Skip to content

Friendlies round-up

Fulham forward Clint Dempsey was on target with the only goal as the United States sneaked a 1-0 win over Honduras.

USA see off Honduras; Neymar on target as Brazil oust Costa Rica

Fulham forward Clint Dempsey was on target with the only goal as the United States sneaked a 1-0 win over Honduras in a friendly in Miami on Saturday. The victory handed national team coach Jurgen Klinsmann his first win in four games since succeeding Bob Bradley at the helm in July. Cottagers man Dempsey struck in the 36th minute at the Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens while goalkeeper Tim Howard made some key saves as the visitors played a full part in the contest. Honduras almost went ahead when Jerry Bengston got ahead of the defence and broke into the box, firing a shot Howard saved at point-blank range and the Everton keeper then kept out Carlo Costly's effort. The hosts took the lead when Steve Cherundolo slipped a short pass to Brek Shea who in turn sent a firm, low cross into the area which was dummied by Jozy Altidore and deflected off the heel of Michael Orozco Fiscal as it went through his legs. The ball reached Dempsey who dragged the ball back to his left foot and bent a curling left-footed shot from 15 yards which went into the left-hand corner of the goal past keeper Donis Escobar. Honduras continued to attack, Boniek Garcia, Roger Espinoza and Bengston all producing efforts on goal. Dempsey did have the ball in the net again six minutes from time but his header was disallowed for a foul on Maynor Figueroa.

Rising star

In Saturday's other friendly, rising star Neymar scored the only goal as Brazil beat Costa Rica 1-0 in San Jose. Brazil arrived following a clear victory over fierce rivals Argentina, but, although they got a positive result, Mano Menezes' team played poorly. The rain and the tough play by the hosts made everything harder for the Brazilians. Costa Rica had the first chance of the match, but Winston Parks did not finish well, and although they dominated the game, they failed in the final third. Menezes tried to change matters in the second half and sent Hernanes and Oscar to the pitch to replace Luiz Gustavo and Lucas, looking for more speed in midfield. But Costa Rica were better at the start of the second half and Michael Barrantes and Parks were close to opening the scoring. However, it was Brazil who took the lead. Daniel Alves - who had just come off the bench five minutes earlier - climbed on the right and crossed for Fred. The ball passed the keeper and Neymar showed up in the six-yard box to hit the winner. The hosts could not respond with any clear-cut chances with only Neymar coming close to scoring, hitting the bar after keeper Keilor Navas saved a header from Fred. Brazil, who are not playing the South American qualifiers as they will host the 2014 World Cup, will play another friendly on Tuesday, against Mexico.

Around Sky