The United States rode two goals by Jozy Altidore to a 2-1 win over Peru in a friendly on Friday night. Altidore missed the PK but finished the rebound to level the score 59 minutes in.
Noted Altidore: “We weren’t particularly sharp today, but him and DeAndre getting down the flanks with their speed just creates havoc”.
The 25-year-old forward admits he isn’t at full strength yet, but he is aware of the steps he’s taking to get better with each day. I think he doesn’t get the credit he deserves; he’s been spectacular. “I’m happy that I’m feeling better”.
Group I leader Portugal hosted France for a friendly in Lisbon, knowing it could be overtaken depending on the result in Copenhagen.
Not only was the Gold Cup disappointing for Altidore as an individual, it was also a major blow to the psyche of the USMNT. The other eight third-place finishers can qualify through playoffs.
“So he gives us a new element that we didn’t have in the World Cup previous year”. “It wasn’t flawless by any means, but it does a lot for your morale when you win a game”. Defensively, they denied America the ball in attacking zone.
“At the Gold Cup, maybe we were a bit reluctant to be aggressive as we know we can be”.
In the second half, Mix Diskerud did well disrupting Peru’s buildup, and Altidore proved to be a competent outlet.
Revolution midfielder Jermaine Jones, who played in his first match for the USA since February 8, struck a shot from distance in the 39th minute that required a strong effort from keeper Diego Penny to lift it over the bar.
He earned a penalty kick from Mexican referee Francisco Chacon when he flicked the ball over Carlos Zambrano and was tripped by the defender. Although his original shot from the spot was saved, he pounced on the rebound and equalized the contest for the Yanks. The ball took a fortunate deflection of a Peru defender to find Altidore unmarked at the back post for a calm finish. Altidore paired with Bobby Wood at forward. Altidore took the PK and blasted it to the right, where the Peru ‘keeper made a diving block.
Peru went up early when Andre Carrillo squared a ball for Chavez, whose shot deflected off of Omar Gonzalez before it settled into the back of the net inside of 20 minutes. A Peruvian player touched it an instant before Altidore arrived. Omar Gonzalez closed poorly.
Despite the humidity, U.S. looked fresh and fast in the second half and appeared to wear down Peru’s players.
Jurgen Klinsmann decided to make three changes at the half with Mix Diskerud, Ventura Alvarado and Geoff Cameron coming on for Alejandro Bedoya, Omar Gonzalez and Michael Orozco. “It gives him something very special and he’s proud of that moment”. Capped off his performance with the assist for Altidore’s 68-minute strike. Instead of making way for Aron Johannsson, the Toronto FC man partnered him for the final 19 minutes. Is that the pairing Klinsmann goes to against Brazil? “It’s great to have him back”. “We showed that we can beat a team that played a good Copa America”. In the three matches the duo has started in the center of the defense together, the MNT has allowed only two goals while scoring seven. Then there’s Geoff Cameron, who is starting at center back in the Premier League but played as a right back at RFK during the second half.
Peru dominated the ball in the first half, holding a 59%-41% advantage in possession. Substitutes Alvarado and Matt Besler looked solid in the second half. With Peru attempting to tie the game late, Besler stepped in and made a few key clearances.
Outside backs DaMarcus Beasley, Fabian Johnson and Tim Chandler are hurt.
After chasing shadows for 45 minutes, the Americans answered with a vivacious and resilient performance in claiming a 2-1 victory before a bipartisan crowd of 28,896.