The United States Men’s Soccer Team entered it’s first ever FIFA sanctionced tournament final on Sunday.  They faced off against world superpower Brazil.  The final ended 3-2 in favor of the Seleção.  The U.S. saw a golden opportunity to win the  Confederations Cup title, only a week after being all but eliminated from the tournament, slip away after a brilliant first half of soccer followed by an unrelenting South American side that proved why it is one of, if not, the best in the world.  At halftime the U.S. led by a score of 2-0.  Although Brazil had plenty of chances in the first half, the U.S. defense and Goalkeeper Tim Howard denied them from turning chances into tallies.  Landon Donovan scored a spectacular goal on counter attack in the 27th minute to give the U.S. a firm lead which they held into the half.  The second half began with Brazil striking first.  Within a minute removed from halftime, Luis Fabiano put the five-time world champions on the board.  At the 60th minute, controversy arose over a ball that appeared to cross the goal line from Brazilian midfielder Kaka was ruled as having been kept out safely by Howard.  This would not factor in the end as Luis Fabiano scored again followed by teammate Lucio later in the half.  Despite the disappointing outcome, the U.S. can take away at least on outstanding half of soccer in a final they were not supposed to be against a giant in the sport in the likes of Brazil (not to forget that on the way the toppled current FIFA number one Spain).

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