Fearless U.S. braced for Brazil soccer showdown

By Mike Collett

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - The United States are one victory away from claiming a major FIFA competition for the first time if they can produce another shock against Brazil when the Confederations Cup reaches its climax on Sunday.

Skipper Carlos Bocanegra, whose side were beaten 3-0 by Brazil in their Group B encounter on June 18, says the U.S. will play without fear against their heavily favored opponents and adopt an entirely different strategy for the match.

Unlike the U.S., Brazil know all about winning major trophies, having been crowned world champions five times. They are seeking a third Confederations Cup victory in attempting to retain the trophy they won in 2005.

"The first time we played Brazil we came out a bit timid," Bocanegra said at a news briefing on Friday. "We gave them too much respect.

"We went out and sat back too much but we changed it against Egypt, playing with a lot of energy from the start and we carried that into the Spain game. We had a go at them for 90 minutes rather than absorb pressure."

The U.S. beat Egypt 3-0 to secure a surprise semi-final berth and then secured an even more unlikely place in the final with a stunning 2-0 win over Spain, who suffered their first international defeat for nearly three years and 36 matches.

"It is very important for us to win," said U.S. coach Bob Bradley, adding that victory would help the team's seeding for the World Cup finals draw later this year.

"In our history, the U.S. national team have had some important and very good victories but we have never won a major competition.

"We have won the CONCACAF Gold Cup and that is the reason we are here. Every team wants the chance to play in a final and we are looking forward to it. It would be incredible for us if we won it."

IMPRESSIVE DEMPSEY

Bradley will not be able to choose son Michael for the game, however, as he was sent off toward the end of the semi-final.

He will have the impressive Clint Dempsey in attack and the Fulham forward will be looking to complete an excellent tournament with a winner's medal.

Dempsey has scored twice, including the second against Spain, and was praised by FIFA Technical Study member Holger Osieck for "winning nearly every ball in the air, keeping possession and working hard" in their 3-0 win over Egypt.

Osieck also praised his "tireless" performance against Spain in which, besides his goal, he helped to set up the first for Jozy Altidore.

Despite the north Americans' enthusiasm and new-found sense of belief, Brazil still start as overwhelming favourites.