USA ‘out-passed, outplayed and out-competed’

U.S. keeper Tim Howard, after the USA’s 3-1 loss at Costa Rica on Wednesday, said “We consider us probably the fastest, strongest team in the region but today we got out-passed, outplayed and out-competed in every sense. We have to hold our hands up – we were below average across the board.”

Defender Carlos Bocanegra said the USA struggled despite knowing what to expect: “They came out and played well. They had a good game plan and they moved the ball around well. We saw game tape of them and we knew what they were going to do, but give them credit because they played well tonight. Individually, all around the field, we didn’t win our battles.”

Forward Landon Donovan, who scored the USA’s goal from the penalty spot, stressed the team must rebound quickly because it faces Honduras in another World Cup qualifier on Saturday, in Chicago: “We need to learn from tonight, but the most important thing is getting over it as quickly as possible, and taking what you can from it. We have three days physically and mentally for Honduras, who is a very good team that has been rested and preparing for this game.”