Confederations Cup Capsules: U.S. excited to have chance to play Brazil in final

JOHANNESBURG - Landon Donovan remembers the first time he played the Brazilians, when his under-23 team trudged off the field, victims of a 7-0 thrashing.

"I haven't beaten Brazil on any level," the U.S. forward said. "It would be amazing to do it tomorrow."

Amazing, unbelievable, spectacular - any adjective would apply.

When the Americans play Brazil in the Confederation Cup final Sunday, they have a chance to create a watershed moment in U.S. soccer. The Americans have never won a FIFA tournament - this is the first time they've even made it to a final - and a victory over the five-time World Cup champions would signal they are closer than ever to the likes of Spain, England, Argentina, Italy and Germany.

It would be a big hit back home, too, where fans who couldn't tell a corner kick from a handball just a few days ago have suddenly become soccer aficionados.

"For U.S. Soccer, this is a very special day," coach Bob Bradley said Saturday. "It's the first time we're playing in a final of a world competition like this, and to play against Brazil - everybody knows their history - is extra special."

The United States has beaten Brazil only once in 14 tries, and that 1-0 victory came in Los Angeles in the semifinals of the 1998 CONCACAF Gold Cup, the championship of North and Central America and the Caribbean.

Just last week, Brazil routed the Americans 3-0 in group play at the Confederations Cup. The loss left them on the verge of elimination, and had some critics calling for Bradley's job.

But the U.S. men turned their fortunes around immediately after that game, and are a different team now.

"Winning a major FIFA championship against Brazil, on the heels of beating Spain, the No. 1 team in the world, would be an extraordinary achievement," U.S. Soccer Federation president Sunil Gulati said. "American soccer is on a long term ascendancy - a win tomorrow would certainly help people appreciate that."

The Americans beat Egypt 3-0 to squeak through from the group stage. They then stunned top-ranked Spain with a 2-0 victory, ending the European champion's record 15-game winning streak.

And now, Brazil.

"This is a big opportunity for us, and one we don't get very often," Donovan said. "There's no promise that we'll ever get back to a final like this, so we've got to try to take advantage of it. If we lose we lose, but we're going to give everything we have."

For Brazil, playing in a final is nothing new. This is its fourth at the Confederations Cup, and it's seeking a record third title.

As if that's not daunting enough for the Americans, they'll also have to try to corral Kaka, Robinho and Luis Fabiano without key midfielder Michael Bradley. Bradley, the coach's son, picked up a red card in the final minutes of the victory over Spain and likely will be replaced by Benny Feilhaber.

Brazil coach Dunga probably will stay with the same lineup from the semifinals. Although Daniel Alves gave Brazil the late winner coming off the bench, Maicon is expected to stay at right back.

Luis Fabiano said he has the flu and had trouble sleeping after the match against South Africa with a fever, but should be ready to play.

"(The first match) was different," Dunga said. "Now they're more consistent. They have more confidence because of their results. We have to impose our rhythm, staying more with the ball and taking advantage of our characteristics."

The Americans also are hoping to get another boost from the South African fans. Though Spain was the heavy favorite Wednesday night, the Americans noticed as the game wore on that fans were firmly on the side of the underdogs.

And the deafening blare of the vuvuzelas that some teams at the Confederation Cup have complained about? The Americans don't mind them one bit.

"I think we've shown a spirit and competitiveness that people love, and that's infectious for people," Donovan said. "We expect the same for tomorrow night, too, that people will be out there wanting to see us do well, and we thrive off that."

Just so they don't get too caught up in the love, Bob Bradley warned.

The U.S. players have been inundated with well-wishes from back home since their shocking upset of Spain on Wednesday. People magazine even posted a story about the team on its Web site, "Boys of Soccer: Meet the U.S. Team's Victorious Hunks."

It's a far cry from the criticism they heard last week.

"For a few games, it was incredibly important that we were very strong and didn't let any of the distractions or outcries interfere with our work. Now, it's just as important that we don't allow any of our new friends and any of the hoopla to interfere with our work," Bob Bradley said.

"It's great that as a country we're excited, that's part of our responsibility, but at the same time, the way we go about our work, the way we treat each other, the way we continue to try to improve and reach new heights can't be affected by those things."

U.S. counting on crowd support against Brazil

JOHANNESBURG - The United States upset European champion Spain with a spirited attack, an organized midfield and a solid defense. The Americans were also aided by South African fans rooting for the underdog.

The United States is hoping for the same type of support in Sunday's Confederations Cup final against five-time world champion Brazil.

"One of the things that felt the best was coming to the stadium the other night not sure how the crowd was going to accept us, and then gradually throughout the game realizing how many of the South African people were on our side," United States striker Landon Donovan said.

"It was pretty cool to see that. I think we've shown a spirit and competitiveness that people love, and that's infectious for people. We expect the same for tomorrow night, too, that people will be out there wanting to see us do well, and we thrive off that."

The Americans have even embraced the plastic vuvuzela trumpets that local fans blow throughout matches in South Africa, creating a deafening sound in the stadiums.

"Honestly, until people mention it to me during the game I don't hear it - that tells you what it does for me," United States coach Bob Bradley said. "It's part of the atmosphere, the faces, the excitement. Everything has made it a great experience."

Donovan added: "As long as we keep winning, they can do whatever they want."

The Americans have played games in Pretoria, Rustenburg and Bloemfontein so far. The final will be their first match in Johannesburg's Ellis Park.

"We have had an absolutely amazing time here in South Africa," Bradley said. "We've been in different places but it has never changed - the friendliness of the people, the passion for the game. The way people have treated us like friends.

"The people we see in the hotel, the people we see going to games, we have security people that travel with us. They tell us we can do it. They stand behind us and in all those ways it's been just a great experience. I think to a person I think everyone would say they can't wait to complete the task of qualifying and be back here next year."

With the crowd likely to support the Americans on Sunday, Bradley is more worried that his team could be distracted by the aftermath of the 2-0 semifinal win over Spain - which was celebrated back home as one of the team's greatest victories.

It was only a week ago when calls were being made for Bradley's job after the Americans opened with losses to Italy and Brazil.

"I said to our team yesterday that for this match it's interesting," Bradley recounted. "Because for a few games it was incredibly important that we were very strong and didn't let any of the distractions or outcries interfere with our work.

"Now, it's just as important that we don't allow any of our new friends and any of the hoopla to interfere with our work. It's great that as a country we're excited, that's part of our responsibility, but at the same time, the way we go about our work, the way we treat each other, the way we continue to try to improve and reach new heights can't be affected by those things."

-- Andrew Dampf

Moonwalk not in Americans' plan vs. Brazil

JOHANNESBURG - Don't expect the Americans to wear a white glove or break out into the Moonwalk if they score against Brazil in the Confederations Cup final.

The United States is doing its best to concentrate on pulling off another upset in Sunday's match against the five-time world champions, but they can't avoid being asked how they will honor Michael Jackson's death.

"I was probably a little too young to fully embrace the height of the Michael Jackson era - most of us were - but we obviously understand how big of a star he was and what a great entertainer he was," 27-year-old striker Landon Donovan said Saturday.

"As far as tomorrow goes, I want to win the game and I don't know if someone will pay tribute or do anything, but obviously we're not taking away from who he was as a man. ... We have a lot of respect for Michael Jackson, but we want to win the game tomorrow."

At 51, United States coach Bob Bradley has more vivid memories of Jackson, who died Thursday after collapsing at his Los Angeles home. The Americans took Thursday off after upsetting European champion Spain 2-0 in the semifinals a day earlier, and followed the news from their hotel.

"Depending on the age of the players, none of them remember the Jackson Five, but I do. I think a few of them remember 'Thriller,'" Bradley said. "But beyond that, they all know who he is. And when you have a performer who is known throughout the world, in that moment when there's a tragedy like this we're all sad. We all have enjoyed his music and his way of entertaining."

Still, Bradley reiterated that his team has no plans to honor Jackson.

"We understand that he is a worldwide figure and his talent is amazing, but when a team comes together for tournaments like this, you don't forget what is going on the outside, or what is going on in the world, but you also find a way to concentrate on the inside," the coach said.

"Right now, we are focused on the way we have prepared and the opportunity we have. We never lose sight of these other moments but we will still concentrate on representing the United States with the right effort and passion and determination when we step on the field."

So how about adopting President Barack Obama's campaign slogan, "Yes we can?"

"It worked for him, so I think that we could use it as well," Bradley said. "I've said many times that we have a confidence on the inside of our team. We have grown in the last few years. We have players that have played in World Cups and are now leaders on our team.

"There has been a lot of work. A lot of things that have come together in the United States in soccer."

-- Andrew Dampf

Brazil hopes U.S. doesn't focus on defense

JOHANNESBURG - Looking to avoid the problems it had against South Africa, Brazil enters the Confederations Cup final against the United States hoping the Americans don't focus solely on defense.

Brazil struggled against the hosts in the semifinals and the team is afraid it may find more difficulties against the Americans if they crowd the midfield and sit back on defense like South Africa did.

"I don't think the U.S. team will stay in defense like South Africa did," Brazil striker Luis Fabiano said. "They will try to attack. They already lost a match to us and will want to win this one. And when they attack, we will have more space. Brazil is dangerous and knows how to play on counterattack, that's when the scoring opportunities will appear."

With South Africa playing aggressive defense and marking efficiently, Brazil had problems holding on to the ball and created few dangerous scoring opportunities. The Brazilians won only after an 88th-minute free kick goal by substitute Daniel Alves.

The United States played with the same intensity as South Africa when it upset Spain 2-0 in the other semifinal match on Wednesday. The Brazilians said the stunning victory against the European champions may motivate the Americans to try come after Brazil, too.

"They eliminated the favorite team and that brings them confidence," Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar said. "I think this is good for us. Everybody saw the difficulties we had against South Africa. I hope it's an open match (Sunday) because we have the players who know how to use the space."

Sunday's match at Ellis Park will be a rematch of the teams' group stage encounter, when Brazil cruised to a 3-0 victory in Pretoria. The United States allowed an early goal and was forced to forgo its defensive tactics to try to equalize.

"They wanted to play on defense and rely on counterattacks, but when they allowed the goal they had to change their tactics and that helped us," said Brazil midfielder Felipe Melo, who scored Brazil's first goal in that match in the seventh minute. "We need to try to score as early as possible again."

Another victory would be Brazil's 14th in 15 matches against the Americans, whose lone win was a 1-0 result in the 1998 CONCACAF Gold Cup in Los Angeles.

Brazil is also trying to keep alive a seven-match winning streak and a 15-match unbeaten streak. It hasn't lost since a 2-0 defeat at Paraguay in a World Cup qualifier in June 2008.

Brazil coach Dunga is likely to keep the same lineup from the semifinals against South Africa. Andre Santos is expected to start at left back even though Alves successfully replaced him to give Brazil the late winner. Maicon is expected to play on the right.

Luis Fabiano said he has a flu and had trouble sleeping after the match against South Africa because of high fever, but should be ready to play on Sunday.

Defending champion Brazil has a chance to become the first nation to win three Confederations Cup titles, one more than France.

Nine Brazilian players can repeat as champions after the 2005 title in Germany - Maicon, Lucio, Robinho, Kaka, Juan, Luisao, Gilberto Silva, Julio Baptista and Gomes.

-- Tales Azzoni

Julio Cesar hoping to leave his mark at Confed Cup

JOHANNESBURG - Although Julio Cesar is proud to be considered one of the best goalkeepers in the world, what he really wants is make history with Brazil's national football team.

It doesn't matter for him if people think he is the world's top 'keeper, or if they think it's Italy's Gianluigi Buffon or Spain's Iker Casillas.

"It's not a competition between me and Buffon or Casillas," Cesar said Saturday, a day before Brazil's Confederations Cup final against the United States. "We are talking about national team against national team. I just want to play well and leave my mark with Brazil. That's what my dream is."

Cesar's name is constantly included in the discussion about the world's top goalkeepers, along with Buffon and Casillas, but he tries to distance himself from the debate.

"I don't worry about it and I'm not trying to be known as the best," Cesar said. "I only worry about getting on the field and playing well. I've been doing this for the past three years and that makes people say I'm among the best. That's nice and I'm proud of it. It makes me want to keep working hard."

The Inter Milan goalkeeper considers the Confederations Cup final one of the most important matches of his career.

"It definitely is," the 29-year-old Cesar said. "I think it just as important as the Copa America final against Argentina, because that's when my cycle with the national team began. I won the Copa America and now I want to win the Confederations Cup."

Cesar made his debut as a starter for Brazil in the 2004 Copa America in Peru, and helped Brazil win the title with a save in the shootout against Argentina in the final. He also was a member of Brazil's squad at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, but was considered the team's third goalkeeper behind Rogerio Ceni and Dida.

He moved from Flamengo to Chievo Verona in 2005, and in the same year joined Inter Milan, becoming a starter the following year.

"Everything that is being talked about Julio is deserved because of what he has been doing on the field," Brazil coach Dunga said.

Cesar hasn't allowed a goal since Brazil's opening 4-3 win over Egypt, and he made two important saves in the semifinals against South Africa on Thursday, when Brazil won 1-0 with a late free kick goal by substitute Daniel Alves.

"I'm happy that entire defensive system is being able to avoid goals," said Cesar, who will be making his 38th appearance with the Brazilian national team on Sunday.

-- Tales Azzoni

Andre Santos secures his chance at Confed Cup

JOHANNESBURG - Less than two months ago, Andre Santos was just another good Brazilian player hoping to one day make the national team.

On Sunday, he will likely start for the five-time world champions in the Confederations Cup final against the United States.

"I've been thinking about that these past few days," Andre Santos said Saturday. "It would be an unprecedented title for me in my first time with the national team. These have been the happiest days of my life."

Andre Santos was summoned for the first time for Brazil's national team this May, but he needed only one match as a starter to secure his spot in coach Dunga's lineup.

After beginning Brazil's opener against Egypt on the bench, Andre Santos started in the second group match against the United States. He was one of the four changes made by Dunga to rest some of the regular starters.

Andre Santos replaced Kleber and played well in Brazil's 3-0 victory, securing his spot for the remainder of the competition. He was substituted late in the semifinal match against South Africa on Thursday, and although replacement Daniel Alves scored the winner which gave Brazil the victory, Andre Santos is likely to start in the final.

"It was always a dream to play in a final with Brazil," Andre Santos said.

Along with third goalkeeper Victor, Andre Santos is the player with the least experience in Brazil's squad at the Confederations Cup. He said he is feeling at home, though.

"It's always easy to work with winners, with people who treat you well, who welcome you," Andre Santos said. "I hope to do my best to stay here and leave my name in the history of the Brazilian national team."

The 26-year-old defender thinks he knows what needs to do to remain in Dunga's team.

"I'm happy with the way I've been playing so far," he said. "But you can't relax. You have to keep playing well in all matches so the coach will always be able to trust you."

Andre Santos is one of the few payers in Brazil's squad who play for Brazilian clubs. And with his good performances, speculation has started about a possible move from Corinthians - where he is Ronaldo's teammate - to European football.

"I'll leave that to the media to talk about for now," he said. "I'll have plenty of time to discuss my future when I'm back in Brazil. Now I only want to focus on the national team."

-- Tales Azzoni

South Africa and Spain have points to prove

RUSTENBURG, South Africa - Spain and South Africa are looking at Sunday's Confederations Cup third-place match as an important part of their preparation for next year's World Cup.

South Africa coach Joel Santana is hoping his team can rebound from the 1-0 semifinal loss to Brazil and finish the tournament on a positive note. The two teams played each other at the group stage, when Spain won 2-0.

"This tournament was our first real test, and we've seen what is possible. The players learned a lot about what the World Cup will be," Santana said Saturday. "This is preparation for the World Cup, so they should be motivated to play against the big teams. I need them to play the same for me. These are their opportunities to prepare for next year."

Santana said he may make up to four changes to try to surprise the European champions, who are coming off their first defeat since November 2006.

The United States' 2-0 semifinal win over Spain on Wednesday ended a record 15-game winning streak and left the Spanish level with Brazil for the longest unbeaten run in football at 35 games.

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque promised his team would not underestimate South Africa after several Brazil players suggested that that had been part of why Spain was upset.

"I think our team always respected every rival to the maximum," Del Bosque said. "Possibly around us there was a lot of talk about this team being of championship caliber, but the players and coaching staff never uttered such words. We were always model athletes."

Spain midfielder Xavi Hernandez looks likely to miss the match since he hasn't trained since the semifinal loss due to an allergic skin reaction. Several Spain players had suggested in the buildup that they would prefer to now be on vacation rather than play a meaningless match.

"We want to finish with a good taste in our mouth," Del Bosque said. "We'll play with complete interest because we want to close the season on a good note. I guarantee we go into this game with same motivation as if we were going into the final."

South Africa is winless in two previous matches against Spain.

"It's an opportunity for everyone in the team to make history and to get more respect, which we deserve," said midfielder MacBeth Sibaya, who missed out against Brazil due to suspension. "If you win and play positively against Spain, we will have a lot more confidence. Going for third is a great reward."

Santana expected his players to send the crowd home happy and let potential 2010 rivals know South Africa will not be a walkover host next year.

"What's important is that we entered this tournament as an outsider and now we have earned some respect," the Brazilian said.

-- Paul Logothetis

Confed Cup gives first taste of winter World Cup 

RUSTENBURG, South Africa - If the Confederations Cup has provided one important warning for next year's World Cup, it's to leave the shorts and T-shirts at home and pack a parka and thermals instead.

Football's showcase event comes to Africa for the first time in 2010 and fans and their favored teams will get to experience the first winter World Cup since 1978, when Argentina was host.

It will be the fourth World Cup held in the Southern Hemisphere and the difference has already been noted with both of last week's Confederations Cup semifinal matches being played in near freezing temperatures.

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque said the Spaniards, used to summer weather that averages 36 degrees Celsius (97 degrees Fahrenheit) in cities such as Seville, enjoyed the cold conditions since it kept the game moving, a position Germany great Franz Beckenbauer also agreed with.

"I think the players like it. You could see how the players are moving, how the players are reacting, how fast the players are running," Beckenbauer said about the added motivation. "You can only play a fast game like this in the cool or cold weather. For the World Cup, it's perfect to play in these weather conditions."

Temperatures are expected to be near freezing for Sunday night's Confederations Cup final between Brazil and the United States. Colder temperatures are likely to await next year's final, which will be played on July 11.

"Definitely the players have been affected by the cold," Brazil midfielder Gilberto Silva, who plays for Greek club Panathinaikos, said on Saturday. "In England it's cold like this, too, but in my case I was not used to it after a season in Greece.

"(But) I don't think it will become a problem for the team because the great majority of players are in Europe and are already used to low temperatures."

Spain teammates Fernando Torres and Xabi Alonso both agreed that playing at Liverpool had accustomed them to the cool conditions. But the Brazilians were still struggling to cope.

"It seems the cold here is worse than the cold in Europe, I don't know why," said Brazil striker Luis Fabiano, who was fighting a cold after playing in Thursday's 1-0 semifinal win over South Africa.

"After the match I had a fever and was coughing. Now I'm almost fully recovered and I hope tomorrow (Sunday) I can be 100 percent ready to help my teammates."

Brazil teammate Maicon believed the weather came down to personal taste.

"Each player reacts differently to the cold," the Inter Milan right back said. "I think that for next year we have to take the necessary precautions so what happened to (Fabiano) doesn't happen again and we can have a good World Cup."

With most World Cup games kicking off at 8:30 p.m. local time, TV viewers should prepare for the sight of bundled up spectators cowering from the cold in the stands instead of Brazilian fans in bikinis dancing to samba next year.

"So far the only strange thing is the cold weather," Italy midfielder Daniele De Rossi said before the World Cup holder failed to get through the group stage. "I never saw a cold-weather World Cup growing up as a kid. It will be different."

-- Paul Logothetis

Elsewhere

Madrid completes signing of Ronaldo from United

MADRID - Real Madrid has completed the transfer of Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United.

The 24-year-old Portugal winger will be a Madrid player on July 1 after agreeing to a six-season deal. The move is worth a record $131 million.

Madrid says on its Web site that FIFA's world player of the year will be presented at Santiago Bernabeu stadium on July 6.

Terms of Ronaldo's contract were not disclosed, but Spanish reports put the figure as high as $18 million per season, with the player expected to split his image rights with Madrid.

The Spanish club is also considering offering him a bodyguard as part of the deal.

Real Madrid has spent a reported $92 million to sign midfielder Kaka from AC Milan and $21 million on defender Raul Albiol from Valencia this offseason since Florentino Perez returned as president in June.