Wednesday, August 10, 2011

US draws with Mexico 1-1 in Klinsmann's debut

It was a tale of two halves as the US drew even with Mexico in the 73rd minute off a Robby Rogers goal.

The US faced a tough Mexico in the opening half, seeming to play back on their heels as El Tri controlled possession for long stretches. Incidentally, Mexico took the lead off a corner in the 17th minute, when Oribe Peralta caught the ball in the mid-air, and whipped it into the corner of the net.

The US had zero shots on goal in the first half, though they managed to limit the number of quality chances for a Mexican attack playing without injured striker Chicharito Hernandez (concussion).

Steve Cherundelo had the American's first shot off a corner from Landon Donovan in the 56th minute, but headed it right at Mexican keeper Guillermo Osorio.

The inclusion of Juan Agudelo and Brek Shea in the second half seemed to spark the US attack, and their efforts were rewarded in the 73rd minute with a Robbie Rogers goal off Brek Shea's cross. Looking increasingly dangerous as the final minutes ticked away, the US finished in far better form than they started, giving Jurgen Klinsmann a fine first game with the national team.

*As an aside, the German national team defeated Brazil this afternoon 3-2, the first time Germany has defeated A Seleção (the Selection) in 18 years. Italy also knocked off World Champions Spain by a score of 1-0.

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