BY RIDGE MAHONEY
in Lyon, France
The testing ground that is the Confederations Cup 2003 has one more session, but from a competitive standpoint the tournament has ended for the U.S.
In losses to Turkey (2-1) and Brazil (1-0) some players have gained experience, others have been exposed as perhaps not ready for this level of competition.
One player not out his depth at all is keeper Tim Howard. If some Ray Hudson-esque hyperbole can be borrowed, the kid with springs for legs, magnets for hands and the courage of a lion hasn't buckled while saving the day numerous times.
Against Brazil, he went down low to tip away a drive (by Alex in the 60th minute) and sailed up to the top corner to deflect another (Ronaldinho free kick in the 70th minute), both of them world-class saves.
Against Brazil, U.S. coach Bruce Arena made seven changes. Only DaMarcus Beasley, Landon Donovan, Gregg Berhalter and Howard kept their places.
Donovan was denied by a fine save from Brazilian keeper Dida, who snared a low drive from a sharp angle that Donovan had drilled toward the far post.
Beasley played one of his best games for the U.S. He dueled right back Belletti in a memorable matchup, tackled strongly, and also pinched in to break up plays.
It was Berhalter's mistake that decided the game. The only goal came in the 22nd minute after Berhalter coughed up the ball outside the U.S. penalty area. Adriano picked up the ball, broke in on goal and scored on his own rebound after Howard parried the Brazilian striker's first shot.
Left back Cory Gibbs, earning just his second cap, looked jittery but not necessarily out of his depth. His touch failed him on several occasions yet his pace and tackling weren't bad.
Chris Klein wasn't able to produce much on the right flank, but Steve Cherundolo handled himself well at right back. Cherundolo won his fair share of individual duels, hit two superb crossfield diagonal balls that sprung Eddie Lewis down the left side and lofted a ball over the top of the Brazilian defense to spring Donovan for his shot that Dida saved.
Besides Beasley and Howard, the most impressive American was Carlos Bocanegra. He battled massive Brazilian striker Adriano on even terms, knifed in a couple of times to dispossess the likes of Ronaldinho, and also deked one opponent before flighting a perfect 40-yard ball out to Lewis.
The testing continues Monday against Cameroon. Arena won't start Donovan and Beasley, who have played all 180 minutes in the first two games. Taylor Twellman has been suffering from a virus and a sinus infection and isn't available.
Cameroon has already qualified for the semifinals by beating Brazil and Turkey by 1-0 scores while playing a strong squad in both games.