Americans Stun Brazil In Gold Cup First Victory Against Brazilians Sends U.S. To Championship Match

With the sure hands of Kasey Keller and one booming kick by Preki Radosavljevic, the United States scored one of its biggest soccer upsets, beating Brazil for the first time ever.

Goalkeeper Keller kept Romario and the Brazilian attack at bay, and Radosavljevic - who had just come into the game - scored in the 65th minute Tuesday night to give the United States a 1-0 victory over the world champions in their CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinal.

The United States hadn’t scored a goal against Brazil since 1930.

“It’s a historic moment for the U.S. and we all recognize this. But these guys want more - they want a championship on Sunday,” said coach Steve Sampson, who has guided the Americans to a team-record six consecutive victories, and a record-tying nine-game unbeaten streak.

The Americans were 0-8 against Brazil and had been outscored 19-0 since a 4-3 loss to the Brazilians in an exhibition game on Aug. 17, 1930.

The United States advances to the final of the championship of soccer’s North and Central American and Caribbean region, and will play Mexico or Jamaica Sunday.

It was a stunning loss for Brazil, which in 1994 eliminated the United States 1-0 and went on to a record fourth World Cup title by beating Italy at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif.

Brazil already had been under intense criticism at home following ties against Jamaica and Guatemala in the first round of the Gold Cup.

The Brazilians were missing about half their regular starters, including star forward Ronaldo, the two-time FIFA world player of the year. But their lineup included Romario, the MVP of the last World Cup.

Keller, who made 10 saves, seven in the first half, said: “We definitely had a little luck. They (Brazil) weren’t the strongest that we’ve seen them, but that doesn’t take away from our performance tonight.

“It’s a tremendous occasion for U.S. soccer, and it helps give us a lot of respect coming into the World Cup.”

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: NOTABLE The U.S. had been 0-8 against Brazil.