Brazil 3, USA 2

In a game that lived up to the hype, the US turned the footballing world on its head and lead 2-0 after 45 minutes in the final of the 2009 Confederations Cup. But fortune would favor the Brazilians in the second half. Brazil scored 45 seconds after the whistle blew for the start of the half, and the rest they say, was history. While the loss is truly heartbreaking for the American players and fans, the US can leave South Africa with their heads held high. They defied all the odds, silenced their critics, and proved to their fans and the world, that this team is real. The images of Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan after the final whistle blew, while gut-wrenching, was exactly what I wanted to see. To see that kind of emotion, that kind of heart, that kind of desire is exactly what the fans wanted to see. Did the US deserve to win? Probably. But Brazil is the last team anyone in the world would want to play up 2-0 with 45 minutes to play. Brazil has been coming back like that for years since the inception of their federation, which is why their trophy cabinet is bursting at the seams.

The US started brightly, scoring in the 10th minute off a Jonathan Spector cross, who put it straight onto the foot of Clint Dempsey, whose slightest touch proved enough to beat Julio Cesar. Seventeen minutes later, the US taught the world masters of counter-attacking just how its done. Three straight one touch passes; Clark to Donovan, Donovan to Davies, Davies to Donovan, and Donovan took a touch inside and sent a helpless Julio Cesar the wrong way. It was beautiful, it was destiny, it was heart, desire, and faith. I'll tell you, it was amazing, the greatest accomplishment in the last seven years for the US team. The lack of Michael Bradley's midfield grit was certainly missed, with all due respect to Benny Feilhaber, who played well. While the substitutions were questionable, you will never out-sub Brazil, they brought on Daniel Alves and Elano, two players worth eight figures on the open market, the US brought on three MLS players, all due respect, Bornstein is no Daniel Alves and Kljestan is no Elano. In the end, Brazil is just the better team, but the US gave the the world a show that won't soon be forgotten, by anyone.

Here are my player ratings:

Tim Howard (8)- The human wall that is Tim Howard had arguably his best game of the tournament, with save after save after immaculate save. He can't be blamed for any of the goals.

Jonathan Spector (6.5)- Great cross to Dempsey, but didn't shut down the flanks quick enough against Robinho and Kaka, though it must be said that taking both of those players on for 90 minutes would wear even the best players down.

Jay DeMerit (6.5)- Lacked the grit of previous games, but still played well enough to keep his position for future matches. Unlucky with the ball going through his legs on Brazils first.

Oguchi Onyewu (7)- Showed his typical dominance in the air, but his lack in concentration on Brazil's second goal was mind-numming.

Carlos Bocanegra (6.5)- Showed his best against Maicon, but slowed in the second half under pressure of waves of Brazilian attacks. But this back four is one for the future.

Clint Dempsey (7)- Lacked the defensive hustle of previous games, which hurt Spectors chances against Kaka and Robinho, but his goal was a thing of beauty.

Benny Feilhaber (6)- Showed his vision and touch on the ball and created some good chances, also got back and defended valiently, but all due respect, the US missed Bradley.

Ricardo Clark (7)- Typical Clark game; gritty, dirty, and tough. Solidified his position next to Bradley for the time being and is now getting looks from European clubs. His one touch to Donovan started the counter-attack for the second goal.

Landon Donovan (8)- His set pieces were dangerous, his speed was killer, his passing was fantastic and the goal was simply awe inspiring. Wish he'd have tracked back more and helped Bocanegra deal with Maicon though.

Charlie Davies (7)- Awesome play with Donovan for the second goal, and his hustle defensively kept Brazil honest. His speed also gave Brazil fits all night.

Jozy Altidore (6.5)- Got physical with Lucio and Luisao all night and held the ball up well. Needs to find a team that will actually give him minutes.

SUBS: None of the subs had much of an influence on the game minus Bornsteins late blast.

It was a wonderful ride, the US team overachieved and gave the world notice of their rise from wannabe to worldbeater...all in just fifteen days.