Costa Rica 0-2 USA: 3 things we learned

The United States are through to the Gold Cup final after defeating Costa Rica in Dallas on Saturday.

That’s more like it. The USMNT finally played a decent Gold Cup game against Costa Rica on Saturday night. They enjoyed most of the possession. The defense was much more disciplined – apart from a few Omar Gonzalez goofs – and the entire team displayed a much more relaxed and confident demeanor.

And they did so against the strongest foe they had encountered so far in the tournament. Costa Rica are missing quite a few players due to injury but had put together strong performances prior to tonight. Thanks to goals from Jozy Altidore and super-sub Clint Dempsey, and two huge saves from Tim Howard, the USMNT are through to the 2017 Gold Cup final at Levi’s Stadium on Wednesday.

Here are three things we learned from this match.

1. Darlington Nagbe is more valuable wide than in the middle right now

Nagbe’s future role with the U.S. will probably be more central, but, for now, he is most valuable as a wide midfielder. He proved this over and over again on Saturday night, picking up the ball just inside his own half and carrying the ball down the wing into dangerous areas.

He is one of, if not the best, possessors of the ball in the U.S. pool. His dribbling and close control allow him to weave in and out of defenders and find open teammates. USMNT fans would probably like Nagbe to look more for his own shot, but he continues to cement his place as an important part of Bruce Arena’s lineup.

2. USMNT has to do more when they control possession

Until Dempsey came off the bench in the second half the U.S. didn’t do much with all of the possession they enjoyed. They didn’t register a single shot on goal in the first half – although Jordan Morris did ping the post in the opening minute.

Against more accomplished opponents, the Yanks will be in defend and counter mode, but when they have the chance to dictate play they must find a way to create more chances. Christian Pulisic, and Dempsey on from the start will certainly help in this area for a full-strength U.S. side.

It’s been a USMNT issue forever. It would be nice if they could figure it out.

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3. Clint Dempsey ties Landon Donovan for most all-time USMNT goals

What more can be said about Deuce? His middle name should be “game-changer”. The U.S. were a completely different side after he came on in the 66th minute. Dempsey simply makes things happen when he’s on the field.

Soon after coming on, Dempsey received a pass in midfield, executed one of his signature nasty turns and was off to the races. He provided a perfectly weighted pass for Altidore to run onto and finish for the opening U.S. goal.

He then stood over a free kick just outside the box and sent a beautiful curling ball low around the wall and past the Costa Rican goalkeeper. It was Dempsey’s 57th career goal for the national team, bringing him level with Landon Donovan for most all-time. He will surely break it before the end of 2017.

Some have said that Deuce’s place may not necessarily be secure for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. That is crazy talk. The USMNT rely heavily on the Texas native.