LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — The nation known for “joga bonito” — or the beautiful game — poses a unique challenge for the U.S. soccer team. While not as significant as a pair of World Cup qualifiers next month, it is a test for the Americans on how far they’ve come since Jurgen Klinsmann took over as coach last summer.
A record five-time World Cup champion, Brazil has a youthful roster headed by Neymar, the 20-year-old Santos star coveted by many of Europe’S top clubs. Looking ahead to the Olympics, which limits teams to mostly players under 23, coach Mano Menezes has a roster that includes AC Milan’s Alexandre Pato, Tottenham’s Sandro, Real Madrid’s Marcelo and Porto’s Hulk.
After taking a White House tour, the Americans worked out at FedEx Field, where a crowd of more than 56,000 is expected for the match.
