This was one that the United States Men’s National Team wanted, that Copa America hopes hoped for, and – for USMNT boss Gregg Berhalter – might have leaned more towards the need camp than the need.
Either way, you can’t take anything away from the Yanks’ performance on Wednesday, especially considering the team didn’t collapse when brilliant Brazil took an early lead in Florida.
[ MORE: USMNT 1-1 Brazil recap | Pulisic scores free kick ]
Christian Pulisic’s superb dribble to win a free-kick was made all the more enjoyable by his conversion from the central set-piece, as the AC Milan man was once again the Yanks’ best player.
It wasn’t a flawless day for goalkeeper Matt Turner, but he was fantastic in the vast majority of areas, while several other Orlando players raised eyebrows.
Here are the USMNT player ratings versus Brazil as we saw them, ranked at 10 with six as a baseline and anything lower is not a good sign.
USMNT player ratings vs. Brazil out of 10
Matt Turner: 9 — Was almost perfect. Maybe he was perfect after his mistake in the 16th minute gave Brazil the chance to take a 1–0 lead. Still 11 saves and a good distribution for the rest. Would a 2-1 or 3-1 defeat feel just as good, even with Berhalter’s desired performance? No.
Antonee Robinson: 7 — More than enough dealt with Raphinha’s threat and also kept Danilo busy. Robinson is currently one of the better left backs in the world.
Tim Ream: 7 — Not bad for a 37-year-old, or anyone of any age for that matter, but it seems like something considering Ream was preparing for his first year with Saint Louis when his second-half rival Endrick was taguatinga born.
Chris Richards: 5.5 — Didn’t do anything spectacular, but was enough to thwart a few chances for Brazil.
Joe Scally (from 85′): 6.5 — Probably his best day in a USMNT shirt, looking more like the man who regularly starts for Borussia Mönchengladbach.
Yunus Musah (from 75′): 6 — Not his best match, but stable enough against a huge opponent.
Giovanni Reyna (from 64′): 6 — Once again solid in defensive duties, but wasn’t at his best off the dribble. Brazilian defenders usually have good experience with that specific skill.
Weston McKennie: 6 — Could have done more to attack Turner’s ill-fated goal kick. Was busy as usual but did not get the ball and lacked sharpness. It happens.
Timothy Weah (from 75′): 7 — Created, took photos and generally looked the most for the game. He more than held his own in defense.
Christian Pulisic: 8 — Fantastic player who is in his prime. The goal from the free kick was excellent, of course, but he came within inches twice to give his team the lead. The Americans will only go as far as he does.
Ricardo Pepi (from 64′): 6 — A few nice moments of attack, but otherwise had few chances to influence the match.
Subs
Johnny Cardoso (at 64′): 6.5 — Neatly owned and as comfortable as you would expect from a man who has probably lived 95% of his life in Brazil.
Folarin Balogun (at 64′): 6 — One moment of clarity, but otherwise a similar day to Pepi.
Tyler Adams (at 75′): – N/A
Brenden Aaronson (at 75′): — N/A
Shaq Moore (at 85′): — N/A
