Let's face it people, the USA is the dominant country in CONCACAF. Mexico is a has-been. The USA is the now.
The USA have done very well in their World Cup qualifying group. They are undefeated and lead Group 1, ahead of Guatemala, T&T, and Cuba.
On Saturday, the USA played their final group game against the Caribbean island of Cuba at home, in RFK Stadium. For most of the match the USA was in control, and went on to win 6-1.
The scoring started in the 10th minute, when Sacha Kljestan allowed DaMarcus Beasley to race down the left side of the field and easily push in a goal past the Cuban goalkeeper, Odelin Molina.
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The winger from Rangers scored again in the 30th minute, only to have Jenzy Munoz score for Cuba two minutes later. It was the first goal in six qualifying matches conceded by the USA.
It looked as if Cuba would somehow pull out something from the match, but in the 42nd minute, midfielder Yoel Colome fouled Landon Donovan to get his second yellow card. Now Cuba was down to ten men.
From then on it was smooth sailing for the USA. Donovan almost scored in the 44th minute, but his effort missed; four minutes later though, he found the back of the net from point-blank range, making the score 3-1.
Brian Ching added a fourth in the 63rd minute, and Villarreal striker Jozy Altidore added a fifth in the 87rd minute. In the 90th minute, defender Oguchi Onyewu made the score more emphatic by adding the sixth and final goal of the match.
With this win, the USA keeps their perfect record and advance to the final phase of North American qualifying for the 2010 World Cup.
Cuba, on the other hand, find themselves at the bottom of the table with no chance of qualifying.
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about 1 month ago
Thanks for the quick recap. I left when it was 2 to 1 and just got home. Did the Pachuca winger Torres get in the game? I want to see him get "capped" asap. He has true talent and good pace.
from about 1 month ago
he came on in the 68th minute. thanks Bryan
about 1 month ago
Argh, I wish I had ESPN Classic! Good recap Thomas. Nice to see Beasley finally rounding back into form. I'm still not sold on Ching though.
from about 1 month ago
thanks Joe. ESPN Classic is a must have. watch all the old black-white shows you want :P
I've never really been sold on Ching, but Beasley is doing quite well.
about 1 month ago
Great match and it's even more impressive when you consider the US only managed to beat them by a goal in Cuba. Happy for Beasely too, he gets a lot of stick but he did well yesterday.
ESPN Classic rules. But you can watch it on ESPN 360 too if you missed it.
from about 1 month ago
thanks Jeff. ESPN Classic is awesome.
Beasley is getting back in great scoring form.
about 1 month ago
Let me add that Beasley's first goal of the match was his first goal for the international team in 16 months.
about 1 month ago
USA is really keen on getting better at World's most popular game. I believe USA will win a World Cup one day, and even may lead CONCACAF to create a league similar to the Champions League of Europe. But the results in such a weak group should not cause any illusions. USA must keep on exporting players to the other side of the Atlantic.
from about 1 month ago
I dont know if they can create a league as good as the CL of Europe. the CONCACAF has a CL of the Americas now. And the US clubs arent doing that great.
from about 1 month ago
CONCACAF may not have sufficient bulk of quality clubs, but an extention of Copa America to the north may help. MLS teams still have a lot to learn and participating in such competitions helps a lot.
from about 1 month ago
true. it could help them a lot.
about 1 month ago
This was a good win for the U.S. Bradley got to see some younger players inn action in a competitive game before the big qualifying round begins.
from about 1 month ago
GO BEASLEY!
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