USA 1-1 Venezuela
The US Men’s National Team (USMNT) still have a lot to improve ahead of their crucial World Cup qualifying football games against Trinidad and Tobago and Mexico, but their thrilling draw with Venezuela should give them plenty of hope.
Sure enough, sports betting fans would find a 1-1 stalemate difficult to accept. After all, Asian Handicap betting odds put the Americans as favourites with Bruce Arena fielding a strong lineup that featured stars like Clint Dempsey and Christian Pulisic.
However, it was a result that the USA will be happy to take considering all the positives they showed in the match.
Venezuela took the lead at the half hour with Jose Velazquez poking the ball from close range after taking advantage of the USA’s failure to clear a corner kick. They also threatened to double their lead just minutes later, though to no avail.
Nonetheless, despite the visitors appearing to be in control, the Americans didn’t back down and started the second half with more aggressiveness. And their change in attitude was noticeable as they looked more dangerous in the attack.
Dempsey had an opportunity to score to start the second half, and although it failed, the hosts just needed a few more minutes to set up Pulisic who fired a Fabian Johnson assist from the top of the box to level matters.
Venezuela prevented them from creating more clear-cut chances, but the Stars and Stripes were obviously in front foot from then.
It was a deservedly drawn match for the USA following their bright start in the game. Though they could have taken the lead early if not for some bad decision making in front of the pitch, the way they played in wide areas – besides their final pass – should be a good indication of what they are capable of.
There’s also their commendable defence anchored by keeper Tim Howard, who made a couple of fine saves early in the game to prevent further damage from the visitors.
If the USA can carry the momentum they got in this one, they can very well take the much-needed points against bottom-team Trinidad and Tobago when they meet in the Hex next week.
For Venezuela, this showing should give them some confidence to have a respectable finish in the South America World Cup Qualifiers.
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