US 1-0 Brazil

The US snatched a 1-0 win today in the first of two matches against Brazil, played before a crowd of 15,000 in Colorado.

While it may not have been the most scintillating match ever, it was interesting as a sneak preview between two of the Olympic favourites. Both teams used all seven of their allowed substitutions, and in doing so demonstrated the versatility and depth of their squads.

Brazil may have had a slight technical edge, while the US were resilient and grabbed their chances. They seem to have forged great understanding and cohesiveness as a team, and I think Pia Sundhage probably deserves the credit for that.

Substitute Amy Rodriguez scored the game's only goal in the 71st minute, from Abby Wambach's cross.

The two teams will face each other one more time before heading off to Beijing, when they meet in San Diego on Wednesday. Fox Soccer Channel is showing the match live (7 p.m. California time).

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