Clint Dempsey had a pair of goals and assisted on Carlos Bocanegra’s equalizer, and the United States rallied to beat Guatemala 3-1 Tuesday night and reached next year’s final round of World Cup qualifying. Facing their first elimination game in qualifying since 2000, the Americans needed merely a draw to advance to the six-team finals in North and Central America and the Caribbean. After Carlos Ruiz put Guatemala ahead in the fifth minute, Dempsey set up Bocanegra’s goal in the 10th minute, then scored in the 18th and 36th. With 30 international goals, Dempsey tied Brian McBride for third-most in American history. The U.S. (4-1-1), seeking its seventh straight World Cup appearance, topped its semifinal group with 13 points.

Congrats to the Men’s U.S. Soccer team for advancing. I hate to rain on the parade, but advancing in a group with the likes of Jamaica, Guatemala, and Antigua and Barbuda (is that even a country) isn’t a crowning achievement. I’m pretty sure Hope and the girls could have done that. Man the CONCACAF sucks!