The Confederation Cup title was within grasp for the US until the second half when Brazil rallied up and scored three goals. It looked as if Team USA were about to stage another upset and show the world that US soccer had finally arrived. US led Brazil 2-0 in the first half and the team and its supporters broke into euphoria. However, the joy was premature. The Brazilians made sure the Americans knew who the champions are.

Another disappointment for the US. I hope US didn't underestimate their opponents just because the Brazilians fell behind 0-2 in the first half. Like Spain's captain Puyol said "It won't happen again." after Spain lost to the US 0-2 in the semifinal. I'm sure powerhouses like Italy, Spain and Brazil played only half-ass in this tournament. There are lots of works for us to do in the next 12 months before the World Cup begins in June 2010. We have made a good run in the Confederation Cup, but we should look at previous tournaments. In 2001, Japan made it to the final and only lost to the champion France 0-1 in the final. However, the Japanese didn't make it through the second round and got eliminated by Turkey in the World Cup 2002.

I'm sure the powerhouses will dominate in South Africa. If Team USA wants to surprise the world, they need to get their act together and make a lot of improvements.