The United States Men's National Team won its fifth Gold Cup on Sunday - its first since 2007 - by defeating Panama by a 1-0 score. Brek Shea tapped home the game-winning goal after Landon Donovan whiffed on a nice cross from Alejandro Bedoya, and despite missing on a couple of golden opportunities to put the match away, the Americans held on to finish a dominating performance in CONCACAF's bi-annual tournament.
Watch highlights of the match at: http://youtu.be/8r3z1app7yM
My three biggest takeaways from the Gold Cup for the USMNT:
1. Landon Donovan will play a significant role on this team over the next 12 months
Donovan went from an unsure participant in this tournament to its Most Valuable Player, scoring five goals and adding eight assists. He also seemed to embrace a leadership role with the younger guys on the team. By the final weekend, LD and Jurgen Klinsmann seemed to be getting along harmoniously. We will likely see Donovan starting in the USMNT's World Cup Qualifiers in September.
2. Depth is at an all-time high
Making up a starting lineup for next year's World Cup, or even the September matches, is virtually impossible right now. Not because of a lack of quality players, but because there are so many options at Klinsmann's disposal. We saw some of those options step up this past month in the Gold Cup. Do you start Dempsey up front with Altidore, or deploy him behind and allow a guy like Herculez Gomes or Eddie Johnson (who scored in the quarterfinal and semifinal, and should have put away a goal in the final) to partner with Jozy? Do Donovan and Zusi have the outside midfield positions locked up, or does someone like Bedoya or Joe Corona (both of whom played well in the Gold Cup) have a shot? Does Kyle Beckerman, who played exceptionally well in the knockout portion of the Gold Cup, get a crack at the defensive midfielder spot Jermaine Jones has owned in recent months? Will Shea make the roster in a "super sub" role after scoring the winning goals against Costa Rica and Panama coming off the bench?
3. It is fun cheering on this team
When a team runs off 11 wins in a row - and in the process win a trophy - it is bound to make its fans happy. But there is something about this team that is entertaining, and it isn't just the wins. They seem to have a great chemistry, led by Klinsmann's positive reinforcement and bonding techniques. They have played with much less of a "bunker down" approach when they have gone up against the likes of Germany, Belgium, and Italy since Klinsmann took over. There is no doubt that the opposition will get tougher in the coming weeks...an August qualifier against 14th in the world Bosnia-Herzegovina will be a stern test, followed by WCQ matches at Costa Rica and home vs Mexico. But there is no doubt this team is playing with a significant amount of confidence.
Monday, July 29, 2013
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Gold Cup Preview and Predictions
The regional soccer tournament for North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, the Gold Cup, kicks off tomorrow. This year's Gold Cup is a 12-team tournament, taking place in various stadiums throughout the United States.
This is the 12th staging of the Gold Cup, which has been won by Mexico six times, the US four times, and Canada once. Mexico is the two-time defending champion.
The first and second place teams in each group move on to the quarterfinal knockout stage, while two of the three third place teams will also advance to that stage.
Here is my preview, along with a few predictions. Teams I see advancing to the quarterfinals are in BOLD. (Current FIFA World Ranking is in parentheses):
Group A - Canada (88), Martinique (unranked), Mexico (20), Panama (51)
This should be the most entertaining and competitive group. Mexico has struggled recently, stuck in the middle of the regional World Cup Qualification group and did not impress in the recent Confederations Cup. On paper, however, Mexico is the best team in this group. Panama made a great run in the 2011 Gold Cup reaching the semifinals and is just a couple points behind Mexico in WCQ. Canada has not been on a good run recently, having missed out on the WCQ Hex, but that makes it dangerous as its focus is solely on this competition. The French Republic of Martinique is unranked by FIFA and it would be a miracle for it to advance.
Group B - El Salvador (94), Haiti (69), Honduras (55), Trinidad and Tobago (87)
Probably the most difficult group to pick from is Group B. Honduras seems to be the favorite on paper, as it is the only team in this group which was able to make it to the Hex and lost in the semifinals in the last two Gold Cups. However, El Salvador just missed out on the final round of World Cup Qualifying and was a quarterfinalist in this tournament in 2011. Haiti has some talent and recently drew with Italy in a friendly, which gives it a bit of an edge on Trinidad and Tobago in my book.
Group C - Belize (130), Costa Rica (39), Cuba (82), United States (22)
The host USA is the favorite in this group, and its Gold Cup squad demolished Guatemala in a friendly last night by a 6-0 count. Costa Rica has surprised many in World Cup Qualifying so far, as it sits in second place, and should not be underestimated in this tournament where it is often one of the final four. Cuba has won only one match out of 16 in its previous Gold Cup appearances. Belize will likely be overmatched in its first ever Gold Cup.
Quarterfinals:
Panama (A2) over El Salvador (B2) - should be competitive, but Panama will take care of business
Mexico (A1) over Haiti (B3) - Haiti shouldn't be able to keep this close
Costa Rica (C2) over Honduras (B1) - this one will be interesting, with CR winning in a penalty kick shootout
United States (C1) over Canada (A3) - Canada always plays the U.S. tough, so look for this to be a nailbiter
Semifinals:
Mexico over Panama - Panama gives Mexico a scare, but El Tri is able to hold on to a 1-0 win
United States over Costa Rica - this one could go either way, but I'll take the home team with a late winner
Final:
United States over Mexico - this is always a high-energy match, but Chicago will give the U.S. a nice home crowd advantage and Mexico won't have the firepower that the Stars & Stripes bring this time around with Landon Donovan and Herculez Gomez up front. USA 2, Mexico 1 in the final.
Who do you see winning this year's Gold Cup? Do you see a Cinderella-type run for someone like Canada?
This is the 12th staging of the Gold Cup, which has been won by Mexico six times, the US four times, and Canada once. Mexico is the two-time defending champion.
The first and second place teams in each group move on to the quarterfinal knockout stage, while two of the three third place teams will also advance to that stage.
Here is my preview, along with a few predictions. Teams I see advancing to the quarterfinals are in BOLD. (Current FIFA World Ranking is in parentheses):
Group A - Canada (88), Martinique (unranked), Mexico (20), Panama (51)
This should be the most entertaining and competitive group. Mexico has struggled recently, stuck in the middle of the regional World Cup Qualification group and did not impress in the recent Confederations Cup. On paper, however, Mexico is the best team in this group. Panama made a great run in the 2011 Gold Cup reaching the semifinals and is just a couple points behind Mexico in WCQ. Canada has not been on a good run recently, having missed out on the WCQ Hex, but that makes it dangerous as its focus is solely on this competition. The French Republic of Martinique is unranked by FIFA and it would be a miracle for it to advance.
Group B - El Salvador (94), Haiti (69), Honduras (55), Trinidad and Tobago (87)
Probably the most difficult group to pick from is Group B. Honduras seems to be the favorite on paper, as it is the only team in this group which was able to make it to the Hex and lost in the semifinals in the last two Gold Cups. However, El Salvador just missed out on the final round of World Cup Qualifying and was a quarterfinalist in this tournament in 2011. Haiti has some talent and recently drew with Italy in a friendly, which gives it a bit of an edge on Trinidad and Tobago in my book.
Group C - Belize (130), Costa Rica (39), Cuba (82), United States (22)
The host USA is the favorite in this group, and its Gold Cup squad demolished Guatemala in a friendly last night by a 6-0 count. Costa Rica has surprised many in World Cup Qualifying so far, as it sits in second place, and should not be underestimated in this tournament where it is often one of the final four. Cuba has won only one match out of 16 in its previous Gold Cup appearances. Belize will likely be overmatched in its first ever Gold Cup.
Quarterfinals:
Panama (A2) over El Salvador (B2) - should be competitive, but Panama will take care of business
Mexico (A1) over Haiti (B3) - Haiti shouldn't be able to keep this close
Costa Rica (C2) over Honduras (B1) - this one will be interesting, with CR winning in a penalty kick shootout
United States (C1) over Canada (A3) - Canada always plays the U.S. tough, so look for this to be a nailbiter
Semifinals:
Mexico over Panama - Panama gives Mexico a scare, but El Tri is able to hold on to a 1-0 win
United States over Costa Rica - this one could go either way, but I'll take the home team with a late winner
Final:
United States over Mexico - this is always a high-energy match, but Chicago will give the U.S. a nice home crowd advantage and Mexico won't have the firepower that the Stars & Stripes bring this time around with Landon Donovan and Herculez Gomez up front. USA 2, Mexico 1 in the final.
Who do you see winning this year's Gold Cup? Do you see a Cinderella-type run for someone like Canada?
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
USMNT Nears World Cup Qualification With Win Over Honduras
Last night, the USMNT moved one step closer to qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup by knocking off Honduras, 1-0. Jozy Altidore scored off a nice feed from Fabian Johnson in the 71st minute to put the Stars and Stripes on the scoreboard, and despite not being able to put a number of other chances into the net, the US held on to win its third consecutive qualifer.
Watch Jozy Altidore's game-winning goal
The US dominated play last night, both visually and statistically. Honduras seemed to play for a draw in the first half, often keeping all but one of its players behind the ball and daring the US to come forward. Honduras' best threat of the match came near stoppage time when Tim Howard saved an Andy Najar shot, an opportunity was created by a bad clearance by an otherwise-solid Matt Besler.
The US's started out much more aggressive in the second half, creating chances in the 56th minute (Evans header saved) and 63rd minute (Dempsey header hit the arm of a Honduran defender in the box, but no call was made for what should have been a penalty kick awarded to the US). It seemed inevitable there would be a goal, and the red-hot Altidore was able to convert on his best opportunity of the night.
The US outshot Honduras 13-6, shots on goal 5-1, and had 9 corner kicks to HON's 3.
The Hex standings show the US on top with 13 points, followed by Costa Rica with 11, Mexico with 8, Honduras with 7, Panama with 6, and Jamaica with 2. Each team plays four more matches, so there are loads of points left to play for. The US will mathematically clinch by earning six more points.
That sets the stage for its next two qualifiers, both critical matches in September: at Costa Rica on September 6 and home vs Mexico on September 10 in Columbus, Ohio. If the US wins both, they will rest easy in their final two matches. Obviously, Costa Rica and Mexico are not quite as solidly positioned, so they will be a bit more desperate, promising some interesting drama between the best three teams in the Hex this fall.
NEXT UP: World Cup qualifying does not begin again until the match at Costa Rica on September 6, but that doesn't mean the USMNT will rest this summer. Many of the core players on the team will also represent the Stars and Stripes in the Gold Cup, the regional tournament hosted by the US, which kicks off in July. The first match of the group stage for the US will be on July 9th when they take on Belize in Portland, followed by July 13th against Cuba in Salt Lake City, and Costa Rica in Connecticut.
Watch Jozy Altidore's game-winning goal
The US dominated play last night, both visually and statistically. Honduras seemed to play for a draw in the first half, often keeping all but one of its players behind the ball and daring the US to come forward. Honduras' best threat of the match came near stoppage time when Tim Howard saved an Andy Najar shot, an opportunity was created by a bad clearance by an otherwise-solid Matt Besler.
The US's started out much more aggressive in the second half, creating chances in the 56th minute (Evans header saved) and 63rd minute (Dempsey header hit the arm of a Honduran defender in the box, but no call was made for what should have been a penalty kick awarded to the US). It seemed inevitable there would be a goal, and the red-hot Altidore was able to convert on his best opportunity of the night.
The US outshot Honduras 13-6, shots on goal 5-1, and had 9 corner kicks to HON's 3.
The Hex standings show the US on top with 13 points, followed by Costa Rica with 11, Mexico with 8, Honduras with 7, Panama with 6, and Jamaica with 2. Each team plays four more matches, so there are loads of points left to play for. The US will mathematically clinch by earning six more points.
That sets the stage for its next two qualifiers, both critical matches in September: at Costa Rica on September 6 and home vs Mexico on September 10 in Columbus, Ohio. If the US wins both, they will rest easy in their final two matches. Obviously, Costa Rica and Mexico are not quite as solidly positioned, so they will be a bit more desperate, promising some interesting drama between the best three teams in the Hex this fall.
NEXT UP: World Cup qualifying does not begin again until the match at Costa Rica on September 6, but that doesn't mean the USMNT will rest this summer. Many of the core players on the team will also represent the Stars and Stripes in the Gold Cup, the regional tournament hosted by the US, which kicks off in July. The first match of the group stage for the US will be on July 9th when they take on Belize in Portland, followed by July 13th against Cuba in Salt Lake City, and Costa Rica in Connecticut.
Saturday, June 8, 2013
Stoppage Time Goal Gives USMNT Important World Cup Qualifier Win Over Jamaica
Last night, the Stars and Stripes won a critical World Cup Qualifier in Jamaica, 2-1. Brad Evans scored the winning goal in stoppage time, moments after a questionable goal from the Reggae Boys tied things up (replays showed the goal should have been waived off for offsides). The win puts the US in a tie atop the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying Group just shy of the Hex's halfway point.
My three positives from last night's match:
1. Graham Zusi and Jozy Altidore continue to shine
For the second match in a row, Zusi fed Altidore with a beautiful cross, which the enigmatic American forward once again netted for an important early goal to set the tone for the match. Zusi has been stellar for the better part of the last two matches, while Altidore's recent goal production seems to have sparked more effort in all other phases of his game. Zusi will miss the match Tuesday against Panama because he picked up a questionable yellow card late in last night's match. Let's hope someone can bring a similar level of threat to the US attack.
Altidore Goal: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFdQnBz4mqk
2. Michael Bradley remains the most important player on the pitch
While watching Belgium rout the US in Cleveland in person a couple weeks back, my mind wandered to consider how different the squad would have looked with Bradley in the midfield. Since his return, the US has controlled much more of the ball and the boys have seemed much more composed when threatened in the final third of the field. Clint Dempsey may be the USMNT captain, but Bradley is its most irreplaceable player.
3. The rest of the Hex schedule bodes well for the USMNT
The US plays its next two matches at home, with Panama in Seattle on Tuesday and Honduras in Utah on June 18. Four of the final six matches will be on home soil, which should benefit the USMNT in its quest to qualify for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Brad Evans Game-winning Goal: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8prjW6w-yow
My three positives from last night's match:
1. Graham Zusi and Jozy Altidore continue to shine
For the second match in a row, Zusi fed Altidore with a beautiful cross, which the enigmatic American forward once again netted for an important early goal to set the tone for the match. Zusi has been stellar for the better part of the last two matches, while Altidore's recent goal production seems to have sparked more effort in all other phases of his game. Zusi will miss the match Tuesday against Panama because he picked up a questionable yellow card late in last night's match. Let's hope someone can bring a similar level of threat to the US attack.
Altidore Goal: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFdQnBz4mqk
2. Michael Bradley remains the most important player on the pitch
While watching Belgium rout the US in Cleveland in person a couple weeks back, my mind wandered to consider how different the squad would have looked with Bradley in the midfield. Since his return, the US has controlled much more of the ball and the boys have seemed much more composed when threatened in the final third of the field. Clint Dempsey may be the USMNT captain, but Bradley is its most irreplaceable player.
3. The rest of the Hex schedule bodes well for the USMNT
The US plays its next two matches at home, with Panama in Seattle on Tuesday and Honduras in Utah on June 18. Four of the final six matches will be on home soil, which should benefit the USMNT in its quest to qualify for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Brad Evans Game-winning Goal: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8prjW6w-yow
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Busy Summer of USMNT Action Starts with Loss in Cleveland to Belgium
The U.S. Men's National Team began its busy summer with a loss to Belgium in an international friendly hosted at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, 4-2. More than 27,000 fans were on hand, a solid crowd given the weeknight, school year scheduling of this match. Kudos to the American Outlaws Chapters of Cleveland and Akron for being great supporters, helping fill the lower level of the stadium and singing the National Anthem so loudly that fans could not hear the anthem singer!
On the field, the passion of the U.S. players did not seem quite as inspired in the early minutes. Belgium ran out to the early lead on a goal by Everton's Kevin Mirallas, thanks to a misplaced ball by club teammate and U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard in the sixth minute. The U.S. equalized in the 23rd minute, thanks to a beautifully headed pass by Tottenham's Clint Dempsey to Stoke City's Geoff Cameron, who buried the header to tie things up at 1. That was all the scoring in the first half, leaving the fans in red, white, and blue feeling pretty good about their team.
In the second half, the American substitutes struggled. Surprisingly, the one who was most at fault was probably Aston Villa's Brad Guzan, the U.S. #2 keeper. Guzan, who was outstanding in the World Cup Qualifier draw against Mexico earlier this year, allowed three goals in the second half last night - and probably could have avoided two of them by being more aggressive toward the ball. The result was a 4-1 lead, which was made a bit closer by Dempsey's penalty kick goal in the 80th minute after Seattle Sounder Eddie Johnson's cross resulted in a handball call in the box.
All in all, a disappointing result for the USMNT. While there were stretches of decent play - in particular the second half of the first half - Belgium proved they were the better side for most of the night. That should not have come as any big surprise, as Belgium is ranked 15th in FIFA's world rankings, while the U.S. is ranked 29th.
Wearing my "Glass is Half Full" hat, allow me to point out three positives from last night:
1. DeMarcus Beasley was Man of the Match - another in a series of recent good performances for DMB, this on the night where he earned his 100th cap for the U.S. and likely further solidified his place as the left back starter.
2. The USMNT was missing some important pieces - how much better would the U.S. have looked with Michael Bradley, still recovering from Coppa Italia, in the midfield? Or Fabian Johnson, recovering from his club team's relegation playoff, playing on the left side at a wing? Or Tim Howard, not quite 100% after a physical finish to the EPL season, playing an entire match? I think we could have seen a much better U.S. squad. I would love to see Beasley and Johnson pair up on the left side of the field on Sunday.
3. Stuart Holden returned to action after a two-year recovery - one of the loudest roars from the Cleveland crowd last night came in the 81st minute, as American midfielder Stuart Holden jogged onto the pitch. For Holden, it was a return to play for the national team that was more than two years in the making, after he suffered a gruesome and troubling knee injury that needed multiple surgeries. Holden was solid in his limited time last night, and hopefully he will be able to regain the form that made him one of the best midfielders in the Premier League just three seasons ago.
Up next for the USMNT is a friendly with Germany on Sunday (2:30 pm on ESPN2). After that, World Cup Qualifiers take place on June 7 at Jamaica, June 11 vs Panama (in Seattle) and June 18 vs Honduras (in Utah).
On the field, the passion of the U.S. players did not seem quite as inspired in the early minutes. Belgium ran out to the early lead on a goal by Everton's Kevin Mirallas, thanks to a misplaced ball by club teammate and U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard in the sixth minute. The U.S. equalized in the 23rd minute, thanks to a beautifully headed pass by Tottenham's Clint Dempsey to Stoke City's Geoff Cameron, who buried the header to tie things up at 1. That was all the scoring in the first half, leaving the fans in red, white, and blue feeling pretty good about their team.
In the second half, the American substitutes struggled. Surprisingly, the one who was most at fault was probably Aston Villa's Brad Guzan, the U.S. #2 keeper. Guzan, who was outstanding in the World Cup Qualifier draw against Mexico earlier this year, allowed three goals in the second half last night - and probably could have avoided two of them by being more aggressive toward the ball. The result was a 4-1 lead, which was made a bit closer by Dempsey's penalty kick goal in the 80th minute after Seattle Sounder Eddie Johnson's cross resulted in a handball call in the box.
All in all, a disappointing result for the USMNT. While there were stretches of decent play - in particular the second half of the first half - Belgium proved they were the better side for most of the night. That should not have come as any big surprise, as Belgium is ranked 15th in FIFA's world rankings, while the U.S. is ranked 29th.
Wearing my "Glass is Half Full" hat, allow me to point out three positives from last night:
1. DeMarcus Beasley was Man of the Match - another in a series of recent good performances for DMB, this on the night where he earned his 100th cap for the U.S. and likely further solidified his place as the left back starter.
2. The USMNT was missing some important pieces - how much better would the U.S. have looked with Michael Bradley, still recovering from Coppa Italia, in the midfield? Or Fabian Johnson, recovering from his club team's relegation playoff, playing on the left side at a wing? Or Tim Howard, not quite 100% after a physical finish to the EPL season, playing an entire match? I think we could have seen a much better U.S. squad. I would love to see Beasley and Johnson pair up on the left side of the field on Sunday.
3. Stuart Holden returned to action after a two-year recovery - one of the loudest roars from the Cleveland crowd last night came in the 81st minute, as American midfielder Stuart Holden jogged onto the pitch. For Holden, it was a return to play for the national team that was more than two years in the making, after he suffered a gruesome and troubling knee injury that needed multiple surgeries. Holden was solid in his limited time last night, and hopefully he will be able to regain the form that made him one of the best midfielders in the Premier League just three seasons ago.
Up next for the USMNT is a friendly with Germany on Sunday (2:30 pm on ESPN2). After that, World Cup Qualifiers take place on June 7 at Jamaica, June 11 vs Panama (in Seattle) and June 18 vs Honduras (in Utah).
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Final Week Drama in the English Premier League
Everyone talks about championship drama as being the most exciting part of sports...and usually it is. However, in this year's English Premier League, Manchester United has led the way for most of the season and clinched the title weeks ago. Most of the late-season drama of the 2012-13 EPL season instead has focused on two very close races - the final two spots in the Champions League and the final relegation spot. Here's where everything stands at the moment:
Champions League berths:
Clinched - Manchester United, Manchester City
Looking Good - Chelsea, Tottenham
Outside Looking In - Arsenal
Arsenal plays Wigan this afternoon in what should be a spirited affair, as the match means a lot to both teams. An Arsenal win gets them to 70 points and leapfrogs them ahead of Tottenham, meaning all Arsenal would need to do is win its final match against Newcastle to secure the fourth and final CL spot. Tottenham plays Sunderland on Sunday and needs to win along with having Arsenal drop one of these two matches. Chelsea would need to lose its final match by around 12-14 goals to have any fear of losing one of the CL berths, so they are in great shape.
My prediction: Arsenal beats Wigan and Newcastle; Tottenham beats Sunderland. Arsenal to Champions League while Tottenham gets a Europa League berth.
Relegation berths:
Clinched relegation - Queens Park Rangers, Reading
In Trouble - Wigan
Still May Be in Trouble - Sunderland, Aston Villa, Fulham, Southampton
Wigan must win its final two matches to avoid relegation - at Arsenal today and then home against Aston Villa on Sunday. If Wigan pulls off the upset today, its match against the Villains on Sunday will be huge, as a Wigan win there would put Villa in jeopardy of falling back. The other squads on the list would need Wigan to win both and a lot of other things to happen in order for their place in the top division to be jeopardized.
My prediction: Wigan drops a close one at Arsenal and is relegated.
Champions League berths:
Clinched - Manchester United, Manchester City
Looking Good - Chelsea, Tottenham
Outside Looking In - Arsenal
Arsenal plays Wigan this afternoon in what should be a spirited affair, as the match means a lot to both teams. An Arsenal win gets them to 70 points and leapfrogs them ahead of Tottenham, meaning all Arsenal would need to do is win its final match against Newcastle to secure the fourth and final CL spot. Tottenham plays Sunderland on Sunday and needs to win along with having Arsenal drop one of these two matches. Chelsea would need to lose its final match by around 12-14 goals to have any fear of losing one of the CL berths, so they are in great shape.
My prediction: Arsenal beats Wigan and Newcastle; Tottenham beats Sunderland. Arsenal to Champions League while Tottenham gets a Europa League berth.
Relegation berths:
Clinched relegation - Queens Park Rangers, Reading
In Trouble - Wigan
Still May Be in Trouble - Sunderland, Aston Villa, Fulham, Southampton
Wigan must win its final two matches to avoid relegation - at Arsenal today and then home against Aston Villa on Sunday. If Wigan pulls off the upset today, its match against the Villains on Sunday will be huge, as a Wigan win there would put Villa in jeopardy of falling back. The other squads on the list would need Wigan to win both and a lot of other things to happen in order for their place in the top division to be jeopardized.
My prediction: Wigan drops a close one at Arsenal and is relegated.
Monday, March 25, 2013
USMNT Looks For First Ever Qualifier Win in Mexico
We are about 24 hours away from kickoff in Estadio Azteca, where the USMNT will take on Mexico in a critical World Cup Qualifying match that will go a long way in dictating how stressful this qualifying campaign will be for the two most dominating squads in CONCACAF over the past two decades.
Currently, the US is in second place in the Hex with three points after a win over Costa Rica in Friday's snow globe match in Denver. Right behind them is Mexico, which has two points having drawn both of its matches including last Friday when Honduras clawed its way back from a 2-0 deficit to remain in the lead with four points. The top three teams in the group all automatically advance to the 2014 World Cup, and most agree the three teams most likely to move on are the United States, Mexico, and Honduras.
USMNT captain Clint Dempsey celebrates his first-half goal against Costa Rica on Friday
(AP)
The match tomorrow night means more than securing a stronger position in the Hex. It is for bragging rights...at least until September 10 when the return match comes to Columbus. It is also for revenge for Mexico, after the US beat them last August in a friendly in Azteca (the US had been 0-23-1 in Mexico prior to the victory). For the USMNT, this match is also about reclaiming some of the dominance that Mexico is perceived to have claimed in recent years in the region.
Michael Orozco Fiscal celebrates his game-winning goal against Mexico in August
The USMNT will once again be without two of its stars, goalkeeper Tim Howard and all-time leading goalscorer Landon Donovan. Newly minted captain Clint Dempsey looks to be rounding back into good form after scoring the lone goal Friday night, and he will likely be the top attacking threat for the US in Azteca. But the key to this contest will be the young American back line keeping Chicharito and the rest of the talented Mexican forwards off the scoresheet.
I am predicting a 1-1 draw, with the USMNT scoring in the first half and Chicharito earning Mexico a third draw in the hex with a second half goal. If this happens, the US will come away pretty confident in its quest to qualify, while Mexico will be disappointed in not defending its home turf well enough to earn three crucial points.
How do you see the match playing out? Share your predictions!
Currently, the US is in second place in the Hex with three points after a win over Costa Rica in Friday's snow globe match in Denver. Right behind them is Mexico, which has two points having drawn both of its matches including last Friday when Honduras clawed its way back from a 2-0 deficit to remain in the lead with four points. The top three teams in the group all automatically advance to the 2014 World Cup, and most agree the three teams most likely to move on are the United States, Mexico, and Honduras.
(AP)
The match tomorrow night means more than securing a stronger position in the Hex. It is for bragging rights...at least until September 10 when the return match comes to Columbus. It is also for revenge for Mexico, after the US beat them last August in a friendly in Azteca (the US had been 0-23-1 in Mexico prior to the victory). For the USMNT, this match is also about reclaiming some of the dominance that Mexico is perceived to have claimed in recent years in the region.
Michael Orozco Fiscal celebrates his game-winning goal against Mexico in August
The USMNT will once again be without two of its stars, goalkeeper Tim Howard and all-time leading goalscorer Landon Donovan. Newly minted captain Clint Dempsey looks to be rounding back into good form after scoring the lone goal Friday night, and he will likely be the top attacking threat for the US in Azteca. But the key to this contest will be the young American back line keeping Chicharito and the rest of the talented Mexican forwards off the scoresheet.
I am predicting a 1-1 draw, with the USMNT scoring in the first half and Chicharito earning Mexico a third draw in the hex with a second half goal. If this happens, the US will come away pretty confident in its quest to qualify, while Mexico will be disappointed in not defending its home turf well enough to earn three crucial points.
How do you see the match playing out? Share your predictions!
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