USMNT bounce back from 5-1 loss to Colombia with 1-1 draw with shaky Brazil

ORLANDO, Florida – The U.S. men's national team earned a morale-boosting 1-1 tie against Brazil in its final friendly match before the 2024 Copa América kicks off next week.

Needing a bounce-back performance after last week's 5-1 drubbing by Colombia, the U.S. turned in a vastly improved display against the five-time World Cup champs in front of more than 60,000 fans at Camping World Stadium.

They still fell behind in the first half when Rodrygo finished off a counterattack following a poor giveaway, but USMNT captain Christian Pulisic equalized off a free kick just nine minutes later.

Here are a few quick thoughts on Wednesday's contest.

Play of the game

Brazil coach Dorival Júnior made 10 changes to the lineup that beat Mexico 3-2 last Saturday, with goalkeeper Alisson Becker the lone holdover. Among those he inserted were Rodrygo and Vini Jr., who helped Real Madrid win the UEFA Champions League on June 1.

Rodrygo showed his pedigree on his goal. U.S. keeper Matt Turner's long pass to Weston McKennie was short, allowing Bruno Guimarães to intercept. Guimarães headed the ball to Raphinha, who then passed to Rodrygo. One touch later, the ball was past Turner, who had stopped Vini Jr. on a breakaway just moments earlier.

Turning point

Brazil's opener threatened to demoralize the hosts, who had come within inches of talking the lead when Yunus Musah rocketed a long-range shot off the underside of Alisson's crossbar:

So Pulisic's goal was as timely as it was pretty; after being fouled   just outside the penalty area, the U.S. headliner took the free kick himself, his powerful low drive finding a gap in the Brazilian wall, beating Alisson and settling into the side netting:

Key stat

Turner more than made up for his