Brazil hold the edge

“That was the thinking of Professor Luxemburgo,” star forward Ronaldinho said, referring to the coach by the title most of the players use. “For the game against Saudi Arabia, we’re in great shape, and we hope to get another victory.”

“We’re very confident that we can reach the finals.”

Brazil is the only team in the Confederations Cup to have won all three first-round games, although the second game, against theUnited States, was a close 1-0. Brazil hasn’t given up a single goal the entire tournament.

US-Mexico face off

The Americans have everything going against them in today’s semifinal against Mexico: Less rest, less high-altitude training, a record of 0-15-1 at Azteca Stadium and an expected crowd of 110,000 dead set against them.But adversity hasn’t stopped this American team yet in the Confederations Cup as it has fought to earn the respect of the international soccer community with a close 1-0 loss to Brazil and a surprisingly easy 2-0 win over Germany. “The home team has all the advantages playing at home, rest, altitude and, let’s face it, the pressure’s on Mexico to win this game,” US coach Bruce Arena said.

That pressure could just be Mexico’s weak spot, however. The Americans are the obvious underdogs, and that makes it Mexico’s game to lose.

“It’s nice to play without the pressure,” defender Jeff Agoos said. “It frees up some aspects of the game.”