I just got the notion in my head to drive down from Indian Rocks Beach (near Tampa), to Miami on Wednesday afternoon to watch the Gold Cup semi-final between Brazil and the USA. The match starts at 8 pm, and is at what used to be called Joe Robbie Stadium, where the Miami Dolphins play their home games. I have no idea what it’s called now. Wasn’t sure if there were any (other) rabid USA (or Brazil) fans here who might be going. Frankly, part of the temptation is to see Brazil play. But I still hope that the USA will prevail!
Help talk me into going if you’re in the area. Also, I might need a place to crash for the night if I do come. Not sure I want to drive to Miami and back in the same day. I think it’s about 300 miles, but I’m not certain on that.
Well, it will always be Joe Robbie Stadium to me. Any other USA fans out there, or is it going to be me and Neurotik against the world (and him in spirit only)?
A quick perusal of the lineups for the Gold Cup suggests that while the US is fielding its top players, Brazil is making-do with the B-team (if not some C-team players). Without Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Bobby C, Kleberson, Geremi et al, it doesn’t really count for much.
It’d be nice for the US to win because it would likely boost soccer a little in that country, but a victory against a weak (compared to a full-side Brazil) opponent wouldn’t really be all that impressive. Based on the FIFA world rankings, I’d actually expect the US to win this one.
It’s definitely the C-team. The only Brazilian in this side whom I recognize is Kaka. For Brazil, the Gold Cup is probably pretty near the bottom of international priorities.
If Univision broadcasts the game, and I remember it’s on, I might watch it. But I won’t be too disappointed if I miss it.
Personally, if I wanted to see Brazil play, I wouldn’t drive down to see it unless there were at least a few first-team Brazilians.
It may be worth it, though, if you’re interested in seeing the US team play, since (as noted) they’ve fielded a full-strength side.
Skopo, one reason to go is that whenever Brazil plays there is a party. There are bound to be a slew of Brazilian expats in Miami, plus the worldwide appeal of Brazilian futbol almost ensures a homefield advantage for the visitors. (This is why the USA tries to schedule important games in cool/cold weather in places like Columbus and Foxboro). I partied with some Brazil fans in South Korea during the ride back from the Portugal game. Crazy. Plus hangin’ with the Sammers is a fun experience. As for the “A-team”, at this time of year they’re generally looking to rest.
Gold Cup is much more important to the CONCACAF teams than the South Americans. Brazil usually participates, but typically with players trying to make a name more than their core veterans. It will be a tough match, regardless, but USA should win. I’d like their chances more in Foxboro, though. This is the tournament where USA’s only victory against the Brazilians came, a couple of years back IIRC.
BTW, where did you find the lineup posted for the Wednesday game? I actually expect the USA to field maybe their “A-minus” team. Arena usually plays with his lineup a lot outside of the World Cup, sometimes resting his European players.
An interesting side note, Costa Rica also made the semis, and is coached by Arena’s predecessor, Steve Sampson. His Ticos beat El Salvador 5-2 in the quarterfinal and now face Mexico at Azteca in the semis. It would be great, but quite unexpected, if the past US coach faced his old team.
I don’t think the lineups are out yet; I simply looked at the lineups for the previous games, since a team has to declare it’s eligible players prior to the tournament’s start. Minus a couple players, most of the guys on team USA are their first-choice starters.
Ah, to see someone like Romario play would certainly make the drive worthwhile.
And you’re absolutely right, ShibbOleth, that the Brazilian crowd in Miami will make the atmosphere much more lively. There is indeed quite a slew of expat Brazilians in Miami–my SO used to be one of them. If the football gets dull, they will more than make up for it.
Unfortunately, I missed the game, but I followed it on the 'Net. Sad to lose after leading up until the 89th minute, but Brazil really brought the heat from around the 60th minute or so. Would have been a fun game but a drag for the long drive back after a loss like that. Maybe next time.
I think they play tonight. The winner will face Brazil on Sunday, which will be broadcast on Univision–so I might watch the final after all.
My bet would be on Mexico winning the semi-final tonight, and then going on to win the final on Sunday–since the final will be played in Mexico City, and Brazil has never fared very well there. Very few sides can cope with the high altitude, so (assuming they win the semi-final), Mexico will definitely have the home-field advantage.