In their third straight shutout, the United States sailed past El Salvador 4-0 to clinch the top spot in group B.
After twenty minutes of agressive play, the El Salvadoran side seemed fatigued, giving the United States a chance to rachet up the offensive pressure. The Americans began their four-goal spree in the 34th minute, when DaMarcus Beasley chipped in a lazy shot from the corner of the box that fooled keeper Miguel Montes. Landon Donovan doubled that lead with a pinpoint penalty shot in first-half injury time.
El Salvador’s coach Carlos De Los Cobos was ejected during halftime for arguing referee Benito Archundia’s decision to award Donovan the penalty kick.
Taylor Twellerman continued the Americans’ run in the second half, as he rocketed in a shot from inside the box in the 73rd minute. DaMarcus Beasley scored off of a Clint Dempsey assist at the 89th for his first two-goal game in as many years.
The US will play their quarterfinal on Saturday at Foxborough, Massachusetts.