The U.S. Men’s National Team will face five-time World Cup champions Brazil at the New Meadowlands Stadium on Tuesday, Aug. 10.
The game (8 p.m., ESPN2) will be less a month after the conclusion of this summer’s World Cup — in which Brazil is one of the favorites — and a sellout crowd is expected for the South American powerhouse’s first trip to the area in 14 years.
“It is always an exciting opportunity when you have the chance to play one of the best teams in the world.” said U.S. coach Bob Bradley, who is preparing his team for a tuneup game at 2:30 p.m. Saturday against Turkey then to depart Sunday for the World Cup.
“We are constantly seeking ways to challenge our team and continue to raise the bar, and these types of matches are an important part of that process. The New York metropolitan area is home to some of the best soccer fans in the country, and we expect it will be a tremendous crowd at the New Meadowlands Stadium.”
Alice McGillion, a spokeswoman for the stadium, said a temporary grass field will be installed over the artificial turf for the game. The Jets play the first preseason football game there Monday, Aug. 16.
Brazil and the United States played a memorable match last summer, in the final of the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa. The United States ran off to a quick 2-0 lead on goals by Fulham’s Clint Dempsey and the Galaxy’s Landon Donovan, but Brazil rallied for a 3-2 win.
“The New Meadowlands Stadium is thrilled to host U.S. Soccer, especially for such a special match, the team’s first following the World Cup,” said Mark Lamping, president and CEO of the New Meadowlands Stadium Co.
Brazil, a five-time world champion, has won 14 of 15 meetings between the teams. The lone American win was 1-0 in Los Angeles in February 1998 at the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
The game is on a FIFA fixture date, meaning clubs are required to release players to national teams.
The first professional sporting event at the $1.6 billion stadium was a soccer game on May 7, when Mexico and Ecuador played a 0-0 tie.
With AP
