The USMNT team is a slight favorite over Costa Rica to claim the top spot in Group C of the Gold Cup. Opening their tournament with Belize Tuesday night, the United States had an opportunity to continue their strong international play.
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Thanks to a brilliant offensive performance throughout the first half, the United States took control of the game heading into the intermission.
Forward Chris Wondolowski started the scoring in the 12th minute, popping one through from right in front of the goal to give the U.S. an early lead. Heading a second goal in off a beautiful assist from teammate Kyle Beckerman 25 minutes later, Wondolowski and the USMNT looked unstoppable in their Gold Cup opener.
Ian Gaynair answered with a Belize goal at the 40-minute mark to cut the deficit in half but Chris Wondolowski was simply too much for the Group C opponent to handle. Finishing off a Michael Parkhurst cross with another header, the 30-year-old California native completed the hat trick in just 41 minutes while stalling any new found hope Belize had in getting back in the ball game before halftime.
Outshooting Belize 10-3 in the first 45-plus minutes of action, Jurgen Klinsmann and the United States showed why they're the Group favorite while also displaying their ability to perform on multiple international levels. The U.S. currently leads the CONCACAF World Cup qualifying hexagonal concerning the 2014 World Cup in Brazil as well.
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It was more of the same for the United States in the second half. Continuing their hot offensive play the USMNT upped their lead to 6-1 by the time the 77th minute rolled around. Additional tallies from Stuart Holden, Michael Orozco and Landon Donovan proved too much for Belize to overcome.
The U.S. will meet Cuba on Saturday, July 13th while Belize prepares to meet Costa Rica that same day.
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