Crisis averted in Columbus.
The US men’s national team got their 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign back on the right track with a decisive 4-0 win over Guatemala in Columbus, OH Tuesday night. The result temporarily calms fears from fans about a possible worst-case scenario whereby which the Stars and Stripes fail to even make it out of the semifinal round of CONCACAF qualifying. It also maintains the Yanks unbeaten record at MAPFRE Stadium.
USMNT Revives 2018 World Cup Qualifying Campaign in Columbus
The team’s four goals on the night came from all three lines of the formation.
Forward Clint Dempsey opened the scoring in the 12th minute. The Seattle Sounders striker was able to capitalize on a brilliant run from teammate Gyasi Zardes who drew both central defenders towards him as he was moving towards a Geoff Cameron direct ball. Zardes settled it right in front of Dempsey who smashed it past Guatemala goalkeeper Paulo Motta.
It was Dempsey’s 14th career goal in World Cup qualifying. That broke a tie between him and Landon Donovan for most in USMNT history.
23 minutes later, it was Cameron himself who contributed to the score sheet. The center back made the most of a well-flighted set piece from Michael Bradley. Cameron was able to break free of defender Carlos Castrillo’s marking and head the ball past Motta for the game’s second goal. The score would remain 2-0 heading into halftime.
Almost as soon as the US kicked the ball off to start the second half, they had a third. This time, it was midfielder Graham Zusi who found goal less than 30 seconds in. And this time, it was all three formational lines contributing. Right full back DeAndre Yedlin laced a well-weighted through ball into the box. Zardes would initially get the touch on it, where it fell right to Zusi who buried it far post.
It was Zusi’s first goal for the national team since October 15, 2013. That tally is famous for tying the team’s final World Cup qualifier in the previous cycle with Panama which they would later win 3-2. In so doing, it enabled Mexico to finish fourth in CONCACAF, thereby salvaging their qualification hopes. It’s why the Longwood, FL native garnered the nickname “San Zusi” in Mexican soccer circles.
The fourth and final score of the night came via veteran forward Jozy Altidore who came on as a 66th minute substitute, replacing Bobby Wood. His strike would come in the penultimate minute before stoppage time. Him and Clint Dempsey would combine inside the box and Altidore was able to get the final touch past Motta to cap off a brilliant night.
US head coach Jurgen Klinsmann was highly complimentary of his players afterwards in their ability to bounce back and reassert control over their World Cup qualifying destiny.
“They created their chances, scored their goals (and it was) a perfect way, basically, to respond to that disappointment a couple of days ago,” Klinsmann told reporters post-game. “It’s been a long couple of days, obviously, analyzing that (and) correcting it. But (a) huge compliment to every one of them for (sending) a very clear message that we are on top of the game and we are in the driver’s seat again.”
Columbus Crew SC midfielder Ethan Finlay, who came on to a rousing ovation from his hometown supporters in the 71st minute and had a goal disallowed due to a controversial offside call, echoed that sentiment. He also emphasized that a response like this after the setback last Friday in Guatemala was expected.
“I just think it’s our M.O as the US,” Finlay told Last Word on Sports. “We’ve been in these moments throughout qualification over the last 20 years. It’s what happens but when our backs are against the wall, we seem to answer the call.”
The veteran contingent on the squad came through with flying colors on Tuesday. In addition to the offensive contributions from players such as Dempsey, Bradley, Zusi and Altidore, they got yeoman’s work out of Kyle Beckerman. The Real Salt Lake defensive midfielder accounted for 18.36% of the team’s recoveries, interceptions and tackles. He also completed 87.5% of his passes.
Klinsmann discussed the importance of having the player’s who’ve been regular contributors on this team for long periods of time stepping up in crunch time the way they did.
“Every team needs leadership from its veteran players,” Klinsmann told Ives Galarcep of Goal.com. “Clint, Michael and Kyle Beckerman, the way he kind of cleaned everything up on the field, it was tremendous.”
The win vaults the Yanks ahead of Guatemala for second place in Group C of the CONCACAF World Cup qualifying semifinal round. Their total of seven points after four games puts them one ahead of Los Chapines. But they still trail Trinidad and Tobago by three points after the Soca Warriors routed St. Vincent and the Grenadines 6-0 at home Tuesday.
For Klinsmann, the focus now shifts towards preparation for the Copa America Centenario. That tournament will certainly be the most anticipated on US soil since the 1994 FIFA World Cup. And their first match takes place in roughly two months time against a Colombia side whose under-23 team just knocked the US out of contention for an Olympic berth. It should serve as a motivating factor to come out ready to compete.
“We’re all excited and hungry looking towards Copa America,” he noted.
The final two matches for the US in this round of World Cup qualifying take place in early September. First, they travel to the Caribbean for an away match against St. Vincent and the Grenadines September 2nd. Four days later, they face Trinidad and Tobago in Jacksonville, FL to conclude the semifinal round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying.
