Cooper, Adu score to give USA 2:0 victory, end Guatemala’s World Cup hopes

November 20, 2008

COMMERCE CITY, Colorado – Kenny Cooper scored his second international goal and Freddy Adu had his first, giving the United States a 2:0 victory over Guatemala on Wednesday and ending the Central Americans chances of advancing in World Cup qualifying.

While the USA already had assured itself of a berth in the final round of qualifying, Guatemala needed a victory and for Cuba to beat Trinidad & Tobago. The Soca Warriors claimed the second berth from CONCACAF semifinal Group A, winning 3:0 over Cuba.

The United States played with nearly an entirely domestic-based lineup, but without striker Landon Donovan, who was training in Germany with Bayern Munich.

The USA dominated throughout, creating several chances before finally converting when Cooper, who plays for FC Dallas, ran onto a low cross from Jozy Altidore and redirected it at the 6-yard box in the 54th minute.

Adu, who plays from AS Monaco, added his in the 69th, driving a left-footed free kick from 25 yards just inside the left post.

“It’s nice to get a win, there was lot of energy,” Cooper said. “On the goal, Jozy should get a lot of the credit. He made a great move and got the ball in.” It was the 11th straight time that Guatemala has been unable to win in the United States and seventh straight time the USA has held the Central Americans without a goal.

Guatemala was playing its first game under manager Benjamin Monterroso, who replaced Ramon Maradiaga after the latter was fired following last month’s 2:1 loss to Cuba.

The United States finished atop Group A with 15 points, four ahead of Trinidad. Guatemala was third with five, two better than Cuba. The USA and Trinidad join Mexico, Honduras, Costa Rica and El Salvador in the final round of qualifying and will learn their schedule for the "hexagonal" on Saturday when the draw is held in South Africa in conjunction with the Confederations Cup draw.

Guatemala’s next challenge will be the Central American Nations Cup January 22-February 1 in Honduras.

Go to Source

Share and Enjoy: