Copa America 2020 Group B: Americans Earn Vital Draw Against Brazil

The following article provides an oversight for matches and tournaments taking place in 2020.

Americans Earn Vital Draw Against Brazil

June 20, 2020

Brazil 2 USA 2

 

The USA scored twice early via Christian Pulisic to deliver a point in their opening encounter of the Copa America 2020 against Brazil.

 

Brazil needed to commence their tournament on the right foot against the USA. The South Americans, though tried to be too cute with their passes, and the Americans were able to keep their defence holding firm.

 

A yellow card early from Joshua Sargent meant the striker needed to watch himself for the remainder of the tournament. Sargent sent in the corner kick that had Brazil worried for a moment, only for Tyler Adams’ header to hang in the air and for Ederson Moraes to make the easy save.

 

The crowd soon aroused with the Americans, as the favourable cheers brought them into the match, and soon had the unusual lead. Pulisic worked through the Brazilian defence and shot with ease into the back of the net.

 

Being a goal down, Brazil immediately went on the attack, with Gabriel Jesus having a ping thwarted by Matthew Turner.

 

Instead, Pulisic pounced on a poor defensive pass, and the United States had their second goal just after the half hour mark.

 

Brazil rose to the challenge of being two goals down by adjusting their play up front, as Richarlison worked down the left wing and crossed into Éverton. His slight header was enough, merely needing to get the ball on target, and Brazil had a goal back.

 

Éverton should have equalised as additional time entered the fray, only to miss to the right of goal.

 

Instead, after the break, Thiago Silva scored from a corner with his header so powerful, no goalkeeper had any chance of saving it.

 

On level terms, the match grew in toughness as neither side gave an inch. USA’s substitute Gyasi Zardes had a free kick fly over the bar, as did his chip attempt over Ederson Moraes when he led onto a ball, tucking his run between two Brazilian defenders.

 

Paul Arriola had a ping with his right foot for the Americans, only for the Brazilian goalkeeper to have it covered. The match, entering the final minutes, saw substitute Gabriel Barbosa take a ping, only for Turner to make another crucial save. In the end, the match finished a surprising draw, with the USA celebrating their first points against such a formidable foe.

 

Brazil will need to swap Fred or Casemiro in midfield, as they both looked lacklustre. Neymar also looked out of touch, and he may be replaced. Renan Lodi also looked poor at left back.