The USA and Guatemala are scoreless at the half in their CONCACAF World Cup ’98 qualifying match at RFK Stadium.
The USA, with Thomas Dooley at sweeper, Alexi Lalas and Jeff Agoos at marking back, and Ernie Stewart and Cobi Jones on the flanks, controlled much of the possession in the first half. However, Guatemala’s extremely physical play (10 fouls thus far to the USA’s four) has kept the Americans out of rhythm.
Cobi Jones left the game in the 44th minute after a seemingly illegal tackle by Guatemala’s Leon, who whacked Jones in the knee after the U.S. midfielder had made a pass.
Preki made his USA debut when he came on for Jones, and sent a left-footed shot just over the bar during injury time for the Americans’ best scoring chance.
Joe-Max Moore had a golden opportunity in the ninth minute, when Eric Wynalda sent him clear into the box, but Moore’s low shot was saved by Estrada, the Guatemalan keeper.
Wynalda received a yellow card for a foul on his San Jose Clash teammate Jorge Rodas in the 17th minute, and Guatemalas Giron received a booking a minute later.