Five days after a 5-1 loss against Colombia, the USA surprised Brazil with a 1-1 draw – just as Christian Pulisic surprised goalkeeper Alisson in a 1-0 draw.
Free kick win: Christian Pulisic celebrates against Brazil.
IMAGO/Icon Sportswire
The United States lost eleven in a row against Brazil, but the misery came to an unexpected end on Thursday night (CEST). In front of 60,016 spectators at the Camping World Stadium in Orlando, national coach Gregg Berhalter's team recovered from a 5-1 defeat against Colombia five days earlier and won a 1-1 draw against the five-time world champion outfit. Copa America.
The Brazilians took an early lead in front of a packed crowd when Bruno Guimaraes intercepted a shot from US keeper Matt Turner and set it up for Rodrigo to score (17th). But the hosts equalized nine minutes later: ex-Dortmund Christian Pulisic, now active at AC Milan, converted a free kick from the edge of the penalty area to the right – a low shot over the wall and into the goalkeeper's corner. Alison didn't see this coming.
With plenty of Bundesliga experience, USA – Brazil is completely overhauled
Berhalder had only changed his squad in two positions compared to the Colombia game and again relied on several current or former Bundesliga players: Joe Scally (Gladbach), Chris Richards (ex-Bayern, ex-Hoffenheim), Giovanni Reina (PVB), Weston McKenney (ex-Schalke), Ricardo Pepi (ex-Augsburg) and Pulisic started the sextet, then Brendan Aronson (Union Berlin) and Tyler Adams (ex-Leipzig) replaced.
In an open game, both teams had chances to win, with Turner in particular frustrating the Brazilians and making eleven saves. Compared to the friendly win against Mexico, the visitors came with ten new outfield players, including Vinicius Jr. and Lucas Paqueta. Future matrilineal Endric, who scored the winning goal against Mexico, is back on as a substitute.
Brazil are aiming for their first title since 2007 at Copa, with Costa Rica, Paraguay and US-crowned Colombia awaiting in the group stage. As hosts, the US faces Bolivia, Panama and Uruguay. Defending champions Argentina will play their final Test against Guatemala on Saturday (2am CEST) before opening the tournament against Canada on June 21 (2am CEST).
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