Despite Loss, US Team Should Be Proud

Despite losing 3-2 in Sunday's Confederations Cup Final to Brazil the U.S. should not hang their heads in disappointment. Who would have thought that after their dismal play in their group that they would have ever made it past the elimination round?

After being paired against top ranked Spain who honestly gave them any chance of winning, let alone scoring?

The heart and perseverance they showed against a team who had not lost in almost three years showed the world that the US still had something to offer. What stood behind them and their first major FIFA title was defending champions Brazil, a team with an extremely rich football history.

The US started the game with a wonderful goal by Fulham's Clint Dempsey who would redirect a Johnathon Spector cross to give his team a shock lead.

Brazil would press for the equalizer but would get little done to test Tim Howard. Landon Donovan would double the lead with some sly passing on the counter attack with Charlie Davies to give the us a commanding lead in the 27th minute.

They would carry their lead into half time surely forcing the Brazilians to reassess their game plan. At the start of the second half Brazil would waste little time getting back into the game with Luis Fabiano's tournament leading fourth goal on a turnaround shot.

Brazil, like most of the game, would play keep away from the Americans having shot after shot forcing them to sit and watch as one of the world's best offenses played their “magical” football.

Kaka would tie things up for Brazil had the scoreline been able to have video replay as his header clearly crossed the line only to be denied by the referee. The almost goal would not dampen the spirit of Brazil as they would continue to press on until. Fabiano would get his second of the game on a cross from Kaka to level things up 2-2 and put Brazil's feet on the US's throats.

Almost inevitably, the score was tied and the momentum clearly shifted to the men in yellow. Their onslaught was rewarded on a corner that would find the captain Lucio's head to complete the comeback for the Verde e Amarelo.

Three goals in 38 mins would see off the US's second consecutive shock victory as Brazil would raise their third Confederations Cup in 12 years.

What this teaches the U.S. is that when they have a commanding lead against a top team they can not sit back and allow them to continue to attack. It will ultimately burn them just like Brazil did today.

However this tournament gives the team much more respect on the world stage and gives them a taste of the World Cup next year in South Africa if they qualify.

Up next is the CONCACAF Gold Cup which kicks off on the Fourth of July against Grenada in Seattle. If you are a U.S. fan just be thankful you won't have to hear that buzzing sound for a whole year.