US soccer team produces valiant effort in Confedations Cup but comes up short against Brazil

There it was, the unimaginable. The United States soccer team, playing in its first world-level final, was leading five-time world champions Brazil 2-0 at halftime thanks to two beautiful goals by Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan. The few U.S. flags in the near-capacity Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg were waved enthusiastically in the winter chill.

It had been a steep learning curve for the U.S. squad after two heavy defeats against Italy and Brazil in the first round. After dispatching a weak Egyptian team, the Americans stunned No.1-ranked Spain in the semifinal and put an end to more than two years of invincibility for the Spanish Armada.

Alas for the brave U.S. team, two goals and spectacular saves by goalkeeper Tim Howard weren't enough to prolong the dream. After halftime, Brazil applied relentless pressure, and it bore fruit. A triplet of goals later, and the Americans were left to wonder what could have been.

http://www.globalpost.com/notebook/south-africa/090628/us-soccer-team-produces-valiant-effort-confed-cup-comes-short-against