U.S. off to World Cup, beats Mexico 2-0

By Kristina Puga, NBCLatino

The U.S. men’s national soccer team is headed to the World Cup in Brazil in 2014.  An anxious crowd of more than 25,000 watched in the stadium last night in Columbus, Ohio as the U.S. and Mexico competed to make it to Brazil in 2014.

Landon Donovan scored in the second half, allowing the U.S. to defeat Mexico by 2-0 in a World Cup qualifier for the fourth straight time.

“Obviously they’re enjoying this moment,” Coach Jurgen Klinsmann told the New York Times about his players. “It’s a special moment when you qualify for a World Cup, and they really deserve it.”

The United States had also defeated Mexico 2-0 in their three previous World Cup qualifying cycles in Columbus in 2001, 2005 and 2009. The U.S. men’s national soccer team, also celebrating its 100th year, has now qualified for seven straight World Cups.

American fans were thrilled, yelling, “Dos a zero!” repeatedly, and “This is our house.”

The fate of Mexico’s national team is not looking good. The team now has to play New Zealand to finish fourth in the qualifying group at best.

Telemundo political analyst Carlos Rajo told NBC Latino the loss is a economic blow for Mexico, as well as a blow for the players’ – and the brand’s – self-esteem.

“The ‘Tri’ is a fabulous business that in good measure depends on the prestige and exposure associated with the World Cup,” says Rajo.

This article was first published in NBCLatino.

[Photo courtesy US Soccer]

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