World Cup - United States 2 Mexico 0

The United States easily defeated Mexico and face Germany in the World Cup quarter finals.

Landon Donovan sealed the win in the 65th minute when he reached a deep cross from the left wing to the far post to head in and kill off Mexico.

The Mexicans also had their captain Rafael Marquez red carded in the 88th minute when he headbutted substitute Cobi Jones as both jumped to head the ball.

But Mexico should have had a penalty kick in the 5th minute when Brian McBride punched a corner kick away at the near post but nothing was given despite valid Mexican claims.

Brad Friedel was again excellent for the US and saved a powerful Salvadro Carmona shot in the 74th minute and palmed away a Jesus Arellano free kick on 52 minutes. From the resulting corner Braulio Luna almost had a shot on target at the near post but it was blocked.

US substitute Earnie Stewart sent a volley against the post in the 72nd minute but the US attacked rarely once they had a commanding lead.

Donovan skied a chance for a third goal in the 94th minute from a deep Jones cross.

After Mexico dominated the opening minutes the US scored on their first attack.

An unmarked Brian McBride drove in a cut back from the right wing into the far corner with a good finish to clearly disrupt Mexico’s plans.

The United States totally locked out Mexico with a great tactical show in the first half.

Bruce Arena went 3-5-2 to match their CONCACAF rivals and the man-for-man marking system have Mexico too many problems to function properly.

Although Mexico were able to hit 67% possession in the game they rarely threatened and were unable to create chances.

US goalkeeper Brad Friedel weakly punched a cross clear to Cuauhetemoc Blanco in the 37th minute but recovered well to punch clear his high shot on target.

Blanco had foerced Friedel to dive and save in the 26th minute with a low shot from distance and ten minutes earlier Ramon Morales had gone on a run down the left wing to cut inside and drive past the near post.

Such was Mexico coach Javier Aguirre’s problems with the system being played by the US that Morales was removed just before the half hour mark to be replaced by veteran Luis Hernandez to move alongside Javier Borgetti to make a pair in attack. A pair the US ended up dominating.