CHONJU, South Korea -- Two well-taken goals and some stout defending were enough to see the United States overcome a Mexico side that failed to repeat its showing in the group phase here on Monday and, it must be said, were a little unlucky to find themselves up against a goalkeeper who is having an excellent World Cup.
American 'keeper Brad Friedel made some excellent saves and marshaled his defense so efficiently that it would have taken something truly special to beat their combined strengths.
The 2-0 victory also means that this U.S. squad can try to match the achievement of the 1930 team, which reached the World Cup semifinals.