Gold Cup, Day 7

I'm watching the USA - El Salvador match, and it's clear that the USA is going to win (3-0 at 85').  It could have easily been 3-0 by halftime - Beasley hoofed what would have been a very well-worked goal, and then hit another drive over the bar.  But the USA won a penalty in stoppage time that Donovan converted at the second attempt, and then Twellman sealed the match halfway through the second half.   And while I'm writing this, Dempsey and Beasley have combined for another goal, so it's now 4-0.  A very good result that reflected the USA's superiority on the field and allowed them to express their playmaking ability.

The other team celebrating this result is Guadeloupe, who are now through to the quarterfinals as one of the two best third-placed teams. 

Next up is Guatemala vs. Trinidad & Tobago.  Guatemala will clinch a spot in the quarters if they avoid a 2-0 defeat to T&T; otherwise, they'll have to sweat out the results in Group C.

UPDATE: Guatemala and Trinidad & Tobago drew 1-1, with both goals in the final ten minutes (Ruíz and McFarlane, respectively).  So Guatemala is through and Mexico can breathe a bit easier.  Honduras and Mexico would have to lose their games by five goals for El Salvador to go through, and that's just not going to happen.

Final Group B standings:

                       P W D L F A P
USA               3 3 0 0 7 0 9
Guatemala  3 1 1 1 2 2 4
El Salvador 3 1 0 2 2 6 3
T&T                3 0 1 2 2 5 1

UPDATE:  The USA's victory had repercussions in Argentina, with the sports daily Olé having a report of the match with the headline "Pay attention, Coco" (Atento, Coco) -- a reference to national team coach Alfio "Coco" Basile.

Comments

[Mark in NRH]

Haven't seen the numbers, but the attendance for the game(s) was excellent. For the 1st time, this has felt like a real tourney with exciting game, good fan support, and Mexico losing yet again.

Frustrating watching the US play. The midfield is hot and cold. Yes DMB scored twice, but he had about 10 chances. Odds are one or two will go in. Also, he gets disposessed so easily and sends a simple pass errant more times than not.