Bob Bradley, normally the grave and all-business type, showed unusual levity at a press conference ahead of the biggest match in his career - the Confederations Cup final against Brazil (Sunday, 2:30 pm ET; ESPN & Univision). Bradley got the media laughing before the first question. He sat down at the dais with US captain Carlos Bocanegra on his right, then asked Bocanegra to switch, a move that raised some inquisitive eyebrows in the room. "It feels wrong," Bradley said. "Carlos plays on the left."

Bradley, however, quickly got down to business discussing preparations for the match. "We have watched Brazil so many times," Bradley said. "The first thing you take away from them is the talent and the ability of players to create opportunities." Tentative in its first match against Brazil, the U.S. team now oozes confidence, especially after watching South Africa play Brazil so tightly in the semifinal. "South Africa did a very good job of frustrating Brazil," Bradley said. "The distance between the backline and the midfield was very tight, which meant that Kaka and Robinho had to float."

The conference ended on an odd high note. A journalist misspoke and asked if the team could pull off another miracle "tomorrow," which would be Saturday. Bradley smiled and replied: "The miracle we're shooting for is Sunday. If we're really good on the day before the game, it doesn't mean shiznit." Although unsubstantiated, it is believed this is the first time Bradley has used the word "shiznit" in public. Just in time for the biggest game of his career.

 

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