Brazil held by USA in Copa America warm-up
Rodrygo’s opener was cancelled out by Christian Pulisic’s equaliser as both sides ramped up preparations for the upcoming Copa America
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Brazil drew 1-1 with the United States in a friendly in Orlando in a final tune-up for both sides ahead of the Copa America.
USA had been under pressure to deliver a performance after last weekend’s 5-1 loss to Colombia and the result marked just the second time in 20 matches they avoided defeat at the hands of the five-time World Cup winners.
“There was a lot of talk amongst the players after the 5-1 loss to Colombia,” US keeper Matt Turner told TNT Sports.
“We need to know, friendly or not, it doesn’t matter, you’re the US, you’re going to play in Copa America, you’re going to play against South American teams that don’t like you very much and want to prove a point.
“We have to have a certain level of intensity every time we step out onto the pitch that we lacked in the Colombia game but had tonight.”
Brazil opened the scoring after 17 minutes, pouncing on a misplaced Turner clearance to regain possession before Raphinha set up Real Madrid forward Rodrygo for a smooth finish.
Christian Pulisic grabbed the equaliser in the 26th minute by firing a low free-kick past Alisson at the near post after the forward was fouled just outside the box.
“It was a tough game, you always want to win, but because it’s a warm-up, you have to try not to lose,” Rodrygo told TV Globo. “They gave us a hard time, but we also created a lot, we just lacked a bit of flair. We have to carry on like this, train hard to do well at the Copa America.”
The Copa America runs from June 20 to July 14 in the United States. Nine-time champions Brazil kick off their Group D campaign against Costa Rica on June 24 before facing Paraguay and Colombia.
Meanwhile, USA play Bolivia on June 23, followed by matches against Panama and Uruguay in Group C.
Reuters
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments