With one of the crazier games you will see the US Men’s National Team tied Russia in Russia. Russia who is currently 4-0 in World Cup qualifying and on the cusp of clinching a spot into the 2014 WC came into the game with an expectation to win. The US had a tall order to get a result against one of the better teams in Europe currently and it took until the dying minutes of stoppage time when Mix Diskerud netted the late equalizer.
The game started off with a Russian assault that kept the US on their heels. Struggling to hold possession the US let in an early 9th minute goal when Danny Williams committed a horrendous turnover. The US struggles continued but Tim Howard continued to bail out the defense. The defense continued to fail time and time again. It wasn’t until about the 30th minute when the US started to put together passes. Michael Bradley was the link in the midfield that would not stop working. In the final 15th minute, the US were able to control the tempo and end on a positive note.
In the first half, the only players that looked good for the US were Tim Howard, Bradley, Gatt and Geoff Cameroon. Cameroon made some big tackles and used some savvy man marking to close out the Russian attack. The much talked about youngster Joshua Gatt showed what the hype was all about. He created some opportunities and had showed his speed. He had a solid first cap. It also must be mentioned that Jozy Altidore worked hard and was able to hold the ball but unable to create any real chances.
© 2012 YouTube/ESPN
The second half looked like a different team all together. The USMNT were able to come out and sting passes together and create chances. The defense still looked shaky as they surrendered a fair amount of chances. Tim Howard and a few missed chances from Russia kept the US in the game and in the 76th minute Michael Bradley had a stroke of brilliance. He netted an absolute must see goal.
The US were able to continue to pressure the defense and almost scored a second goal. Jozy Altidore continued to work up top. With the game tied and heading into stoppage time, Clarence Goodson committed a dumb foul in the box resulting in a PK to Russia. Roman Shirokov converted the PK and seemingly won the game for Russia.
With a late sub Mix Diskerud entered the game and with a flash at goal netted a late stoppage time goal to tie the match. This is the 22 year old’s first goal for the national team and only his third match. Mix is an attacking midfield who currently is playing for Norwegian side Rosenborg.
Jurgen Klinsmann continues his fine form in Europe with this big draw that proves the grit of the US national team. They did not play the best and had a horrible start to the game but ended well. The US end 2012 on a high note. Improvements are needed a few nuts and bolts need to be tightened. The hex is coming up and that’s where this squad will be tested. Will we see Donovan? Will the US pick up points on the road?
© 2012 YouTube/ESPN
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
