And with Klinsmann still insistent after the game that the outcome of the Gold Cup had been way too affected by refereeing decisions, it was probably important that this match be determined by a positive scoreline.
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Only there was one problem. That’s hardly consolation for the United States. The victory will take Mexico to the Confederations Cup in Russian Federation while the United States stays home. First-year coaches get to use the “process” excuse. Then a second Bradley free kick, this time in the 44 minute, curved toward the near post only to have a diving Mexico goalkeeper Moises Munoz slap the shot wide at the last second. Obviously we are going to go into World Cup qualifying in November.
The loss ended the U.S.’ six-game unbeaten streak against Mexico. Only then can he know we can find our own way forward.
A sea of red, white and blue, with American flags waving clashed with an equally opposing wave of green and black on the south side of the venue.
I suggested we walk. Those issues arise because the youth development structure struggles to identify, nurture and produce physically capable and technically proficient players with any semblance of scale. We needed to tailgate fast.
USA attack vs. Mexico defense: Mexico, but mainly because of the lack of talent up top for the US.
The 90 000-capacity stadium is known for its pro-Mexico crowds at soccer matches, given that many Mexicans cross the border for matches, while U.S. citizens of Mexican descent tend to support El Tri as well.
“What we didn’t do well was simply to keep the ball”, he said.
And that paid off on all three Mexico goals. What a game! Here’s a look at the goal…
One thing that doesn’t change is the anxiety.
This remained the case in extra time. Soon thereafter, he broke loose to tie the game with a sure restart header. Stepping up to break up play, sprinting back 50 yards to avert danger, and of course delivering the free kick for Geoff Cameron to score the first equalizer.
Interim manager perhaps, but one heck of a personality and not a bad tactician on his day. The front half was disturbingly wobbly, and after the goal, the eruption among our sea of stars and stripes sent people falling forward and backward, a messy web stitched together by the embrace of elation.
On Saturday, Mexico played one of its most complete games against the United States, maintaining nearly absolute possession for most of the game, quickly recovering the ball within seconds of losing it to once again formulate another attack.
“We had our plan, but we weren’t able to do it in the right way”, Herzog said. Much of regulation was played end-to-end, but the drama was saved for the extra time periods. 2-1 to Mexico, with only about 24 minutes left. Lacking a witty response, I tried to think of a thoughtful response that reflected my usual optimistic and hopeful nature.
El Tri took the lead once more in the 96th minute with a goal from Club America’s Oribe Peralta. Rambunctious fans from both sides engaged in chat wars before the match, and at times it sounded as though their goal was to see which fan base was the loudest.
Mexico also had a series of chances. But, when penalties looked on the cards, Aguilar came up with a sensational last word to settle a breathless contest with a perfectly struck volley past Brady Guzan in the 118th minute. “It’s a result that we earned, for what they (the players) did and what they were looking for”. Mexico wins 3-2. It was hard to muster further optimism.
“I don’t need to say anything”, German Klinsmann, 51, said during a news conference when asked how he would respond to his critics. “But we should have done better”.
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Our bodies ached from all the walking, yelling and jumping. A World Cup qualifier is a World Cup qualifier.
