Photo: AP
It was the match not seen around the world.
Traveling to a country in a political unrest, the U.S. men’s national team put aside all outside distractions in a thrilling 3-2 victory over Honduras.
While supporters were left to deal with viewership rights limiting the match to be seen scarcely across the country, coach Bob Bradley’s squad overcame a 1-0 second-half deficit on the poorly maintained Estadio Olimpico pitch. The win clinches a berth to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa for the Americans.
A scoreless first-half saw quality opportunities for both sides. Carlos Costly found himself behind the U.S. backline, narrowly missing his shot to the far, low corner of the goal.
The U.S. saw two goal-scoring chances escape them as Carlos Bocanegra misplaced a wide-open header; and Charlie Davies watched his shot fly over the crossbar on rebounded attempt from his own initial header attempt.
Honduras attacked quickly in the second-half drawing a foul from Oguchi Onyewu just outside the box. Julio Leon then struck a well-placed free kick to the upper corner of the near post, beyond the outstretched arms of goalkeeper Tim Howard for the 47th minuter goal.
The Americans would respond with an 58th minute equalizer. Davies flicked on a long pass from Onyewu towards the goal and Connor Casey; who challenged the Honduran goalkeeper Noel Valladares in the air and headed home the equalizer.
Casey, a surprise starter to Bradley’s line-up, made his case for being a starter, seven minutes later. On a counter-attack, Landon Donovan found the Colorado Rapids forward just inside the box with a precise through ball. Casey stepped left, shifting Valladares’ weight to the side, giving him a clear shot to the right for the go ahead goal.
In the 69th minute, Casey who wore down the Honduran defense, drew a foul about 25-yards out. Donovan, who has had little success with free kicks in the past, beat Valladares to the upper right-hand corner to put the Americans up two.
Honduras, looking to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1982, continued to attack. Leon would later add a second goal in the 78th minute.
In the waning minutes of the match, the referee pointed to the spot when Stuart Holden was called for a handball in the box. Honduran forward Carlos Pavon stepped up to the spot with a chance to draw the match even. After hesitating, Pavon sent his penalty kick attempt high above the goal; all but sealing the American victory.
The U.S. demonstrated a kind of possession not seen much throughout the qualifying campaign, giving Honduras no chance to tie the match again.
After an usually long seven minutes of stoppage time, the U.S. bench exploded onto the field as Bradley’s squad had just qualified for next summer’s World Cup.
The Americans will now face Costa Rica on Oct. 14 in Washington D.C., at RFK Stadium in its final qualifying match.
Pingback: Weekend Update: Closed-Curcuit Can’t Stop Me « The Topp Blog