USA vs. Brazil: What Americans Must Do to Pull Upset

The United States will have to play a perfect game in order to pull of an upset against Brazil.

The U.S. will enter the game as No. 29 in the FIFA World Rankings while Brazil is ranked No. 6. 

The Americans are 1-15-0 against the Brazilians. American fans will never forget one of those losses, which came in 2009. The U.S. jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first half against the Seleção in the finals of the Confederations Cup, then went on to allow three second-half goals and lose the match.

The lessons learned three years ago will be extremely important in the game on May 30 as the team set the blueprint for how to beat the Brazilians. Here are the three things the United States must do in order to upset Brazil.

Pack the Back

In order for the U.S. to win, they will have to shorten the field and close down the Brazilians.

To do this, they will need to keep as many players as possible behind the ball, and at times it should look like the Americans are playing with 10 defenders. 

They must let the Brazilian attack come to them. Allowing Brazil to possess the ball in the attacking third is acceptable, as long as the defense stays organized and disciplined.

This will make it very difficult for Brazil to create quality chances and it will set up the offensive strategy the team must use in order to win. 

Counter Attack, Counter Attack, Counter Attack 

If the United States plays with a defensive mindset, they will suck the Brazilians further and further up the field. 

The Brazilians will become frustrated if the U.S. can keep them out of the goal, and will continue to send players forward. Once the favorites become overly committed to the attack, then the U.S. must break toward Brazil’s goal.

One of the goals in the Confederations Cup came on counter attacks, and this is the Americans’ best shot at a goal. Players like the Landon Donavon, Clint Dempsey and Jozy Altidore have the necessary pace to beat the Brazilian defense down the pitch. 

If the U.S. can successfully get out on the fast break, they will create enough quality opportunities to win the match. 

Do Not Waste Any Chances

Just because the counter-attacking strategy will create enough chances to win the match does not mean the Americans will get a lot of opportunities.

Every time the U.S. wastes a quality shot, it might be their last real chance to get a goal. Brazil is known for its offense, but players like AC Milan’s Thiago Silva and Real Madrid’s Marcelo are world-class defenders.

The Americans are coming off a goal-scoring frenzy where they beat Scotland 5-1 and were led by Landon Donavon’s hat-trick.

Brazil is obviously a much tougher opponent, but the confidence the U.S. gained against the Scots will be vital in the upcoming match. The Americans will need it every time they strike the ball.