Well, it is definitely bad news. We played very poorly and lost 0:3. The score is not indicative of the game with regards to shots. They had 5 good shots on goal to our 7. However, they finished and we didn't and that is the story of the game.
Early in the 1st half, we had a good shot from about 5 yards and hit it right at the keeper. We had all the momentum going and then the Brazilians wanted a water break and the referee gave it. It really was not very hot, but coming out of the break, we lost all our momentum and they countered and scored. Our keeper made the initial save, but we left a midfielder open coming on the back side it put it away. The score at half was USA 0, Brazil 1.
As we addressed our issues at half, I thought like all our other games we would make the adjustments and come back and win the game. However, it was not to be. We never made the adjustments. Our midfield play both offensively and defensively was non existent. Early in the 2nd half, they were awarded a penalty lick which was really questionable. They missed it and after missing it, the player who took it, punched one of our guys in the head and should have been red carded. The referee only gave him a yellow. Needless to say the referee did not beat us, but a sure red card should have been given. We started pushing forward and got plenty of good chances and that is even with us playing so poorly. When I say poorly, it really was only our midfielders. Our strikers worked really hard but had no support and our defenders did a great job, but with none of our midfielders tracking back defensively, it was difficult to defend properly. Their 2nd goal came exactly like the goal the scored on us in our first game. Our wind midfielder dribbled too much in the attacking third and lost the ball once again and they countered. However, the player scoring the goal was in an offside position when he received the ball, but again no call. So now we are down 0:2. We kept pushing and exposed our backs and they scored the final goal late in the game with only about 3 minutes remaining. So again, the final score was USA 0, Brazil 3. They won the Gold and we won the Silver. I must also mention, that in yesterday's hike, I was extremely disappointed in that we had to do this on the day before our final game. It was very hot and to hike for 90 minutes in the Blue Mountains, was a very bad idea as far as I was concerned. But, it was part of the trip and it would have been good if we could have done it at an earlier date. But it is what it is...
In concluding this blog, I must say, that the best team did not win gold. Just on this day, as in soccer they did. We won 5, lost 1 and tied 0. Brazil won 4, lost 1 (to us) and tied 1. So, I still believe we were truly the best team in this tournament and this team was and incredible joy to not only coach but be with every day. I am very proud of them and they showed class in losing as they did in all our wins! I want to thank each of them for making this an incredible experience for me and Aly. I do not know what I would have done without Aly being here and helping me and the team. She was such a blessing and I love her very much and can't thank her enough for being with me in this wonderful experience in Australia.
To my wonderful wife and family, we will be home soon. Love you all very much.
Best regards from Sydney,
Coach Goldfarb
