The United States men's soccer team went to Guatemala and secured a 1-0 victory in the first game of the group stages. Yes they are in the group stages after a home/away knockout stage, but that doesn't even begin to clue you into the confusion that is CONCACAF World Cup qualifying. This was the first USA win in Guatemala since 1988, and anybody who saw the poorly lit, incredibly soggy pitch(field) surrounded by tens of thousands screaming Guatemalans can understand why. However it was a good sign for a team that wants to be much more than a regional power. The game was defined by fouls, as two yellows saw Cherundolo dismissed early and the second half and a Guatemalan player was ejected for an elbow to Eddie Lewis. The Guatemalans seemed more comfortable diving and kicking than they did playing football(soccer). Bocanegra scored on a wide open header from a Beasley free kick when Ching used his wide frame to pick his marker. The US did a good job to batten down the hatches and hold the lead for the final 25 minutes.Coach Bradley's squad selection hinted at a draw. Neither Adu or Altidore made the squad, though they were probably tired from the Olympics, while Ching, Mastroeni and Lewis all started. This may have been an attempt by the Americans to control the ball and slow down the pace of the game against a speedy, but disorganized Guatemalan side. The question remains whether Bradley considers these players to be part of the future of side. Beasley was on the field for only two minutes before setting up Bocanegra with his corner, and personally this team looks better with speed. While they may be able to outclass a Guatemala, they don't have the technical ability to beat a top side with four in the midfield. With players like Adu, Beasley, Dempsey, Altidore, Johnson and even Donovan, the national team has pace and width. They also have youth, with Donovan the oldest of those players at 26. It's understandable that Bradley would want to send out an experienced side for their first match of the group stage, but in order for the young players to get experience they will need to get in the game.
Congratulations go out the the United States women's soccer team, which grabbed the goal in the Olympics. In a tight battle, the US beat Brazil 1-0 in extra time. Hope Solo was a wall in goal, and must feel vindicated after her problems with the coach and team last year. The US had to come back from an injury to Abby Wombach, their leading scorer, who broke her leg in a friendly against Brazil leading up to this.
One Liners
- Peace breaks out in Liverpool, Benitez and Hicks bury the hatchet and somewhere Martin O'Neill is hiding under the table
- Tiago rebuffs Everton, somewhere David Moyes is under the table calling Zigic and his mommy
- Shevchenko's loan move to Milan is frozen, apparently his wages are higher than Berlusconi's
- Sunderland grab David Healy and Cisse, with Anton Ferdinand expected soon Roy Keane has mandated all players to wear name tags
