Brazil rallies to beat US 3-2 for Confederations Cup Title

Oh what might have been.

The Americans arrived in the 2009 Confederations Cup Final to show the world and few would argue after a first half that saw the US with a stunning 2-0 lead at its completion.  The US came out and matched Brazil step for step.  In the 10th minute Clint Dempsey put the US ahead when he flicked a long ball from Jonathan Spector into the lower left corner of the net.

In the 26th minute a Brazilian corner kick turned into an American counter attack.  The US picked the ball up at the top of their own box and took off with Landon Donovan playing into Charlie Davies down the left side.  Donovan continued running and Davies was able to get the ball back to him at the top of the Brazilian 18.  Landon cut inside and calmly finished past Julio Cesar and it was 2-0 to the US.

Then lightning struck as the 2nd half began.  In the opening minute Brazil were able to grab one back as Luis Fabiano fired a shot through Jay Demerit's legs and past Tim Howard.  Now the Americans would feel the pressure as Brazil swarmed forward looking for the tying goal.

The US defense would bunker in, but it was almost inevitable.  Tim Howard made several huge saves on the night but was unable to stop the tying goal coming from Luis Fabiano in the 73rd minute.    Kaka beat Jonathan Spector down the left side and slid a perfect ball across for Robinho who put the ball off the crossbar.  The ball bounced out right to Fabiano who headed it home.

At that point the US was just looking to survive and maybe get to extra time.  It would not happen as Brazil found the winner in the 83rd.  A long corner kick was headed home by Lucio and Brazil had their comeback and the Confederations Cup title.