USA saves Mexico from elimination with win over Panama

Photo credit: AP

 

Epic finish. Last night we saw Mexico come back from the brink of elimination not with a win, but with a loss and mathematical help from the United States national team. Mexico lost 1-2 to Costa Rica but USA beat Panama 3-2 and made sure Mexico remained in fourth place in Concacaf to enter the continental playoff versus New Zealand.

A couple of years ago we saw the Premier League end in dramatic fashion when Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero scored in stoppage time to give his team a victory and the championship in the process. At that moment, Manchester United had won its game and were two points ahead, and champions, had Aguero not scored. Last night was no different, for Graham Zusi and Aron Johannsson scored within a minute to end Panama's hopes.

Let's revisit how it went. It boiled down to this. For Mexico to go through with the automatic 3rd place spot, they had to both win this game by 2 goals and hope that Honduras lost by two goals. Within just a few minutes Honduras had already scored and were through to the World Cup. It was now up to Mexico to at least tie to reach 12 points such that even if Panama won, the Central Americans would have only reached 11 points.

At minute 18 of the Panama game, Gabriel Torres put the "Canaleros" ahead and Mexico started to panic. It got worse when Bryan Ruiz scored an exquisite goal on the 25th minute. Mexico was out at that point. Oribe Peralta, however, scored four minutes later to bring "El Tri" back.

As the second half began in all three simultaneously-played games, "El Tri" was still in playoff position even with Panama winning. Then came Real Salt Lake's Alvaro Saborio's goal and Mexico were once again looking at elimination. This was only brief, for Michael Orozco scored an equalizer for the US to give the Mexicans life.

But Panama wasn't done. At the 84th minute, Luis Tejada beat out the American defense and tapped the ball into the goal after Guzan had made a temporary save. Panama was in and Vucetich and the Mexican bench knew it.

Vucetich had decided not to field Giovani Dos Santos for Mexico and this looked to be very costly, as Chicharito failed to make an impact and the "Aztecas" played without passion. His insertion made little impact in the second half and the Mexicans looked deflated despite not knowing their ultimate fate.

As the game closed for Mexico, it was clear that Costa Rica was in no mood to lose or even tie this match. They wanted to defeat Mexico at home for the first time in over a decade. Mexico were out and many fans in the US and around Concacaf were salivating at the prospect, including many US fans that turned against their own team only to see their arch-rivals miss out on Brazil 2014.

But the reserve-laden side that Klinsmann put on the field at the drenched Estadio Romel had a lot to prove. These were not firs string players and were trying to make a statement to be in the final 23 for next year's tournament. It was this very fact that steered Brad Davis as he lofted a sublime center that found a wide open Graham Zusi. 2-2 and Panama was eliminated. The picture above shows the emotion as Terrence Boyd of the USA consoles Panama's Felipe Baloy.

The night was not over, however. Another American player, Aron Johannsson, notched his first goal for the US. Johannsson is regarded as the next best US forward and could make for a perfect partner with Altidore, depending on formation. 

With the 3-2 win, Panama was out and Mexico were given a chance to qualify through a home-and-home matchup against New Zealand. Fate, it seems, prefers to flirt with irony. The most hated squad by Mexican fans saved their team. Mexico's Rafa Marquez had no comments to make about the USA game. Not even at this point does the animosity end. It's true, however, that his team has reached rock bottom. 

Once heralded as a potential World Cup contender, Mexico now has to wait until November 20th to earn a space in the tournament. They played without passion or lack of purpose, without the spirit that made them so fearsome. Even ESPN Deportes's Futbol Picante show Mexican commentators agreed: Panama deserved to qualify and Mexico was given an unjust chance.

America rules Concacaf again at the Gold Cup 2013

Photo credit: Concacaf

Six games. Six wins. Outscoring opponents 20-4. No wonder the US National Team won the tournament. They were the best team by far at every area on the pitch and deserved their spot at the top.

Yesterday's match versus Panama in the Gold Cup final was the national team's most difficult yet, at least in the offensive front. Panama put up the best defensive performance of any team in the tournament with some of the finest clean slide tackles I have seen in a long time. Eventually, however, the American attack was too much and the US scored.

The match was a true coming of age for Mix Diskerud. After an unfortunate injury to Holden's right knee (could be serious), Diskerud entered the match in the 19th minute. Immediately, he started winning balls and maintaining possession and creating attack. Everything a box-to-box mid needs to do.

The defense had its share of issues on the flanks due to the "Canaleros" insistent and speedy wingers but the central defenders cleaned up most of the plays and Matt Besler showed why he's the best center back in the national team pool. Blas Perez was frustrated all afternoon and never quite attacked Rimando with clarity.

In the midfield, Beckerman controlled the incoming attacks down the middle and provided cover for the defense with quality. And while Corona faded off after halftime, Bedoya once again put himself in a position to be considered for the full national team from now on.

For the forwards, this was a particularly frustrating match. Eddie Johnson was often, cleanly, robbed of the ball and his attacks were largely ineffective but his defensive hold-up work was quality. Donovan was largely absent due to great man-to-man coverage from the Panamanian defense but eventually controlled the offensive side of the Americans that led to the winning goal. Brek Shea slotted home a pass from Bedoya that was on its way to the goal after Donovan missed his kick. She did this after only 42 seconds on the pitch.

The Americans, it should be noted, were missing their head coach Jurgen Klinsmann due to suspension after an unfortunate incident in the previous match versus Honduras when he spiked the ball in frustration over the referee's apparent lack of foul calls. Still Martin Vazquez and Herzog were able to transmit the coach's directions and Team USA performed. It shall be seen if the "B" players in the Gold Cup can break into the full national team. Landon Donovan is almost assured of this, but others have made their cases clear: Diskerud, Corona, Bedoya and Wondolowski. The next test, in which we could see a true mix of players will be the friendly match at Bosnia in August 14th.

Thank you, team USA, for providing us with another quality performance and a win in a major tournament. We believe once again that there is a bright future.

Player ratings:

Rimando.................6

Goodson................6.5

Besler...................7

Beasley..................5.5

Parkhurst.............5

Corona.................5

Bedoya................6.5

Beckerman........6

Holden................NR

Donovan..............7

Eddie Johnson........6

Subs: Diskerud (7.5), Shea (6.5), Gonzalez (NR)

USA, Mexico, Panama and an unprecendented 2013 Gold Cup

Landon Donovan was once again a star for the US National team as they defeated, handily, a Honduran side that looked like a specter of the team that defeated Costa Rica just days before. Cohesiveness in the attack, great defensive work and Eddie Johnson's placement contributed to the continuing United States dominance of this year's Gold Cup.

Photo credit: Reuters

Unlike Team USA, Mexico has continued on an unprecedented tailspin that was initiated by a winless, scoreless run at the Azteca in the Hexagonal's World Cup Qualifiers. Three points in what should have been nine. Then came a Confederations Cup that was just as disappointing. Couple this with two losses to Panama in the Gold Cup and a premature exit in the semifinals and "El Tri" is at a crossroads and a "Chepo" de La Torre in danger of being fired as coach.

Then there is Panama. A new kid is in town. With Torres as the new darling for the "Canaleros" scoring in nearly every match and nearing a DP salary at Colorado, this squad is looking like a favorite to qualify for Brazil 2014, even if the standings don't favor it at this point.

The final this Sunday should be an interesting match. A repeat of the 2005 Gold Cup and one where the Americans are expected to impose their style and poise, a Kyle Beckerman that looks like a viable option behind Bradley and Jones, a resurging and recharged Donovan and the myriad of options at midfield. If Panama wins it, it could be blamed on Klinsmann's absence (if it occurs) or in pure statistics given the 10-game run the Americans are on. Whatever happens, it should be fun to watch.

Complete performance: USA defeats Panama in Seattle

Photo credit: Dan Levine/EPA

 

It's been a few years since we have seen a complete performance by the US Men's national team in an official tournament setting. There were none present in the Gold Cup 2011 and World Cup 2010 had its ups and downs, yet inspiring games. But last night Team USA delivered, as did the city of Seattle with a full stadium cheering for the Americans in unison as the team went on to win 2-0 with goals by Altidore and Eddie Johnson.

Starting from the back, although Howard did not have much to do in this match, he did provide a trademark save late in the game to keep the shutout. Brad Evans struggled at times at right back but continued to solidify his place as an option, perhaps behind Cherundolo, for the spot. He needed help from Eddie Johnson and the center back tandem but eventually settled in. Besler is certainly a fixture for the team now and in many ways better than Omar Gonzalez, who still struggled at times but remained dominant in the air. DaMarcus Beasley may not be a natural left back but he has shown he is more than capable of playing there when needed and/or remaining the starter.

The midfield was all Michael Bradley. Easily the best and most complete player in the team right now, Bradley had a 92% pass completion rate and broke up Panamanian plays and set up Altidore's goal. The Roma midfielder is arguably, as some have suggested in the media, the top box-to-box player in Concacaf. All he needed was a goal.

Johnson and Johnson, Fabian and Eddie, that is, were brilliant as wingers in this match. The first was good at defending the flank and pairing up with Beasley and also provided the assist for Altidore's score-opener. Eddie Johnson covered for the struggling Evans and timed his run beautifully for Geoff Cameron's lobbing pass to score a perfect breakaway goal in front of his home crowd. Geoff Cameron did well to cover for Jermaine Jones' absence and defended the midfield well. Although Cameron lacked the experience of the Bundesliga player, he still provided expert attacking passes such as his assist for Eddie Johnson's goal.

Up front it was all Jozy Altidore. While Clint Dempsey continued to be a distracting threat for the opposing squad, it was Jozy that delivered, once again, with a quality strike to break the deadlock. We have now seen three varieties of Altidore's goals: a volley versus Germany, a trademark header against Jamaica and a tap-in on the Panama goal. Perfect positioning, physical while holding the ball, athletic abilities mixed with deft touches. It is no surprise that he is one of the top scorers in Europe and the 31 goals he scored for AZ Alkmaar of the Dutch Eridivisie have now translated into game-winning goals for the national team.

There were two other winners in this match: Klinsmann and Seattle. While Mexico experienced its third scoreless tie at home against Costa Rica, the US hasn't lost in the Hex since the first qualifier at Honduras back in February. Three wins and one tie. In a tournament that needs usually only 16 points to qualify for the World Cup, another two wins could send team USA to Brazil, especially considering that they still have 3 more home games to go. Credit Klinsmann on this and for sticking to a lineup with alternatives due to suspension and injuries. He has a winning combination on the flanks with Fabian Johnson (left) and Zusi/E.Johnson (right) that feed the ball to Altidore where only Landon Donovan could do it before. And now Jozy scores too and all the burden doesn't fall on Dempsey.

Finally there's Seattle. Michael Bradley said so himself. This was the best USA crowd to play for. All USA chants. All red and white. The symphony of the Sounders harmonically synced with American chorus and the United States had their home turf. Better and bigger than Columbus, more American than Chicago, a home venue difficult to match. Not to mention that they have a consistently sold-out stadium club team in the Sounders with attendance matching Bundesliga games....but that is another blog post.

Player ratings:

Howard.........6

Evans............5

Gonzalez........5.5

Besler............7

Beasley..........6

F. Johnson.....6.5

Bradley.........8

Cameron.......6.5

E. Johnson.....7

Dempsey.......6

Altidore........8

Subs: Corona (N/A), Davis (N/A), Castillo (N/A)

Model for the Qualifiers: USA defeats Panama in friendly

Photo credit: AP

Tonight's game between the US national team and its Panamanian equivalent was a perfect example of how to play in the World Cup Qualifiers. Start fast, play defensive and hold on to a favorable score and points. Tonight was also the third game won by the USA in a row, a first under Klinsmann and also abroad.

Graham Zusi scored his first goal in only his second cap, proving that the US has plenty of talent in MLS. It was an opportunistic strike in the 8th minute and one that kept Team USA ahead on the scoreboard throughout the game.

The offense was quite lively in the first half, with Wondolowski getting close to scoring the second for the US and an active and efficient Loyd-Shea partnership on the left wing. Bunbury was largely quiet but did have a couple of close shots. Jermaine Jones took several long range shots, one of which almost served to set a Wondolowski goal.

The defense was tested better than against Venezuela and if it hadn't been for Nick Rimando's heroics, then the scoreboard would have been 1-2 or 1-3 in favor of the "Canaleros." Parkhurst and Cameron looked particularly vulnerable through the middle and the latter was forced into making a tactical foul that resulted in his expulsion. And yet that is the mark of a good defender: to give up your space on the field to keep your team ahead. So, more of Geoff Cameron in the future might be intriguing.

The biggest lesson for this largely-novice group of players was the intense negative atmosphere of a Concacaf venue. If this had been a real qualifier, then three points abroad brings the team three steps closer to the World Cup. These are the kind of games needed to gain experience ahead of a new qualifying round and Klinsmann has been quite smart in setting up games abroad that widen the scope of US Soccer in a way that hasn't been done before. As the announcers said during the game, this was the first friendly against a Concacaf team outside of the US since the early 1990s. So, way to go Herr Coach. On to Italy with our "A" team.

Player ratings:
Rimando...............8
DeLaGarza............6
Parkhurst..............6
Cameron...............6.5
Loyd.....................5
Shea......................5.5
Clark.....................5.5
Jones.....................6.5
Zusi.......................7
Wondolowski........6.5
Bunbury................5

Subs: Johnson (6.5), Parke (6), Sapong (5), Evans (6), Larentowicz (6.5), Pearce (6.5)

Mission accomplished: USA defeats Panama and reaches Gold Cup final

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Mission accomplished today. The USA played a complete game against Panama today and got what it needed: a 1-0 win over Panama to catapult them into the Gold Cup final. It is mission accomplished because the US fought hard to evade an early score by the opposing squad. Because Eric Lichaj continued to show why he's the future of the fullback position, left or right. Because Agudelo showed that he can step in where Altidore left off. Because Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey ascertained their place as America's top players. Because we had the pleasure of seeing an old friend, Freddy Adu, return to the national squad--and excel.

It was also mission accomplished because Jones and Bradley continue to solidify the midfield in a region where Ricardo Clark showed inconsistency and where Maurice Edu had not settled. Mission accomplished because Bob Bradley has changed his lineup from 4-4-2 to 4-5-1 without clogging up the midfield and allowing for more control of the game. Mission accomplished because Clint Dempsey has now become the go-to guy when a decisive strike is needed, something sorely required given Donovan's recent struggles with the national team.

For the US national team, reaching the final will be its mission accomplished. As resilient as this team may be at the moment, it's missing the arguments that will allow it to win the tournament. No Altidore, Davies, Holden or an in-form Onyewu means that a speedy, creative Mexico is technically, on paper, a more fluid team with several weapons. Add to this the fact that the match is in Los Angeles and you are basically letting the Aztecas play at home.

So the US will be the underdogs again, and even if they do not lift the trophy they will have planted the seeds for the future: Agudelo's strength and speed, Lichaj's dominance at left back, the rise of Jermaine Jones and the return of Kljestan and Adu. And yes, a confirmation of our superstar: Clint Dempsey.

Player ratings:

Howard..................7
Lichaj.....................7
Bocanegra.............6.5
Goodson................6
Cherundolo...........7.5
Dempsey...............8
Kljestan.................5
Bedoya...................6
Bradley.................7
Jones.....................7
Agudelo.................7

Subs: Donovan (7), Adu (8)

Implossion: US loses to Panama

Photo credit: Fox Soccer

Seriously? Not a typo? Bound to happen? How many headlines do we require to convey the message? The US just isn't that good at the moment. It is possible the team peaked at South Africa 2010 and now we are picking up the pieces and restructuring. You could even make a case for 2009 being a higher point for the American squad. No, the USA was outclassed, outdefended, outplayed and just not good enough.

There were no heroics from Donovan, no clinching goal from Bornstein, no superhuman saves from Howard, no cohesion in the central midfield or defense, no real spark from Agudelo. And we were at home? And we think we can win the tournament?

If I had been a commentator today, I would have duct-taped my mouth like Carlos Albert did when the Mexico U-23 squad failed to qualify for the 2008 Olympics. Yes, it really was that bad. My non-soccer friends were just as disgusted and pointed to sad details that even I was blind to. Where was Goodson and Ream? And our Captain America--Bocanegra? Who do we turn to now? Onyewu still isn't 100% and DeMerrit is with his club. Lichaj? Spector? Bornstein? Are you also cringing now?

And we cringe not just because of today. Every team is allowed to have bad games. Even Spain, with its all-star cast lost at the World Cup (not to mention the US game in 2009). We cringe because there are other teams in this tournament capable of significantly more damage if the US has another bad day. What if it had been Chicharito instead of Blas Perez? Dos Santos instead of Tejada? Saborio? Maynor Figueroa? Need we say more?

Today was the highest lesson in humility. Donovan mentioned how they "needed to learn from this game." We sure hope they did. The dreams and thoughts after the Canada game, a near-perfect game for the US, were quickly erased today by a team of significantly less stature. What else can we say? Bradley? Our US coach has taken the US to new heights and relevance. But we have also seen his game unravel--early. In the first half hour of play. Over and over again. I find it difficult to see Bob Bradley remain at the helm if the US does not capture the trophy. And right now that doesn't seem likely.

Player ratings:
Howard...............5.5
Cherundolo............6
Ream.....................3.5
Goodson................5.5
Bocanegra..............4
Dempsey...............7
Donovan.................5
Bradley..................6
Jones.....................4
Agudelo.................4
Altidore..................5

Substitutes: Kljestan (6), Bedoya (6), Wondolowski (5)

Gold Cup 2009: From B teams to amateur sides

Concacaf has chosen to have a biannual tournament with its conference members. Fair enough. But here's the deal: only one of the two tournaments qualifies the winner to the Confederations Cup (played last month with the US as representative due to their title in 2007), the tournament is always played in the US (no Mexico, Central America, Caribbean nations can host it), and the tournament (at least the second one) has very little in the form of top stars and important players from the more prevalent countries, i.e. Mexico, USA, Honduras or Costa Rica.

So is it an important tournament? Hardly. Is it overkill? Yes. Is it worth it? Only as warm-up and/or practice for B-teams from Mexico, the US and other Concacaf teams. Am I alone in this line of thought? Absolutely not. There is a score of players and coaches (including Bob Bradley and "el Vasco" Aguirre) that have decided to call B-squads that sometimes look like C-squads. The US itself was allowed to call up or dismiss various players due to the tournament's close temporal proximity to the Confederations Cup. Dismissed have been Steve Cherundolo, Charlie Davies (to join a new club), Freddy Adu (disappointing Gold Cup after no appearances), Michael Parkhurst, among others.

And the list goes on in terms of Gold Cup bashing. Prominent commentators like Andres Cantor and his Futbol de Primera crew have publicly voiced their concerns for this tournament seemingly meaningless nature. The quality of the competition is simply not present. Shouldn't we limit this tournament to a 4-year interval like the Euros and Copa Americas? Shouldn't it be a top flight competition with Donovan, Guardado and other stars as prominent participants? Shouldn't the host nation be rotated the way it is everywhere else?

In the meantime, it seems that all is definitely not well with Mexico, even in a medium-grade dress rehearsal like Gold Cup 2009. Now Javier Aguirre is showing his discontent with the mess that is the Mexican national team. The footage below shows a sore point in Mexican soccer: a tie with lowly Panama and a foul (a foul?) by the coach Aguirre. The man will serve a 3 match suspension.