You've Got Questions, We've Got Answers...

So are you feeling much better this morning than you were around 8:35 Saturday night? I know I am, as are the multiple people I was texting and speaking w/ via phone throughout the evening. I'm going to do a "My 2 Cents Q&A" segment today, and I'll be asking the questions and providing the answers... Let's go:

1. Did You Think The U.S. Was In Trouble 5 Minutes In Saturday Night?

Yep, I sure did. In fact, I texted Walsh and said "over already." After Wednesday's game, I thought we would roll over, as I swear I could hear the calls for Bradley's head throughout the land. However, this team showed the most guts and fortitude seen in some time. They have not necessarily handled adversity well over the past several years, and this game showed me that the players showed tremendous passion and a will to win...of course, maybe it had something to do with the players on the field...

2. Okay, So Who Really Made The Difference For The U.S.?

Landon Donovan had his best game in recent memory, knifing through the Honduran defense and making the 30 and 40-yard runs we haven't seen from him in some time. Conor Casey held the ball well and seemed to work well with Jozy Altidore, even though they had only practiced once or twice together. Ricardo Clark's athleticism enabled him to make the plays Mastroeni couldn't, and Pablo, God love him, may have just played his way off the roster. Benny Feilhaber coming on for Pablo at the half was a GREAT sub. He went forward and pressed the attack. Most importantly, Jonathan Spector and John Bornstein did what Marvell Wynne and DaMarcus Beasley couldn't do Wednesday; actually play defense.

3. Turning Point In The Match?

Well, there are a few. Feilhaber coming in to start the 2nd half was big. The handball leading to the penalty was massive. However, I think the biggest point in the match was something I haven't seen many people talking about... Honduras had the U.S. on the ropes. They were up 1-0 early and had good possession and seemed to have already figured the Americans out, and then they just...withdrew. They went almost into a bunker, and let the U.S. come after them. Had they kept pressing, I thought they could get another one and effectively end the match. Coach Reynaldo Rueda's tactics have to be questioned after this one.

4. So What Does All Of This Mean For The Yanks?

Well, it gives them 10 points through the first half of qualifying, so in reality, only 5 more points (possibly 4) is needed to get them secured in the top 3 and go to South Africa next year. It also gives them some confidence that was sorely needed after Wednesday's drubbing. Does this mean they're going to surprise people at next week's Confederations Cup? I doubt it, but it'll give Bradley some more time and some big games to get some of the younger players involved in high pressure situations. That'll be key when they go to Azteca later in the summer and then as they wrap up qualifying in the fall. Let's not get ahead of ourselves, though; let's get into the Cup first, then worry about personnel a little closer to the tournament.

5. Thoughts On Other CONCACAF Matches?

I watched the El Salvador/Mexico game, and it was incredible! Not necessarily because I like El Salvador (I don't) or despise Mexico (I do), but it was so neat to watch this tiny country finally beat a regional power (let's face it; they should have beaten us a few months back). I can only imagine the partying going on in San Salvador, or DC, or any other place with a high percentage of El Salvadoran residents. It also gives them 5 points heading into Honduras Wednesday night. With them coming off a huge win and Honduras coming off a huge loss, is it far-fetched to dare hope for a draw, which would not really allow either to gain on the U.S.?

Mexico, despite their troubles, is still very much in the mix. They'll beat a deflated T&T squad who at one point led Costa Rica Saturday night at home. El Tri has 4 of their last 6 matches at home. They'll win at least 3 of them, giving them 12 points. They will probably lose to Costa Rica, as a win would most likely put the Ticos into the tournament. If they get a win in the last game against an already eliminated T&T, they have anywhere from 13-16 points. It should be interesting to see them battle it out with the Hondurans for the 3rd spot. And no, I'm sorry, but El Salvador just doesn't have the talent to keep up their form. They could play the role of spoiler, but that's about it.

6. 1 Last Question: Your Wife's Facebook Status Asked How Getting High Blood Pressure Watching the U.S. Was Entertaining For Her Husband?

To be honest, it's absolutely agonizing for 90 minutes. But when that final whistle blows, and our boys get the 3 points, I can exhale and relax, because, once again, all is right with the world.

Quick Prediction For Wednesday's Games:

A. Mexico vs. T&T - Mexico is reeling, but they're desperate. Plus, they're playing at home. I think they win this going away. 3-0 win for El Tri.

B. Honduras vs. El Salvador - As I mentioned earlier, the ideal result here would be a draw. Unfortunately, I don't see it happening. Honduras will attack from the start, and has superior firepower. They'll put a couple in early and coast from there. 2-0 win for Los Catrachos.

Good some great comments last week. Thanks for the support!