By John Solomon
How the government's punishing of the exposure of official wrongdoing can linger for years
For all the growth the U.S. national team has experienced under Jurgen Klinsmann in recent months, piecing together a five-game winning streak while at times brandishing an attractive, free-flowing style of play, it's still a work in progress. And a world power such as Brazil is not kind to unfinished products.
AC Milan won a record sixth Italian Super Cup on Saturday, rallying past city rival Inter Milan 2-1 at the Bird's Nest stadium.
Daniel Alves and Alexandre Pato scored for the second straight game, leading Brazil over Ukraine 2-0 Monday night in an exhibition that maintained the Selecao's perfect record under new coach Mano Menezes.
Brazil and Iran will meet for the first time Thursday in an exhibition soccer match in Abu Dhabi.
AC Milan acquired Robinho from Manchester City to bolster a formidable forward line and sold Klaas-Jan Huntelaar to the German club Schalke at European soccer's transfer deadline.
For those thinking the United States was near a breakthrough at the World Cup, Brazil's young, new-look team showed that the Americans still aren't close to catching up with soccer's elite.
Neymar scored on debut and Alexandre Pato added a goal late in the first half as Brazil beat the United States 2-0 in an international friendly Tuesday, the first match for both nations since their disappointing World Cup exits.
Neymar scored in the 29th minute of his national team debut, and Alexandre Pato added just his second goal for Brazil in first-half injury time.
