In what sure looked like a must-win game, the USMNT won big. From the opening minute, this promised to be a high-scoring, uptempo affair. Honduras was dangerous and could have had three goals, but it was the US that created more opportunities, looked sharper, and scored all the goals. I don't know what Bruce Arena did to bring this out in the team, but it was a transformed squad in many ways. A fifth minute goal loosened them up and kept Honduras from playing defensively. Everyone played hard all game, worked well together, and exhibited a speed of thought that kept Honduras on their heels most of the game. Very impressive.
The rain, and some lax officiating, might have given the US an excuse to be less than their best, but neither the slick surface nor the rough play threw them off. While a true total team effort, the brightest lights were Pulisic and Dempsey, at opposite ends of fantastic careers with their national team. Clint had an impressive hat trick, Pulisic a goal and a couple of assists. But every man played his part.
One great game does not mean our problems are over. Another four wins from the last seven games in this hexagonal ought to seal a top three spot. This seems eminently doable after tonight's display. But the road to Moscow is paved with banana peels. We have two games each against Panama and Trinidad and Tobago; and second legs vs Mexico, Honduras, and Costa Rica. Assuming a loss at Azteca, we'll have to be tough at our three home games and grab a win or two away.
Klinsmann was good for US soccer, forging a strong Bundesliga connection; but he had to go. He was very classy about it, too. I like where we are right now. It's not a team anyone is going to tout as a possible World Cup winner. But they're creating strong on-field partnerships and finding a collective identity, the way Arena's former US team did. The age of the squad is still an issue, but there are some younger guys available besides Pulisic.
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