Gear Bag
Feilhaber's Strikes Gold; US beats Mexico
After trailing 1-0 at the half, the United States Men's National Team rallied to beat Mexico 2-1 in CONCACAF's Gold Cup Final. Midfielder Benny Feilhaber provided the game winner on an impressive volley in the 73rd minute.
Andrés Guardado kicked off the scoring at the end of the first half, after an excellent string of passes down the right wing. The ball was crossed through the box, and an unmarked Guardado blasted the ball into the net. The goal was Mexico's first goal in the United States against the USMNT in 797 minutes.
17 minutes into the second half, the US found their equalizer. Bring Ching was fouled in the box and Landon Donavon converted his fourth penalty kick of the tournament, his 34th career goal, tying Eric Wynalda atop the career US goal list.
The win qualifies the US for the 2009 Confederations Cup in South Africa.
Comments
Wow where was that intensity i the world cup. I've never seen Mexico play that well and have to say they should have won judging the way they dominated in the first half. I was an undecided English spectator so I was expecting another boring match between two unimpressive sides but to my delight, I actually ended up watching the whole game. And that kid Guardado, he reminds me of messi. Shame he had that head injury. I really think that affected his game immensely.
Posted by: bredred | June 24, 2007 09:40 PM
Great game. I was sad to watch Mexico loose, but what a goal from Feilhaber. In addition, the penalty was a bad call but refs make mistakes
Posted by: Nacho | June 25, 2007 09:32 AM
Yes I agree, it was an intense final. Both teams played well in spurts. Some good saves from both Sanchez and Howard...and blown chances from both sides. I think Feilhaber's goal was the best goal I've ever seen from the US. Beasley blowing a wide open net on the breakaway was the worst though. I agree bredred, Guardado is a exciting player. Quick and tricky, makes things happen. It's nice to see a final be the best game in the tournament for once.
Posted by: kicks22 | June 25, 2007 09:44 AM
U.S.A. won respectively quite complaining. U.S.A. U.S.A. U.S.A. U.S.A. U.S.A.
Posted by: Chuck Norris | June 25, 2007 09:45 AM
Just another boring match between two losing sides. It means nothing other that bragging rights as to who is the best punks out of a region of weak teams. Thats all it really is dudes!
Posted by: Dave | June 25, 2007 01:37 PM