USMNT vs. Brazil: What we learned

A dominating performance by the Brazil national team saw them beat the United States by the score of, 4-1. A makeshift back line coupled with some questionable lineup decisions cost the Americans against a very talented side. Brazil looked the better team from the first minute until the final whistle and there was nothing the U.S. could do to stop their high octane attack.

While it's hard to glean much from a lopsided drubbing at the hands of a world power, there are still a few things we found out. Here is what we learned:

Not much has changed

The U.S. played Brazil in 2012 and the "Seleção" dominated and outclassed them from start to finish and winning, 4-1. Three years later a lot of the names have changed but the result was exactly the same. While the U.S. national team under Klinsmann has been consistently inconsistent against pretty much everyone, Brazil has had the Yanks' number for a long time.

Jurgen has no idea what his best lineup is

To be fair, neither does anyone else. John Brooks picked up an injury in training, but would he have started anyways? Michael Orozco shifted from RB to CB while Geoff Cameron (who is naturally a CB) was forced back to RB. Omar Gonzalez didn't see the field and Matt Besler was sent back to his club team. So many different combinations have been tried in the back and yet we head into the crucial playoff match against Mexico with no clue who will be the starting back four.

Alejandro Bedoya was played as a holding midfielder next to Jermaine Jones and only lasted 35 minutes. Does Danny Williams get the start against Mexico? His last minute wonder strike was great, but his defensive influence didn't do much to thwart the Brazil attack.

A lesson learned or a confidence crusher?

All the preparations are over. The next time the U.S. step on the field will be in the Confederations Cup playoff match against Mexico on October 10. This embarrassing result can work one of two ways. It can motivate the team into realizing vast improvements need to be made. Or it could absolutely kill any confidence gained from the Peru match making the match next month a very daunting task. Here's to hoping it's the former and this thumping lights a fire under the team and the coaching staff heading into the Rose Bowl.