Go USA!

Although Brazil are ranked lower, #5, by FIFA then Spain (#1), they can, in fact, be a tougher opponent for the USA. In the past, Brazil was known for its free-flowing attacks, but Spain has basically taken over that distinction. Under head coach Dunga, Brazil play a more defensive 4-4-2 with counter-attacks, very similar to the United States' recent two victories but with better personnel.

Brazil's one glaring weakness is on their left. If USA can figure out a way to keep attacking from their right, that should force Kaka or Robinho to drop back to help, thus taking away one or both of their major offensive threats. Onyewu or DeMerit should have no problem handling Luis Fabiano in the middle.

Their other offensive threat comes from their right-back, Maicon. How USA will cope with him and Ramires can be the deciding factor of the game. Then there are their set pieces. Here we hope USA will learn from their previous mistakes, ala their first goal conceded against Brazil in their last match.

Lucio will be a rock against Altidore. Thus it will be up to Charlie Davies, Dempsey and Donovan to expose the gaps. Losing Bradley, the son, is major for the USA because Feilhaber is not as good defensively in the midfield. I wonder if Coach Bradley, the father, will spring a surprise and put in José Francisco Torres who, by all accounts, is a pretty good defensive midfielder (although, I must admit, I have not seen him play). The fact that Torres hasn't gotten any minutes so far in the tournament probably gives the answer to my question already.

Whichever way the game goes, I am happy with silver as long as Team USA gives their 110%.

Go USA!