USA Poised For Copa America Following Encouraging Draw Against Brazil

Gregg Berhalter has expressed confidence in the United States' readiness for the Copa America following their 1-1 draw with Brazil on Wednesday. The match, held in Florida, marked an improved performance for Berhalter's side, who had suffered a 5-1 defeat to Colombia just three days earlier.

Real Madrid's Rodrygo gave Brazil an early lead, causing concern among fans. However, Christian Pulisic's second-half free-kick levelled the score. Goalkeeper Matt Turner was instrumental in maintaining the draw, making 11 saves—the most by a USA keeper since Tim Howard's performance in the 2014 World Cup.

"We asked for teamwork and intensity," Berhalter said. "The way we framed it is two things that are totally in their control. It doesn’t matter about the opponent, it doesn’t matter about the field, the fans or anything. That’s the type of effort that we saw today. The boys certainly did really well on that and that was good. We feel like we made a little step."

All even after 90. pic.twitter.com/IP9hz8bXVp

— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) June 13, 2024

The USA will begin their Copa America campaign on June 23 against Bolivia in Arlington. They will then face Panama and Uruguay in Group C. Berhalter believes that the result against Brazil is a positive indicator of their potential success against stronger international teams.

"It's not a huge step, but it's a little step to be able to play against an amazingly talented Brazil team and bend but not break," Berhalter added. "And give them problems as well, push them as well. So for us, looking at it, we think it's a good end to a preparation camp when we're ready for Copa."