Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, July 21, 1995 TAG: 9507210095
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: MALDONADO, URUGUAY LENGTH: Medium
The United States' remarkable run through the America Cup ended Thursday night with a 1-0 loss to Brazil in the semifinals of the South American soccer championships.
The four-time World Cup champions scored in the 13th minute on a header by Aldair to advance to Sunday's final against Uruguay.
The Brazilians extended their unbeaten streak to 25 games, their last loss coming to Germany in 1993. They limited the United States to two good scoring chances, both by defender Alexi Lalas.
The Americans, eliminated by Brazil 1-0 in the second round of last year's World Cup, were playing in the semifinals of a major international tournament for the first time since the 1930 World Cup.
The United States will play Colombia for third place on Saturday. The two countries played to a scoreless tie last month in Piscataway, N.J.
The United States beat Chile, Argentina and Mexico on the way to the semifinals, but faced a far stronger opponent in Brazil. The Americans struggled throughout the first half, with Brazil almost in constant possession.
The Americans have now lost all seven games they have played against Brazil.
The United States and Mexico were invited to the 12-nation tournament, one of soccer's showcase events.
The first 10 minutes were played at a slow pace, with Brazil twice coming close to scoring. Winger Roberto Carlos sent a 20-yard shot just wide and Zinho later shaved the left post from outside the box.
But in the 13th minute, Juninho floated a free kick from the left side of the penalty area. Aldair, a defender, eluded former Virginia standout John Harkes and rose unchallenged to beat U.S. goalkeeper Brad Friedel with a point-blank header.
In the 29th minute, the United States had its opportunity when Eric Wynalda crossed to Lalas. He sent a header toward goalkeeper Taffarel but Aldair headed it away.
The midfield triangle of Zinho, Dunga and Juninho proved too much for the Americans and Edmundo, taking advantage of a poor header from Lalas, came inches from widening the lead after 23 minutes.
In a more physical second half, the United States picked up the tempo and Brazil, content to sit on its lead, rarely attacked.
The U.S. came close to tying the score with a header by Lalas shortly after halftime and Wynalda began to trouble the defense. Wynalda had to leave the game after 77 minutes because of a pulled leg muscle.
by CNB