The United States ended a 75-year wait for a victory on Mexican soil against the hosts, with a streaky 1-0 win at the Azteca stadium. A second-half goal from Michael Orozco Fiscal coupled with some late heroics from Tim Howard ensured the U.S. went home with a win.
In a game dominated by the Mexicans, the U.S. went ahead in the 80th minute against the run of play with Brek Shea first crossing to Terrence Howard, who made a brilliant backheel pass to Fiscal, who made no mistake in putting the visitors ahead. Mexico tried their best to get back on equal terms, but some fine goalkeeping from Howard kept the score at 1-0.
"The goal was for the U.S. fans and the whole U.S. We made history," Fiscal is quoted as saying by the Associated Press.
"Just happy we won and made history," Shea added. "It's something we haven't done in a long time. Just to be on the roster is cool."
U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann was delighted to see his team break the jinx. "I think it's huge. It's huge for I think all American fans, it's huge for the team, and it's historic," Klinsmann said. "We were very well aware that we've never won here at the Azteca Stadium.
"This is an amazing experience for all the players. We told them before the game: This moment is for you, go and grab it. We are all aware that it was a lot, a lot of work."
Klinsmann also had words of praise for Howard. "Tim Howard kept us in the game I don't know how many times," the former German international said.
"We know we have to improve in many, many elements. We have to keep the ball longer. We have to create more chances. We have to do a lot of work still. But I think this gives us a lot of confidence.
"It was very difficult in high altitude, with many of them flying in from Europe two days ago.
"But we had a plan, and we tried to execute that plan and getting that win here, I mean it's quite enjoyable."
