Did you want to see Clint Dempsey miss the penalty kick?
Do you think Clint Dempsey intentionally missed the PK?
The American Outlaws reminded Clint Dempsey of the history at stake before he stepped up to take his stoppage time penalty kick against Mexico on Tuesday night.
"Dos a cero!" was the chant coming from the supporters' section directly behind the Mexico goal.
Well, the score was already 2-0 when Dempsey was hacked down in the box by Mexico's Jesus Zavala in the 93rd minute (watch video above at 4:14). Were fans telling Dempsey that they wanted the mythical 2-0 scoreline -- the result of three consecutive World Cup qualifiers in Columbus vs. Mexico -- to remain unchanged?
Whether Dempsey heard them or not, he sent an uncharacteristic penalty kick attempt well wide of the target. 2-0 it would remain. For the fourth straight qualifying win over their bitter rivals.
The US captain says he didn't do it on purpose, while another player blames a ghost. It's why the moment will go down in USMNT lore.
But what else could Dempsey say? Admit he missed on purpose, and all of Panama would have been up in arms. Goal difference matters in the battle for the fourth and final playoff spot in the CONCACAF Hexagonal, which sees Mexico and Panama even on eight points.
So what do you think? Did Dempsey ensure the final score was 2-0? Were you rooting for him to miss? Answer both polls and comment below.
