Photo by ISIPhotos.com
By FRANCO PANIZO
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Dos a Cero was more than just a chant that U.S. Men’s National Team fans were singing on Tuesday night.
It was the scoreline. Again.
The Americans booked their place in next summer’s World Cup with a 2-0 win over Mexico on Tuesday night, making it four straight times that the Americans have beaten their southern rivals in a World Cup qualifier at Crew Stadium by that scoreline.
Honduras helped the U.S. secure the berth by posting a 2-2 draw vs. Panama on Tuesday night, a match that the Americans watched the tail end of in their locker room before celebrating the 2014 World Cup qualification.
“This is a huge, huge evening for all of us and we’re all extremely proud of this team,” said U.S. head coach Jurgen Klinsmann. “They gave everything tonight from the first second on. The effort, kind of how they were dedicated, how they were helping each other.”
Playing in front of an electric crowd of 24,584, the Americans used a brilliant first-half performance from Tim Howard and second-half goals from Eddie Johnson and Landon Donovan to push past an El Tri team that just cannot find a way to put an end to its misery. Clint Dempsey also had an opportunity to add to the lead with a penalty kick in stoppage time, but he mis-hit what was the game’s final kick.
The victory gave the U.S. 16 points in the CONCACAF Hexagonal while leaving Mexico with eight. The Americans joined Costa Rica as teams to secure a place in the World Cup based on Tuesday’s results.
“These opportunities don’t come very often and we wanted to make the most of it,” said left back DaMarcus Beasley. “Freaky it was 2-0, but to win here, to beat Mexico and to qualify for the World Cup all in one, it’s an unbelievable feeling.”
The first half had its share of chances, but Howard was the star of the opening 45 minutes. Howard made a string of fines saves, including a stunning full-stretch dive to deny Christian Gimenez in the 19th minute.
Howard also made a pair of quality saves late in the first half to prevent the U.S. from going down. Howard made a sure-handed stop on a curling effort from Giovani Dos Santos in the 43rd minute and got down well to incredibly push away a dipping Diego Reyes header two minutes later.
“There’s a lot to say about (Howard), but obviously he’s been a great goalkeeper for the past I don’t know however many years,” said centerback Omar Gonzalez. “Tonight, he showed it.”
Offensively, the U.S. came closest to scoring on a headed effort from Eddie Johnson just after the hour-mark. Johnson rose up to meet a corner kick from Landon Donovan, but could not get the ball past Mexico goalkeeper Jose de Jesus Corona.
That was not the case four minutes after halftime. Johnson beat Corona and put the Americans on the board on a similar play, nodding home a Donovan corner with authority to send the pro-U.S. crowd into complete pandemonium.
“I saw the opportunity to get inside my man and I think Clint made a good run to the near post and Clarence (Goodson) kind of took his guy away and Landon put the ball in a spot for us to attack it,” said Johnson. “We’ve got some great height in the box and this time I wanted to make sure I keep it down and on frame. I was very fortunate that it went in.”
Those festive scenes were repeated in the 78th minute, as the Americans effectively put the game out of reach. Mix Diskerud, who entered the game moments earlier, displayed some individual technical brilliance after a throw-in from the right and proceeded to unleash a low cross that Donovan blasted into the back of the net at the far post.
The Americans dominated most of the remainder of the match and had a late chance to add to their healthy lead with a penalty kick in the final minute of stoppage time. But Dempsey missed wide on his attempt from 12 yards out to leave the scoreline at 2-0.
“It’s this mystical thing. It’s like this ghost,” said midfielder Alejandro Bedoya. “Clint missed that penalty and I feel like there was something that’s haunting (for) that to happen on purpose because just to keep that Dos a Cero.
“What is that, four straight now? That’s crazy, it’s unbelievable, it’s such a weird thing, but we’ll take it any day, all day.”
Even with the win, the U.S. had to anxiously watch the Honduras-Panama game from insider the Americans’ locker room for about an hour to see if they would get the result needed to punch the their ticket to Brazil. The U.S. ultimately got just that thanks to a 2-2 draw.
“We were just waiting for this moment when this game is over and Panama came back last minute,” said Klinsmann. “It’s a huge milestone whenever you make it to the World Cup, the biggest competition in this sport, especially the World Cup that is hosted in Brazil, one of the biggest soccer nations in the world.
“It means a lot to all of us, to all the fans and to our country as well.”
If mix keeps playing like this, is gonna make stuart Holden’s absence a lot less painful
Love Mixx but he doesn’t have the bite on D that Stu had
Beckerman looked really solid. He’s definitely ahead of sacha, edu, and Williams
I think we need to start looking at our center mids as having really 2 different roles. Beckerman is a good back up to Bradley. They both control the game make smart passes to set a tempo. Cameron is a good back up to Jones as they win balls and can hit a long pass if needed.
I’m a big fan of making the easy pass, but Beckerman should’ve turned with the ball when unmarked, instead of laying the ball off. Later in the half, his turns toward goal with the ball had good outcomes.
Give the PK back to Donovan. Please.
Yup.
Agreed
Yup.
Let him hit at least one in a row for his club first
I don’t think I could handle a WC game where it comes down to PKs for the US.
Thanks for this thought… I’ll now wake up with night terrors every single night until WC 2014. Terrifying.
yarp
PK’s are yet another place where you need depth. Brazil is not the time to find out who takes the PK if Donovan is not on the field. Taking them under pressure is what it’s all about. We know Donovan can do it. It looks like Clint can’t. We should try someone else, too.
Brad Evans is perfect for Seattle at PKs. I think he’s hit 8 of 8 in the last couple of years, and they’ve been solid. Keeper sent the wrong way; drilled into the side netting.
I would have no worries at all seeing Evans take a PK at the WC (assuming he’s on the field at all, of course).
Jozy made one against Slovenia I believe with Dempsey on the field, if it Landon it should be him
+10
so happy we qualified…..feels good that mexico is down in the dumps after what happened at the 2011 gold cup……guys did enough to win….mexico’s coach panicked after the 1st goal and took off their only effective player in gimenez…..
I was pretty surprised and I might add, happy that he took Gimenez off. Guess you go with who got you there…. which meant, totally blind to what was happening on the field… inserting players he coached in the Olympics.
Ah yes, let’s dump Dempsey, who was within inches of the second goal, and reinstall Donovan, who was absent for the summer. Alas, Deuce was too. The biggest drawback in his move to Seattle is complacency. He is the big fish in the small pond now, just as Donovan has been most of his career. Does either have to really work for a spot on his club team?
And let’s dismiss solid players who do have to work for their spots, right? Parkhurst must be terrible, given his lack of playing time as he has moved out of MLS and Scandinavia. Mmmhmm.
Here’s the bottom line: Klins has done well in cultivating depth where he can find it. He’d like to have a second Big Center Forward. He’d like to have ink-in wingbacks. He doesn’t have any, so he’s made do with what he does have. Credit where due.
Dempsey blows
I laugh satisfying dum-dum laughs when a master’s thesis is shot-down by a lunkhead
it’s true though that’s y u laugh dumb dumb style
Dempsey is a Sounder.
Sounders blow.
Dempsey blows.
Q.E.D.
RCTID
Dempsey is a Sounder
Timbers wanted Dempsey
Dempsey is “the garbage”
Q.E.D.
The Timbers want the Sounder’s garbage
Please do not expect anything from “the garbage”. Somebody had to cover his stupid plays.
Now that we have qualified, for Jamaica, start Johannson and Brooks and maybe Boyd also. I’d also play Kljestan and bring in Lichaj. Time to see who can play among the fringe players.
this
I’d like to see those players get quality time. But we must keep in mind that we only have so many games left to get in the best form possible.
Games in October and November are unlikely to affect form in July.
I agree with your thoughts on this. One would think a few first-stringers have earned a deserved rest from Nats duty, and why risk injury? Furthermore, I think we’ll find a few players may get excluded from the October games if they are in a risky position with their club (lack of playing time, etc.). JK has shown a trend to reward players who fight for and regularly earn playing time with their clubs, which shows match fitness.
I think the potential pool for player selection for October will be derived from two major factors:
– the opportunity to plug holes in the lineup
– who is in good current form with their clubs
Lets play some subs and avoid losing key players like with Gooch and CD9 in 2009
CD9? Really? You’re going to blame his car crash on not playing subs?
How huge is that next Panama Mexico match now? pretty much for the playoff spot.
If Mexico can’t beat Panama with their back against the wall, they honestly shouldn’t represent CONCACAF at the WC.
Mexico didn’t play like a team backed to a wall tonight. They looked more resigned to not qualifying. Eight games in and something just isn’t working right. How could they be confident of anything right now?
And how huge is that Panamanian equalizer? With it, they just need a tie in Azteca to be in control over their own destiny. Honduran heroics notwithstanding I can’t see Panama winning in Mexico. But a tie however…
I can’t even think about it. It’s too delicious.
Even at Azteca, they can’t be confident of anything. Honduras shattered that. Heck, Jamaica should have beat them there, but instead booted at least two golden open net opportunities away.
what did you eat that was delicious? Please spare us the Brit talk…lol
Would it be completely unethical for us to tank on purpose vs Panama so Mexico doesn’t make the playoff vs New Zealand. I think it would be a nice f u to Concacaf and Fifa for their continued tomfoolery.
Eh, same standard of ethics as Dos Santos’ dive.
If Mexico took care of biz themselves they wouldn’t have to worry about the US using the next two games to see how some of the fringe guys, young guys and newly declared fit into the squad.
Mexico’s issues are of their own making. We need to look after ourselves.
As much as part of me would love that I can’t see the players or JK doing it. Too much integrity. Besides, I think even a second string US team beats Panama the way JK has the team playing.
While I wouldn’t believe in playing to lose, I have NO problem with the last two qualifiers using a B team. Cap-tying players to the US, establishing even more of the depth Klinsi has given us, and blooding players for the big stage.
And if that costs us a loss in Panama, meh. Oh well. I don’t see the gain in risking our A-team in a match with no functional meaning for us. As we’ve already seen winning the Hex has little to no bearing on seeding for the World Cup.
We don’t need to tank-we’ve already lost two games on the road, almost drew Jamaica(!) in Kingston, and only looked ok when drawing Mexico at Azteca-just by playing our fringe players and not caring nearly as much as Panama they’ll probably take care of business.
OMG YOU’RE RIGHT WE MAY AS WELL HAVE NOT EVEN QUALIFIED I BET THERE’S SOME KIND OF RETROACTIVE PENALTY FOR NOT WINNING POINTS IN A DIMIDRI-APPROVED FASHION
How about a tersely worded letter to editor? (sociopath much?)
No, but we aren’t going to have our A team there.
It is time for Panama and Jamaica to face the mighty USMNT Z-Team
Johnson
Yedlin-Lichaj-Brooks-Chandler
Adu-Gil
Villareal-Boyd-Neagle-Agudelo
Subs: Hahnemann, Gravaboy, Opara, Sapong, Adu, etc.
You get the point. No world cup for Mexico!
ah, the vaunted 4-2-4.
also, i like that you have the ‘club team Adu’ starting, with ‘national team Adu’ riding the pine.
Yes, it would. No integrity in that. We get angry when someone dives or fakes being fouled, and our reaction is to do a team dive?
Every team has rivals… that’s great and I like the added hoopla and passion ours with Mexico brings. That said, vindictive obsession with one team is a losers mentality. It is my hope that the days of severely limited expectations, when beating one team and being King of CONCACAF was enough to satisfy US Soccer and its fans are done. The Mexico game is done, mission accomplished…. NEXT! The USMNT needs to worry about the USMNT. Now that we are qualified for WC, focus needs to be on doing whatever it takes to improve/get this team ready to truly make some noise in Brazil.
+1
DOS A CERO! is on my office door in LARGE RED PRINT but come October, it’s all about building toward Rio.
I’d like to see some away game confidence built in Panama City.
My only negative from this game is please make some1 else take PKs. It might actually matter at some point. With that being said, DOS A CERO
Yes
I think they had dempsey take it because the PK was off of his run, plus it was the last play of the game. That being said, I really wish he hadn’t effed it up and I’m sure Donovan will be making them in the future, when it matters.
If Panama and Mexico are tied with one game to go, I wonder if the U.S.puts out the z team against Panama. LLLLLLOOOOOOLLLLLLLLL.
Z team – classic
Our U17s could use the experience I’m sure haha
I wanna see this lineup against Panama–
S. Lenhart
E. Wynalda–C. Barrett–Corrales–Kamani Hill
Albright–Justin Mapp–Mastroeni–Agoos
L. Nguyen
all BS aside I think Nguyen is an awesome player…I often wondered why he was not at least not called in to Camp Cupcake…he’s very technical and his 1 one 1 dribbling is good.
agreed. i like him. but not as a goalkeeper as in my formation.
no Brandi Chastain/ sexist
lol. she subs on in the 75th.
LLOL!
I just put it in the goal like usual
#EBFG !!!
Seems to be two themes here:
(1) Dempsye sucks.
(2) Columbus should retain the USA-Mex match
Dempsey didn’t suck. He was far from good however. My biggest problem with what I saw tonight is that Dempsey took about 55 minutes to contribute to the game. From ’55 to about ’75 he was actually useful. But really, we don’t have the luxury of having a guy give us 20 minutes unless he is scoring at least 1 goal every 2 games. He is not on that pace.
Columbus should retain the USA-Mex match. I hate to agree since I live 2.5 hours north of Seattle and would do anything to see a USA-Mex WCQ @ the Link. However, 4 up and 0 down vs Mex in Columbus… I have to admit, it may be a our Saprissa when Mex is involved.
screw you.. Deuce was targeted by El Tri and hacked for the first 30 minutes
OK. Fair point. Like I said, IMHO, he didn’t suck. One thing I can agree with is that he did occupy Mex. So, maybe I under value that.
But, if he is the marquis guy, I’d like to see him at least not give the ball away 50% of his first 10 touches.
So true, Dempsey was a turnover machine, I like that he tries creative things but at some point you have to maintain possession
Dempsey blows. like the other guy said I’d prefer playing w 11 guys not 10
he blow..? I think you’re a star struck Eurosnob
yes cuz I think Donovan>>Dempsey and watch mls
He was very involved in the 1st 30 minutes and one of the reasons the game remained 0-0
His first touch was often to the other team & he goes down too easily. That being said, I love watching him and hoping he pulls out a moment of brilliance.
Dempsey is just a garbage, but the problem is JK, he is blind. Lucky for this time USA won. I cannot understand why a lot of people include JK did not see how “this garbage” played. He played many stupid balls + cheap passes + diving + complaining.
stealth mexico fans are so crafty.
LOL…I was thinking the same thing…”he played to many stupid balls” in context, doesn’t make any sense unless you speak it in Spanish.
Sé que su hermana, ..Si es verdad
My issue with Clint is that he strives to be the BIG man, and by doing so loses sight of the fact that it’s 11 guys pulling in the same direction. His selfishness costs us a couple of really good opportunities each game. If he ever realizes that assists are just as valuable as goals, he’ll then start to really help this team.
Like I said about Donavan months ago, Dempsey has one more WC in him. He is currently still out of form and will rise to the occasion….unless his EA gig becomes more important.
Yeah… Clint is at his best when he is the scrappy underdog and a bit nasty. Just hope he doesn’t lose sight of this w/ expectations to be a Star player. His very best games were fighting for playing time and every ball at Fulham, covered in mud and blood stains… looking like a player John Madden would love. Some players need constant reinforcement and praise.
Perhaps the best thing JK could do for Dempsey is doubt him a bit. Think that is comfort zone.
Great victory by USA. Dos a Cero lives!!! Shocking effort by El Tri, though. I expected them to come out desperate like a cornered badger. Instead we got 15 minutes of cornered badger followed by 75 minutes of whipped dog. I know Mexico has pulled this act before in qualifying but I don’t ever remember it being THIS bad. They seem to lack any backbone or resilience. As soon as you take their first punch and hit back, they give up.
Exactly right. El Tri fans have to be very concerned.
Spot on Tom, I thought they would push the game, but they looked like a broken team with no confidence after bringing some initial pressure. I’ve never seen Guardado that passive, granted we played steady team defense. Weird not seeing the Mexican players go after us 1 v 1 ….so many back passes.
Agreed. I’ve never seen so many passive Mexican players make so many passive passes and to use Tab Ramos’ phrase act like they are “afraid of the ball.” There was no joy in their play, even when they were pressing. For the first time in my life, I am considering the possibility of a WC without them. I love beating Mexico, but I am not a Mexico hater. There plight saddens me.
“Their”
I’m not exactly sad, but I would rather see a strong Mexico. They’ll figure it out, they have too much talent not to. They’re missing a physical presence up top for Hernandez to play off. They need to find another Carlos Hermosillo. Mexico use to have a good number of physically intimidating technical players, but most of those players are gone…guys like Rafa and Torrado. Blanco could throw his weight around and hold the ball well up top in traffic. The”golden generation” are quick and highly skilled, but don’t have much physical presence.
Exactly hit the nail on the head bassplayer.
WE ARE GOING TO BRAZIIIIIIIIL!
WE ARE GOING TO BRAZIIIIIIIIL!
WE ARE GOING, WE ARE GOING,
WE ARE GOING TO BRAZIIIIIIIIL!
THEY ARE GOING TO NEW ZEALAND!! THEY ARE GOING TO NEW ZEALAND!! THEY ARE GOING… THEY ARE GOING… THEY ARE GOING TO NEW ZEALAND!!
they are 5th right now. they are going no where…..
Haha, if they’re lucky…
Poetry at its best.
My thoughts
– EJ proved he is a capable back up to Altidore. He doesn’t provide some of the deft touches and passes that Altidore is capable of, but we need an outlet up top that can hold up the ball and help relieve pressure from the midfield and he did a great job of that tonight.
– Jones was great tonight. I can’t even count how many times he tracked back and made a smart defensive play. I don’t understand why he doesn’t play that way when paired with MB, but he showed tonight that he is a fantastic defensive midfielder.
– Donovan should take Dempsey’s spot and Dempsey needs to sit. Now if he goes back to Seattle and starts scoring some goals I’m all for keeping him there, but if this keeps up the team is better without him.
A few months ago, Dempsey was becoming our best player. Now I’m not sure if he’s in the top 3. Run some sprints!!!
Weed is legal in Seattle.
That’s your problem right there.
No. EJ proved only that he is valuable on a set piece. So dangerous, in fact!! However, he slows down the run of play & is not adept at helping keep possession. I’m tired of watching him. He has skill, true, but is often exposed at the international level (except on a set piece when he is an absolute beast!!!!!)
Dempsey needs to be the late runner in the box, not the creative playmaker or striker role. Maybe on the left? Idk. Or bench. He definitely needs to stop being so soft. He goes down way too easily. So damn frustrating. Stay up!!
Jones is an artist when he is given a role to play with definitive guidelines, a la Shalke
I agree with you on EJ’s limitations, but besides altidore he is the only player that can play with his back to goal and that is something that was sorely missing against Costa Rica.
dude we get it, you don’t like Dempsey.
He will.
hahahaha Omar CHUGGED that Bud Heavy. And then LD looked like the Bud Light was too much! Get the IPA out!
Pink eye = automatic drunky look
Landon was wise to reject Man U. and sign with LA Galaxy again. USA!
OK. If the plane leaves today for Brazil, who are the four CBs? Gonzalez, Belser, Goodson….
Discuss
End of discussion
Johnson has to be on one of the corners. I think at this point Besler and Gonzo are in the middle. Other corner is a question (and don’t think Beasley is our best answer). Actually, I’m growing more okay with Parkhurst. Is Dolo out of the question?
Def not Belser. That guy was awful on Law and Order.
I say you go ahead a bring brooks, knowing that Cameron is on the Roster and can play CB as well. Can’t think of too many others, since Boca seems to be permanently out of the picture, unfortunately.
Cap-tie and start Brooks. He is potentially the future.
Brooks dressed for the Costa Rica game. He may have been an unused sub, but he was there and registered for the match. I think he’s tied already.
nope, gotta take the field.
Cameron, though technically he goes as “Swiss Army Knife.”
Mexico out of the playoff spot too now. Ay-ay-ay-ay.
You willing to bet money that Mexico won’t make it to the WC? Thought so.
I’ve thought for months that Mexico would finish in 4th and end up beating New Zealand for a berth, and still think that now. But please, do quote me where I said that Mexico wouldn’t make the World Cup.
Final result: 2-2 Honduras & Panama. Rest easy US fans!
No, still in it on goal difference I think
Nevermind, I think they are tied on goal difference so not sure what the tie breaker is. (Clint should have scored the pk dang it!)
Doesn’t matter because we can just let Panama score 10 in the last match to cover it haha
Now its official! Going to Brazil!
Panama ties it with 2 minutes of stoppage time left
Goal Panama 2-2 2 mins of stoppage left
Where are those guys declaring that EJ was useless and without touch or skill? Just sit down permanently please….
How bout the Beckerman haters?
They are in line behind the Howard haters at the Eat Crow soup kitchen….
What constitutes Becks playing great? Turning the ball over 3 times or less? If anyone impressed over their past performances, I’ll admit that it’s JJ. He didn’t play great, but he worked his butt off. Chasing. Tackling. As a fan, that’s all that I can ask for. Esp when one’s skillset is limited.
I don’t know if Becks played “great” but he did have that calming effect that Bradley has. So things down and find the right pass. Break things up when the opposition has possession.
Are you seriously comparing an average night for Becks to Bradley? Please exit the comment board stage left.
As far as calm goes? Yah beckerman does that well. Often too well, thats the problem. For a game like this though its what we need.
why do you attribute that to becks and not jj? jj was playing the bradley role tonight, not becks. jj just played 50 times better than he did against costa rica.
Beckerman did okay. Not great. Just okay.
And it was the
WORST. MEXICO. EVER.
All he does is score goals.
Touch and skill still not his strong suits. All he can do is score goals.
How do I always miss this? EJ has a very solid touch. People were saying the same thing about Jozy for like the past two years for NO reason, until they all started gushing over him simultaneously.
It may very well be you that’s right, but I think he would play less negative if he had the touch for it
EJ does suck as a winger and with the ball at his feet. He’s pretty darn good in the air, though. As for Beckerman, I’ve always seen him as a mini Jr., which was absolutely needed tonight.
Man, can he sky. He must get 3 feet off the ground on those headers. I’m sure he can dunk a basketball.
Looks like he’s hitting the gym with Altidore too. Before he failed in Europe, EJ’s favorite move was falling down when someone touched him.
he scores lots of goals for the us team too…he actually held the ball up under pressure tonight which of course requires…
Futbol Picante gave LD the MOTM. I disagree. They also said Demps had an awful game. I agree
LD was man of the match before the goal.
He put in a lot of work. No doubt about it. But he never really took hold of the game. My vote goes to Timmy or Goodson before LD
We know that about you Paul
That’s why you’re stuck writing on comment boards
So where are all the Jones critics? He was a beast once again. Dude, plays in the snow with a gash in his leg for this country.
Jones seemed to listen to someone on the coaching staff and covered when Fabian went forward and stayed back when when Bedoya, Omar, Zusi, Beasley, and anyone else went forward. Pretty much what a lot of people were asking of his game prior to tonight.
Jones played well.
Once again? Did you watch the last 3 games prior to this one? He would hold on the ball too long, get dispossessed, than act like he was fouled (with horrible acting, hence no calls). I’ll give him credit for his work ethic today, but he better bring it like that every match. Now just when he feels like it.
Beast?
Eh, for 20 minutes, he couldn’t complete a pass to his own team.
Again.
He played better after. But the only difference between this game and last is Mexico didn’t punish us for him handing the ball away on his very first touch.
he earned his criticisms after the Costa Rica Jerome, and had the bounce back game he needed last night like many thought he would
Assist + goal = MOTM
agree w picante
Agreed. Those are slightly important stats.
Someone has to say it. That Mexico team didn’t look desperate – it looked resigned. It will be interesting to see if the new coach can turn this around.
Yep, they gave up early.
Once extra time hit, they completely shut down. Disgraceful.
Long before extra time. I felt like they played well in the first twenty, scared between then and the first goal, and resigned from the first goal to the closing whistle.
– Can we give the game ball to JK? He has just done a terrific job. A great rebound from Friday’s debacle with a makeshift lineup. Now he has the luxury of plugging the few remaining holes in the lineup before next summer.
– The standouts from the GC stood out tonight. Bedoya was solid all night. Goodson was a wall on defense. Beckerman paired very well with JJ, and played another effective game. Mixx showed great poise on the assist.
– I felt this was a total team effort. On a night when two key players (MB, Dempsey) were MIA, the ret of the team picked up the slack.
– We are not lacking depth at CB. If Brooks is cap-tied, it’ll be a very strong set of CBs we bring to Brazil.
4 keys players** Jozy and Besler.
Brooks looks like he has a lot of potential, but he’s still a kid from Bundesliga 2.
He was in the bundesliga 2… Hertha got promoted
This game was terrible. Yes the USMNT won but it wasn’t a great game for them. Mexico looked like a bunch of amateurs. Mex was flat, slow, timid, without creativity, and truly sad to watch. I’m a big fan of Mexican soccer. It’s very entertaining. Some of the players that play for El Tri are great on their teams and terrible for their national team. I still think that they will make it to the world cup but what’s the point playing the way they’re playing now.
The USMNT is practically qualified but now they need to work on better play if they want to get beyond the fifth game. I’m not sure there’s enough there to get past that point.
Fifth game – quarterfinals? Given all the defensive problems and roster changes, I’d be happy with that.
They did not make it to the fifth game last time against Ghana. I’m not sure they will make it again.
I’m never sure we’ll get out of group. That alone seems 50-50.
Now that they’re qualified they can use the rest of the games to work on their game. No more changes to the roster.
Just the opposite. You won’t see the full A-team again until the final warm-up games.
Your tears sustain me.
Go away.
It was a good game and you should have lost by more.
Further proof that Mex fans are the most obnoxious in all of world soccer.
Mexico losing. That’s entertainment.
Mexico in 5th place with two games to go. That’s priceless.
US stamping its ticket to Brazil after beating Mexico dos a cero. That’s life, amigo.
I’m pretty happy that Dempsey missed that PK actually.
+1
Let the conspiracy talk begin… He obviously missed on purpose 😉
If you’re Coach, do you punish him for this?
Shouldn’t have been the one taking it in the first place…
besides, DOS A CERO ! ! ! ! ! DOS A CERO ! ! ! ! ! DOS A CERO ! ! ! ! !
Perhaps now might be the appropriate time for you Beckerman haters to, well, shut up. Fantastic performance holding the center of the park. He is not in the Starting 11, but he is a shoe in for Brazil. 100% steady and solid in possession, positioning and tackling. Enough of the bashing people.
Ditto. Rock solid.
Beckerman was nice…but so was JJ, you have to admit.
Yes, very pleasant indeed
He had a very good game, but the first 20 minutes he looked behind the pace. I agree he’s probably on the plane, though, solid squad player, good teammate, professional.
Yup, Beckerman is on the plane. How calm did the US look in possession compared to the sloppy mess that was the CR game? He’s not first choice 11 but was excellent tonight.
Is Panama still losing????????????????????????
Yep……2-1. Go to CONCACAF.com
It’s on BeIN
Too poor for BeIN….
NOT too far from the ESPN announcement!!!
TIED IN EXTRA TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Assuming we qualify tonight, time start talking about who to bring in next camp. In general the core of the team should stay together I think to build chemistry. Aside from them, what fringe players get a shot? I’d love to see Chandler get brought in, as well as Lichaj. Also, go ahead and cap-tie JAB. If Brek Shea is getting time at Stoke, he should get a call; I’m really hoping he makes it to Brazil. Iceman, maybe Agudelo also come to mind. Mix definitely. Danny Williams? Dolo if healthy. Arriola maybe? Jose Torres? Kliestjan? I can’t think of anyone else off the top of my head.
You would think a good chunk of those players would be there. Can’t wait to see.
Chandler pretty much decided to not be apart of any of this process. He missed his shot and isn’t so good that its worth disrupting the team for.
we still want to win the group so i think we’ll have the A team for the remaining qualifiers.
I think JAB will get capped. Maybe bring Shea and Agudelo in.
JAB will probably be starting the next two games I bet.
I want to see Bacon get a good spell with the regulars – a friendly…what ever. JAB too.
Its a little late in the process to be bringing in new blood. What you see is what you get. They should just concentrate on solidifying their game plan and tactics. Qualification is over and done. Use the rest of the games as preparation for the World Cup.
A team is ALWAYS looking to improve and JK in particular has harped on this. There is till plenty enough time for a player or two to emerge and I’m sure we’ll see some players getting a look… it’s one of the luxuries of booking your WC ticket early. FB could definitely be solidified.
Dos a cero and Mexico and its fans will like it.
Cannot wait to see the October roster!
Feel really sorry for Mexico, every qualifying round, they always struggle unlike the USMNT
Mexico is so lucky that they are facing the Kiwis instead of Uraguary…….They might be able to squeeze past New Zealand
Don’t know anything about this Uraguary team, but with Uruguay, you could book the L.
Haha how quick we forget the last round when the rolls were reversed.
I’m not sure, but that might have been sarcasm… :
they are 5th right now…just sayin…
Goal Honduras! Palacios just put a filthy, filthy move on Baloy. Froze Baloy in his shoes and then chipped the keeper.
Usmnt should put the champagne on ice now.
El Tri should buy The Lord of the Rings for their trip to Mordor.
they are in 5th. 4th place gets Mordor.
Hopefully JK relieves Dempsey from taking penalties……He is not good at them, it should be returned to Landon Donovan (in which I do not think he has ever missed a penalty for the USMNT)
Yep. Out of curiosity, who would be your five in a shoot-out? I’d have to go with (assuming presumed starters) Donovan, Altidore, Bradley, F. Johnson and Besler just given temperaments I’ve seen. I’m sure JK has run through the drill a few times though, so who knows what he’s seen.
I have heard that Bradley is not a good penalty taker…..He use to take some penalty kicks back when he was in Borussia Mochengladbach but was stripped off it when couple of his penalty kicks were saved…..I would say Donovan, Altidore, Iceman (if he is playing, pretty good penalty kicker), Jose Torres and maybe Fabian Johnson or Herc Gomez…….Eddie Johnson sucks in penalty kicking, that is why Seattle is no longer the defending champs for the US Open cup
Umm, that was Obafemi Martins who missed the PK vs. the Tampa Bay Rowdies, not EJ.
Brad Evans is a terrific penalty taker.
Fabian and Jones obviously being German.
relieved of captaincy if u ask me
also benched
Your hyperbole is tiresome.
Diskerud and Bedoya booked their tickets to Brazil as super-subs for this squad in this one. Now let’s get JAB cap-tied in Kansas City, get that right back situation figured out, and do some work.
Time to cap Brooks, give Lichaj, Chandler, Gil, Yedlin a shot against Jamaica and at Panama! Also time to see if Herc can come back and give Bacon playing time!
Absolutely.
No more pk’s for Dempsey. Please. This problem is not new. He’s never been good at them.
+1
+2
+3
Though I dislike the Mexican team, I still want them to qualify for the World cup….though I know a lot of people in the forum will vehemently disagree with me……I just want them in the World cup so that if we meet them in the knockout stages, we would almost have a psycological edge on them & knock their azz out of the World cup…….AGAIN
You really think this Mexico team is getting out of a group?
haha….good one
Sorry, no. I’m fine with another worthy CONCAFAF entry making an appearance. Mexico is not WC quality right now. Furthermore, their so-called ‘fans’ are vulgar and revolting with the way they treat opposing fans, especially those who cheer for the USA.
+1. Sore losers, poor winners.
+1
Totally agree. Really love the class of the fans of our team. Not once did I hear any boos when Mexico’s national anthem was playing. THAT is how you show some respect.
Yes, It was also cool that the kids with the players during the anthems were wearing chapulin colorado shirts.
I actually think that Panama would put on a respectable performance at the WC, depending on group, of course. Extremely disciplined and organized. Not a lot of depth, but could shock a team or two. I think Panama being respectable might do more for Concacaf than Mexico simply getting out of group again.
Brazil here we come!
GOAL HONDURAS!!!!!!!!!
Say what you want about JK, he’s been brilliant!!!…..Say what you want about EJ, he’s also been BRILLIANT!!!!
I mean I can’t complain about EJ because he scored, which was his main job. But he doesn’t provide half of the hold-up and overall play of Jozy.
he actually held up play and posessed the ball very nicely tonight. Not as dangerous as Jozy, but a very ggod EJ effort tonight.
quarters would be huge
If Dempsey had scored, it would not have been Dos A Cero.
So who do we now turn to when MB is out thats right Beckerman NO MORE SECOND GUESSING
….u serious?
Gotta admit, he was okay tonight. Hit a stretch of bad passes and longer-than-the-field balls late in the first half, but otherwise not bad.
More than a couple passes which went directly to Mexican feet.
Still like the guy and how he stepped up tonight, though!
Still way better than JJ on Friday!
Beckerman is solid and basically solidified his ticket to Brazil with a solid game
I agree. He is a very solid, consistent workman who knows exactly what is expected of him and and his coach knows exactly what he will get out of him. This is invaluable and EXACTLY the sort of player a NT teams needs to provide depth for injuries, suspensions and strategic substitutions.
Name a midfielder on either side that didn’t have a handful of turnovers. KB’s were few in the context of this game, were not in dangerous places and were a direct result of what Mexico was trying to do…. apply immediate, aggressive pressure, clog the middle of the field and funnel everything to the outside. Sometimes you do have to give the opposition a little credit.
Agreed. Beckerman just got himself a rasta plane ticket to Brazil
Keep in mind, the US did not need to attack tonight…the strategy was conservative and counter attacking, which played to Beckermans stengths. He deserves credit though for a well played game.
We made 7 steps forward, and after this game, we make a step back?
Beckerman played as a holding midfielder. His position means playing like the child of a libero and a CM. He is not conservative, but rather allowed Jones to take Michael Bradley’s role in the attack. Beckerman pumped the attack by giving the other three midfielders more leeway in the attack. No wonder Jones played better, since his role was better defined than when he had to played along toolbox-Cameron’s.
Let’s not go back there. Beckerman is a solid backup in case that Jones, Diskerud, or Bradley need to be allowed more offensive creativity. Beckerman should go to the world cup
+1
he did everything he needed to do; very impressive.
Not saying one way or the other on Beckerman, but I do think it’s funny how people overlook how things work on other teams. Are Xabi Alonso or Sergio Busquets asked to do anything other than break things up and give the ball to someone more creative? Yeah, maybe they’re asked to hit a nice long, over the top pass every now and then – wait, did I just hear a word-by-word description of the criticism of Beckerman? How do Real and Barca play without those two guys on the field? (hint: not well)
Beckerman’s role is completely valid. It’s debatable whether the US want to play with someone in that role. Beckerman’s pretty good at it (and, no, I’m not saying he’s on par with those other two guys).
That said, there can be too much of a good thing – I love the way Spain plays, but I get the boring comments and the 1-goal output when BOTH of those guys are on the field. One or the other, but not both. Same problem England had when they tried to field Gerrard and Lampard at the same time. England would have been better if they’d chosen one in each game and had them sub each other off.
Dempsey sucked worse than any person in a US jersey in years.
Jones and Beckerman were awesome. Donovan is awesome.
Muck Fexico!
Fuque OFF!! Again!!
Its the truth. That was worse than Shea v. Cuba.
Not it wasn’t. Dempsey had a pretty bad game, but come on, let’s keep some perspective.
NOOO MOREEE PK
AGREE IN ALL CAPS
Dempsey su€ks
Fuque OFF!!!
No he doesn’t. Dempsey has talent to spare and has plenty of time before Brazil to get both his game and his head right.
Dempsey is a marked man at this point and if he doesn’t make that run Landon isn’t wide open at the far post.
And he got a toe to that ball to nudge it to LD. Deuce gets the a$$ist on that goal.
Watch the replay. Clint didn’t even know that LD was behind him. CD was trying to score.
How does the replay read Clint’s mind? I’d rather take Landon’s word for it when he called it a typical Clint play.
Lol… as if that is a bad thing. Since when is a striker not supposed to be trying to score? You make the run all out with the assumption the ball will come and the caveat that if it doesn’t, you’ll provide space for someone else. I guarantee you Clint knew LD was running far post and went near.
I just wish Panama beats mex, for next qualifiers.
Now Klinsmann needs stop playing with Dempsey, give Boyd game, cap-tied Brooks, and test a new young keeper, for next qualifiers.
Mexico were not ready to play today……..period
I think the ESPN analysts were right on: the longer the game went on, the less Mexico looked as if they believed they could get a result. The EJ goal took all the life out of their squad, and from that point on the 3 points never appeared in doubt for the Nats. A classic, textbook American performance in Columbus. Job well done.
yeah, this fixture should remain in Columbus, Suck Feattle.
I have no trouble with Columbus, but three times as many people would have shown up at that match if it were in Seattle.
And been ½ as loud.
You clearly have never been to a match in Seattle.
oh, wait, I saw what you did there. That was what they call sarcasm, right? What a pithy, exquisite turn of phrase! And, you didn’t even drag the turf into the conversation! Well played, sir. Well played.