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U.S. garners third place at Confed Cup

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Posted: Wednesday August 04, 1999 08:33 AM

Brian McBride (left) headed a pass into the Saudi goal in the 79th minute to seal the U.S. victory. AP

GUADALAJARA, Mexico (AP) -- The United States defeated Saudi Arabia 2-0 Tuesday to take third place in soccer's Confederations Cup, in a match marked by little strategy but fine U.S. passing and shooting near the goal.

The victory capped a strong performance in the tournament by the U.S. squad, which defeated Germany 2-0 and came close to tying Brazil -- the cup favorite against Mexico in Wednesday's finals -- in a 1-0 match.

Saudi Arabia's Abdullah Bin Shehan knocked a pass into the U.S. goal with his arm at the 23 minute mark, and officials quickly disallowed the goal. Though the Saudis had a number of shots on goal during the rest of the much, most lacked forced.

The United States opened the scoring in the 26th minute on a break by forward Paul Bravo, who outwitted defensemen and Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al Deayea to slice a clean shot into the goal.

The U.S. played much of the second period short one player, after Matt McKeon was expelled at the 64-minute mark.

Brian McBride headed a pass into the Saudi goal at the 79-minute mark to seal the U.S. victory.

The U.S. squad controlled possession and put up a solid defense that kept the quicker Saudi forwards from penetrating near the goal.

"It was a difficult match, Saui Arabia was a very tough adversary," said U.S. coach Bruce Arena. "It was a hard-fought match and we are pleased with the results."

Saudi manager Milan Macala was unbowed by the defeat.

"We are happy because this tournament is worth a lot, since it's our first semifinal finish in an international cup," Macala said.

Lineups

United States: Brad Friedel, Frankie Hejduk, Gregg Berhalter, C.J. Brown, Eddie Lewis, Jovan Kirovski (Richie Williams, 68); Paul Bravo (Cobi Jones, 57); Matt McKeon (expelled, 64); Marcelo Balboa, Ben Olsen, Brian McBride.

Saudi Arabia: Mohammed Al Deayea, Al Jahani Mohammed (Fahad Al Subaie, 59); Mohammed Al Khilaiwi, Abdullah Zubromawi, Ibrahim Al Harbi (Kahled Gahwji, 60); Marzouk Al Otaibi, Hussein Sulimani, Abdullah Bin Shehan, Abdullah Al Shahrani, Nawaf Al Temyat, Mohsin Harthi.

Official: Ubaldo Aquino (Paraguay)

 

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