The New Meadowlands hosts the United States' first post-World Cup match, with the world's third-ranked team, Brazil, in New Jersey to start the next era of their program.
United States-Brazil International Friendly: USMNT Returns To The Pitch Amidst Bob Bradley Speculation
The Seleçao were surprisingly eliminated in the quarterfinals in South Africa, after which the team changed coaches. Gone is Dunga, a manager publicly derided for his conservative tactics. His replacement, Mano Menezes, is of a similar reputation, recently saying he will stick with what's become a Brazil staple: two holding midfielders, though Menezes plans to move to a 4-2-3-1. Regardless, tonight's match against the United States will mark the 48-year-old's international debut.
Also looking for debuts are 11 uncapped Brazilians named to Menezes’ experimental squad. Having taken a veteran team to South Africa (nobody under 23), Brazil must undertake sweeping changes prior to hosting the World Cup in 2014. Tonight’s the start of that process, with prominent prospects Neymar, Paulo Henrique Ganso, and Rafael looking to make their first appearance. They’ll join the likes of Alexandre Pato, Dani Alves, and Robinho in tonight’s team, which retains only four players who went to South Africa.
The United States has taken the opposite approach. While calling-in only 18 players (to Brazil's 24), coach Bob Bradley has brought back 15 players from the World Cup team. Only one player, defender Omar Gonzalez, is uncapped, with all of captain Carlos Bocanegra, Landon Donovan and Michael Bradley expected to play.
Despite the presence of most of the team’s regulars, the United States’ star may be on the sideline, with Bob Bradley having been prominently linked with the Aston Villa job in the wake of Martin O’Neill’s surprise Monday resignation. Bradley’s contract with the USMNT runs out in December, and while the federation continues to assess the national team’s future Bradley has expressed interest in coaching in Europe. If there is merit to the speculation linking Bradley with Villa Park, tonight could be Bradley’s goodbye with the national team.
The match kicks-off at 8 p.m. Eastern in East Rutherford, New Jersey, scheduled for broadcast on ESPN2 and Univision.
United States - Squad
Goalkeepers: Brad Guzan, Tim Howard
Defenders: Carlos Bocanegra, Jonathan Bornstein, Steve Cherundolo, Omar Gonzalez, Clarence Goodson, Jonathan Spector
Midfielders: Alejandro Bedoya, Michael Bradley, Landon Donovan, Maurice Edu, Benny Feilhaber, Sacha Kljestan
Forwards: Jozy Altidore, Edson Buddle, Robbie Findley, Herculez Gomez
Brazil - Squad
Goalkeepers: Jefferson, Renan, Victor
Defenders: Daniel Alves, Henrique, David Luiz, Marcelo, Rafael, Réver, André Santos, Thiago Silva
Midfielders: Ederson, Carlos Eduardo, Paul Henrique Ganso, Hernanes, Jucilei, Lucas, Ramires, Sandro
Forwards: André, Newmay, Alexandre Pato, Robinho, Diego Tardelli
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