Preview: US vs Brazil (Final)

Can Benny Feilhaber (l) fill Michael Bradley's size 22 cleats*? And will Dempsey, Donovan, Bocanegra, and Bornstein be able to neutralize minotaur-man Maicon (r)? Another match up to watch: Kaka vs his likely marker, Rico Clark.

In lieu of doing a standard preview, I instead direct you over to World Soccer Daily's Friday podcast, in which Tim Vickery breaks down the Brazilians far better than I could have. He said that Luisao is weak in central defense, and the left back lacks protection; that Brazil's centerbacks tend to leave space in behind which Davies's speed could exploit; and that the cold weather in South Africa favors scrappy play-- a good point. It is really worth listening to.

As far as the US is concerned, I would expect Feilhaber to slot in for Bradley, with everyone else staying the same. And coming off the bench? I am hoping that Torres and/or Adu will make an appearence, rather than Kljestan. Frankly, Kljestan gives the ball away too often. However, on his day he is a good player, so I suppose it depends on how he's been training.

As with the Spain game, the US can do themselves a world of good by scoring first. Brazil's counterattacks will puree them if they are forced to chase the game. I do think that this game will be decided by luck more than tactics. Since Brazil tend not to play through the midfield as much as Spain, they will be harder to neutralize. That said, I'll go out on a limb and predict (nay, pray) USA 2, Brazil 1. The US scores one of their goals on a set piece.

-Alex D

*In some foreign sizing system. The point is that Michael Bradley's are some damn big shoes to fill, especially on the defensive side.