Posted by Gio Franco

The group stages are over and the quarterfinals are set and thus far the United States has more than cemented itself as the team to beat in the CONCACAF Gold Cup. The stage is set and the United States will face El Salvador, many are pondering on whom Jurgen Klinsmann selects in his squad, and with the form of Wondolowski and the unselfish play by Donovan has put this attacking duo in the spotlight. With the spotlight centered on Landon and Chris, its time to praise the unsung heroes in the midfield, the display from both Joe Corona and Jose Torres has been more than impressive. 

The midfield display against Belize was one of fair domination, against one of the minnows of Central America (no offense but its true, for CONCACAF in its entirety) was one of being able to put their foot on the gas and at the same time to take it off the accelerator and still being able to contain their opponent. There are some questions to be asked about the Stars and Stripes capability to defend on a set piece which Belize was able to capitalize on with the few opportunities they were able to create. The match with Cuba showed only one of the two starting on the pitch, Joe Corona, with Cuba taking a surprise lead early in the 1st half and the US displaying a slow pace all along the field, the choice was more than evident on who Klinsmann needed to play. At the start of the 2nd half Torres came on for Brek Shea who unfortunately looked dismal. Jose Torres once being subbed on, began to turn the screws quickly to push the US forward. With it came the eventual three goals to insure the Americans authority on the game.

The final game of the group stages saw the replay of the hexagonal world cup qualification game USA v Costa Rica, which many had a hard time viewing due to the blizzard in the Colorado Rockies and for some dismayed the game continued, and USA emerged victorious out of the snow in Denver. With both teams booking their places in the quarterfinals both coaches saw to rest certain key players, but it did not stop the Costa Ricans from attempting to enact a form of revenge for that game in Denver. The match was in fact close and dramatic, with the apparent handball by the Costa Rican goalie outside the 18 yard box, and with both sides coming close with several attempts on goal. After both teams looking very threatening, both managers making subs, the final sub of the game came on in the 80th minute, it was for the United States and it was Joe Corona. After being on the pitch for one minute and enduring a Costa Rican attack, Corona was able to hit Landon Donovan on the break where he was able to play Brek Shea in on goal and converting the opportunity. With the game ending 1-0 and the USA continuing on with only two blemishes from the games against Belize and Cuba, the current display from Landon Donovan, Chris Wondolowski, Jose Torres, and Joe Corona; puts the United States in a very promising position continuing forward in the Gold Cup and in the World Cup Qualifying rounds ahead.