U.S. v Cuba LIVE

Kickoff is inside half an hour, here's the U.S. line-up:

Howard; Hejduk, Onyewu, Bocanegra, Pearce, Bradley, Edu, Dempsey, Beasley, Donovan, Ching

Subs: Guzan, Califf, Wynne, Clark, Kljestan, Lewis, Johnson

I highly doubt this will be a good night for the hosts. The Americans have something to prove and Cuba aren't nearly as cultured as Guatemala. Let's try it again - 2-0 U.S.

In case you're wondering, Group A's other match saw Guatemala need a 90th minute equalizer to draw 1-1 at Trinidad & Tobago. In Group B, Mexico have gone to six points from two games with a comfy 3-0 defeat of visiting Jamaica.

I'll be back when the game kicks off, time to hook up some peanut butter toast and a glass of milk...

KICKOFF

1'

We are underway, U.S. wearing black.

The Cuban reporter that the USMNT Blog spoke to earlier this week was right: it was strange to hear the National Anthem in Cuba - although I wasn't actually surprised that the home fans applauded at the end.

9'

Cuba have come out with a daring attitude (for what that's worth at their skill level), while the U.S. are being typically measured with the ball.

20'

It's been pretty even so far, but the back-and-forth only has pace in Cuba's direction. The U.S. are again passing poorly.

31'

What happened to our passing game? This is sad.

40'

At the end of a poorly defended long ball, Dempsey makes no mistake when given space from 16 meters 1-0 USA!

HALFTIME - The USMNT leads thanks to one bit of fortune and the resulting lashed finish from Dempsey, who bagged his 12th international goal. Otherwise, it's mostly another dreary performance thus far.

46'

Game on, no U.S. changes...

47'

Linares goes reasonably close for Cuba with a looping long half-volley that flies a bit high.

57'

Howard forced to make a save on Cervantes.

60'

Edu whistles a long shot wide after Pearce pushes play forward from the left.

63'

Beasley badly misfires from a sharp angle with the Cuba keeper caught out. Where was the late runner?.

78'

Kljestan on for Dempsey. The USMNT are playing much more capably now.

87'

Howard goes low to stop a late Cuba chance.

90+2'

Ching shot saved after a Kljestan set-up.

FULLTIME - A 1-0 win for the USMNT sees them open Group A play with two road victories. I will have my U.S. Player Ratings up at Soccer 365 tomorrow.

UPDATE: My U.S. v Cuba Player Ratings are now up here.

- Greg Seltzer