Mexico were worthy winners of the so-called "CONCACAF Cup" but they waited until close to the end of extra time to do it. The teams traded early goals and it looked as though a goalfest was on, but a combination of desperate defense and poor finishing from Mexico was responsible for 80 scoreless minutes from the Americans' equalizer until Mexico's go-ahead goal in ET. The only spell of US dominance followed as they attempted to get back in it, and after they equalized, when they looked for an unlikely winner; but Mexico turned the pressure back on and a magnificent volley from 20 yards and a tough angle won it for them. You can get the commentary anywhere. I'm just going to say a bit about what this game reveals about the USMNT.
First, the good part: Michael Bradley and DeMarcus Beasley. That's about it. Yes, the two US goals were well taken, but Cameron's unmarked header off a Bradley free kick and Wood's one-timer through the GK's legs were too easy. When Bradley wasn't on the ball, the US did not pass crisply. There was plenty of enterprise, but the Mexicans were simply quicker, better, and smarter. Maybe Klinsmann didn't set the team up properly--wide areas were ceded to Mexico all game, and when the US did manage to get the ball it looked as though they had no idea what to do with it. But mostly, it was a quality gap in personnel.
The biggest disappointment was Clint Dempsey. He wasn't getting open, and the few times he did get the ball he seldom found a teammate. If he plays like this in Russia, we're toast. Altidore wasn't much better. Beckerman and Jermaine Jones were poor in possession (especially the former) and a step slow in defense. Zardes looked decent early but the game passed him by and he was the first to be substituted--rather late, in my view. His replacement, Yedlin, got the assist on Wood's goal, but he did not look particularly good tonight. The fullbacks did what they could but were pulled inside too much. While the TV commentators praised our central defenders, I thought they were awful. Cameron and Besler were slow and out of position. Only poor finishing kept Mexico from being out of sight in regulation.
I may be harsh on our two center halves, because Beckerman et al did not track the Mexican mids who charged into the box. While the decision to play Guzan and leave Howard on the bench was inexplicable, I don't think our GK was at fault for any of the goals. Maybe Howard would have stopped one of them, and certainly he would have marshaled the defense better. But Mexico was on top for 90% of this game. They looked better; they were better. They moved the ball around crisply for the most part. Yet the Mexicans really weren't great. We were poor. That was probably our best eleven, and they were lucky to hang around in a game against a team that was not truly world class. On this evidence, I predict an early exit for the US in Russia. Klinsmann better take some youngsters along--some of the guys out there tonight are not going to get better with age.
Anyway, it was a very entertaining game. The outcome was in doubt until the final goal, after which one sensed there was no way back for the US. In truth, Mexico could have scored four in 90 minutes, while the US cashed in on their only good chances. There was only ever going to be one outcome tonight, however long it took the Mexicans to turn their superiority into victory. PKs would have been an injustice.
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