Preview for US V Brazil, from FIFA.com
Brazil, USA neck and neck
With both Brazil and the USA needing the points to guarantee their passage from Group D into the Round of 16, the head-to-head between the two should be a thriller. Depending on the result, much will depend on the score of the other game in the group between Poland and Korea Republic. The Auriverdes have rediscovered their form but defensive lapses towards the end of their match against the South Koreans almost cost them dear. And they will have to make do without central defender David Marinho after he picked up a four-match suspension in that game. The Stars and Stripes meanwhile, go into the game in euphoric mood, after their 6-1 demolition of Poland.
The game
Brazil v United States, Ottawa, 6 July, 19.45 (local time)
The stakes
A place in the Round of 16, no less. With four points already in the bank, the Americans can feel relatively comfortable, and in the worst case scenario could even qualify as one of the best third-placed teams. However, the Canarinhos, with only three points, need a victory to be certain of advancing. Whatever happens though, the result of the other game will play a part in determining the final outcome of this very competitive group. With the USA possessing strength and pace up front, though less mobility at the back, and Brazil having bags of talent but some work to do in defence, the result looks too close to call.
The players
US defender Julian Valentin is sidelined with a split eyebrow that required stitches, and is not certain to be fit in time to face the Auriverdes. The Brazilians have no injury worries, but central defender David Marinho is suspended after elbowing Korea Republic's Young Rok Shin in their last game.
The birthdays
By strange coincidence, both teams will have a player celebrating his 20th birthday on the day of the game: Brazil's Edson and Nathan Sturgis of the USA. The Canarinhos will meanwhile be hoping to provide their coach Nelson Rodrigues with the ideal gift, as he is set to turn 42 the day after the match.
The past
These two nations are very familiar foes, having met nine times already in FIFA competitions. Not surprisingly, history clearly favours the South Americans, who have notched up eight victories and suffered just one defeat. Brazil have won all of their encounters at U-20 level, on each occasion by a margin of at least two goals. But with both teams unbeaten in the qualification tournament, their latest encounter should be closely fought.
The words
"This is a very difficult group. No two matches are the same, and all of them are tough. It goes without saying that Brazil will be hard to beat, but at the same time it's always a nice challenge to face the country who produce the best teams in the world." Thomas Rongen, USA coach.
"The American team is both technically gifted and athletic. It isn't going to be any easier than our previous two games, that's for sure. It will be a physical test and we'll need to be ready for it." Nelson Rodrigues, Brazil coach.
