by Greg Seltzer for Soccer365

U.S. striker Josmer Altidore reports that the clubhouse was full of long faces after a gut-wrenching Confederations Cup final defeat to Brazil on Sunday, but looking to the bright side, says that the squad came away from the experience with the knowledge that they are capable of competing with any team in the world.

The Americans were up 2-0 at the break and still led by a goal with 16 minutes to play before eventually succumbing 3-2 on a late header by Samba Kings skipper Lúcio.

"It was tough because we felt like we could have won," Altidore told Soccer365 on Monday. "We gave up a good lead and we couldn't keep the ball. At the end of the day, it's a lesson learned and we will try and build from this."

"I think we learned that we can play with anyone," added the New Jersey native. "To be honest, we always believed we could, but it was a matter of showing it on the field, which I think we did at points in this cup."

"We also know that we all need games like this so that this speed of play, the defenders, the pressure and everything else that comes with games like these become normal for us so that we can compete at our highest level.

Though nowhere near match fitness when the tournament started due to late season toe surgery, Altidore bagged an important winner against semifinal foe and world #1 Spain. He also won a dozen free kicks for his team and provided stronger hold-up play as games wore on, but the 19-year old feels he had a sub-par tourney.

"For me, it was a good experience," said Altidore, who averaged just over 70 minutes per game in South Africa. "I was disappointed in my play overall. I have to improve if I want to keep a place in this team."

To ensure he is on top form during the next year of international play, which culminates at World Cup 2010, Altidore knows he needs to claim far more than the six appearances he logged with Villarreal before a winter loan to second tier champs Xerez that yielded no pitch time.

The $10 million man says playing for the Yellow Submarines this season is his leading ambition, but insists on being in a situation that grants him the most chances to get on the field.

"For me, I would love to go and play with Villarreal and restore the faith they have shown in me," stated Altidore, who has widespread loan interest in Europe. "They have two very good strikers who are on form, so I know that wont be easy."

"So if it were up to me, I wouldn't go back (if frozen out of the line-up). I would go on loan to a team that needs help and likes what I bring to the table. From there, I will need to work hard and earn my minutes."

Perhaps letting on that he believes he could have done more at Confederations Cup, the power forward they call Jozy is adamant on being better prepared for future USMNT duty.

"I can't afford to sit next season and then play big games with the National Team," said Altidore. "I won't be able to help in the ways I know im capable of."

"This was a big wake up call for me, and if I want to be the player that I know I can become, I must dig deeper next season work hard and play games as often as possible. I cant let myself and the fans down like that again."

Soccer365 reporter Greg Seltzer blogs daily over at No Short Corners. Questions, comments, kudos or complaints? Email him at greg@noshortcorners.com.

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