one of the greatest Brazilian players of all time, Pele, played for the New York Cosmos of the NASL. One of the two club teams he ever played for, Pele joined the Cosmos in 1975 after 17 years with Santos. He helped the New York club win the NASL title in 1977, his last in the states. Pele played to packed New York City crowds and helped put soccer on the USA sporting landscape.
Memorable Matches
One of the most memorable matches in U.S. soccer history came back in 1950 in Belo Horizonte. It was the 1950 World Cup and the United States were massive underdogs in their group play match against England.
Lifted by a Joe Gaetjens goal in the 38th minute, the United States were able to hold on for one of the biggest upsets in not just their soccer history, but the entire history of the sport. When hearing the report of the match, that the US had beaten England 1-0, people thought it was a mistake, because they belived that this could never happen. That by far was the biggest match on Brazilian soil that the United States was a part of.
Head-to-head, like mentioned previously, the USA doesn’t have a great record against the Samba Kings, but have surprisingly held the score quite close in the past, including when the teams met in World Cup 1994. 11 of the 14 matches between the squads have been decided by only one goal. The USA does have that Gold Cup win in 1998, though, which was a huge victory for the Red, White & Blue.
Fast-forwarding to 2009, there was a certain tournament in South Africa that happened to feature the USA and Brazil in the final. Yes, the Confederations Cup saw the United States as Brazil's unlikely rival in the final, after beating the likes of Egypt and Spain.
In that last game against Brazil, the Americans even went up 2-0 after just 27 minutes, but were eventually pegged back by the Dunga’s side who took the game 3-2 thanks to a Lucio goal in the 84th. It would have been a huge upset for the USA and a massive confidence boost heading into this summer’s World Cup to take the title, but Brazil denied the upset.
Today
Brazil are still the top international club in the world and are certainly favorites to win the World Cup this summer provided they travel to South Africa will a healthy squad. Led by former national team star Dunga, Brazil have talent up and down the pitch and can score at any time, through their brilliant passing, unrivaled creativity and vision. With the likes of Kaka, Luis Fabiano and Lucio in the roster, they are never that far from victory and they’ll continue to be a formidable opponent for years to come.
No doubt, though, the USA has learned from every encounter versus the mighty Brazilians, including that upsets are always possible.
If you follow the U.S. Men's National Team, you'll love their dedicated page on Goal.com!
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