Game 4

To day was a very interesting game. The weather was extremely hot to the point the referee gave 2 water breaks, one in each half. It was very hard for us to find our rhythm and create the flow we have had over the previous 3 games, mainly because our passing and movement was not very good and we were a little intimidated by the name Brazil on their jersey. We were compensating by dribbling way too much and when we lost the ball, Brazil would seize the opportunity by counter attacking at speed. They had very good touch and movement when they countered off our mistakes and actually, that is all they did the entire game. They never attacked, only sat back and waited on the mistake in our attacking third. For the most part, we had the better of play, but could not score. They had 2 really good shots off the counter, but our keeper made 2 really good saves. The score at the half would be 0:0.

We addressed all of the above at half, especially the passing and also to keep the ball wide and then hit the cross to the back side. We started the 2nd half doing just that and in the 56th minute we scored the 1st goal. The ball was played out wide on the right and it was sent to Charlie Paris, who played it across to our attacking midfielder, Jason Hirsch making his hard run to the back post and he put the ball in the back of the net. USA 1, Brazil 0. We kept knocking on the door, but nothing was happening for us. We just tried to possess the ball and eat away at the clock. As the game went on, we started dribbling too much again and had the ball on the wing, when we dribbled and got stripped of the ball and Brazil had a classic counter attack to tie the game with 10 minutes remaining. USA 1, Brazil 1.

We knew a tie was really all we needed in order to be in the Gold Medal game on Sunday, but we wanted to send them a strong message that we do not lay down. With 3 minutes remaining in the game and a tie was almost a certainty, we struck again. This time the ball was sent to the back post by Justin Kamine where Jeff Zimering, our other striker was waiting on the ball. He then calmly played it across to our hard cutting other striker, Charlie Paris, who ever so calmly placed it in the back of the net. USA 2, Brazil 1.

We truly did not have our best day, but great teams find ways to win, even when it looks over. This team has great character and they jut would not lose. Brazil used all their tricks during the game to get us out of our game. They continually would dive and come in cleats up. I am so proud of our guys for just keeping their heads and not allowing them to disrupt us. While I know it was not our best day on the field, sometimes a game like this will be just what we need to be able to get back to our game of simple soccer. This was a good case where we were not over matched, but over intimidated by a name on a Jersey. We took stock of this at half and it will make us better for the finals. I feel confident we will meet Brazil in the finals again on Sunday at 2 PM.

Tomorrow is our last game of pool play against Australia Blue. We will rest most of our starters and play those that have not played quite as much as our starters in this game in order to rest them for the Gold Medal game. Hopefully, we will keep our unbeaten streak in pool play with a nice win tomorrow against Australia Blue. the game will be at 11 AM.

Tomorrow evening is New Year's Eve at it is supposed to be spectacular. I can't wait for the fireworks display over Darling Harbor. On Saturday, January 1, 2011, our entire delegation is going to visit some animals and then go to the Blue Mountains. Hopefully, it will not be too much walking for our guys.

So, from Sydney, I wish everyone a good night and I will have the results from tomorrow posted shortly after the game. I will also post about the fireworks.

Take care and best regards,
Coach Goldfarb