It was the United States Men's National Team who took center stage at the world renown Azteca Stadium and drew against Mexico, 1-1.
Possession heavily favored Mexico but the Yanks were effective when they had the ball.
Less than three months ago the USA was winless and last in the qualifying table. A 1-1 result was more than fair.
After suffering heartbreak four years ago, Panama's time for a World Cup, whether secured with direct qualification or the more likely scenario of the playoff, appears to be coming.
The USMNT got the start they wanted against Mexico on Sunday night in CONCACAF World Cup qualifying.
There were no calamitous errors, no egregious refereeing decisions, and no lasting injuries. According to team officials, Howard, the clear-cut No. 1 goalkeeper since Arena's return in December, was not injured. The planning by manager Bruce Arena was meticulous, the execution by the players impressive.
There are four more chances to collect points, all potentially winnable games, with both fixtures against Mexico out of the way. Still, the USA 11 was solid, if conservative, with a five-man back line. On Saturday, he thought about making as many as nine changes.
But that hasn't been the case since this year. While the team's European-based players left for deserved vacations, and MLS performers returned to their club teams, Arena will now prepare for the Gold Cup to see if any fringe members of the squad deserve a look with the full team.
"I thought we had a good game", said Arena. Wynalda's free kick at the 1994 World Cup comes to mind.
Then, three minutes later, Bradley almost scored a second sensational goal for the USMNT.
Multiple People Shot During Congressional Baseball Practice
Capitol Police officers were at the practice when the shooting began and quickly returned fire, spokesman Matthew Verderosa said. Arkansas' congressional delegation weighed in on the shooting in statements on Twitter . "He was just very calm".
After a quick turnover, Bradley realized he had a narrow opening for a chip. They would win the game 2-1, and Klinsmann would be fired just ten days later.
In the second half, after a brief spell of dominance from the home side, the United States turned up the tempo, but in truth, rarely tasted in the Mexican defense.
The U.S earned this result largely thanks to the play of its three central defenders. But seven new faces, and in an entirely new formation? That lead held until the 23rd when Carlos Vela equalized for El Tri.
Geoff Cameron rasied his game on Sunday. Ochoa was close to getting a hand on the shot, but it instead hit the outside of the post, out for a corner, and saving Mexico's blushes. He broke up play after play and was able to utilize his physicality when the game demanded it.
The titanic tilt at the Estadio Azteca marked only the third time the Americans acquired a point in a qualifier played against Mexico in Mexico, equaling draws obtained in 1997 and 2013. Tim Ream was quiet but effective. The goal showed how risky Mexico can be in space, but in absence of that they were rather stale. Hard to say, but he should keep it under consideration, for sure.
There were multiple instances where the referees made some questionable calls that went for Mexico, especially when a Mexican player put an elbow to the face of two USA players in a span of five minutes early on. But Arena promised pragmatism when he came in and he delivered it in its highest form here. Yedlin left it all on the field and while he looked out of gas a few times, he responded well.
In a World Cup qualifier between Mexico and the United States, the two teams tied 1-1.
By "them", we mean Michael Bradley. A strong and competent workmanlike performance from the FC Dallas star. Kellyn Acosta and Paul Arriola were in midfield and Bobby Wood at forward.
Arena said he noticed that Sunday as well.
Comments