A combination of good work and good fortune gave the U.S. their first point in World Cup qualifying at Mexico's Estadio Azteca since 1997 with a 0-0 draw on Wednesday night. With that result, U.S. manager Jurgen Klinsmann, who was questioned by unnamed members of his own squad last week, remains undefeated at the Azteca after getting the U.S. their first ever win in Mexico last year.
A strong performance from the U.S.'s inexperienced backline and goalkeeper Brad Guzan and Mexico's weak start to the final stage of World Cup qualifying both played major parts in how the final score was reached. But the home side also had reason to blame the referee when a Maurice Edu challenge from behind on Javier Aquino somehow did not result in a second-half penalty (video here). Still, Mexico squandered 15 corner kicks to the U.S.'s two and Chicharito failed to capitalize on several good scoring chances.
After beating Costa Rica last week, getting a point at the Azteca was something of a bonus for the U.S. But they aren't claiming it was anything more than what it was. From Sports Illustrated's Grant Wahl:
MEX journo: Is this tie a victory for your team?
Klinsmann: No, it's a tie.
Here are the very best pictures from the match...
UPDATE: And here's the front page of Mexico's Record...
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