It was supposed to be a friendly, but seemed more like a practice. Brazil played less then 30% of what they could perform, but enough to beat US Soccer Sunday at Soldiers Field in Chicago.

 Unfortunately, Chicago couldn't see Ronaldinho-Kaka in a day of Jordan-Pippen. The brazilian duo, specially the Milan player who will probably be choosen the best of the year, was not really inspired. Ronaldinho, at least, scored one goal and gave two assists for both Lucio and Kaka (before american's own goal).

Now Brazil have a more difficult game against Mexico in Boston. Mexicans are used to beat Brazil and should be motivated about it.

 

Robinho changed his level as a player after Copa America. He was the only star in the Brazilian National Team but overcame the pressure and got the title, the MVP, top scorer and leadership of the team.

At least for the next matches, nobody could doubt he is going to be a starter for Dunga. He is definately not a choker anymore.

But from now on, Ronaldinho and Kaka are back. They were called for the friendly against Argelia and probably will be in the squad also for the North American tour against US and Mexico.

After those three matches, Brazil will start the World Cup 2010 Qualifer. It will be about time for Dunga to decide his perfect eleven.

The fact is that after Copa America success, Dunga will probably insists forever with his midfield with three defensive players (volantes). It is really hard to believe that Gilberto Silva, Mineiro and Elano (or Josue) won't play as starters.

Assuming that, we would have three places left. One is for the striker (Vagner Love or Fred or even Ronaldo). The other two would be disputed by Robinho, Kaka and Ronaldinho.

My guess is that Kaka will play with Robinho the first two matches. Ronaldinho will be on the bench.

But let's see what happens. Robinho had one month to practice with the team and was the only star. Once the european leagues start, Kaka and Ronaldinho will play every match and will be in shape soon.

Robinho and his Real Madrid nightmare can go back to the bench at anytime and loose his good rithym. That would take Ronaldinho back to the number 10 jersey right away.

Assuming that I am right, what do you think? If you have two places for Ronaldinho, Kaka and Robinho, who would you put in your team?

 

USA vs Canada and Mexico vs Guadaloupe. Both games will be in Chigado June 21.

USA keeps the best record of the tournament, with 8 goals pro and only one against after 4 wins.

Everybody expects a final between Mexico and USA and it is really hard to think about anything different than that. But it is good to remember that Canada had the best score in the quaterfinals after beating Guatemala 3-0. USSoccer got a 1-0 against the same Guatemala in the first round.

In the other site, Mexico have everything in terms of tradition, but they still din't play their best football so far.

While the other National Teams are just in light training sections, USA is playing a tournament, the Gold Cup, and will get in great shape to face their group with Argentina in the next Copa America Venezuela, starting in 15 days.

The team made three excelent games so far, wining all of them, scoring 7 goals  and their defense remains without suffering any goals.

Meanwhile, Brazil keeps having trouble with players. After Kaka, Ronaldinho and Ze Roberto refused to play and Lucio and Julio Cesar are injuried, now it is time to CBF and Real Madrid fight for Robinho.

Madrid's number 10 should be in Brazil for training last Tuesday, but his Team decided not to allow as Madrid have an important game next Sunday.

Conmebol defined the draws for the 12 National teams that will battle in Venezuela. The first game will be between host Venezuela and Bolivia, June 26. The first game for Group B is Brazil x Mexico and in the last group, Argentina will face USA. Group A will play its games at San Cristobal and Mérida. The venues for the Brazilian group are Puerto Ordaz, Maturín and Puerto La Cruz. And Argentina, USA, Paraguay and Colombia will play at Maracaibo, Barinas and Barquisimeto. Venue number 9, Caracas, will have two games at the semifinal and Third Place game.

The first two teams in each group and the best two of the third-place holders will advance to the second round.

GROUP A
Venezuela
Bolivia
Uruguay
Peru

GROUP B
Brazil
Mexico
Ecuador
Chile

GROUP C
Argentina
United States
Paraguay
Colombia

Matches and Venues:

26/06/2007
Venezuela x Bolivia, San Cristóbal
Uruguay x Peru, Mérida

27/06/2007
Brazil x Mexico, Puerto Ordaz
Ecuador x Chile, Puerto Ordaz

28/06/2007
Argentina x USA, Maracaibo
Paraguay x Colombia, Maracaibo

30/06/2007
Venezuela x Peru, San Cristóbal
Bolivia x Uruguay, San Cristóbal

01/07/2007
Brazil x Chile, Maturín
Mexico x Ecuador, Maturín

02/07/2007
Argentina x Colombia, Maracaibo.
USA x Paraguay, Barinas.

03/07/2007
Venezuela x Uruguay, Mérida
Bolivia x Peru, Mérida

04/07/2007
Brazil x Ecuador, Puerto La Cruz
Mexico x Chile, Puerto La Cruz

05/07/2007
Argentina x Paraguay, Barquisimeto
USA x Colombia, Barquisimeto

Quarter-finals
07/07/2007
(19) Best 3rd x Runner-up Group B, Maracaibo.

(20) Winner Group A x 2nd best 3rd place, San Cristóbal.

08/07/2007
(21) Winner Group B x Runner-up Group C, Maturín.

(22) Winner Group C x Runner-up Group A, Barquisimeto.

Semifinals
10/07/2007
(23) Winners 19 x 20, Caracas.

(24) Winners 21 x 22, Puerto Ordaz.

Third Place
14/07/2007
Loosers 23 x 24, Caracas

Final
15/07/2007
Winners 23 x 24, Maracaibo