The United States played a crucial encounter against Guatemala. If the US had lost, that would have been a possible end to their World Cup 2018 hopes.
The Yanks defeated their counterparts, the inexperienced Guatemala with a whopping four goals to nothing. The victory was a rather convincing one for the United States.
In the opening minutes of the encounter, both teams tried to outdo one another. This continued until Dempsey’s goal in the 12th minute. A cross came from Gyasi Zardes into the box but wasn’t cleared out in time by the Guatemala team, Dempsey got the ball and fired it past the goal keeper.
The United States continued with the attacks and dominated the game even after the initial goal. The sustained attacks led to the second goal from Cameron in the 35th minute. Michael Bradley sent a free kick for Geoff Cameron to nod it past Motta, the goal keeper for Guatemala. The fist half ended with the two goals lead for the United States.
After the break, with less than a minute played, a re-invigorated US squad scored the third goal. Yedlin led the attack before passing unto Gyasi zardes. Zardes manged to pass the ball to Graham Zusi who buried the Guatemala team. The match progressed rather quickly until few minutes to the match end when Jose Altidore scored the fourth goal.
During the game, key US player, Michael Bradley picked up a yellow card which results in a suspension in the next World Cup qualifier in September. The match would be against St. Vincent and Grenadines on the 2nd.
The Jurgen Klinsmann led coaching crew were obviously disappointed with the card issued but kept calm. The match is one that let’s the coach and team in general, breathe a sigh of relief after recent critique of the team for poor performance.