Despite a heavy 5-1 loss to Colombia in their Copa America warm-up, US head coach Gregg Berhalter has confirmed that the team will not change its approach for Wednesday’s friendly against Brazil. The US team faced a tough defeat last weekend, with Colombia scoring three goals in 11 second-half minutes in Landover, Maryland, causing concern among the home fans.
“We want to gain information on both Brazil and our own players, so we have to be brave and continue with our plan,” Berhalter said on Tuesday. “There’s obviously a lot of external pressure after a 5-1 defeat at home, but our focus remains on preparing for Copa America.”
Berhalter emphasized that the coaching staff will prioritize player performance over the result in the upcoming match against Brazil in Orlando, Florida. With the tournament just around the corner, taking place from June 20 to July 14 in the United States, Berhalter aims to see his players perform consistently well.
“If we evaluate the game and see 11 or 16 guys performing at an eight out of 10 level, that will be sufficient. We know Brazil is a very strong team, but it’s crucial for us to perform at our best against such teams,” he stated.
Brazil, a formidable opponent, comes into the match with confidence after a 3-2 victory over Mexico in their own Copa America warm-up. The US has a daunting 11-match losing streak against Brazil, dating back 26 years.
When discussing Brazil’s capabilities, Berhalter remarked, “Their biggest strength? It’s hard to pinpoint just one. Every position in their proposed starting 11 is likely filled by one of the world’s best players.”
The US team aims to gather valuable insights and build momentum ahead of the Copa America, regardless of the challenges posed by facing a powerhouse like Brazil.
