Guzan’s double save paves way for Altidore’s double goal tally and US victory

USA 2 : 1 Peru

When these sides last met 15 years ago, Cobi Jones headed the only goal (see video above).

In those days, a win over a non-CONCACAF side was an achievement of greater notoriety than today. This Peruvian side finished an admirable third at the Copa America.

The early going favored the hosts with two left wing crosses testing the Peruvian defence. The second, from LA Galaxy’s Gyasi Zardes, was poorly palmed out by the keeper into the danger area, but no forward reacted quickly enough to net an easy opener.

The game settled down. Peru showed some intricacies, perhaps not rising to the level of trickery. They caressed the football like a pool ball rebounds off a cushion. It was pleasant to observe but not devastating to defend.

There was nothing intricate however about the incredible hoisted effort by Daniel Chavez on 20 minutes. His speculative blast rose like a bunker shot after contact with Omar Gonzalez then dipped like a plummeting snowball out of Brad Guzan’s reach.

After taking the lead, Peru’s caressing became more confident. This served to make the US look more European in style and approach than they probably are. Perhaps the word Germanic might have been fairer but they lacked the imposing qualities of Germany.

Jefferson Farfán, once of Schalke 04 in Germany and PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands, showed his European side by curling a free kick daintily over the bar by hitting it too hard. Other similar long range efforts peppered the area outside Guzan’s goal, Carlos Lobaton being one of the culprits.

Jermaine Jones finally retorted and unlike Lobaton made the opposing goalkeeper Pedro Gallese work. The 25-year-old stopper dived well to tip the ball over. Altidore made him work again soon after although it was not a direct goal effort, more the need to prevent a cross being allowed to travel any further. However the pendulum appeared to have swung back the Americans’ way and the half time whistle seemed more to rescue Peru. Optimism among the home crowd was justified.

Michael Orozco, Omar Gonzalez and Alejandro Bedoya were not permitted to see the project through, being pulled at half time. Mix Diskerud, Ventura Alvarado and Geoff Cameron replaced them.

The opening goal came in unimpressive fashion.

Captain Altidore won a penalty kick, correctly awarded after defender Carlos Zambrano needlessly held his arm back. Did he make the most of it? Yes. Was he fouled? Also yes.

Gallese saved his initial spot kick but this time the skipper was first to the rebound, hammering in the equalizer. It was Altidore’s 28th but perhaps least satisfying goal for the national side. Better was to follow.

Matt Besler became the USA’s 4th substitute, slotting in for Brooks.

Thereafter came the turning point of the night. Guzan’s tenacity saved USA’s parity after he followed a diving save to block a header, with jamming the ball between his grounded legs as Renato Tapia hacked away at him (see video below).

It was a wonderful turning point. Seconds later Altidore notched his 29th, after great work by Yedlin on the right and a deflected effort from Zardes. The two will get a deserved an assist but if ever Guzan deserved one, this was it.

Bobby Wood, in his first appearance in front of American fans, became one of the casualties as he left to be replaced by Aron Johannsson. Jones also departed, with Danny Williams replacing him.

The Yanks survived a late onslaught but deservedly hung on. The victory should be a cause for satisfaction for head coach Klinsmann. Come from behind wins are that little bit special. Altidore captained with goals. The US public met Bobby Wood and Brad Guzan underlined his value.

Video courtesy of US Soccer

USMNT: Brad Guzan, DeAndre Yedlin, Michael Orozco (Ventura Alvarado 45′), Omar Gonzalez (Geoff Cameron 45′), Tim Ream, John Brooks (Matt Besler 62′), Jermaine Jones (Danny Williams 72′), Alejandro Bedoya (Mix Diskerud 45′), Gyasi Zardes,  Jozy Altidore (C), Bobby Wood (Aron Johannsson 72′)

Subs: Tim Howard, Matt Besler, Alfredo Morales, Danny Williams, Aron Johannsson,  Joe Corona,   Greg Garza, Andrew Wooten

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