The U.S. Men’s National Team rebounded impressively from Friday’s loss with a 4-0 thumping of Guatemala in World Cup Qualifying play last night. In front of a lively crowd more than 20,000 strong in Columbus, Ohio, the Stars and Stripes cruised to victory behind goals from Clint Dempsey, Geoff Cameron, Graham Zusi and Jozy Altidore.
The U.S. controlled the game throughout and looked far more confident and decisive than they had four days previously in Guatemala City, leading the visitors in shots, shots on target and possession. Guatemala appeared outmatched, and were unable to generate much of an attacking threat.
D.C. United center back Steve Birnbaum started and played 90 minutes as part of a much-improved back line, earning his fourth cap with the senior team and first in a World Cup Qualifying match.
The U.S. now sit in second place in Group C with seven points, three points behind Trinidad and Tobago, and just a point ahead of third-place Guatemala. With only two games remaining in the semifinal round of qualifying--away against last-place St. Vincent and the Grenadines and home to Trinidad and Tobago, both in September--the U.S. have a high likelihood of advancing to the hexagonal round, and could likely advance as group winners with wins in these final two games. (The hexagonal, comprised of the top two finishers from each of the three semifinal groups, will determine CONCACAF’s three automatic berths to the 2018 World Cup, with the fourth-place team overall securing a playoff spot.
