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U.S. beat Cuba to ease into Gold Cup last eight
© Reuters 2002
PASADENA, California, Jan 21 (Reuters) - The United States eased into the quarter-finals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup on Monday with a 1-0 victory over an unfancied Cuba side.
The U.S. scored the only goal of the Group B game after 22 minutes after a clumsy challenge by Cuban defender Mario Rodriguez on American midfielder DaMarcus Beasley led to a penalty kick which forward Brian McBride calmly slotted home.
The Cubans battled hard but did not manage a shot on target until the 52nd minute when captain Jeniel Marquez's well struck effort was directed straight at U.S. goalkeeper Kasey Keller.
The U.S. wasted many golden opportunities to add to their lead. The victory secures them a quarter-final on Sunday against the runner-up in Group A.
The game was a strangely low key affair, failing to generate the passion often associated with contests between the two countries.
Cuba must now beat World Cup co-hosts South Korea on Wednesday to advance to the quarter-finals.
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