Confederations Cup preview: United States – Brazil

Brazil could have a spot in the semi finals of the Confederations Cup practically secured, if they beat the United States in Group B this Thursday.

Having lost their opening match to Italy 3-1, the USA know that another defeat would have their Confederations Cup hopes anything but ended. Against Italy, the Americans showed to be capable of a good performance but were eventually not able to compete with their opponents.

Brazil come off a 4-3 win over Egypt in what was probably the most entertaining game of the tournament so far. Only a late Kaka penalty led the Seleçao to a slightly undeserved victory. Against the USA, a better performance will be needed to secure another win.

These two teams last met at the 2003 Confederations Cup, where Brazil went on to win 1-0. In 1994, a Dunga-captained Brazilian squad beat the US 1-0 in the round of sixteen at that year’s World Cup, eventually won by that same Brazilian side.

The United States are without Ricardo Clark, who is suspended following his red card against Italy.

The match is to be played at Pretoria’s Loftus Versfeld Stadium at 4pm local time.