Brazil Sambas to Chicago for Clash of the Champions

By Todd McClamroch in News on Aug 15, 2007 6:21PM

Chicagoans are in for another soccer treat this year when the United States National Team hosts Brazil at Soldier Field on September 9. Originally the 'Nats were slated to play Mexico in Mexico in what would have been a rematch of the 2007 Gold Cup final that took place earlier this summer in Chicago. Due to financial problems that game has been called off, though Chicagoist thinks it might have something to do with the U.S. continuing to dominate Mexico as of late. Others more accurately believe it has to do with television rights for the game.

Instead the United States and Brazil will meet in what U.S. Soccer is promoting as the "Clash of the Champions" when they take on five-time World Cup Champions, Brazil. The "Clash of the Champions" does not refer to World Cup Championships but instead regional championships as the U.S were 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup champs and Brazil were this year's winners of the CONMEBOL Copa America.

Brazil has dominated the United States, winning 11 out of 12 match-ups. The lone U.S. victory came in the 1998 Gold Cup when goalkeeper Kasey Keller served up a shutout while Preki scored the game winner. A Washington D.C. based rock group celebrated Keller's shut and the historic victory for the United States by recording one of the best soccer songs ever written, "Kasey Keller".

This visit will serve as Brazil's first trip to Chicago. The game will also air live on ESPN2 and Univision. Tickets for this event are pricey, ranging from $40 - $250 and go on sale to the public on Friday (There is a pre-sale on Thursday for registered USSoccer.com fans). Chicagoist's only complaint is the date of the event, which falls on the first Sunday of NFL action which will likely limit the game's exposure to soccer purists.