Can't say I saw a huge difference between halves, other than Brasil was a lot sharper in the second. They had, what....90% possession in the second half vs. 65 or 70% in the first half?
We had 2 chances in the game and finished them both. Brasil had 5-6 good chances in the 1st and didn't put anything in, primarily because Howard was fantastic. But to me it was the same story all game.....just more intense in the second half. My observations:
1. Brasil won EVERY ball in the air. Either first ball or second ball. A major advantage in winning or holding possession.
2. We don't have anyone who can beat people off the dribble. No one can create a dangerous opportunity off the dribble.
3. Our outside defending was non existent. The right mid for Brasil was beating our left back like a drum in the 1st half and serving up ball after ball in the box. In the second half.....Brasil looked undefended in the last 35 yards of the field outwide on both sides. Were we pinching defensively? Then why were they so able to receive the ball centrally without a lot of pressure 25-30 yards out? Seemed to me.......we just gave way too much space in the second half. Much less aggressive.
4. Missed Bradley in the midfield. I liked Davies uptop.
Watching Brasil yesterday.......was like having flashbacks to watching my sons team play Northwestern. At some point the levee's going to break and when it does.....(fade to old Zeppelin....)
