Oguchi Onyewu and the United States will not like the penalty call that led to Brazil taking a 1-0 lead, but it wasn't nearly as bad a call as U.S. fans will say it was, and the real fault lays with the American team. The defender was called for a handball in the box, giving Brazil a penalty that Neymar converted to put the Brazilians in front just 12 minutes into the match.
USA Vs. Brazil: Neymar Penalty Puts Seleção In Front
The Americans did, and will continue to, argue that the penalty was harsh, and it may have been. The shot was right at Onyewu and he didn't have much of a chance to get his arm out of the way, but his arm was not right against his body. It was a little outstretched and the shot would have had a good chance at beating Tim Howard had it not struck Onyewu's arm. Harsh? Sure, but not unfair.
Far more concerning for the U.S. are the giveaways that led to the penalty. The only reason Brazil came at the U.S. and fired the shot at Onyewu’s arm was because the Americans had given the ball away several times in the midfield. Give the ball away and Brazil will make you pay. Hell, they already have.
For more on the U.S. vs. Brazil friendly, check out the match’s StoryStream, which has previews, as well as live and postgame coverage.
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