Johannesburg, June 29 (DPA) After his side allowed a two-goal lead against Brazil in the Confederations Cup final to slip away, US coach Bob Bradley said that the loss was a “pretty lousy feeling”.
The Americans led 2-0 at half-time through goals by Clinton Dempsey and Landon Donovan, but Brazilian Luis Fabiano pulled one back a minute after the break.
The Sevilla striker equalised in the 74th minute and captain Lucio headed home the winner six minutes from the end to give the Selecao a second consecutive Confederations Cup title and a third overall.
The 51-year-old US coach said that the early goal in the second half had been a real set-back. “I think it went through Jay DeMerit’s legs. It was a tough one to take so early in the second half.
“I am extremely proud. We continued trying playing forward but it still feels pretty lousy to let this one get away.
“The feeling is a mix of great disappointment, but also of great pride. You learn from this kind of experience but it doesn’t make it easier.”
The coach, who had to play the final without his midfielder son Michael, who was sent off in the semi-final against Spain, said that he thought Donovan had been outstanding throughout the tournament.
“He has been excellent. He sets a good standard for our team and he did a good job in the final.
“Kaka made the difference today. He is such an important player for his team with all his talents. We’ve got confidence that we’re able to go against good teams, that we’re able to make a real game against the top sides.”
He said that had the US won the game, it would have been a very special result. “There is a list of great results and a win would have been right up there.
“It is still very disappointing because it is a final and it is a great opportunity. But we also see the progress that we are making and we want to keep going forward.”
He praised the South African fans and organisers and said they had been great. “The people that we met everywhere we went made it really special. The way they reacted to our team was special.
“They have a great passion for the game and we had a terrific experience and will use it as a motivation to be back next year for the World Cup.
rounak