Perspective after Mexico's first game versus New Zealand

Photo credit: Yahoo Deportes

 

5-1 shouldn't be an unusual score for Mexico playing at home. Estadio Azteca on a Wednesday afternoon the November before a World Cup would ordinarily suggest a prep game for the tournament. But that wasn't the case yesterday. The Mexican national team was playing for its World Cup qualification life versus Oceania's entrant, New Zealand. How did it come to this?

Blame the poor form in the Concacaf Hex under de la Torre and less-than-optimal performances with Vucetich (Panama win and Costa Rica loss) as well as the non-issue that was Luis Fernando Tena's game versus the United States. All chose the same defensive, cautious style and relied on overpriced, over-hyped Europe-based players like Chicharito Hernandez and Giovanni Dos Santos.

In comes Club America coach Herrera and all bets are off. Herrera is a pupil of "Lavolpismo," a style of play first introduced by Ricardo Antonio Lavolpe and which preached attacking football with limited defense. It had mixed results for Lavolpe with the Mexico national team but made for entertaining soccer.

Another thing Herrera did which upset many people, even though it may not have surprised many, was the selection of purely national-based players for the play-in games versus New Zealand. Gone were the Chicharitos, Dos Santos and Guardados and in came ten players from Herreras's own Club America. He needed consistency, he said, in order to be successful and he claimed that the foreign-based players had too far to travel and that this diluted their abilities.

The win gave both hope and relief to the Mexican nation and confidence that their recent trophies in the u17 and u23 tournaments were in fact based on the reality that Mexican soccer that is on the rise. But what are the major takeaways after the win and the certain qualification?

First thing is addressing the foreign I players. Will they continue to be a part of the system? Certainly come World Cup prep time they will have time off to get acquainted with Herrera's style and manners. Will they acquiesce to the three man back line? Can they survive in that formation versus a team like Belgium? Perhaps another point here is the absence of  Carlos Vela. Will he turn down being at the World Cup? Does Herrera even need him there?

Mexican soccer needs to answer some serious questions ahead of the tournament. Is their structure a viable one where very few people control the direction of the national team? A serious failure at this point is going three and out at the World Cup, and the way teams are stacking up in terms of death groups, this isn't out of the question.

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.

Klinsmann improvises and USA defeats Jamaica

Photo credit: John Sleezer / The Kansas City Star

 

Another tale of two halves for the US National Soccer team.With their qualification for Brazil 2014 already assured, Klinsmann's team was playing for consistency and the chance to win the Hexagonal once more. It was a time to try full offense with a 4-4-2 formation that included Diskerud, Donovan, Bedoya, Altidore and Johannsson. A rout? Not so fast.

The USA pressed but lacked style and poise and chances came and went and none went in. Not by Altidore, not by Donovan, and not for Johannsson. Klinsmann had a choice at halftime. Continue with his ultra-offensive stance or take a look at a different formation that might open things up for Diskerud.

And that he did. Donovan out and Zusi in. A switch to a 4-2-3-1. Mix got a chance to go forward more and Jermaine Jones tucked in behind the midfield. More freedom, but a spark was needed. Enter Edgar Castillo, in for Beasley and things changed overnight. Speed and savvy. The left flank suddenly opened and the team created the chances.

First was Zusi with a well-placed shot to break the deadlock and send his home crowd to a frenzy. Second, Castillo himself with a searing run around the Jamaican defense and a center of death for a simple tap-in by Altidore. 2-0 and America is on top and deservedly so.

Zero goals allowed at home in the Hex. All wins at home. 19 points in the final phase. Another pitch-perect performance that solidifies USA as the top team in Concacaf, despite the resurgence of Mexico during 2011-2012. But things have just started for Klinsmann and his crew. A test such as today's serves to educate the team and managers in how to manage games at the World Cup, as well as the players selected. So what if Donovan comes out? It was a win in the end, right?

Around the world today we saw many more teams enter the tournament. A team like Belgium, for example, is en route to perhaps eclipse their semifinal run in 1986. Brazil shows no sign of slowing down despite not playing in qualifiers. Colombia, Chile and Bosnia are all teams that have equal chances at advancing to the final 16 at the World Cup and these are the teams Klinsmann will need to prepare for. 

Let's cheer for our team and thank the players and coaches that we're not in a position like the one Mexico is facing right now. Any team can have bad games and any team can have a terrible rut. So far, Klinsmann and Team USA have evaded this. The game in Panama should be even more fine tuning, this time for the defense. The Canaleros can only use a win and that's the sort of adversary the US will face at the World Cup.

Player ratings:

Howard..............6.5

Evans.................7

Besler................6

Cameron.............6.5

Beasley...............5

Donovan...........5.5

Diskerud............6

Bedoya.............5.5

Jones................6.5

Johannsson.......5.5

Altidore............7

Subs: Castillo (7.5), Zusi (8), Kljestan (6)

Vierja Corner: Prólogo antes del partido Ecuador vs Urugay por las eliminatorias

El viernes 11 de Octubre, las selecciones de fútbol de Ecuador y Uruguay medirán fuerzas en Quito, capital del Ecuador. Quien salga avante de este partido, asegura su cupo en el mundial de Brasil 2014.

Cuatro meses atrás, Ecuador figuraba como la selección número 10 del mundo, según el escalafón FIFA,  pero el plantel de nuestro país no resistió la presión de tan alto honor de pertenecer al "top ten" mundial, o en realidad nunca fue la décima mejor selección del planeta. En nuestra opinión y sin considerarnos genios, nos inclinamos por lo segundo.

El tricolor se ha visto afectado por  el triunfalismo en la prensa deportiva, la cual se desbordó con comentarios acerca de los futbolistas, sus méritos y sus supuestas similitudes con grandes exponentes del soccer internacional. Así, empezaron a especular colectiva e individualmente si Felipe Caicedo, un grande de nuestro fútbol, era peor, igual o mejor que Ronaldo o Ibrahimovic; o si Ecuador era inferior o superior a Alemania. Toda esta presión mermó la débil fortaleza anímica de nuestros jugadores, quienes cayeron en el peor nivel de juego de toda la eliminatoria. Alemania aplastó a Ecuador en USA y empezó lo que podría ser el principio del fin.

A esto debemos sumar el sensible fallecimiento del buen jugador Cristian Benitez, cuota de gol importante de nuestro combinado.

Varios factores atentan contra la real posibilidad ecuatoriana de ir al mundial. Su cuerpo técnico es confuso, sin ideas puras de fútbol, renunciando a lo que hace fuerte a nuestros jugadores, imponiéndoles un estilo que no sienten, pero fundamentalmente, escogiendo mal el equipo para los últimos partidos eliminatorios. Nos atrevemos a decir que lo conseguido por Ecuador hasta hace tres fechas atrás, sólo fue por mérito de jugadores, quizás con una pequeña cuota de Rueda y "su plantel técnico".

Hoy, Luis Chiriboga echa la culpa de la situación actual del seleccionado ecuatoriano, al referato sudamericano. Escupe para arriba Chiriboga, pues en el torneo nacional maneja el arbitraje, el mismo que es ampliamente cuestionado y parcializado, creando dudas de la seriedad del gremio. Y se nos viene a la mente el proverbio del “conejo criticándole las orejas al burro”.

Siendo así la situación, y por el buen momento de Uruguay, sobre todo de sus delanteros, nos inclinamos por la celeste como el plantel favorito para asegurar el viernes, su cupo al mundial 2014.

Ecuador deberá cuidarse en el repechaje con el mal momento de la selección, ya que sin timonel técnico ni administrativo, podríamos ver el mundial de Brasil, sólo por TV.

[by Javier Velásquez Villacís]

What's wrong with the Mexican national team?

For the Mexican national soccer team, qualification for Brazil 2014 World Cup was supposed to be a breeze. After a perfect preliminary round in which they won every game, a great run of results in friendlies, and capturing the 2011 Gold Cup, there seemed to be no stopping "Chepo" de la Torre's men. This all came crashing down in 2013.

This year, the team has yet to win at home and has only managed to score one goal in the Azteca. They have won two games: one away in qualifying and one versus Ivory Coast played in the United States. Three ties at home and one very painful loss to Honduras now has the team in 5th place of the Hexagonal, down in goal differential and fighting for their World Cup lives.

Let's rewind to why this should be a great team. First, the youth squads have swept through competition from the U-20 tournament in 2011 (3rd place) to outright winning tournaments with U17 (2011) and more impressively at the Olympics 2012 in a final against Brazil. Add to this players like Giovani dos Santos (Villarreal), Carlos Vela (Real Sociedad), Javier Hernandez (Manchester United), Andres Guardado (Valencia), Hector Herrera (Porto), Javier Aquino (Villarreal), Hector Moreno (Espanyol), Oribe Peralta (Santos Laguna), Aldo de Nigris (Guadalajara), among others in the domestic league. Let's not forget that Liga MX is one of 3 top leagues in this hemisphere.

But the fate of certain players both domestically and abroad and de la Torre's unwillingness to call up specific players has not gone unnoticed. Carlos Vela, for example, hasn't played for the national team since 2011 due to a bad relationship with Mexico's front office. This in spite of him being a top goalscorer in the Spanish La Liga and having done his early years with Arsene Wenger and Arsenal. 

Then there is Chicharito Hernandez. He hasn't been the same ever since an injury in 2012 and then another one earlier this year. Chicharito was pushed down the depth chart at United with the transfer of Van Persie and the steady play by Danny Welbeck and Wayne Rooney. He's still an impact player but has yet to reclaim his status as an indispensable, fearsome goalscorer.

The back line for Mexico hasn't fared well either. Constant changes and the decline and replacement of the old guard (Salcido, Marquez, Magallon) has the defense in flux. The same usually occurs for most teams but it has been quite painful to see with Mexico. Ayala and Severo Meza have not been convincing enough.

Added to the back line is a midfield that just isn't producing. Despite having a relatively youthful group with the likes of Aquino and Herrera, the defensive middle isn't communicating well with the forward or rear flanks or we'd be seeing more goals for and less goals against.

Lastly there's de la Torre, Mexico officials unwillingness to let him go earlier, and the style of play he imposed on this squad. De la Torre should probably have gone after the Confederations Cup or maybe even before. He went from a pure possession and attack mentality under Aguirre to a highly-defensive game demeaning to years of development in Mexican teams. For this one only needs to look at the youth squads. Their momentum was halted with the senior team.

What can Mexico do now? Win both remaining games, to start. The key game versus Panama October 13 will decide whether they even have a shot at an intercontinental playoff. A loss leaves them pretty much out and a tie gives them merely a mathematical advantage. Even a win, unless it's by a significant margin might not be enough if the Aztecas do not win at Costa Rica as well.

Enter Vucetich. The former Monterrey head coach now has control over this squad. He has a fresh perspective, attacking mentality and desire to bring only the best players to the team, including Vela. He can make this team be as formidable as it can be, as dominant as it should be, and as great as their fans deserve. Failing to qualify for 2014 is not an option.

Bob Bradley versus Ghana

Photo credit: Sports Illustrated

If you are a US Men's National Soccer Team fan, then you remember the second round of World Cup 2010, an ill-fated, 7th minute yellow card for Ricardo Clark and the eventual defeat of Team USA versus Ghana. Bob Bradley was blamed due to his starting of Clark over a much steadier (and fan-favored) Maurice Edu.

It was America's second time to be booted from the tournament by the Ghanaians. The first one occurred in 2006 with Bruce Arena's 4th-ranked US team and although Clint Dempsey almost made things interesting, the Americans bowed out of the tournament with only 1 point and one goal scored.

Most people will undoubtedly remember Boateng's goal in the 5th minute and Donovan's penalty in the second half. However, it was Gyan's game-winner in extra time that will forever haunt Bradley and still gives him nightmares to this day. His ubiquitous choice of Johnny Bornstein at left back also opened up the most dangerous side of the field for most opposing teams, as we also learned with the 2011 Gold Cup final versus Mexico.

So what can Bob Bradley come up with this time around with his Pharaohs? He has an entire country dreaming of the World Cup and players hungry for the tournament and a chance for redemption after the 2010's cycle's games versus Algeria. There was some drama with those matches (3-1 Algeria win in Algiers; 2-0 Egypt win in Cairo; 1-0 Algeria playoff win in Sudan) and it included frozen diplomatic (not soccer) relations between the two nations.

But Bob Bradley has been almost spectacular for the Egyptians during this qualifying round. With an unmatched 100% record in the qualifiers, signs would point to certain victory for his team. But Bradley must be cautious in picking his squad and avoid the Clarks and Bornsteins. His side is heavily domestic-based and reliant on Al-Ahly players, especially at defense. At forward he has some quality in players like Koka (Rio Ave) and Salah (Basel). 

Should Bradley defeat Ghana it will be twice the victory. One for America versus their African nemesis and two for Egypt and making it to the World Cup after 24 years of absence. And, oh yes, an American coach qualifying for a World Cup with another nation's squad. Hard to beat. We are all cheering for you.

Dos a Cero again: USA qualifies for World Cup with win over Mexico

Photo credit: ESPN

 

If we thought missing Michael Bradley and Matt Besler and Jozy Altidore might cost Team USA a game versus Mexico in Columbus, then Klinsmann's crew proved us wrong.

No Bradley? Jermaine Jones stepped up and Beckerman covered for him. Besler is out? Goodson and his experience clogged up Mexico's attack. No Altidore? That's okay, Eddie Johnson plays for us.

It was a patchwork team with the surprising addition of Bedoya on the flank instead of Zusi, with Donovan in the midfield and Dempsey a withdrawn forward, but both present. Michael Parkhurst in on the right side and Beasley looking to redeem himself. It worked.

It was a tale of two halves. Mexico pressed and controlled the first half and could have scored. The second half was vintage USA in Columbus, Ohio. Two goals by legendary figures: Eddie Johnson and Landon Donovan. EJ had a picture-perfect header that Jozy would be jealous and proud of. For Donovan it's the 6th goal against the Americans' nemesis, and in what fashion. Diskerud provided the fantasy we wanted to see with a self-chip to allow himself to set up a center of death for Donovan. Goal.

This game was a testament to Klisnmann and the depth he has built in this squad. Can the US make noise at the World Cup? Possibly, but for that to happen Bradley will need to be with the squad and more discipline will be required.

USA will be in Brazil 2014. Today it was fantasy and speed, set pieces to be proud of, a city of Columbus that always delivered, and the scoreline that is as poetic as Dempsey missing his chance to score three for the US. A poem was written tonight and this poetry was Made in America.

Player Ratings:

Howard.................7

Fabian Johnson......6

Gonzalez...............6.5

Goodson..............7

Beasley.................6.5

Bedoya................6

Donovan..............7.5

Dempsey..............6.5

Beckerman...........6

Jones...................6.5

Eddie Johnson.....7

Subs Diskerud (8), Parkhurst (6), Zusi (NR)

USA has missing blocks to defeat Mexico

Photo credit: mlssoccer.com

 

Four days ago, prior to the US Men's National team's game versus Costa Rica, it seemed like the game versus Mexico to be played today was largely in the bag. One injury and three suspensions later and it seems like Team USA's chances have evaporated.

Let's keep it simple: no Michael Bradley means a handicapped midfield. Jermaine Jones is a rugged, albeit impulsive player that can shine at moments and also endanger the team at others. He is the box-to-box player in Bradley's absence and will need to be as disciplined as possible.

There are three main choices for Klinsmann to actually replace Bradley in the midfield. First is a conservative option in Kyle Beckermann given his track record as a solid yet sometimes quiet defensive midfielder. The second choice is pure attack in Jose Torres, who never really has convinced fans or critics. Third is youth and question mark in Joe Corona and Mix Diskerud. The former has speed and the latter style.

What will Klinsmann go with? Likely Beckerman, although if he has problems in the defense and USA is down in the scoreboard then Klinsmann will go with his favorite Torres. Many of us out there would wish for Diskerud's fantasy and short passing but that's not likely to happen. Corona is also way too young for such a pivotal match and is still a developing player.

It is the fact that Geoff Cameron is missing that further complicates things. If anything, he could have taken Bradley's place. However, Matt Besler's suspension also means Cameron would have slid into the center back role. Now Goodson will probably get the nod alongside the LA Galaxy's DP defender Omar Gonzalez. The other vacant position is right back. The once so deep position with Cherundolo, Lichaj, Chandler and later on Brad Evans, is now up for grabs and will likely be manned by Ausburg's Michael Parkhurst, who has yet to see playing time this season with his club.

Yet another hole remains with this American team: Jozy Altidore. The veteran attacker and prolific scorer earned a silly yellow card at the end of the Costa Rica game and has left the team without an experienced target forward. Dempsey will get the call and later on either Johnson or Johannsson might enter the match depending on the score. EJ is streaky and Johannsson is an unkonwn quantity internationally.

These factors, along with Mexico's dire need for three points and a fresh face with newly-appointed coach Tena, make for a difficult task and a huge boost for Mexico. The only player missing for Mexico is Torrado and the US hardly has the pieces to exploit that fact tonight.

History cannot be discounted but statistics always favor change. Klinsmann has never lost to Mexico as a player or coach and the US has yet to not win at the Columbus Crew Stadium. Then again, this is an unprecedented Mexico due to their position and the balance of power has shifted in their favor. Expect a tough match and perhaps an expulsion or two, including for the US. 

The Americans will likely be lucky to escape with a tie and will have to wait until next month to punch their ticket to Brazil. If luck and chance are on their side, a win tonight means an early entry into next summer's tournament. Let's hope for some spectacle and emotion. The scoreboard should always be secondary to quality plays on the pitch.

Not without Michael Bradley: USA loses in Costa Rica

Photo credit: Getty Images

 

If you missed the first few minutes of the Costa Rica - USA match then you saw something wasn't quite right. First, the US was down on the scoreboard. Okay, that happens. But wait, why is Orozco playing and where is Michael Bradley? It ended 3-1 in favor of the Ticos.

The weather, it seems, played its part in today's match as well. Michael Bradley was hurt in pre-game practice, possibly due to the wet conditions. Revenge of sorts, it seems, after the US won the home game versus the Ticos in a blizzard.

But what really went wrong tonight? There's no replacing Michael Bradley in a big match. He's the general and the rudder in this team. The box-to-box player that can clean up messes, lob balls in for goals and score clinching strikes himself. Jermaine Jones was alone tonight and Graham Zusi and Geoff Cameron didn't quite cut it.

Donovan played well most of the match and diverted attention. So did Fabian Johnson. Indeed, the German-American should have had his goal if it weren't for Navas saving Costa Rica once again. In fact, Navas stopped more than one American attack and nearly stopped Dempsey's penalty.

Added to the loss of Bradley in this match and possibly the next is the assured loss of three important players: Cameron, Besler and Altidore. Most notable is Besler, who has been the best defender for the Americans, although he got beaten pretty badly by Joel Campbell tonight. No Jozy means that the in-form player will need to be replaced by Eddie Johnson or Aaron Johannsson, who was cap-tied this evening.

What can Klinsmann do versus Mexico. It now becomes a must-win of sorts for a variety of reasons. A win takes them out of any sort of hot water coming from the utter revolution in this field of teams and hopefully out of the dreaded intercontinental playoff versus New Zealand. A win also means the team can win games without Bradley at least at home. A win means the team can regroup and get ready for next summer. A win means confidence and versus Mexico no other result matters.

The Mexicans have only 8 points with 9 in play and possibly playing with a new head coach by Tuesday. Their implosion and inability to win at home means they have to do so abroad. There's always Mexican fans in the US and even Columbus is always half and half.

Should be an interesting match with many subplots.

Player ratings:

Howard.....................5

Besler........................5

Orozco......................4.5

Beasley......................4

Gonzalez....................5.5

Donovan....................6

Zusi...........................4

Jones.........................5.5

Cameron....................4.5

Fabian Johnson...........6.5

Dempsey...................5

Subs: Altidore (3), Eddie Johnson (4), Aaron Johannsson (NR)

Missing points: How Ecuador will find it tough to reach the World Cup

A few months ago it seemed almost certain that the Ecuador national soccer team would be at Brazil 2014. Two games later that is no longer the case. Where in the past 4 rounds of qualifiers dating back to 1998, points in Peru had been all but assured, this time was different. Zero points in June. And where every single match at the Atahualpa had yielded 3 points, Argentina stole 2 away.

So now the team is 5 points away from the World Cup. Right now they would have 26 points and would be one win away from the tournament. As it stands now, a win at Bolivia next week and a win at home versus Uruguay in the last home game is required to enter the tournament.

Chile is likely to surpass Ecuador today as they face Venezuela at home. "La Roja" is particularly dangerous with players like Alexis Sanchez and Humberto Suazo while Venezuela, an upstart in recent years, is likely not strong enough to steal points away in Santiago. With a win by the Chileans, Ecuador will go down to fourth place. 

Further complicating things is Uruguay. Luis Suarez returns to the squad and they can certainly take all 3 points away from Peru today. A game versus Colombia might also yield points and a total of 6 points will put them ahead of Ecuador by Tuesday if the Ecuadorians are unable to get any of the 6 or even 1 point in the next two games. Same would happen if Venezuela wins 6 points.

Let's be clear. Bolivia are out already, even if the highly-unlikely situation in which they win their next four games. Peru, at 14, has a better chance but still would need a serious run for all 12 points. It becomes a matter of mathematics at this point if Ecuador do not win any points in the next couple of games. A win versus Uruguay in October would be a must and even that might not be enough if the "Charruas" win all six points this week and still have another game in hand.

So what does Ecuador have to make this happen? Some pride and good quality for sure. Felipe Caicedo is on board, as is Valencia, Rojas, Mina, Montero and Walter Ayovi. How Reinaldo Rueda will line up his squad and defensive/offensive posture is up in the air. Ball possession has been key but early game management has haunted this team of late. 

The absence of Chucho Benitez is key now. The recent, painful loss of the Ecuador ace could also be used as a way to rile up the national team. To play for their fallen comrade. To make it to the tournament in his honor after he gave so much to the country and the team. So, play for him, Ecuador. Play for love.

Hat trick Jozy and USA wins in Bosnia

Photo credit: Fehim Demir/European Pressphoto Agency

 

On paper this was a tough match. Bosnia and Herzegovina are 13th ranked in the world and on their way to their first World Cup in 2014. They have players like Dzeko and Ibisevic and Pjanic from reputable teams in Europe and would be playing at home in Sarajevo. So yes, a win was far fetched.

Klinsmann employed another experimental squad by adding and starting recently-pledged German-American Anthony Brooks as a center back. The  Hertha Berlin defender had a dream debut in the Bundesliga with a goal scored in his first match. Also available was Aaron Johannsson from the Dutch Eridivisie's AZ Alkmaar and former teammate of Jozy Altidore. In fact, he was the replacement for the veteran US attacker in his club when Altidore moved to Sunderland.

Another point here is that both Dempsey and Donovan, the perennial American aces, were given the day off. No matter. After going down 0-2 in the first half due to careless mistakes by Johnson in the first goal and Evans in the second, coach Klinsmann changed tactics and moved from a 4-2-3-1 to a 4-4-2 with Eddie Johnson and Altidore as the twin attackers. Result: 4 unanswered goals.

Altidore has grown to own his space and place as the go-to goalscorer. He forces fouls, provides assists, holds the ball and, of course, plenty of goals. In fact, the former New York Red Bull player has scored in each of his last 5 games with the national outfit. And today was no cheap goal, no one moment of glory. It was a dominant striker and a deserved hat trick. Nifty switching for the first goal, a pitch perfect free kick for his second and a one-timer for the third. That's how you announce that you are in form and that other Premier League teams need to watch out. 

The other bright spot was Michael Bradley, who commanded his midfield once more with elegance and strength. His sublime pass to Altidore for Eddie Johnson's strike to score the first for the Americans exemplifies his attacking qualities. Fabian Johnson also had a good outing at left midfield, providing Altidore with a pass for his first of the evening. Honorable mentions go to Evans, Diskerud, Brooks, Johannsson, and Howard.

With the US riding on a 12-game unbeaten streak that has broken previous records three games ago, sights are set on the qualifiers in Costa Rica and versus Mexico in Columbus. The team will be different and the stakes much higher but it is clear that the Americans are once more at the top of Concacaf, with a Gold Cup for proof, no less. Hopefully this won't be a case of "peaking too soon." Such things are more difficult to predict in international soccer given the longer spans of time between matches. It's true, however, that a form like the current one at next year's World Cup could end up giving us something special.

Player ratings:

Howard..............6.5

Evans.................5.5

Cameron.............5.5

Brooks...............5.5

F. Johnson............6.5

Diskerud..............6

Bradley................7.5

Jones..................6.5

Bedoya...............5.5

E. Johnson............6

Altidore................9

Subs: Johannsson (6), Kljestan (5.5), Corona (5), Castillo (5.5), Wood (NR), Parkhurst (NR)

Altidore rekindled: USA vs Honduras

Photo credit:  SB Nation

Three for three. Three goals and three wins. Such has been Jozy Altidore's contribution to the US Men's National Team World Cup Qualifying campaign. Altidore's return to national team form should not be a surprise given the youngster's 31 goals for AZ Alkmaar of the Dutch Eridivisie this past season. He has found his groove and bigger clubs will be after him.

I must admit that I did not watch the match given my current absence from the country and the fact that the game was played at 2AM my time.Regardless of this fact, a few observations can still be made.

Altidore's goals have allowed more space and opportunities for the national team and have also relieved the pressure on Clint Dempsey to provide all the scoring for the United States. Altidore is now both the target forward and a physical presence that must be dealt with by any opponent, regardless of their level. This was always Jozy, but only now is it consistent. . . and just in time.

The flanks are here to stay. Weather it's Graham Zusi and Eddie Johnson, or Fabian Johnson as an option, the passing and pressure on the wings are both finally consistent. Given DaMarcus Beasley's mobility at left back and Brad Evans' positioning, protection from other teams is also available although vulnerabilities in the defense are inevitable due to injuries. Landon Donovan is an option for now but is no longer a fixture.

Michael Bradly is a general and Jermaine Jones is his commander. The pair in central midfield have different attributes but both offer the box-to-box attack and defense needed by a team and system that do not utilize a number 10. The passing and recovery from Bradley are of highest importance here. As his form goes so does the team.

Central defense is set. Although Omar Gonzalez can still struggle at times, his physical qualities and club history make him a fixture in the American center back position. Matt Besler is now the perfect partner with a lower profile that ensures recovery and passing from the back. Howard is a rock and will not be discussed here.

13 points are now in the bank and in a Hexagonal system that usually requires 16 or 17 points to advance to the World Cup, the US team is now positioned to make its latest appearance in the tournament. 4 games, 2 at home (Mexico and Jamaica) and 1 winnable on the road (Panama) remain. Even if the team is to falter versus our southern neighbors, a win versus lowly Jamaica is likely given the team's form. Only time will tell and there is still plenty of work to be done.

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)

Klinsmann's gambles: USA defeats Jamaica in Kingston

Photo credit: Getty Images

The USA took a significant step to reaching World Cup 2014 with its win in Jamaica by the score of 2-1. It was the reassurance of Altidore, the rise of Graham Zusi and the breakout of Brad Evans that gave team USA the win.

The team that beat Germany last week was the team that Klinsmann went with for this match. Beasley continued as left back and Fabian Johnson played the wing. Graham Zusi remained in Donovan's spot. Cameron gave way to Besler and Brad Evans. Klinsmann gambled and was rewarded.

The game started as it should have: total domination by the Americans given the shorthanded defense for the Jamaicans. Jones pressed, Bradley controlled the midfield and Dempsey and Altidore pounced at every loose ball. It took another picture-perfect center by Zusi to find Jozy's head to mark the 1-0.

But the US took their foot off the pedal late in the first half and most of the second half. Where there should have been a desire to score more goals, there was only false satisfaction. And the Jamaicans punished the US for this in the dying moments of the second half. A stunner of a goal that exposed the central defense in the air, as Germany and Belgium did recently. A tie at "The Office" was now likely.

Enter Brad Evans. The midfielder-turned-right-back Seattle player was added to the team late in the training process and only stepped in for Geoff Cameron as a right back in the Germany match. It worked. Where Cameron struggled, Evans showed poise. Where more timings in the attack were needed, Evans acted. And when the game needed to be saved, there he was, on stoppage time, to give the United States a historic win in Kingston.

Other seeming head-scratchers included Cameron's substitution for Jones when the Bundesliga player went down with a concussion. It was a defensive move and there were other players available. But the coach knew what he was doing. He needed a level midfield to contain Jamaica. Edgar Castillo for Fabian Johnson was another interesting move, but the Mexican-American played well and continued to break down the right flank of Jamaica.

Two other observations stand out. Beasley can claim the left back spot as his if he continues to play this way against worthy opponents and in times of need such as qualifiers. And Michael Bradley is a general. Every ball went through his feet from defense, recovery and attack, and when Jermaine Jones went down he lifted the team and ensured the win. 

Things don't get any easier now with the surprising Panama visiting Seattle and a date with always-difficult Honduras in Salt Lake. But yes, those are home games and it's time to claim and protect this house.

Player ratings:

Howard...............5.5

Evans...................7.5

Beasley.................6.5

Besler...................6.5

Gonzalez...............5.5

Zusi......................6.5

Jones....................7

Bradley.................7.5

F. Johnson...............6

Dempsey.............6

Altidore...............7

Subs: Cameron (6), Castillo (6), E. Johnson (N/A)

The Replacement Point: USA ties Mexico at the Azteca

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Juergen Klinsmann stepped into the Coloso de Santa Ursula undermanned and underhanded. Team USA was missing Landon Donovan, Tim Howard, Bocanegra, Clarence Goodson, Cherundolo, Chandler, Fabian Johnson and Jermaine Jones. It looked , once again, like a squad meant for an exhibition match. And yet, like so many others in the recent past, they pulled it off and brought a golden point home from Mexico.

As Alexi Lalas so eloquently put it, this was a true "American performance." Defense, placement, goalkeeping and luck. Yes, luck. That was a penalty committed by Maurice Edu, but often that's the sort of decision that goes against you. Today it favored the Americans.

Starting at the back, replacement goalkeeper Brad Guzan performed admirably, although with far less saves than Howard last August. Why? Because the Mexicans were lacking in true definitive moments. Chicharito never put it on frame and the lobbed balls nearly always met Gonzalez or Besler. And that's where the Americans excelled the most. Omar Gonzalez and Matt Besler were a formidable tandem in the middle of the defense. Indeed, it's hard to imagine that up until tonight, they amounted to 6 caps for the national team--together. 

The flanks also surpassed all expectations. Geoff Cameron is no stranger to the right back position, he is often played there for Stoke City. DaMarcus Beasley has played left back before and although he's not a natural defender, his speed and left-footed abilities, coupled with experience in the Liga MX, poised him for another good night. It could have gone badly for him but the veteran fought the Mexican attack and several injuries to preserve the tie.

The midfield was just as important for the defense. Michael Bradley once again stepped up to be the leader of the team, even if Dempsey is the captain. Maurice Edu had a tougher job standing in front of the defense but his time at Bursaspor and his experience with Bradley helped him to control the withdrawn midfield. 

But the defense did not stop in the midfield. Herculez Gomez maintained possession to give the team time to regroup in defense and attack. Graham Zusi, quiet for much of the game, pulled off a sensational interception as he ran back 40 yards to head away a center that could have ended as a goal if the Mexican attacker had connected. And Clint Dempsey was himself, always dangerous, always drawing attention. Even Altidore held up the ball and defended in corner kicks. He was unable to score but still showed how much he has evolved as a player.

So yes, this team was very much about replacement players, especially for 3/4 of the defense. It was a replacement of a team that had struggled in the first phase of qualifying even when at full steam. A replacement of the fear of playing at the Azteca with the notion that one can win anywhere in the world and against any team. That's the true American spirit, and it may have replaced the naysayers and critics. But much work needs to be done. This tie means nothing without a win or at least a tie versus the Aztecas in Columbus. It also means nothing if we do not qualify. So let's not replace everything yet, this tournament has just begun.

Player ratings:

Guzan...............7

Beasley.............7.5

Gonzalez..........7.5

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

Cameron...........6.5

Zusi..................6

Bradley.............6.5

Edu..................5.5

Dempsey...........6

Gomez..............5.5

Altidore............5

Subs: Johnson (5), Davis (6), Shea (N/A)

Blizzard win: USA defeats Costa Rica

Photo credit: The Guardian

Whiteout. That's how Costa Rica felt after the match. The US had just defeated them in the second game of the Hexagonal for the 2014 World Cup qualification. Mostly, they could accuse the weather. For USA fans, on the other hand, the snow acted like an eraser, a break, a reset button for a team in need of direction. Klinsmann's men seized the moment and gave the country a much-deserved win.

For those of us familiar with the Denver area, we know that March, spring specifically, is when the biggest snow storms occur. But aside from Ian Darke's comments about the irregularity of the weather is the fact that this match should well have been abandoned. No one could see through the snow and the US players, clad in white jerseys, melted into the background of water crystals. But hey, it's backyard soccer, as Taylor Twellman said, and the game needed to be played. Would the result have been different without snow?

The players had their night too. Let's give them credit, especially to Jermaine Jones and DaMarcus Beasley. Jones brought his Schalke Champions League form and smuggled the ball around the Costa Rican midfield. Beasley played outside of position in the always-difficult left back and tore up the Ticos' play on that side of the pitch.

In fact, the back line held up just fine. Gonzalez and Goodson provided all the areal cover needed to ward off the lies of Alvaro Saborio, and Cameron brought his experience as a right back in the Premier League to close up play for the opponents and enable the attack when warranted. Brad Guzan was as stable as Tim Howard and showed why he's no distant second as a netminder for Aston Villa.

For now, at least, the Bradley-Jones midfield worked well. The interchanging, box-to-box, one in one out play was there and when Jones went forward, Bradley receded and vice versa. Just like we had been told by Klinsmann.

Up front Clint Dempsey stole the show again with another clutch goal, adding up to 12 in World Cup qualifying for the US and tying Donovan in the same classification. Herculez Gomez played the wing in offense and defense and worked well. Altidore, as the lone forward, held up play and set up the goal. He also had his chances but conditions made it difficult to finish them off.

Up next is Mexico at the mighty Azteca. This is perhaps one of the most talented Mexican teams in history and also one hungry for a win after being held scoreless at home by Jamaica last month and allowing Honduras to rally back to tie them 2-2 after going up on the scoreboard 2-0 thanks to Chicharito. Expect the team, the players and the stadium to be looking for a multi-goal game, to test the back line often and in a myriad of schemes. The 12th man counts. In Denver, the US had a 13th man in the snow. Now the tides will reverse and escaping Mexico with a respectable loss would be fine for most fans. But yes, last year they won there in a friendly and back in 1997 it was a 0-0 tie. Bring it.

Payer ratings:

Guzan...............6

Cameron..........6

Gonzalez...........6.5

Goodson..........6

Beasley............7.5

Jones................7.5

Bradley............6.5

Zusi..................5.5

Dempsey..........7

Gomez.............6

Altidore...........6.5

Subs: Edu (6.5), E. Johnson (6), Beckermann (N/A)

March Qualifiers: No giant-slayers to kill giants

Photo credit: AP

If you are a fan of the US Men's National Team, the title of this post should say it all. Ahead of the most important game in qualifiers, Juergen Klinsmann lost 8 players, some to injuries, others to inactivity. More importantly, there will be no Howard, Fabian Johnson, Bocanegra, Chandler or Donovan.

This is the team called up for the games: 

GOALKEEPERS- Brad Guzan, Nick Rimando, Sean Johnson.
DEFENDERS- Geoff Cameron, Omar Gonzalez, Tony Beltran, Justin Morrow, Clarence Goodson, Matt Besler.
MIDFIELDERS- Michael Bradley, Jermaine Jones, Maurice Edu, Graham Zusi, Brek Shea, Joe Corona, Sacha Kljestan, DaMarcus Beasley, Kyle Beckerman.
FORWARDS- Clint Dempsey, Jozy Altidore, Herculez Gomez, Eddie Johnson, Terrence Boyd.

It's true that Carlos Bocanegra is on his way out, so that absence may not be as significant. That the team has lost Tim Howard, the perennial US goalkeeper, and the flanking Germans Johnson and Chandler, puts the team in a potentially-messy situation. Half of the defense is gone. How does the team face Costa Rica and Mexico?

It seems like we have done the left back position story too many times before. When Fabian Johnson took the spot, it seemed to fix the problems. And yet the team has still struggled on that side. Indeed, even the much-maligned Timmy Chandler didn't live up to his Bundesliga talent at right back versus Honduras last month. So were they the permanent fixes? Are we missing Cherundolo that much? May it be that the left back is still up for grabs?

With Klinsmann's team there are always more questions than answers. One thing we may not need to worry about is talent from the midfield up. In the absence of Donovan, Dempsey has taken up the slack by scoring goals and controlling play. The American ace's absence has also given rise to players like Graham Zusi, Brek Shea and Joe Corona. Up top Jozy Altidore and Terrence Boyd are potent European-based forwards and Eddie Johnson and Herculez Gomez are getting things done in the New World for Seattle and Santos, respectively.

And what about Tim Howard? Yes, a casualty of the Premier League and a terrible loss for the US. Then again, these things are going to happen and Brad Guzan, likely to start, has seen his share of action as a starter for Aston Villa in the Premier League. Only communication should be a factor for him, his hands already know the job.

So, do we look at these upcoming qualifiers with optimism? Hard to answer. The back line sounds more like an experimental friendly-type roster as it is. Beltran, Morrow and Besler all have one international cap: against Canada in a friendly in January. Omar Gonzalez just got to know Cameron and it's likely that Cameron might be deployed on the flank, where he has played for Stoke City. 

The midfield options have a couple of defensive options: DaMarcus Beasley and Maurice Edu. Beasley has seen his share of games as a left back, and although he hasn't shined in that spot, his experience playing in Mexico should speak volumes for him. Maurice Edu, on the other hand, has plenty of experience at center back, including a famous win last year versus Mexico at the Azteca. So a back line of Beasley, Goodson, Gonzalez and Cameron in that order isn't so bad. Not perfect but not bad.

But there are missing giant-slayers in this squad: Donovan and Howard. Without both of them we are looking at the next American national team. Anything short of three points in the next two games might make a trip to Brazil highly tenuous. There are giants to defeat: Chicharito, Guardado and Dos Santos for Mexico, Bryan Ruiz and Joel Campbell for Costa Rica. New slayers will need to rise.

A step back: US loses to Honduras in HEX opener

Photo credit: Getty Images

 On a tropical February afternoon the only hot team on the pitch in this World Cup qualifier was Honduras. Recently christened as the next big thing after their performance at the Olympics, the Catrachos showed why they are now a feeder team for European soccer. Team USA, on the other hand seemed to have fallen flat in their performance.

Now, like many of us out there, the fact that beIN Sport carried this match meant that fewer of us were able to enjoy (or suffer through) the game. No mainstream coverage might hurt in terms of fan base support. Yes, there are online methods to watching sports nowadays, but if you constantly rely on DVR, that is just not in the cards.

Not watching the game aside, I think there are enough commentaries online about the team's lack of fitness (what?), poor forward options, an inexperienced back line, and no creativity in the midfield. Landon Donovan, we are waiting.

That the goal came from Clint Dempsey should be no surprise. He can easily carry this team of there is some semblance of defense. Honduras' late goal exemplifies how centerbacks need experience and poise. A bicycle kick rarely works because Bocanegra would stand in the way. Timmy Chandler, although finally cap-tied, may not have replaced Cherundolo just yet. He also fell flat from what I've read and the highlights I've seen.

It can be argued that this qualifier may not see the US advance to the World Cup with a game in hand, as it did for 2010. It may come down to a visit to Panama in October or a playoff with another conference. At least the way they've been playing meaningful matches. Winning in Italy and Mexico in friendlies isn't as impressive when qualifying is this hard.

A glimmer of hope exists, however. Mexico, one of the best teams in the world, was unable to defeat Jamaica on their home turf. So that's 2 less points for our neighbors to the south. But you can be sure that they will bring everything to the match versus team USA next month. Another subject here worth noting is that there are 9 matches left and plenty of time to regroup and get Donovan back in action.

Ecuador on its way to World Cup 2014

Photo credit: AP

At the close of the first half of the marathonic, 16-game tournament in World Cup qualifying, Ecuador found itself in second place, behind only Argentina. The Atahualpa Stadium is a fortress once more and the team is 5 for 5 so far, totaling 15 points. Additionally, the team has secured two points abroad: ties to Venezuela and Uruguay. The losses were to last-place Paraguay and Argentina.

Although on the surface the qualification chances may seem high, important obstacles remain. The second half of qualifying has stronger visiting teams like Paraguay, Argentina and Uruguay. Ecuador managed positive results in the 2002 and 2006 qualifiers: wins versus Argentina and Paraguay and ties versus Uruguay. The same could not be said for the failed qualification for 2010: tie to Paraguay and loss to Uruguay. The key will be the game against Paraguay in March, where a win could put the team at 20 points and much closer to making the competition.

The real shift comes from winning abroad to weaker teams like Peru and Bolivia. For the last three qualification cycles, Ecuador has won 6 points away from home from both teams. This, thus, is the real key to the qualifiers. At 26 points, a win or tie versus Argentina and Uruguay at the Atahualpa would all but assure the team of making it to Brazil.

As good as the first act of qualifying has looked, it is not a reflection of the true possible outcomes. Narrow wins against Colombia and Bolivia, as well as losses at Argentina and especially Paraguay, show that the team remains vulnerable and sometimes hangs on thanks to a penalty kick. Antonio Valencia, Christian Benitez and Felipe Caicedo will need to come up big in those away games and they will also need to keep their heads cool so as not to be suspended for key matches.

Ecuador has displayed clean, speedy attack with intricate passing and glorious lofted balls from Valencia. The center of the pitch has been well managed so far and the attackers are better this time around than 2010. There may not be a Tin Delgado here but Caicedo and Benitez pack a dangerous one-two punch. The back line, however, is prone to mishaps and the center backs tend to leave a good deal of open space between them when the fullbacks engage in the attack.

There are always plenty of surprises in qualifying and this time Ecuador hopes to become one of them by advancing in a more prominent role. Chile, Colombia and Uruguay are the direct rivals this time around, with Venezuela having increasingly better chances. Stealing points away from these teams is most important, as is keeping the Atahualpa a fortress to get a possible 9 more points at home.

Made and Broken: USA defeats Guatemala

Photo credit: Getty Images

It was a make or break moment the likes we haven't seen since the 2002 qualifiers. The US national team needed at least a tie versus Guatemala to advance to the final Hexagonal of Concacaf qualifying for Brazil 2014. They made their case and they broke Guatemala by 3-1 in what could easily have been a more dominant score.

As with political campaigns, this game was about coming out punching. Team USA pressed from the first second but a mishap in communication between Cameron and Bocanegra meant that a lofted ball got to Pescadito Ruiz's boots for an easy one-on-one versus Howard for the former MLS player. 0-1 wasn't the way Klinsmann wanted it. But Bocanegra answered back 5 minutes later thanks to a headed assist by Dempsey.

And yes. Dempsey returned tonight with a vengeance after critics categorized him as dull and ineffective at Antigua and Barbuda last Friday. An assist and two goals later and the Tottenham Hotspur ace has once again carried team USA.

There were a few kinks in the defense today, something that Klinsmann will need to continue to work on after so many months of trials. Does Bocanegra retain his spot? Can Tim Ream or Omar Gonzalez break into the fold? As for left back it is Fabian Johnson's spot but in his absence a person like Eric Lichaj should be considered ahead of Edgar Castillo or Michael Parkhurst, simply because of what he did with the position when he had it. Right back is Cherundolo's position and one that can be manned by the likes of Lichaj, Sean Franklin or, if ever, Timmy Chandler.

The offense clicked today for Klinsmann. Possession, passing and calculated moves was what we saw. Graham Zusi has been a revelation and we should expect interest from Europe in the coming months. In the absence of Landon Donovan and Brek Shea he has performed with etiquette and flair. It was a vision of a post-Donovan era, but we will need the all-American for the Hexagonal and, if we're lucky, for the World Cup as well.

Eddie Johnson and Herculez Gomez did their job as strikers but the talent that Jozy Altidore, Chris Wondolowski and Terrence Boyd possess cannot be forgotten. Indeed, we will need all of these players in the ten games reserved for next year's Hexagonal. Somewhere in that time a true stable lineup will finally be drawn by the US coach and some semblance of continuity can finally reign over the national team. This is sorely needed and perhaps the root of some of the more deplorable games in the qualification semifinals we just experienced.

Player ratings:

Howard................6.5

Cherundolo.............7

Bocanegra.............6.5

Cameron...............5

Parkhurst...............6

Zusi........................7

Dempsey...............8

M. Bradley.............7.5

Johnson.................6

Gomez...................6

D. Williams............5.5