World Cup Qualifiers can be tight, ugly affairs and except for two moments of brilliance that was the case in the USA's game against Guatemala at Estadio Mateo Flores in Guatemala City. Unfortunately each team had a moment, and it canceled out a great chance for the USA to take control of their qualifying group.
Before the game a hardcore group of USA fans (numbering roughly 20 or so) made their way to the stadium to enjoy the pre-game festivities.
And wearing their colors with pride.
The USA fans made their presence known before the game.
Grabbed a couple of beers available outside the stadium...
...and danced it up with the Guatemalan fans.
They were even able to get a Guate TV announcer to wear a USA head band.
Not all the Guatemalan fans were happy to greet the USA Fans...
but it was all in all a festive atmosphere outside the stadium.
The USA arrived a few hours before the game...
...and Chris Wondolowski signed a kids shirt.
Then game time!
The national anthem...
...the coin toss...
...and let the game begin!
The USA came out for 3 points in this game...
But Guatemala was determined to play a physical chippy game.
And try to get the ball away from the Americans any way they could.
The one moment of brilliance for the USA was started by Fabian Johnson who passed a quick ball to Clint Dempsey...
And made sure to finish when it counted.
The whole second half it looked more like the USA was trying to hang onto its 1-0 lead instead of add to it.
and as Klinsmann paced the sidelines, the Pescalito was able to get a foul...
Which set up Marco Pappa to hit an excellent free kick over the USA wall...
...for a goal.
The USA tried to press in the final minutes...
You can view more of my photographs on ISI Photos.
