USA Falls To Mexico In OT 1-0

The goalkeeping of Kasey Keller could carry the United States only so far.

Mexico defeated the United States 1-0 on goal by Cuauahtemoc Blanco in sudden-death overtime Sunday to advance to the final of the Confederations Cup.

On Wednesday, the Mexicans will face the winner of Sunday night's game in Guadalajara between Brazil and Saudi Arabia for the title. The United States will play the loser for third place on Tuesday in Guadalajara.

Before a crowd of 80,000 at Azteca Stadium, the U.S. team was trying to pull off another stunner following its quarterfinal victory over Germany.

This would have been the Americans' first victory at Azteca Stadium. But the altitude of 7,350 feet and less than two days of rest were too much to overcome.

There was also the persistent Mexican attack, which left the U.S. team under siege and surviving thanks to Keller's exceptional work.

Blanco had been tied up by Jeff Agoos and later Eddie Lewis for most of the game. But five minutes into overtime he finally broke through.

He first tried to kick the loose ball with his right foot, but it bounced off a defender as Keller went to his left. Blanco then pushed the ball in the net for his fifth goal of the tournament.

The loss dropped the Americans' record to 6-3-1 this season. They are 0-16-1 at Azteca.

During regulation play, Mexico's first chance came in the second minute. Blanco sent a pass to Isaac Terrazas down the right side, but Terrazas' low shot was stopped by Keller.

Mexico relied on speed, featuring an attack down the right side with Terrazas, Jose Manuel Abundis up front and Blanco and Ramon Ramirez orchestrating play.

It was only a matter of time before Mexico's offensive rush would get past the U.S.(AP)

In the eighth minute, keller dived to deflect a shot by Rafael Marquez. Two minutes later, he again went to his left to stop a shot by Ramirez that was heading for the upper corner.

Cobi Jones and Frankie Hejduk missed with wide shots during the same stretch, but the U.S. attackers never posed a serious threat to Mexican goalie Jorge Campos.

Keller saved the United States again in the 47th minute when he deflected a shot from a few yards away by Gerardo Torrado as the Mexicans kept the pressure on.

In the 53rd minute, Jones got away down the left side. He passed to Ernie Stewart whose clear shot was stopped by Campos.

Jones took advantage of a Mexican mistake in the 66th minute and swept down the left side. But his lob over the goaliwent high over the crossbar.

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