LANDOVER, Maryland - A resurgent United States men's soccer team faced a youthful but talented Brazil in a friendly football match at FedEx Field in the Washington suburb of Landover, Maryland, on Wednesday.
More than 67,000 fans attended - a record crowd for a U.S. match in the capital region.
The U.S. team was on a five-match winning streak and looking to finalize its preparations for the start of a World Cup qualifying campaign next month.
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Soccer fans walk into FedEx Field stadium in Landover, Maryland to watch the U.S. men's national team face Brazil in an international friendly on May 30, 2012. VOA/M/ Lipin
USA soccer supporters enjoy a lighter moment outside the stadium before the match. VOA/M. Lipin
USA soccer supporters' section at FedEx Field prior to kick-off. Many fans wore the U.S. national team's new horizontal red-and-white striped jersey, introduced earlier this year. VOA/M. Lipin
Brazilian and U.S. team members march onto the field for the national anthems. VOA/M. Lipin
USA supporters energize the crowd as play gets under way. VOA/M. Lipin
USA fans celebrate after Herculez Gomez scores in the 45th minute, reducing Brazil's lead to 2-1. VOA/M. Lipin
Brazilian players gather around Marcelo (no. 6) after he scores Brazil's third goal, making the score 3-1. VOA/M. Lipin
Brazil fans prefer to remain anonymous as they watch their team dominate the USA. VOA/M. Lipin
Brazilian supporters cheer as Alexandre Pato scores the 4th and final goal against the USA. VOA/M. Lipin
What was the final margin of Brazil's victory? The fan in the no. 10 jersey has the answer. VOA/M/ Lipin
U.S. v. Brazil Men's Soccer Draws Big Crowds (View Photo Gallery)
But a poor U.S. defense helped five-time World Cup champion Brazil to score two goals by the 26th minute.
U.S. striker Herculez Gomez gave the home fans a reason to hope for a comeback with a headed goal just before half-time. But Brazil exploited weaknesses in the U.S. defense and scored twice more to complete a 4-1 rout.
U.S. and Brazilian fans mingled with each other throughout the stadium, turning the stands into a colorful patchwork of red and yellow.