What a frustrating game. A sloppy penalty allowed los Ticos to take the lead, then Tillman hit the post with a PK a little later. A big deflection gave the US a goal shortly after the restart, but Costa Rica equalized when their winger dribbled between two defenders in our box (that should never happen) and when he fired straight at Freese, our GK blocked it right back to him, and he picked out a great pass which was finished expertly. In the penalty shootout, the US had the advantage three times when Freese made very good saves. The first two advantages were wiped out by a Navas save and Berhalter shooting over the bar, but the third was put away by Downs for a hard fought win. In truth, we made it harder than it needed to be.
Mexico strolled past Saudi Arabia, but the favorites in the other two quarters lost on PKs. Canada and Panama are out. Guatemala should not trouble the US, and Mexico ought to brush aside Honduras, setting up the classic Gold Cup final. But anything can happen.
I thought we played rather well. Costa Rica was missing several important players, and they had difficulty keeping us out of their third. Navas made two fantastic saves. The US squad should develop nicely together. It's all about the World Cup next year.
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