Rafael Marquez scores game winner against USMNT (Video)
By Phil Naegely
With the clock ticking down in the second half, El Tri found the late, game-winning goal off a critical set piece.
The second half of the game between USMNT and El Tri was in the host’s favor. USMNT controlled the game and the pace of it after the halftime break, but the visiting El Tri came away with a shocking and critical three points in Columbus. Rafael Marquez headed home the eventual game-winning goal off a late corner kick.
After not being able to score the go-ahead goal off its own set piece chances, El Tri dealt the USMNT a sucker punch with the late score. The set piece was accurately played into the near post as Marquez found the net and became El Tri’s hero.
On the other hand, the USMNT looked disorganized defensively. No one was guarding the far post where Marquez’s eventual game-winning goal went near. A USMNT defender would have had a good chance of clearing the ball of the goal line. Likewise, the other defenders close to Marquez were caught ball watching instead of challenging for the ball.
The goal dealt USMNT its first loss to Mexico at home in 15 years. This result gives El Tri the advantage in the hex as they came away with three road points. The legend of “Dos a Cero” has ended at four-straight meetings against Mexico for the hosts.
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Unlike the 2014 World Cup qualifying, Mexico is in the driver’s seat after Friday’s result. Jurgen Klinsmann’s side will need to regroup before the next Hex match against Costa Rica on November 15. These next four days will be critical as the CONCACAF side attempts to find its first points of the Hex.
Costa Rica is a quality team like Mexico. It will be tougher for the US as they have to face their rival on the road on short rest. Mexico got off to a dream start by coming away with a rare road win against the USMNT in Columbus.