FIFA Vice-President and CONCACAF President Jack Warner says the CONCACAF region is slowly climbing the ladder in world football. He made the statement after the United States of America one of the Powerhouses in the region, gave a good account of themselves in a hard fought 3-2 defeat at the hands of South American giants Brazil in the 2009 Confederations Cup played yesterday.

“Barrack Obama changed the face of World Power in 2008 and CONCACAF is attempting to change the dynamics of power in the world of football.

"While the USA did not win today, they have won in the eyes of the world. Two of their players were honoured at the completion of this tournament. They have shown that they can exert pressure on a power house like Brazil,” said Warner in a CONCACAF, POS release.

The FIFA Vice-President said he would like to congratulate the US Soccer Federation and its team for its success.

“Today was no failure it was a road stop on the highway to success and CONCACAF is on the express lane in that highway. A CONCACAF team is runner-up in the Confederations Cup, the World Cup race is still on and I hope all teams use today’s game as an example. Again I wish to congratulate both teams it was an exciting and exhilarating match.”

The US had the South American team on the back foot early in the first half after they held a 2-0 advantage, however the Brazilians pulled one back before the half to make it 2-1. In the Second half the South American top team was able to find the net two more times to claim the win and the title.

Warner and US Soccer Federation President Sunil Gulati before the final.

Earlier in the tournament the Americans rebounded from a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Brazil, but surprised many when they advanced to the semifinal stage ahead of World Champions Italy, by virtue of scoring more goals. They then created the upset of the year when they stunned Euro 2008 champs and the number one ranked team in the world, Spain 2-0 to advance to the finals. (Photo shows Warner greeting Brazilian star Kaka after the final, June 28,2009)