The men's national team was down to ten men when Jonathan Bornstein converted a corner kick five minutes deep into added time, heading the ball into the net to give Team USA a draw in the final qualifying match for World Cup 2010.
Bornstein's goal, coupled with Landon Donovan's goal in the 72nd minute, erased two goals by Bryan Ruiz in the first half and cost Costa Rica an automatic berth in South Africa next summer.
Oguchi Onyewu was strechered off with a torn tendon in the final minutes leaving the US squad a man short, Coach Bradley having used all his substitutions. Onyewu is likely out for 3-4 months. Additionally, Charlie Davies' car accident may have ended his career and Jay DeMerit is out with likely eye surgery leaving the squad short-handed.
Costa Rican coach Rene Simoes was shown a red card for arguing while trying to insert a sub in added time and was escorted of the pitch by DC police. His assistant was also given the boot, leaving their strength & conditioning coach in charge with the lead.
The US squad played their set pieces well and it finally payed of with the final corner.
Of particular note, Columbus Crew's Robbie Rogers came off the bench as a big play-maker, creating corner kick opportunities and inserting himself in the action for the US.
Mexico drew, leaving the US as clear first in CONCACAF, Costa Rica will take on Uraguay for the final spot from the Americas, and Diego Maradona's Argentina qualified as well. And, special note to Mr. Mojo, Switzerland earned a trip to South Africa with a nil-nil draw against Israel.
No comments:
Post a Comment