 |
|
Tim Howard of USA saves a header from Kaka of Brazil on the line during the FIFA Confederations Cup Final between USA and Brazil at the Ellis Park Stadium on June 28, 2009 in Johannesburg, South Africa. [CFP]
|
Among the three teams which enjoyed higher FIFA world rankings in the Confederations Cup, only Brazil with the lowest ranking survived into the final.
The sea of Brazilian national flags waved by soccer fans in the Elis Park Stadium testified the zeal and tradition of football deeply ingrained in the life an culture of the South American country. A Selecao has won an unprecedented five FIFA World Cups.
U.S. coach Bob Bradley told the press conference after the match that he was disappointed about the result, considering it as a difficult loss. He said the Stars and Stripes had also accumulated precious experience against great teams.
"Brazil has done a great job. The United States gained confidence through the match. We know now that we are also able to go against best teams," said Bradley.
For the first goal of Brazil within the first minutes after the interval, the coach said Fabiano showed quick turn and had idea and organization. That was the players like him making Brazil Brazil.
Bradley praised his striker Donovan as an excellent player. "Donovan has displayed commitment to every game. His mobility, pure competitiveness shone throughout the tournament," said Bradley.
Brazilian coach Dunga hailed his team as committed with players of high quality and high standard, vowing the squad would do much more in the future.
"The players did not give up but were committed. As a coach, I think every game is difficult. We lacked good positioning before the interval, but we corrected them in the second half," said Dunga.
Through the triumph, Dunga also became the first person to win the intercontinental tournament as a player and a coach.
