Mexico beats US in World Cup Qualifier

An early goal gave the United States soccer team hope, but in the end the result of their World Cup Qualifier against Mexico at Azteca Stadium was a familiar loss.  Mexico rallied for a 2-1 triumph in front of their home fans, sending the US to defeat for the 23^rd time in 24 games at the venue.  The best result the US has been able to muster on Mexican soil was a 0-0 draw in 1997.

Despite the loss, the United States is still well poised to qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.  Neither they nor Mexico figures prominently among the early future book favorites to win the event, however.  The United States is a 50/1 choice to win the World Cup while Mexico is an even bigger underdog at 60/1.  Brazil (9/2), Argentina (5/1) and Spain (7/1) are the favorites to win the biggest sporting event in the world.

The United States quickly silenced the raucous crowd of 100,000+ with a goal just eight minutes into the game.  Landon Donovan threaded a perfect pass to a Charlie Davies who converted his four career goal in international play to give the Americans a 1-0 lead.  It was the first time in history that the US soccer team led a match at Azteca Stadium.

Mexico would pull even just ten minutes later when Cuauhtemoc Blanco set up Israel Castro, who beat US goaltender Tim Howard with a blistering shot off the crossbar.  That set the stage for Miguel Sabah's goal in the 82nd minute which gave Mexico the come-from-behind victory.  Mexico coach Javier Aguirre sounded simultaneously elated and relived with his post match comments:

"Today is a day to celebrate, drink a few tequilas, and then get back to work. Everybody will go to bed tonight a bit more relaxed."

His American counterpart, Bob Bradley noted:

"I think it's a tight game and a fair score. It's tough loss to have so many guys work so hard and then give up a late goal. The feeling inside is one of great disappointment."

US forward Landon Donovan spoke of his team’s performance and the difficulty in playing at the high altitude:

"We did a good job starting the game well and scoring. They made one play at the end that made the difference. It's hard to play here, man. It wears you out. It's just exhausting."

The Americans play Sept. 9 at Trinidad and Tobago. They’ll finish up qualifying on Oct 10 at Honduras and at home against Costa Rica on Oct. 14. Mexico will play at Costa Rica on Sept. 5 and host Honduras on Sept. 9. Mexico will wrap up qualifying on Oct. 10 at home with El Salvador and at Trinidad and Tobago on Oct. 14.