USA vs. Brazil: Date, Time, Live Stream and 2015 Friendly Preview

It may only be a friendly, but Brazil and USA both have a point to prove. For the host United States men's national team, it's time to show improvement on the ball against a nation defined by its flair in possession.

Speaking of that flair, it's what Brazil boss Walter Dunga is trying to restore as the scars of the humiliating exit from the 2014 FIFA World Cup still linger.

Before a preview, here are the schedule and viewing details for the game at New England's Gillette Stadium:

Date: Tuesday, September 8

Time: 1 a.m. Sept. 9 (BST) / 8 p.m. (ET)

Live Stream: WatchESPN

Preview

Possession, getting it and using it, dominates the agenda for both teams. Klinsmann's men just need the ball at all.

It's been on their to-do list since this summer's CONCACAF Gold Cup, although things haven't changed so far, according to Sports Illustrated's Brian Straus:

"

Gonzalez, Zardes and Mix all said yesterday that US' main goal after Gold Cup was to improve possession. First half: Peru 59%, US 41%.

— Brian Straus (@BrianStraus) September 5, 2015"

Yet fellow Sports Illustrated writer Grant Wahl actually thinks Klinsmann's men are getting back to basics—specifically, back to the physicality and drive that has often made them such a tough nut to crack.

Wahl focused on how powerhouse centre-forward Jozy Altidore battered Peru's defence during a 2-1 win: "You could see it in the way Jozy Altidore kept bulldozing his way into the box, defenders be damned, eventually earning a penalty and scoring twice."

Wahl also referenced the impact bruising midfield workhorse Jermaine Jones can make: "Jones is hard to play against, in other words, and he frustrated Peruvian players from the opening whistle, drawing them out of their game."

Jones offers tenacity at the heart of midfield, but ESPN FC's Tim Vickery believes Brazil lack a man in the middle who can be both tough and creative. He identifies Santos star Lucas Lima as a possible answer to the problem.

Vickery praises Lima's "technical ability" and "match-reading skills." He also quotes international legend Tostao demanding that 25-year-old Lima "start both of Brazil's next two friendlies."

Lima may well have a role to play, but it's the possible inclusion of a forgotten star that will garner most of the attention. Ageing schemer Kaka made an impact when he entered the fray in Brazil's last match, a 1-0 win over Costa Rica.

Dunga was effusive in his praise for the mercurial 33-year-old's influence, according to BrazilStats on Twitter:

"

Dunga: "Kaká gave Brazil more character when he entered, allowed us to create more chances and read the game well." pic.twitter.com/BhsVXGscJz

— Seleção Brasileira (@BrazilStats) September 6, 2015"

Once unquestioned as one of the game's great players, Kaka's career tailed off when he left AC Milan for Real Madrid in 2009. Now he's plying his trade in the MLS with Orlando City.

But if Kaka can continue turning the clock back, Dunga's bid to revive Brazil can succeed. Of course, the boss will also have to keep star striker Neymar Jr. happy.

The prolific Barcelona man was anything but that when he found himself benched for the Costa Rica game. Neymar soon hit out at Dunga for leaving him on the lumber, per ESPN Brasil (h/t the Daily Mail's Adam Shergold): "Being benched is not something I'm used to and I'm not willing to get used to it. I want to play and I'm always working to be amongst the starting XI."

If Neymar is back in the starting 11 and Dunga finds the right balance in midfield, Brazil will leave Gillette Stadium with a win, no matter how tough USA try to make things physically.