The match reminded me a bit of the Brazil contest in the Confederations Cup. As splendid as the opening goal by Davies from the lethal Lando pass was, I always worried that there would be too much time for Mexico to come up with a response. True enough, the first goal came in due time and it was after a foul on Donovan that was not called. Play continued and as the U.S. defense backed off, Mexico had the time and space to set up a shot from outside the area. The U.S. did well to make it to halftime without conceding a second, and actually had some opportunities from set pieces to snatch a second of their own. It would have been flattering, however, since Mexico was in control. Michael Bradley, Ricardo Clark, Steve Cherundolo and Carlos Bocanegra were all disastrous. Clint Dempsey had some decent touches, but was mainly ineffective. Lando tried to make his penetrating runs through the middle but was constantly fouled by the stubborn Mexican midfielders. Sometimes it was called, but more often than not the ref let play continue. I would have liked to see some additional yellow cards for some of the Mexican clowns, but it was our defense that ended up in the book instead. Not that it really made a difference in the contest, however. In the end, Mexico got the second goal and won again at home, and that is what you have to do to make the World Cup. The Mexicans (my neighbor included) will try and make a big deal out of this match and the fact that El Tri beat the United States, but really, anything other than a win in the Azteca for Mexico would have been embarrassing. That was obvious in the way some of the Mexican players went into petulent mode as the clock ticked and the score remained level. So, no big woop. The race for South Africa continues. -Sanford
Greg Lalas's ReportIves:
Same old story for U.S.Stars of the MatchUSA:
Winners and LosersRogers:
South of the Border inhospitality
4 comments:
I would have liked to see Jozy get more than 15, but Boca, Dolo, Clark, and Bradley had nothing left by the 60 minute mark so I'm not sure it would have mattered. Mike and I were not at all surprised to see the US Army (real not Sam's) support Mexico or that Mexico got almost every call. We did think Timmy would have stopped the same shots from either Arshavin or Shrek....probably starting on Saturday.
A mere appetizer for this weekend.
club footie > international soccer
I understand that Ching is "in form" and Jozy's season has yet to begin but I would have started him up front anyway. He proved he can do the business in South Africa. Ching did fine with no service but he lacks any sort of innovation.
it's hard to ignore the remarkable unbalance of the situation. the way ref. moreno smiled at the final whistle while shaking the linesmans hand was quite suspicious. i have to think...just what would possibly happen if the US were to win in Azteca??? Ref Moreno as well as team USA could seriously NOT make it out alive. 100,000 ill-behaved fans, drunk and pissed. Scares me...Mexico can get away with too much in that stadium. A horrible display of sportsmanlike conduct happens in that place. But it's such a force i don't know how FIFA could even deal with it were they to step in.
Anyways, had to get that off my chest.
about the game...
tough to say, strong start, but never demanded possession. Basically playing a "def" match. players can only communicate visually...so you put in the more creative players...Jozy should be starting...i'd say sit Bradley and even try Dempsey to the middle. Bradley a good work horse when he's on, but not yesterday. Benny got a little caught up in the BS as soon as he stepped on. But there's no denying that Castillo guy's a snake...you NEVER try and help an opponent up while they're on the ground...especially by grabbing and twisting their head..."watch the replay, that shit is evil."
clearly it left a bad taste in my mouth, but what's done is done, and the Azteca experience is what it is.
Thankfully were still in good shape and should have South Africa to look forward to. As Sanford says..."ONWARD!"
I'd have to agree with your point regarding the possibility for chaos should Mexico lose to the U.S. at Azteca. Did you see some of the photos of police and army being pelted, etc.? And that was outside the stadium. A U.S. victory would make those pussy-ass crybabies lose their minds. The referee would be shot.
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