With Bradley suspended, Feilhaber gets call for Confed Cup final against Brazil

Feilhaber replaces Bradley in US lineup

JOHANNESBURG — Benny Feilhaber was in the United States’ starting lineup in place of key midfielder Michael Bradley, who was suspended for Sunday’s Confederations Cup final against Brazil after drawing a red card in the final minutes of the Americans’ semifinal upset of Spain.

Feilhaber has played in each of the Americans’ first four games at the Confederations Cup, getting a start against Italy in the group stage. Feilhaber was born in Brazil, but moved to the United States when he was 6.

The rest of the U.S. lineup is unchanged from Wednesday’s 2-0 victory against Spain, including captain Carlos Bocanegra playing at left back. Bocanegra missed the group stage with a hamstring injury, and when he returned against Spain, U.S. coach Bob Bradley moved him from his usual spot in central defense.

Brazil coach Dunga did not make any changes to the team he used in the 1-0 win over South Africa in the semifinals. The lone scorer in that match, Daniel Alves, was again on the bench at the start Sunday.

The referee was Martin Hansson of Sweden. He was joined by linesmen Henrik Andren and Fredrik Nilsson, also from Sweden. Benito Archundia of Mexico will be the fourth official.

The United States is 1-13 in head-to-head meetings with Brazil, getting outscored 26-8. Just last week, the five-time World Cup champions routed the Americans 3-0 in group play at the Confederations Cup. The lone American victory was a 1-0 upset at the 1998 CONCACAF Gold Cup, the championship of North and Central America and the Caribbean.

Lineups:

United States: Tim Howard, Jay DeMerit, Carlos Bocanegra, Oguchi Onyewu, Jonathan Spector, Ricardo Clark, Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan, Charlie Davies, Jozy Altidore, Benny Feilhaber.

Brazil: Julio Cesar, Maicon, Luisao, Lucio, Andre Santos, Felipe Melo, Gilberto Silva, Ramires, Kaka, Robinho, Luis Fabiano.