USA 2 Mexico 1

A strong second half comeback from the United States featuring two goals, one from Landon Donovan on a penalty kick in the 62nd minute, the other on a spectacular long range strike from Ben Feilhaber in the 73rd, put a cap on a lively, entertaining match in the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup Championship against Mexcio.


A boisterous sold out, pro-Mexican crowd at Soldier Field in Chicago provided the usual atmosphere that's on hand when these countries meet on the pitch, and I didn't sense the bit of extra "oomph" on tackles that might've sparked a verbal or physical challenge that has occurred in the past.



The Mexicans had the better first half in terms of overall team play that might lead to goal opportunities, but the Americans had some chances that were denied with both some awkward shots and some brilliant goaltending from Oswaldo Sanchez. The energetic (and unmarked) Jose Andres Guardado knocked in a rebound just before the end of the first half to give Mexico a deserved lead.


The U.S. showed more life in their offensive attack in the second half, and were rewarded with the two goals. In fact, the score might've been totally different were it all of the golden chances for a goal were capitalized on, a couple of shots hit the woodwork, some shots went just wide, and of course the fine saves by both goalies, Sanchez and Tim Howard.


The usual post match analysis has been going on with regard to the performance of the Mexican team on U.S. soil, who are now 0-8-1 in their last nine north of the border. This means that some, including Mexico coach Hugo Sanchez, will insist that the team playing the best did not win. Hey, at least you guys got a goal today, the first in nearly 800 minutes up here.


I did notice that the Mexican coaching staff were talking with the referees immediately after the game, as well as the roll of toilet paper that flew down when Donovan took his penalty kick, but all reports that I've seen is that the crowd was as well behaved as one could expect, basically meaning only a couple of incidents involving meatheads from both sides.


FOX SOCCER RECAP