US emerge third best after win over Saudi

GUADALAJARA (MEXICO), AUG 3: The United States defeated Saudi Arabia 2-0 yesterday to take third place in soccer's Confederations Cup, in...

GUADALAJARA (MEXICO), AUG 3: The United States defeated Saudi Arabia 2-0 yesterday to take third place in soccer’s Confederations Cup, in a match marked by little strategy but fine US passing and shooting near the goal.

The victory capped a strong performance in the tournament by the US squad, which defeated Germany 2-0 and came close to tying Brazil — the Cup favorite against Mexico in today’s finals — in a 1-0 match.

Saudi Arabia’s Abdullah Bin Shehan knocked a pass into the US goal with his arm at the 23-minute mark, and officials quickly disallowed the goal. Though the Saudis had several shots on goal during the rest of the match, most lacked force.

The US opened scoring at 26 minutes on a break by forward Paul Bravo, who outwitted defense and Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed al Deayea to slice a clean shot into the goal.

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

Brian McBride headed a pass into the Saudi goal at the79-minute mark to seal the US victory.