Friday’s victory over Peru did little to inspire confidence that the US Men are ready to face a foe of the caliber of Brazil. Michael Bradley returns for this game, and his relentless driving energy, allied with Jozy Altidore’s finishing (he scored two versus Peru, his first since March 25), might be enough to get the US on the board. But keeping Neymar and Co. out is the bigger challenge for Klinsmann’s team.
The US defeated Peru, 2–1, on Friday night, coming from behind on two Jozy Altidore goals. While the overall performance was underwhelming, the US will look to build on it when they face Brazil next week.
The US takes on Peru in the first of two friendlies this Friday at 7:00 PM EDT. But here’s the thing: It’s not about Peru.
The US followed up their underwhelming performance against Jamaica with a similarly insipid showing against Panama, falling in a penalty shootout to finish the Gold Cup in 4th place.
Two first half goals in rapid succession stunned the United States and they were unable to recover, falling 2-1 to Jamaica in the CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinals.
After Clint Dempsey opened the scoring in the 4th minute, Cuba never looked like keeping it close, as the US eventually roared to a 6-0 victory in the first quarterfinal of the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
The US had to settle for a draw in their final Gold Cup group match, coming from behind to salvage a point against a desperate Panama side.
Tim Chandler, Clint Dempsey, and Chris Wondolowski added second half goals after a Carlos Castrillo own goal put the US ahead in the opening frame as the Americans breezed through their final tuneup before the Gold Cup.
After a wild 4–3 win over the Netherlands, the USMNT takes on World Cup winners Germany on Wednesday. While the result against the Dutch was hugely encouraging, the defensive frailties exposed in that match remain for the US.
On an historic night in Amsterdam, in a game in which both teams could have scored five or six or more goals—and combined for five goals in the second half—the US beat the Netherlands for the first time ever, 4–3.
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