A 1-1 result was a fair outcome from an interesting encounter which saw Brazil play some good quality passing of the ball, even if at times it went astray. Daniel Szetla of the USA produced another first class performance - the midfield menace really is a joy to watch.

The first real attempt on goal came from the USA on six minutes, when Robbie Rogers got away from two defenders in thr Brazilian penalty area but managed only a feeble shot.

Brazil passed the ball around soundly in the first stages of the match. The South Americans played the ball about shortly and on the deck, although the USA intercepted some of their passes. The US matched Brazil's attractive passing and did put the ball in the back of the net early on, with the offside flag raised to rule it out.

The first half passed without any major events occurring, Brazil had slightly more of the ball but the chances that the two sides had were evenly matched.

A penalty was awarded for the Brazilians in the first minute of injury time when Anderson was pulled down in the area and the referee pointed straight to the spot.

Kerlon stepped up to take the spot kick, but he curled the ball over the bar.

Half time: Brazil 0-0 USA

The Brazilians had a tendency to stand in front of the opposition's free kicks, the Referee was getting irritated with this and cautioned a Brazilian youngster for doing so.

The stalemate was broken eight minutes into the second half when the US took the lead. Rodrigo Hidgalo hit a vigorous effort which came off the underside of the bar and sub Jay Singh headed home past Brazilian goalie Jorge.

The USA should have gone two up. Brian Mascarenhas floated in a delightful cross onto the right hand side, but Jay Singh went for power rather than placement - the wrong choice. His shot blasted wide.

An off the ball incident followed on 61 minutes when it appeared that the Brazilian Tacio elbowed an opponent, the referee spotted it and Tacio was sent off for violent conduct.

The referee was swarmed with protests from the young lads in yellow shirts. The Brazilians were furious, with their manager leading the protest.

The Brazilians had a chance to equalise on 64 minutes but a header from Igor was tipped over the bar. Their chance did come however, a minute later. A long diagonal ball was floated over the top onto Igor, he took a touch and placed the ball into the corner of the net.

Brazil pressed well in the final minutes and could have taken the lead despite being a man shorter than their opponents. They had a couple of chances that they should've done better with but poor finishing let them down.

As the last minute of normal time approached the Brazilians were knocked down another peg as they went down to nine men. Simoes was sent off for a second bookable offence as Mr Walton brandished the yellow card out, which was shortly followed by the red.

It was an evenly matched tie but the Brazilians cannot win the tournament, after Portugal beat England comfortably. It is going to go down to the last match between the Portguese and the USA.  It seems that Brazil versus England could turn into an anti-climax, with both sides now battling out to avoid the proverbial wooden spoon.