The United States did not really deserve to be ahead after 83 poorly played minutes and now they aren't thanks to Marco Pappa. The Guatemalan hit an absolutely gorgeous free kick up and over the U.S. wall, then dipped it under the bar to beat a helpless Tim Howard. The crowd in Guatemala City exploded and the match was level at 1-1.
USA Vs. Guatemala, 2014 World Cup Qualifying: Marco Pappa’s Brilliant Free Kick Levels
The foul was one of many that the U.S. has given away and Guatemala finally took advantage. The free kick was from a tick outside of 20 yards and it was a gem. Pappa should be on every highlight video for that one because it was as well hit as it could have been.
Meanwhile, the U.S. can’t feel too hard done. Guatemala has had more chances, has looked more confident and has been the all-around better side. For Guatemala to lose would have been harsh and now they aren’t. With seven minutes plus extra time to go now, the U.S. needs to regroup because if any team is going to score a winner it looks like it would be Guatemala.
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