FIFA World Cup: USA Beat Nigeria 2-1 in Brazil Tune-Up
Jozy Altidore's brace helped the United States beat Nigeria 2-1 in their final FIFA World Cup warm-up at home.
- Agence France-Presse
- Updated: June 09, 2014 02:11 pm IST
USA beat Nigeria in warm-up match ahead of FIFA World Cup 2014 © AFP
Jozy Altidore broke his goalscoring drought as the United States beat Nigeria 2-1 on Saturday in the Americans' final World Cup warm-up on US soil before heading to Brazil.
Sunderland's much-maligned striker -- without a goal in 2014 -- netted in the 32nd and 68th minutes as Jurgen Klinsmann's men made it a hat-trick of wins after victories over Azerbaijan and Turkey in their "Send-Off Series."
It was a fitting final dress rehearsal for the American squad and a confidence-boosting game for Altidore, who seems to have rediscovered his scoring touch.
Except for a stumble late in the first half when they gave up a couple of scoring chances, the USA put together a complete performance against Nigeria, who are ranked 45th overall.
Altidore opened the scoring in the 32nd minute, finishing from close range after a deft pass from Fabian Johnson.
Altidore blasted a right-footed shot into the bottom left corner for his second goal in the 68th minute.
Victor Moses scored the only goal for Nigeria with a penalty four minutes from time to make it 2-1.