Beauty of CONCACAF rivalries. Some people don't understand it. I mean on paper the U.S. is much better than Guatemala, but slap them in a qualification then its a 1-1 draw. Same with Mexico and El Salvador, two different games from gold cup 11' to first 12' qualification match.
One thing I always, ALWAYS, complained about Mexico was how their players resorted to cheap fouls and tactics. Now this was a friendly and that did not escape me but overall Mexico kept their heads and didn't resort to stupidity which is really refreshing to see. I have always said players like Marquez that lose their cool were a detriment to the Mexican team psyche. Mexico lost tonight but they know they can turn it around easily another day. It is nice to see two good teams duke it out with class and honor.
So after talking too much about Shea, I got hounded at the bar after the goal. It was awesome. Such a great game, and so much fun to watch. Did anyone else just love Klinsmann's face around the 88th minute? It was like the trolling smiley face... lol
They were missing Horrible Peralta, a guy slow, limited, bad controlling the ball, and with no ideas, who somehow manages to score when no one else can do it. Bet he'd have nailed two in this shambolic game.
Also we always sling shit at Castillo in the mexico forum, but he played like the guy we(mex) thought he would be BEFORE he got to America and stunk the place up.
Indeed, Guatemala in Guatemala is like hell on Earth for some countries. What kills me is they use the cheapest tactics possible, are the most violent in their attempts, and get away with murder because the ref is usually too scared to call against them it feels like. US always has a crappy time in Guatemala and Costa Rica in WCQ. Some of the most bizarre calls against the US happen there.
I like him more than some of our other options really. I thought his first couple of games with the US were probably nerves but he showed flashes of why he was called in. Tonight he looked calm on the ball and was fairly solid.
He struggled at the start with chicharito. Almost got toasted on that ball he missed slide clearing that made it to Howard. He, atleast I think it was him, creamed Chicharito on a corner that probably should've been a pk.
congrats from a Mexico fan. i'm not one who believes that a strong Mexico should mean a weak USMNT or vice versa. while i think Mexico controlled the game, i think a lot has to be said how the US did everything possible to hold on to the 0-1 lead those last 20 minutes. other teams would of crumbled after running around for 90 minutes at 7,000 feet.