World Cup Qualifying: Mexico stuns USMNT on Rafa Marquez's late winner
Mexico left it late, and it left the U.S. reeling
For the last three World Cup Qualifying cycles, the U.S. has beaten Mexico in Columbus, Ohio by a 2-0 scoreline. But as they renewed their rivalry on Friday, you could tell early on that "Dos a Cero" wasn't on the books.
Instead, it was Mexico that secured a "Dos a Uno," beating the U.S. 2-1 and handing the Americans their first home loss in WCQ in 15 years.
Mexico dominated in the first half and got a goal from Miguel Layun. But the U.S. hung tough and saw Bobby Wood equalize in the second half, only to then see Mexico legend Rafa Marquez head home the winner on 89 minutes.
It had to be Rafa Marquez! El Tri's 37-year-old captain provides Mexico the late goal in Columbus. #USAvMEXhttps://t.co/G2e9kwUe5o
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 12, 2016
The first half was all Mexico, and El Tri was unfortunate not to be up by multiple goals at the half. The early formation with three at the back that the U.S. used for most of the first half provided Mexico a lot of space on the wings, and they took advantage by sending in cross after cross.
But while the U.S. was able to hold on for a bit, it was a mistake that cost them. Michael Bradley failed to foul his player or clear the ball, and Miguel Layun picked up the ball at the top of the box, firing a shot that was deflected and got past Tim Howard for the 1-0 lead on 20 minutes.
Carlos Vela then hit the crossbar on a header as the U.S. dodged a bullet but still couldn't create anything in attack.
Things then got worse as star goalkeeper Tim Howard was taken off because of an ankle injury he suffered on a goal kick, with rusty Brad Guzan taking the field.
The second half saw the U.S. look like the complete opposite -- composed and threatening. Just a few minutes into the second half, the U.S. managed to draw level as Wood scored off an assist from Jozy Altidore, making moves in the box and slotting home.
The rest of the match saw the hosts looked like the sharper squad, but both had chances. Wood had a chance off a set piece, turning and firing on frame, but was saved well by Alfredo Talavera. Altidore had a free kick that went over the wall and nearly in, but again it was saved, and it looked headed for a draw.
But that was until Marquez, 37 years young, ran front post on an 89th-minute corner and headed beautifully into the far post for the winner, securing the deserved result.
The result sees Mexico take all three points, while the U.S. starts off with zero. The U.S. will now go to Costa Rica on Tuesday, while Mexico goes to Panama.
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What to watch: The "Dos a Cero" trend. Columbus is where it was born and where it continues to live.
Michael Bradley, @TimHowardGK and @JozyAltidore all have a wealth of experience vs. Mexico. #USAvMEX#USMNTpic.twitter.com/dzO6GBEKdZ
— U.S. Soccer (@ussoccer) November 10, 2016
Player to watch: Julian Green. The young Bayern Munich man hasn't gotten a lot of consistent playing time, but he has started to emerge lately both for club and country. He had two goals in two games for the U.S. in October friendlies and that made him a logical choice for the roster. He probably won't start, but he has something to offer off the bench for Jurgen Klinsmann and should get his shot.
Matchup to watch: Tim Howard against the Mexican attackers, specifically Javier Hernandez. Chicharito is likely to get a couple quality chances on Howard, so who will win that battle? Both have been in fine form for their clubs and will be counted on heavily in this one.
Predicted starting XIs: USA: Howard; Yedlin, Gonzalez, Brooks, Johnson; Pulisic, Bradley, Jones, Bedoya; Wood, Altidore; MEX : Talavera, Salcedo, Reyes, Moreno; Herrera, Marquez, Guardado; G. Dos Santos, Fabian, J. Dos Santos, Hernandez.
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