It would be easy to be down after the loss to Costa Rica last night, the winning streak gone, no chance of qualification before meeting Mexico on Tuesday and the falling apart of the side for large portions of the game. However I am here to tell you that sometimes you get games like this and it doesn’t take away from how good you are as a side, it is just one of those ‘bumps on the road’ games and all you can do is get back up, dust yourselves off and get ready to go again Tuesday.
Console yourself this morning over your bowl of Wheaties with the fact that had the USA won last night, it would have been the first time on Costa Rica soil. If that doesn’t help then just be glad you are not a Mexico fan right now, losing at home to Honduras.
Losing Bradley in the warm up didn’t help matters for the US and when Acosta scored early, the nature of the goal and lack of concentration shown, the tone was set. Ten minutes in and the lead was doubled and the US looked all at sea with Costa Rica attacking at will it seemed. In fact it would not be until the half hour mark until the USA forced a great save from Navas.
Then, just before half time, the deficit reduces as Dempsey converts a penalty after Johnson is brought down in the area. The keeper could have been sent off but instead just saw yellow and stayed to face the Seattle man. The penalty itself was a bit fortuitous with the initial shot hitting the keeper diving to his right before spinning left and into the net. That close to half time, after the way the US had started, it was key now to get into the locker room, sit down and reassess.
It was surprising then that starting the second half no substitutions had been made. Just before the hour marked a turning point of the game and when it was proven there would be no great comeback after a Clint Dempsey shot beats the keeper but not the post. After that Donovan just jogs back after losing a corner decision when he should be quicker to get in position. The two Johnsons collide with each other as the US searches for gaps in the opposition defense. Then Costa Rica break after a USA attack and get the third with Campbell, making it an A,B,C of scorers for the home side, and in order too (Acosta, Borges and Campbell!)
The nature of the start would be a concern for Klinsmann but the way the team clawed themselves back before the half would be heartening. The equalizer, had the ball gone in and not hit the post, would have made an interesting end to the game. Sometimes you get losses which are the nature of the game but what would be upsetting, if I was the head coach, would be the players banned for the Mexican game, some needlessly, and I am looking at you Mr Altidore.
The game is gone now and the truth is that the USA side can still qualify on Tuesday but it will all be in how the game is approached. Of course no Matt Besler, Geoff Cameron or Jozy Altidore for selection which will make it tougher but it is now more than ever Donovan and Dempsey need to take the team by the scruff of the neck and pull themselves over the line. A win would give the US 16 pts and leave Mexico on 8. If Panama also drop any points then the USA are through. The US will qualify eventually anyway with a home game against basement team Jamaica followed by a road trip to Panama certain to secure points needed, if needed. Most important for Tuesday’s game is getting a good performance from the boys, putting this result behind them and moving on.
