By IVES GALARCEP
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica– The World Cup qualifying rematch that has been circled on every calendar in Costa Rica since the infamous snow game in March is here, as the U.S. Men’s National Team put their 12-match winning streak on the line against Costa Rica at Estadio Nacional (10pm, BeIN Sport).
The Americans can take a major step toward qualifying for the 2014 World Cup, and possibly even clinch a berth, with a victory tonight. History isn’t on their side as they take the field tonight having never won a qualifier, or match of any kind, in Costa Rica.
The ‘Ticos’ know how important the match is as well, needing a win at home to strengthen their own hold on a World Cup qualifying place.
SBI will be providing live match commentary directly from here at Estadio Nacional so please feel free to follow all the action here. As always, you are welcome to share your own thoughts and opinions in the comments section below.
Enjoy the action (Commentary is after the jump):
Damn! Previous reply was for @Zach. Stupid tablet didn’t let me reply dirrectly to one of his hissy fits.
You are one sorry-ass loser. First saying CR was just lucky, and now you’re blaming the pitch? The US played horribly, Dempsey completely lost, Besler and Gonzalez need a photo of Campbell to see what he looks like, Donovan isolated. That’s just part of the problems. But don’t blame a field that held up incredibly well after the day’s torrential rain… Not like it was snow or anything.
Ok folks, I am going to bed. Let’s wait and see what kind of magic Klinsi pulls for the MEX game. If he thought the CRI game was the most important, he now knows the next game against MEX has become even more important now. He’s been a guru thus far, so I trust him to turn things around. Even a tie against MEX is a very positive result because it will guarantee us a play-off spot at least. Remember PAN has still to play MEX and HON.
OK, let’s say that MEX pulls it out of a hat and defeats the favorite USA? What then for Klinsi and his Nomads? I think the Gold Cup team should be called up plus Bradley.
Do you remember the scene in, what, the third “Die Hard” movie? When Bruce Willis is in the elevator with the bad guys, who are dressed as NYPD and have perfect accents. But one guy refers to the elevator as “the lift”? And Bruce just KNOWS?
It’s like that when you refer to Mexico as MEX and the United States as USA.
And when, below, you sometimes refer to the USMNT as “us” and sometimes as “them.”
Just saying.
Bro, you have it out for me tonight. You following me around or something? I reply to your “USMNT as us and them already.” I don’t watch Hollywood filth. Maybe that’s why I am a bit more realistic than you and see things for what they are and not full of hubris like you seem to see them.
Hollywood filth? You made me do a LOL.
sorry guise I got tick on my b@lls su€king me dry
Can yellows be appealed ?!?!
The Besler yellow is proof the Mexicans were straight up cheating! Jozy’s yellow…he’s a fool for losing his composure at that time. He deserved it.
No way Jose, even Klinsmann and Tab Ramos are gonna have to play. Oh wait, he’s still German. Well, maybe we can cap-tie him.,
The only thing worse than the USA defense was the Table Mate commercial.
Everybody is going to pick out their respective players that played horribly or didn’t belong on the field in the first place…
Let it go….
Everybody stunk tonight- EVERYONE… it’s over…
Everybody may have stunk. But a select few couldn’t even rise to that level of mediocrity. And I’m not naming names. Ahem, Jones.
Bac speaks the truth. Overall BAD performance
Apparently Bac spoke the truth three times.
My bad.. one for each crappy goal we allowed
lol, that’s the spirit. Do you guys think that Donovan or Dempsey give a rat’s ass when we suffer because they lose? Think twice.
One a more serious note, what an ass whooping.
Taking a loss is like lifting a rotting log in a swamp – all kind of strange things come out to play.
I am not sure if you’re a US fan – if you are you seem to be enjoying this too much. If you are not I sure hope your a Costa Rica fan. Either way, the sad news for you is the US will qualify. When that happens feel free to celebrate with the rest of us, sulk or return to under the log.
I am a US fan, all my life even before you. However I call it like it is and also realize that soccer is not everything. S, I take it lightly. Don’t tell me you are expecting the USA to win a WC anytime in modern history?
What on Earth are you talking about? Which talking points are we covering here? The US loss? Your “super fan” card or the US winning a WC in “modern history” (whatever that means).
You are on cloud 9, I get it. But let’s tackle one issue at a time, OK?
Well, you doubted I was a USMNT fan. That’s bad in my book and has to be corrected. And then you told me to go under the log in the swamp. So, that also deserved to be addressed.
One a more serious note, what an ass whooping.
LOL…now that I read that, the swamp thing was out of order. My bad. That’s not my style and I apologize for that.
It’s frustration of the loss and what appeared to be your enjoying it. But you’re right, it’s just a game and no need to say/write ignorant things. Sorry about that.
No man, I am not happy about the loss. But MEX defeat kinda makes it go down easier. Take care. I was never offended, btw.
Everybody is going to pick out their respective players that played horribly or didn’t belong on the field in the first place…
Let it go….
Everybody stunk tonight- EVERYONE… it’s over…
Everybody is going to pick out their respective players that played horribly or didn’t belong on the field in the first place…
Let it go….
Everybody stunk tonight- EVERYONE… it’s over…
One a more serious note, what an ass whooping.
JK’s gotta take the hit on this one. Some strange decisions here but nothing that can’t be fixed for Tuesday.
do you mean bad decisions like his stubborn stupid insistence on playing Beasley at left back and playing club left back Fabian Johnson as attacking midfieder(and Fabian sukked big time today) and playing club right back Geoff Cameron as a defensive midfielder?
Ahhh, some of what you said? I don’t think Beas was the problem today and FJ and the whole midfield were lost without Bradley.
Orozco at RB and no true forward? Now that was not the smartest thing to do.Plus no Mix or real attacker in the mid? Well…
This was a wake up call to the Cameron at midfield crowd. Bradley is that good. He makes anyone in there look waaaaay better than they really are. I thought Jones would step up and lead but he was just lost out there.
What do you know – Evans does do something on this team.
I agree Cameron was worse player but Jones can’t 90 minutes in every visiting game.
I thought that Zusi, Orozco, and Dempsey were worse.
Zusi had crosses and kept posession, Dempsey was fault first CR’s goal and has fitness issues, and Orozco plain sucks.
So the US are not allowed to call in replacements for the yellow card suspended players?
Yes they are
*sleeps better tonight*
Nope, even Klinsmann and Tab Ramos are gonna have to play. Oh wait, he’s still German. Well, maybe we can cap-tie him.
Just disappointed in the guys. The whole of the country was against us. They were a bunch of classless sore losers that treated our guys like crap. Instead of fuel for the fire, USA comes out giving up two goals. Plus, what an idiotic foul by Altidore at the end.
This loss is all Cameron’s fault. Everyone else gets a free pass.
-Typical moron USA fan
I know…it’s all Jones’s fault. 😉
no, it was Orozco’s fault
Costa Rica had a good game plan and the players to implement it…congratulations Costa Rica.
They got lucky with Bradley getting hurt so close to kick off. The US was out of it for the first 15. Between the CR second and third goal the US was the better team, if Depsey’s shot deflects in instead of out we talk about how the US over came a poor start and adversity.
That’s soccer though, all about the bounces breaks, and yellows given out by a ref that will affect a game verses that refs home country….I would like to see video of the Beasler yellow.
I blame the cow. He must have tripped Bradly during warm-ups.
You and I saw 2 different games. Costa Rica could have had 4 goals before the Fabian Johnson penalty, seriously. They could have killed it in the first 35 mins.This was a tactical win for the Costa Rica coaching staff. The US got caught overconfident and shuffling after Bradley got hurt and Altidore (hold up play not starting).
So what should costa rica apologize for scoring their goals while the US was “out of it”? Well played costa rica, they deserve their win.
USMNT will lick its wounds and be ready to play against el tri.
Luis Suarez golazo. 2-1 Uruguay.
Yeah, against ten men.
2-0 Uruguay.
In hindsight, I really wish Klinsi had started a true forward and a more attacked minded CM with either Jones or Cameron. I know it was an away game but we did far to little with a 67.3% possession. Shambolic defending and a failure to create meaningful chances out of the possession. Columbus hope your ready to bring the noise cause our boys could use a lift next week.
Need more capos.
I hope they drug test Costa Rica.
Hahaha.
Oh, wait. Are you serious?
At least this game was played fairly unlike the lat time both teams played under that blizzard in Denver. Not to worry USA will qualify easily. Mexico not so sure.
Not so fast, if we lose to CRI and at home to a now angry and hungry MEX, things will get very dramatic for USA, because they finish at Panama, and if today’s game could be used a s forecast, they may lose that one as well, because it just so seems they chicken out when they play in Central America.
I think you should post that one more time…just to ensure that the sky falls.
lol
It also seems that you confuse your pronouns when referring to the USMNT. Is it “we” or “they”? And what American refers to the United States as USA without the definite article?
“Samuel,” I applaud your guise, and I’m sorry that Mexico only won a single game in the WCQ.
I am fast typing, but to answer USMNT = we and they. Also, there are two things in this order I’d like to happen in CONCACAF qualification:
1. USA qualifies
2. MEX doesn’t
I hope I cleared your doubts.
Ha, I think the pitch in Denver was better than the stuff they played on tonight.
What a dumb play by Jozy! Knowing that you’re already on a yellow card!
He didn’t want to play MEX; he is a chicken.
Just frustration got the best of him
No, I know my players.
Very stupid of Jozy and he was laughing when the ref pulled out the yellow card.
No doubt he was laughing because he believes the Mexican ref targeted him so he would miss the Mexico match.
I hope Jurgen flips a you know what on Jozy post-match. That was one of the stupidest things I’ve ever seen.
Somebody told me Landon was playing tonight. I checked the USMNT game and he was nowhere to be found. Did I watch the wrong game? Also, Cameron was garbage – we were completely overrun in the midfield.
Another chicken shiat who seems to only play good at home and Gold Cup.
What game did you watch? Landon was clearly getting all of the attention and he was still affecting the game. Clint and Fabian ruined several golden opportunities created by Landon and his runs and distribution. He had a few giveaways, but that’s to be expected.
Dempsey was the real stinker for me tonight. Absolutely none of the flair and savvy we are used to, and he just looks slow and tired physically and mentally.
I hope Mix, Bedoya, and AJ play against Mexico. Dempsey, Eddie, and Zusi all take a seat.
especially since Dempsey was captain. captain my @ss.
I agree about Deuce. He is not in shape and off form…Probably should have been a late game sub, but JK really emphasized his 100th cap. What are you going to do, JK made him the capt. which means he’s a starter 100% of time.. I was hoping Deuce would be a short term captain given the flap that was surrounding the team… at the time it was the best way to go. Barring injury the only guys I want to see starting 100% of the time are MB and LD.
I think it would be a huge mistake if MB is not the captain at the WC
what became clear tonight are the following things:
1) jermaine jones cannot be a holding midfielder. dribbles too much and has trouble threading the needle.
2) donovan needs a big strong striker to hold up the ball for him to be effective.
3) our center defenders are too slow footed to both press high.
4) dempsey may not a good option for playing a lone striker.
5) something was wrong with Howard. normally with 10 minutes to pay and down 1 or 2 goals, you’d see the keeper trying to get the ball up field as fast as possible. instead he plodded it out of the back through defenders who couldn’t move the ball forward.
6) US just wasn’t ready to play. for that you can only blame Klinsmann.
Dempsey was garbage. Donovan was visible unlike Dempsey.
I’ve said it all along, if we lose to CRI and at home to a now angry and hungry MEX, things will get very dramatic for USA, because they finish at Panama, and if today’s game could be used a s forecast, they may lose that one as well, because it just so seems they chicken out when they play in Central America.
What universe is this where the USA/Mexico game wasn’t going to be competitive? People are acting like because Mexico are desperate for points that’s going to change something. Both teams were always going to go all out for this match.
But now is even more special, and you know it. They don’t want the USA to virtually send them to play-offs.
As opposed to that other scenario where they would have been okay with losing or dropping two points against the USA?
But now mexico will try even harder. They will for sure try not to lose now. More than before.
Well JK really go it wrong today…Orozco don’t belong there and Beasley got owned tonite as well. Gold Cup team would have won it.
Yep
Orozco had a solid game. Beasley has no business playing right back.
Orozco had a solid game…did u miss the first half?
His mistake was expecting Zusi to cover for him defensively when he went forward.
I do agree he’s not very high quality in that spot. I guess Parkhurst was out of shape.
Costa Rica attacked down our right flank, repeatedly.
We’re going to have a heck of a time piecing together a coherent 11 for Mexico. Eh, actually no matter how you look at it, we’d have a heck of a time if Bradley can’t go. By far the most important USMNT player.
I’ve been attacked here for saying that about Bradley.
Jones would be the ideal replacement, but at the rate Jones turns over the ball that can be costly in such a high priced game. I have been a big supporter of Jones and still respect him, but his turnovers are an issue.
You forgot that he’s also a card magnet. But than so many turnovers the past two games will make one forget.
His turnovers just kill his game.
It’s a majority opinion. You’re not special.
I doubt it unless it was prior to 2010.
I want an investigation. Now.
Those two yellow cards werecrooked. Period.
Jozy only has himself to blame. Sheesh. I guess he misses Sunderland already.
You can’t be serious about Jozy’s. Ball was in keeper’s hands and he runs in and charges in with a shoulder/elbow into a defender’s back. Yellow was 100% justified.
Cameron’s was a bit soft, but honestly, he sucks so I don’t care whether he plays or not.
It’s not so bad to take a loss knowing you gave it your all…nobody showed up….Jamaica Dejavu.
Los Ticos wanted it more.
Absolutely stupid Jozy. It’s a Mexican ref you have to be smarter than that.
No reason to even bring the ref into it. Jozy lost his composure and now he owns that card, 100%. Stupid move on his part.
yep
Mexican ref making sure we have key suspensions.
Graham Zusi is TRASH!
Run along kid…
Altidore…you know better….OMG….no description….just go back to England.
*OVERLY DRAMATIC STATEMENT ABOUT ____________________ (fill in any US player) BEING HORRIBLY OVERRATED!*
We’re going to lose tonight. That sucks. We’re going to lose while playing poorly for most of the game. That sucks even more. It’s not the end of the world. We’d won quite a few leading up to this…but that streak was bound to end sometime.
Everyone has said for a year or more Bradley is the most important player we have. We saw that play out tonight.
I agree with you. But d@mn it sucks that we’ll be without Jozy, Bradley, and Besler for next week’s game.
Great now Jozy is out
http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2013/09/06/questions-linger-in-u-s-camp-over-clint-dempseys-fitness-for-tonights-qualifier-vs-costa-rica/
Why the hell he wait this long to take Dempsey out, if it was not for the penalty you wouldn’t know he was playing.
Oh, there was plenty of evidence – losing balls, poor touches, etc.
He had one good shot but yeah
I’ve never been crazy about Dempsey up top. Much more effective floating in from left wing. We should stop screwing around and… Dempsey on the left, Donovan on the right, Johnson at LB, etc.
Meh, you can’t win’em all. I still like out chances at getting to Brazil, which is really the only important thing. Now let’s get serious though and put johnson back in LB.
More than anything you can only look at the USA on the field. Collectively…not getting it done. They deserve this result to digest and get constipated.
The central midfield without Bradley is a nightmare. The only pass they can make is backwards or sideways. They’re also a step slow to react to anything.
Agreed, we’re a complete disorganized mess without MB in the middle and Jones doesn’t come close as a fill in.
wow, soccer is a funny game… the one position where we didn’t have depth for this match cost us. Not having Bradley was the difference in those first 15 minutes, but really, I don’t know how much of a difference he would have made… the Tico’s came outta the gate like a bat outta 7734 and this side was not braced for it. Full credit to CR for owning this match…
Mexico is going to play as if their life depends on it in Columbus. We’d better bring the passion … and a shovel to bury ’em.
Tonight’s game may be foreshadowing of larger future events. Alas, American hubris.
If we spent half the money we spend in foreign aid, we’d be sweeping every Olympics and World Cup.
what the hell does that mean?
Annual foreign aid: $49.5 billion (including $17 billion in military/proxy aid)
Annual Defense Department budget: $664.84 billion
“Foreign aid.” Oh, please read a book.
+664.84 billion
The great Mencken…well played sir, well played.