Donovan celebrates his goal for Team USA (Credit: The Mail) |
Two nights ago, September 10th, 2013, the United
States Men’s National Soccer Team qualified for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
The Americans clinched the berth after a dominating victory over long-time
rivals Mexico in Columbus, Ohio, a location where the Mexicans are now without
a victory through four matches.
The first half was relatively uneventful, with
the Mexicans dominating possession and getting the better opportunities; however,
the United States’ backline was almost impenetrable in this half, led by strong
performances at center back from Omar Gonzalez and Clarence Goodson. Both men
constantly headed dangerous balls away from the opposition and blocked shots
when needed, and the holding midfielders (Jermaine Jones and Kyle Beckerman)
fell back appropriately if there were mistakes. Behind all of these men came a
fantastic performance from goalie Tim Howard, who saved numerous shots,
including one brilliant stop off a curving effort by Giovani Dos Santos.
The two goals in the match both came in the
second half, one off of a brilliant corner, headed home by Eddie Johnson while
elevating over Mexican goalie Jose de Jesus Corona. The second came from a
Mikkel “Mix” Diskerud cross, slightly touched by Clint Dempsey as Corona rushed
out and later punched home by Landon Donovan's powerful right foot. Playing (or
even winning) a match without Jozy Altidore—who, apart from the last game
against Costa Rica, has been in top form—seemed to be a daunting task for
Jurgen Klinsmann’s side, but good passing and solid overlapping runs from the
fullbacks, especially halftime substitute Michael Parkhurst, created several
chances for the Americans and eventually led to goals being scored.
All in all, the United States became one of 10
teams to have qualified for the World Cup at this point in time, and the second
team in CONCACAF after Costa Rica. This is the seventh straight World Cup berth
for Team USA, but they look as strong as ever heading into this summer’s
tournament. Before the loss to Costa Rica, the Stars and Stripes had won 12
straight matches (including friendlies), many of which came in dominating
fashion. Veterans Donovan, Dempsey, and Johnson have been consistent as always,
while newcomers John Brooks, Brad Evans, Joshua Gatt, and Aron Jóhannsson have
put in solid performances as of late, and look to crack the starting 11 by the
time summer rolls around.
For some, the United States may have simply
qualified for yet another World Cup, but in reality, this squad has the
potential to outdo the performances of the past and go down in American soccer
history as the best team in recent memory.
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