USA 2, Guatemala 0


The U.S. comes back from its loss in the thin air of Mexico City, and beats Guatemala back at sea level.

The US starts out strongly, although Carlos Ruiz looks dangerous for Guatemala. In the 11th minute, a through-ball is knocked back by Donovan, and Eddie Johnson finds the inside of the right post to make it a quick 1-0. The ref is calling a loose game with few whistles, and the tackles are flying. The US miss another chance in the 17th on a nice Ralston cross. The US is doninating, although imprecise passing is marring the effort.
Ralston is playing well, feeding one ball after another forward. The US size advantage is helping here, whereas it was negated somewhat in Mexico due to the high altitude. Back on sea level, where they belong, the big guys can operate full-bore. I like what I'm seeing from Ralston and Johnson, who are combining on plays; it bodes well for next year in Germany.
The crowd, amazingly for Birmingham, Ala., seems evenly split between US and Guatemalan fans. There seems to be almost nowhere where the US can play at home where Concacaf opponents can't muster a huge crowd. I maintain that always playing in front of a hostile crowd prepares the US exceptionally well for continental and World Cup play. This preparation may account, in part, for the unusually good results the US has achieved in recent world competitions. Other national teams may rely too much on the home field advantage provided during home-and-away rounds early in such tourneys.
In the 39th minute, a foul at the edge of the area gives Guatemala a great opportunity, but Ruiz shoots right into the wall.
The early part of the second half gets more and more physical, and is in danger of getting out of hand. The play is deteriorating, and the game needs another goal to get bck where it belongs.
ESPN coverage cheerfully shows a bank of Guatemalan fans, including one holding a sign reading "Estan listos, putos," which translates as "Are you ready, whores?" not exactly family-friendly.
In he 65th, a perfect Eddie Lewis cross finds a breaking Landon Donovan in the box, who heads into the goal, but it's called back for offsides. The replay shows a close call. A minute later, Guatemala's counter-attack forces a good save from Keller. Things really heat up a minute later when a Johnson shot rebound hits a defender's hand, but no call.
In the 68th, the US scores, Johnson heading down for a deserving Ralston, who flicks it in with his foot. Both keepers have great saves in injury time.
The US have come back from the loss in Mexico convincingly, even without Reyna (injured) and Beasley (suspended) They sit in second place in the qualifying round, behind Mexico and just ahead of Guatemala and Costa Rica. Qualifying for North and Central America and the Caribbean resumes in June.

Posted: Fri - April 1, 2005 at 09:41 AM          

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