USMNT's confident six-goal romp over St. Vincent and the Grenadines was a big step toward the final round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying. Perched on the edge of a guaranteed berth in the Hex with a game to spare, all the USA needed was for Trinidad and Tobago to lock out Guatemala with a win in Port of Spain.
This seemed a likely enough outcome before T&T kicked off. The Soca Warriors had won in Guatemala, 2-1, back in November.
But that was almost a year ago. As the first half progressed, it became clear that Guatemala was the sharper side, connecting passes and settling into a comfortable rhythm after weathering the home team's opening salvo.