USA vs. Brazil: 6 Key Battles to Watch

The United States will host Brazil in an international friendly Wednesday night, and both teams are coming off impressive performances over the weekend.

The U.S. routed Scotland, 5-1, on Saturday in Jacksonville, Fla. and Brazil beat Euro 2012 qualifier Denmark, 3-1, the same day in Hamburg, Germany.

That means both teams will have momentum for Wednesday's friendly. With that in mind, here are six matchups that should prove vital to the outcome of the match.

Neymar vs. Centre-Backs

Neymar is a rising star on the international stage after an impressive 2011 with legendary Brazilian club Santos.

By now, it's no secret what Neymar can do with the ball at his feet, but most of the United States' defenders will be getting their first look at the budding superstar in person.

Neymar is quick and lethal when dribbling at defenders. How will American central defenders Carlos Bocanegra and Geoff Cameron deal with that?

Cameron scored an own goal for Scotland, so it's not entirely certain he'll start against Brazil.

Oguchi Onyewu could also see action.

Hulk vs. Full-Backs

Hulk is an aptly named Brazilian attacker who provides a constant threat on the wings.

As he showed against Denmark (two goals in the first half) and all season with Porto (here's a good example), Hulk simply cannot be ignored.

Fabian Johnson has impressed at left-back recently for the U.S., but Brazil (even if Hulk doesn't play) will present a whole new challenge.

Goalies

This isn't a head-to-head matchup, but it will still be important.

Tim Howard is the undisputed No. 1 for the U.S., but the identity of his backup is less than certain.

Brad Guzan replaced Howard in the 71st minute of the Scotland match and had a mostly uneventful cameo.

If Jurgen Klinsmann gives Guzan another look, his performance against the lethal Brazilians will be interesting viewing.

Jefferson started in goal for Brazil against Denmark and faced only one shot on target—Nicklas Bendtner's 71st-minute goal.

Donovan vs. Wings, Fullbacks

All-time record goal scorer Landon Donovan showed scintillating form for the United States on Saturday against Scotland.

The 30-year-old attacker scored three goals and had a hand in the other two. In short, he was the best, most dangerous player on the pitch.

Donovan lined up as a withdrawn forward behind the impressive youngster Terrence Boyd. Moving often to the flanks, Donovan supplied consistently accurate crosses, with two leading directly to goals.

Shutting down Donovan's crosses will be key for Brazil's outside midfielders and fullbacks.

Central Midfield

The United States' midfield looked deceptively defensive against Scotland, with Michael Bradley, Maurice Edu and Jermaine Jones all featuring in the starting XI.

But instead of taking a defensive approach, the US attacked from the start—and the midfielders were at the heart of it all.

All three of those guys should feature at some point against Brazil, as should attacking midfielder Jose Torres. Brazil has several options in the central midfield, with Sandro taking defensive responsibilities in the win over Denmark.

None of the six midfielders currently on Brazil's squad—Sandro, Lucas Moura, Giuliano, Oscar, Casemiro and Romulo—are older than 23. Look for them to show tons of energy and creativity against what was the Americans' strongest suit in the Scotland game.

They all will have plenty of motivation to perform in a competitive Brazilian roster, but so will their American counterparts.

Terrence Boyd vs. Center Backs

Terrence Boyd, a 21-year-old reserve forward for German champions Borussia Dortmund, played well against Scotland in his first international start (second senior appearance).

The 6'2" German-born forward served as a strong target man and harried Scotland's central defenders before being subbed out in the 64th minute.

Boyd's presence as a target man allowed Landon Donovan to find room behind him and on the flanks. Donovan took advantage with an outstanding offensive performance.

A similarly strong performance by Boyd against Brazil will be important in determining whether Donovan—and the US in general—can generate scoring opportunities.

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